Polignano a Mare is an Italian municipality of 17,982 inhabitants in the metropolitan city of Bari in Puglia. The oldest core of the town stands on a rocky spur overlooking the Adriatic Sea, 33 kilometers south of the regional capital.

Its sea caves are of considerable naturalistic interest, and the historic center and the remains of Roman domination are historically important. Among the latter is the bridge of the Via Traiana, still passable, which crosses Lama Monachile.

Since 2008, Polignano a Mare has continued to receive the Blue Flag, a recognition awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education to European coastal towns that meet quality criteria related to bathing water parameters and the service offered in relation to parameters such as beach cleanliness and tourist moorings.

All that's left is to come and visit it and let yourself be enchanted by its splendor!

If you don't know how to reach the city, we explain how below!

1. Reaching Polignano a Mare by plane

The best way to reach Polignano a Mare by plane is to fly to Bari, which is about 60 kilometers away, and from there travel by public bus, by renting a car, or by taking a train from Bari Station. It is also possible to reach Polignano from Brindisi airport, from where buses, trains, and taxis depart for Polignano.

2. Reaching Polignano a Mare by train

Polignano a Mare is served by its own railway station, and to reach it, you need to arrive at Bari Station and take a regional train. The train runs regularly, and the journey from Bari to Polignano a Mare takes about 20 minutes.

3. Reaching Polignano a Mare by bus

The bus is a solution to consider if you are traveling within the Bari area, but generally it is the least convenient way to reach Polignano from other parts of Italy, as there are not many direct connections.

4. Reaching Polignano a Mare by car

To reach Polignano a Mare by car, follow the A14 motorway to Bari, which is taken by following the A2 Rome-Naples, followed by the A16 Naples-Canosa. Once on the A14, exit onto the SS16 (E55) where the entrances to Polignano are located. If you are already in the area, you can opt for the provincial roads connecting the hinterland to the town, specifically the Conversano-Polignano and Castellana Grotte-Polignano roads.

Where to stay: our accommodations

Here at Pugliamare, we also manage numerous tourist facilities in Polignano a Mare and its surroundings.

From villas with swimming pools to apartments in the village, old-style or renovated.

Choose the accommodation that suits you in the Structures section of our website!

What to visit in Polignano a Mare: what to see

But let's get to the point! Have you already booked your trip and your next holiday in Polignano a Mare, but don't know what to see? You're in the right place!

There are many things to see in Polignano a Mare. The rocky coves, the crystal-clear sea, the food and wine, and the caves set in the rock make Polignano a Mare a must-see destination if you are on holiday in Puglia.

The unmissable points of interest in Polignano a Mare are definitely Lama Monachile and Cala Porto, the Abbey of San Vito, the sea caves, the historic center and the many surrounding locations, such as the Castellana Caves, Alberobello, Ostuni, Martina Franca and all the towns of the Itria Valley.

The beaches of Polignano a Mare

The beaches and coves you can visit if you are in Polignano a Mare are many and all beautiful. The surroundings also offer some very beautiful beach views that are easily accessible even by scooter.

Coves of emerald blue water set in the rock, beaches of fine sand with clear and transparent water frame the uncontaminated nature of the countryside and a city where you can breathe an air of freedom and tranquility.

Where to eat in Polignano a Mare

Eating in Polignano means savoring the true flavors of the land of Puglia in all their essence.

Almost all restaurants, trattorias, and masserias offer traditional cuisine and truly delicious fish-based dishes.

It should be remembered that Polignano is a land of excellence, ancient flavors and traditions, and is much appreciated for its incredible gastronomy and, above all, for the famous carrot which is considered a heritage of biodiversity and taste.

Grotta Palazzese: the restaurant set in the rock

Grotta Palazzese is one of the most evocative and luxurious restaurants in the world. It is a restaurant completely embedded in the rock of a cave right above the sea, and visible from the historic center of Polignano a Mare.

It is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, and if you truly want a magical experience and have a full wallet, we absolutely recommend going there!

Polignano a Mare: events you absolutely cannot miss

In Polignano a Mare there are many events you can attend: exhibitions, festivals, concerts and much more.

But there are two events you absolutely cannot miss: the Christmas lights and the Red Bull Cliff Diving.

1. Polignano a Mare and the Christmas lights

If you are in Polignano during the winter, you absolutely cannot miss the Christmas lights. The historic center is tinged with many colorful lights, the narrow alleys breathe a Christmas atmosphere, and Lama Monachile and its houses overlooking the sea twinkle like stars. A truly breathtaking spectacle.

2. The Red Bull Cliff Diving: the most spectacular diving competition

In the sea of Lama Monachile beach, on a platform placed in the city center and on the balcony of a Polignanese citizen overlooking the sea, the champions of the Red Bull Cliff Diving, the most important international high diving competition held in Polignano, dive.

It's a competition that combines sport and spectacle because divers launch themselves from a platform placed over twenty meters high (27 for men, 21 for women) and perform spectacular acrobatics at about 85 km/h in just 3 seconds before entering the water.

The date can vary, but most of the time it is held in August or September. So, if you pass through Polignano, don't miss it!

The historic center of Polignano a Mare

The historic center of Polignano a Mare is a place to visit at least once in a lifetime, without a doubt. The town is simply "marvelous," just like the famous song by Domenico Modugno, who was born in this locality in the province of Bari.

In the old town, the alleyway route is a unique experience: very narrow streets and dead ends reveal fabulous views and charming corners.

Getting lost in the streets is a pleasure, discovering houses with poems written on stair steps and phrases carved on doors and meter covers. Not to be missed is the house with the wooden Pinocchios in love, a romantic couple holding hands, with prominent red wooden hearts.

The small square with a view of the belvedere offers a breathtaking panorama of the Lama Monachile Bridge. In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, looking up, you can admire monuments such as the Clock Tower Palace and the former Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

If you feel like walking, you can continue towards the Grotta Palazzese and the panoramic point Largo Grotta Ardito. The itinerary can continue with a visit to other caves, such as Grotta delle Monache, while at the beginning of Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo there is the Pino Pascali Museum.

For an immersion in local culture, participate in our Street food tour. This experience will take you to discover the highlights of the historic center, also offering the opportunity to taste authentic local flavors. The tour includes Apulian specialties such as fried panzerotto, Bari focaccia, special coffee, and a platter of cured meats and burrata accompanied by a glass of local wine. A delicious and unforgettable adventure through the historic alleys of Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare and the sea caves

Polignano a Mare is famous for its cliff and rocky coast. Along its jagged coastline, in fact, many sea caves are hidden. A spectacle that absolutely cannot be missed!

Reaching the caves of Polignano a Mare is not easy and cannot be done independently. So, the advice we give you is to rely on an experienced skipper!

Visit the caves with Pugliamare: boat trips and excursions

Going on a boat trip is an experience you absolutely must have if you want to see breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the blue sea of Polignano. Furthermore, it allows you to visit the entire coast in a short time and reach otherwise inaccessible places.

We at Pugliamare have been organizing guided tours to the caves and beyond for years.

Visit Polignano with Pugliamare

We at Pugliamare are locals who have always lived in this land and know all its intricacies and most enchanting places.

Thanks to our experience, we can guide you in discovering Polignano and help you experience healthy and genuine encounters with our land.

Book your next experience!