Nestled along the Adriatic coastline in southern Italy, Polignano a Mare is postcard-perfect. With sea views, crystal clear waters, and charming historic streets, it is a must-visit destination on any Puglian itinerary. During our time in Puglia, we spent a memorable day in the seaside town.
Visiting from nearby Monopoli as a day trip, I knew I had to see whether this popular holiday hotspot lived up to its reputation. Towering cliffs are known for the adventure-seeking cliff divers and there are many charming corners of the centro storico to discover. While many visit the Insta-famous beach, Lama Monachile, framed by cliffs worn by the wind and waves, the town’s food and history are rich with culture that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Polignano a Mare started as a Greek settlement and grew under the influence of the Byzantine Empire. Today, you can still see its architectural and cultural marks. Whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets are filled with cacti and bougainvillea, while seafood is the cuisine among the numerous restaurants and cafes dotted around the Old Town.
My takeaway on Polignano a Mare? It’s a great day trip on a Puglia road trip, but not where I would base myself. The town was the busiest regarding visitors, so an early start is very helpful to beat the crowds. With breathtaking views and all the charm of a Puglian village, I still recommend a short visit.
Why Visit Polignano a Mare?
Built right on the Pulian coastline overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Polignano a Mare is famous for its dramatic 20-meter high cliffs shaped by the elements over centuries. Coupled with charming cobblestone streets and a thriving restaurant scene, it’s one of the most-loved towns in Puglia. It’s also easy to access with a train station linking the town to nearby Monopoli and Bari.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels for Visiting Polignano a Mare and Things to Do:
I’d recommend staying in Monopoli, which is where we based ourselves for 3 nights.
Monopoli
- Villa Susca, for the best vacation rental (where we stayed)
- Orazio 33 B&B, for the best bed & breakfast stay
- Hotel Don Ferrante, for the best Old Town luxury hotel
- Dimora Pietrabianca, for the best boutique hotel
- Santa Maria 24, for the best Old Town apartment stay
- Masseria Torrepietra, for the best family-friendly hotel (just outside of town)
Polignano a Mare
- Finisterre Casa di Mare, for the best view
- Le 3 di Tuccino, for the best coastal retreat
- Vilu Suite Centro, for the best apartment stay
- Un Sogno Così, for the best family-friendly apartment stay
Things to Do
- Small Group Boat Tour of the Polignano a Mare Caves with Swimming and Appetizers
- Street Food Tour of Polignano a Mare
- Private Tuk Tuk Tour of Polignano a Mare
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, don’t miss my 7 to 10 day Puglia itinerary, guide to the best towns to base yourself, and detailed travel guides to Monopoli, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Matera, and Alberobello!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Puglia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Italy is quite easy, and while driving in Puglia can feel hectic, road-tripping there still felt manageable with a little extra caution (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Puglia). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Polignano a Mare, Italy Travel Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Polignano a Mare
How to Get to Polignano a Mare
By Train
Polignano a Mare is easy to reach by public transport with a train station just a short walk from the Old Town. Trains run frequently between Bari Centrale and Polignano a Mare. The fastest service takes just 16 minutes, though the average journey takes around 40 minutes. Monopoli is just a 5-minute train ride, and you can also travel via train from Brindisi and Lecce.
By Car
If you’re not traveling from or staying in a town that is connected to Polignano a Mare by train, then a car is the best option. However, it’s important to remember that like many of Italy’s smaller towns, parking can be hard to come by and there are ZTL areas that you should avoid. Check out my detailed advice on hiring a car and driving in Puglia to prepare. I’d recommend driving to Polignano a Mare if you’re staying around Ostuni, Locorotondo, or Alberobello.
Best Way to Get Around Polignano a Mare
The Old Town is mostly pedestrian-friendly, though there are several areas with staircases and cobblestones. All of the key sites are within walking distance, as is the train station.
How Long Does it Take to See Polignano a Mare?
You could easily wander around and see the attractions in Polignano a Mare in a half day. This should give you enough time to see the best things to do in town and spend time enjoying the beach and swimming too.
When to Visit Polignano a Mare
As one of the best-connected towns in Puglia, with its beautiful beaches, and postcard-perfect scenes, the town is popular with tourists and locals. Like much of the region, summer is the busiest season and is often very hot and crowded.
On the flipside, a lot closes down over winter meaning fewer options for accommodation and dining, and it’s not warm enough to make the most of the beach. Instead, I’d recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons between April to June or September to October.
Where to Stay to Visit Polignano a Mare
I’d recommend staying in Monopoli, which is where we based ourselves for 3 nights. It’s an easy train ride or drive from Monopoli to Polignano a Mare and there are loads of great choices of accommodation.
We stayed at Villa Susca just outside of Monopoli which has great sea views and a place to park. Orazio 33 B&B was my first choice for a past trip. However, it was fully booked for our dates this time. If you want an apartment in the historic center, I recommend Santa Maria 24.
Best Hotels and Holiday Rentals in Polignano a Mare
If you would prefer to stay a night or two in town, then these are my top picks.
- Finisterre Casa di Mare — This place is all about that incredible view over Lama Monachile. A one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and balcony overlooking Polignano a Mare’s iconic beachfront.
- Vilu Suite Centro — A collection of studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments located between the train station and Old Town.
- Le 3 di Tuccino — A modern seafront hotel with a touch of luxury and direct sea access. There’s also free bike rental and wellness center, so it’s great for a relaxing base a little outside of town.
- Un Sogno Così — Two-bedroom apartments that are great for families or groups of friends, featuring a large outdoor terrace and BBQ facilities.
Things to Do in Polignano a Mare
Wander the Historic Center
Make a bee-line for Polignano’s Centro Storico (historic center) where you’ll find a collection of whitewashed limestone buildings and the prettiest corners in town. The center can get busy fairly quickly, so I’d recommend starting your day by wandering the laneways and narrow streets before 11 am to enjoy it without the crowds.
Grab a coffee and cornetto from one of the cafes to bask in the quietness before other day trippers arrive, then make your way around the cobblestone streets at whatever pace and direction you please. Chances are you’ll find your way to one of the town’s several viewpoints or lively squares.
Spend Time at Polignano a Mare’s Iconic Beach
The most iconic spot in Polignano a Mare is Lama Monachile, the inlet beach surrounded by towering cliffs. In summer, claim your spot on the pebbled beach and enjoy swimming in the Adriatic’s clear blue water. You can access the beach by heading down the tunnel outside of town near Ponte Borbonico, but don’t leave it too late in the day, as the beach becomes shaded by mid-afternoon.
Those cliffs around the beach are host to the Red Bull cliff diving competition every September, where adrenaline junkies launch themselves into the sea. If you fancy giving it a try yourself, there are several access points at various heights — though it’s not for the faint-hearted!
People Watch in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
One of my favorite things to do is watch everyday life when I visit a town or city. Whether you spend time sipping on your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon aperitif, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the town’s main square, is worth a visit. Don’t forget to look up and spot the large clock topped with bells and a statue of San Vito in the square.
Visit Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta
Despite its simple exterior, it’s worth popping into this church if you’re around during the limited opening hours. With roots dating back to a Pagan temple during the 13th century, it is still an active place of worship so you can attend mass or respectfully visit at other times.
Head Out on the Water with a Boat Tour
For an alternative perspective of Polignano, take a boat trip to explore the nearby beaches and caves in the area, as well as swim straight off the boat. There are several tour operators in town that you can book at. However, I’d recommend booking in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak summer. Most tours last between 1.5-2 hours, and some include snacks and drinks to enjoy.
Here are a few of the top-rated boat tours:
- Small Group Boat Tour of the Polignano a Mare Caves with Swimming and Appetizers
- Boat Tour of the Polignano a Mare Caves with Aperitif
- Guided Tour by Catamaran with Aperitif from Polignano a Mare
- Private Boat Tour of the Polignano a Mare Caves
Enjoy Various Scenic Viewpoints
For an alternative viewpoint, head to Belvedere di Grotta Palazesse. For the early birds, this is a great place to enjoy the sunrise. Head a little further along to the viewpoint at Mirador Blue and you can spot the iconic cave restaurant, Grotta Palazzesse — so you can still take a peep even if you don’t indulge in a dining experience there.
One spot to consider walking to is the statue of the famous song writer, Monumento a Domenico Modugno. He originated from Polignano a Mare, and you probably know his most famous song ‘Nel blu dipinto di blu’ or “Volare.” You can see the statue dedicated to him and it is also a great viewpoint into Polignano a Mare.
Other scenic spots in and around town include Punto Panoramico, Grotta dell’Arcivescovado, and Pendma Chiatt.
Wander Along the Lungomare at Sunset
The town’s coastal location makes a walk along the lungomare at sunset the perfect way to end the day. The waterfront promenade is around 1km long and offers several great vantage points to take in the sea views. It’s also worth stopping in at the Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali, a contemporary art museum with incredible sea views.
Where to Eat in Polignano a Mare
Note: Grotta Palazzese is one of the most popular restaurants in all of Puglia. It’s known for its grotto location, and while beautiful, recent friends visited and recommended not to eat there after a poor experience. So with that said, I’ve chosen to leave it off of my recommendations.
Pescaria
The octopus, cheese, and broccoli sandwich is worth the hype here. The bread was lovely and fresh, and the fillings were delicious. Lines can get long, so try to arrive earlier if you can. The sandwiches and paninis are great for a quick bite, alongside other mostly seafood-based dishes.
Lime Bar
A lovely sunny terrace overlooking the sea, we stopped by Lime Bar for a coffee and it was the perfect place to take a moment in between exploring the town. If you’re here in the afternoon, they also serve aperitifs and food making it a great spot for sunset.
Puro
If you’re looking to switch up your dining and venture away from Italian cuisine for a meal, then Puro is my top recommendation. Making the most of Puglia’s catch-of-the-day seafood, this sushi restaurant serves a wide variety of nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and more.
Trattoria Il Grottone
A local restaurant with an emphasis on seafood, the menu has an extensive option of grilled fish and octopus, and seafood pastas. Built on the seafront, you can enjoy views across the Adriatic while dining on the open-air terrace for lunch or dinner.
The Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella
Stop by for gelato, granita, or one of the specialty coffees for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Just a short walk from Lama Monachile, it’s easy to visit if you’re heading to or from the beach as well.
L’Osteria di Chichibio
Pairing simplicity with traditional flavors and a touch of elegance, this Michelin Guide 2024 restaurant is great if you’re looking for somewhere between casual and fine dining. The vaulted stone ceilings and chandeliers provide an ambient setting, with seafood and local pasta specialties taking center stage on the menu.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
