Overlooking the blue sea, suspended on a spur of rock, Polignano a Mare, in the province of Bari, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and one of the destinations that you just can’t miss on your trip to Puglia.
The merit is not only for its sea but also for the historic center with stone houses, loggias, the labyrinth of streets, and terraces from which to admire the sea. It is a city to visit slowly, where you can relive the charm of tradition and the typical authenticity of small fishing towns of the south of Italy.
Polignano a Mare is the place that gave birth to Domenico Modugno, in fact, you will find a huge statue (it is a must, almost superstitious to take a photo with outstretched arms under the statue) in the city and right next to it there is a staircase which leads to an incredible terrace from which you can admire the most known and photographed place in the city: Lama Monachile.
What is there to see in the city? What are the most beautiful beaches in Polignano a mare? We have created a guide to what to see in Polignano in one or more days, to the most beautiful beaches to visit.
Here you can find our best Polignano a mare walking tour in 4k:
What to see in Polignano a Mare
The first thing to do, before entering the historic center, is to walk the ancient path of Lama Monachile, formed by numerous steps carved out of the rock that will descend to the sea, where you will find an incredible white pebble beach protected by rocky walls. The most famous beach of Polignano is located along the Via Traiana, an ancient road that connected Rome and Brindisi. You can either enjoy the beach or take an “aperitivo” in one of the bars overlooking the beach.
Once up, cross the Marchesale Arch, which will lead you to the heart of the historic center made up of narrow streets, alleys, and squares. The first square you will encounter is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where it will be impossible not to notice the Palazzo dell’Orologio.
Stroll through the narrow streets to discover the white houses, among them are hidden important churches and monuments such as the Church of Sant’Antonio, that of San Cosma and Damiano, the Marchesale Palace, and the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Do not miss a visit to the old Jewish ghetto that can be reached via Giudea, here you will find the former Cathedral, the church of Purgatory, and the Chapel of St. Stephen, a beautiful little church set among the alleys and overlooking the sea. From here the view from its terrace overlooking the sea is wonderful. The church is deconsecrated and houses an Art Gallery dedicated to Pino Pascali.
Also, visit the Pino Pascali Museum of Contemporary Art which is located in an ancient restored slaughterhouse: it was founded on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Pino Pascali, and is the only permanent museum of Contemporary Art in Puglia and its activity is divided into temporary exhibitions, permanent collection, and Pino Pascali Prize. Before leaving the city, you visit one of the bar/restaurants, where you can taste a delicious sandwich with fish or another tipical dish of Polignano.
Polignano a Mare is a paradise for those who love cave excursions, there are several to visit:
Cave of the swallows Grotta delle rondinelle)
Blue Cave (Grotta azzurra)
Grotta dei Fidanzati
Grotta Palazzese which houses a restaurant
Most beautiful beaches of Polignano a Mare
Below you will find the list of beaches in Polignano a Mare and surroundings
Madonna of Grottole Contrada Madonna of Grottole
Cala Porto Via San Vito
Lama Monachile Polignano a Mare
Lapilli Bridge Via San Vito
Cala Paura Polignano a Mare
Porto Cavallo San Vito
Porto Contessa Via San Vito
Cala Fetente Polignano a Mare
Abbey of San Vito San Vito
Vivo Well Contrada Vivo Well
What to see in one day in Polignano a MAre
Along the Tiber Modugno
Monachile blade
Pino Pascali Contemporary Art Museum
Marchesale Arch
Polignano bridge
Largo Ardito
Statue of Domenico Modugno
Marchesale Palace
Clock Palace
The church of SS. Cosma and Damiano
Chapel of the Nativity scene in the Matrice church
Abbey of San Vito
Where to sleep in Polignano a Mare? You will be spoiled for the choice to choose the ideal location. Be aware that many hotels offer super-luxury services with pool access. Book well in advance, or choose the last minute to find the best price, especially in the months of July and August.
Many reasonably priced facilities are perfect for couples and families. A little further away from the center, you’ll find cheaper hotels with parking.
What to visit near Polignano a Mare:
San Vito
Valle d’Itria
Locorotondo
Martina Franca
Alberobello
Bari
Castel del Monte
Trani
Ostuni
Putigliano
Conversano
The climate in the city is mild and temperate. Winters are not very cold but, unlike the summer season, they are very rainy. During the winter, temperatures never drop below freezing but are around 8-12 ° C while the summer season is hot and dry with maximum temperatures exceeding 30 ° C.
What is the best time to visit it? You will surely find nice weather and pleasant days between April and October.
Polignano a mare walking tour in 4k
If you want to see how Polignano a mare really is, you can watch our walking tour in 4k, ideal for tv or pc.