Polignano a Mare: A Cliffside Paradise By The Sea
If you’re planning a visit to the Puglia region of Italy, you’ve probably heard rave reviews of Polignano a Mare, one of the most famous towns in the area. But is this Instagram-famous beach town really worth the hype? Learn exactly why Polignano a Mare is worth visiting and the best things to do, see and eat whilst you’re visiting this stunning cliffside paradise.
When to visit Polignano a Mare
The best time to experience Polignano a Mare is in the shoulder seasons of Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November). The weather is still balmy, warm enough to swim and you’ll avoid the craziness of the crowds that flock to the town in the peak of summer.
With that said, if you don’t mind jostling against the throngs of visitors you will find that the summer months are the liveliest here, with many festivals and events to enjoy. The downside is that peak season comes with peak prices – so you might consider staying in a nearby town, such as Monopoli or Bari that might be slightly cheaper.
How to get to Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is conveniently located on the regional train line that runs through Puglia, making it easy to visit even without a car. The town’s accessibility also means that it is both perfect for a day trip from one of the neighbouring towns or a longer stay.
Puglia is located in the south of Italy on the boot heel of the country. The region is serviced by two airports – Bari and Brindisi. Flying to Bari is the best option for visiting Polignano a Mare as it is closer and there is a train that runs from Bari city straight to Polignano a Mare.
From Bari Centrale, the train ride should take just under 40 minutes and around 6 stops.
Alternatively, you might consider hiring a car for your time in the Puglia region – this is the best way to get around if you are wanting to town-hop amongst the many unique villages in the area as some of the best ones, such as Ostuni and Alberobello are not as easy to get to as Polignano a Mare.
Finally, if public transport feels like too much of a drain after a long flight, then you could opt for an airport transfer. We took this option as we were travelling with our then-11 month old daughter and we wanted to avoid lugging a toddler, our bags and a pram on the train. We were able to ensure she had a proper car seat and the trip took around 40 minutes. Definitely a great option if you have lots of luggage or a baby.
Where to stay in Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is full of beautiful accommodation options to suit all budgets. I strongly recommend staying in a boutique hotel with water views – after all, you’ve come to Polignano a Mare to see the incredible beach and cliffs leading out to the Adriatic Sea.
The lovely boutique hotel Masseria Le Torri is a good choice for light and airy rooms and a to die for rooftop pool. San Michele Suite is another solid choice and features ocean views.
Where to eat in Polignano a Mare
Puglia is famous for its tantalising produce – from olive oil to burrata. Being on the coast, seafood features heavily in the dishes found in restaurants in Polignano a Mare and though at first glance prices may seem high, there are actually plenty of options in town to suit any budget – you just might have to get a little further away from the main piazza.
The Pescaria is one such affordable eatery, where sandwiches and seafood are the main fare. The price is really reasonable and you can choose to eat in or takeaway. Another good budget option is the panzerotti from La Rotellina.
For the complete other end of the spectrum, Grotta Palazzese is arguably the town’s most famous restaurant thanks to its unique setting in one of the grottos along the cliffside. Though there are often mixed reviews online of the service and food quality, with some rave reviews and others less impressed, this stunning restaurant feels worth it for the views alone. The price points here are steep and reservations are essential.
Restaurant Antiche Mura is another great choice featuring traditional Puglian cuisine. The menu varies seasonally, but if you have the chance the torchietti with red prawns and zucchini flowers is a favourite.
Things to do that make Polignano a Mare worth visiting
Have a beach day at Lama Monachile
Of course, it would be impossible to visit Polignano a Mare without spending some time admiring the beach that put the town squarely on the map. Lama Monachile or Cala Porto as it is sometimes known is every bit as breathtaking as the photos make it out to be.
This narrow stretch of rocky beach can be accessed for free, so simply bring your towel and some snacks for a morning of swimming and sun baking. Be warned, though, in the afternoon the beach is usually covered in shade so the morning is the best time to go for those wanting a sunny, warm beach day. Lama Monachile single-handedly makes Polignano a Mare worth visiting – everything else is a bonus!
Eat at one of the town’s famous gelaterias
Polignano a Mare is known as “la città del gelato” or ice cream town. So when visiting, of course you have to stop at one (or more) of the town’s gelaterias. Caruso is incredibly popular as is chain gelateria Bella Blu, but you can rarely go wrong with gelato in this place. A beautiful lemon gelato is a perfect choice to help you cool down after a hot day at the beach.
Explore the maze-like old town
Polignano a Mare has a fabulous old town that winds and twists in a maze until you reach the stunning seaside. But don’t rush your way through. This gorgeous historic centre is full of surprises, such as stairs full of poetry scrawled on the steps, artisan stores and even a small alcove featuring a cactus garden. The whitewashed buildings are pristine, with wispy vines and flowerpots providing a pop of colour around every corner.
Take in the views of Lama Monochile from various vantage points
Whilst you of course have to experience the wonders of Lama Monochile by stopping in for a dip, you’ll also want to make sure you mark your trip to Polignano a Mare with a brilliant photo of the town’s famous beach.
There are several great vantage points to get a good snap and all are close together so you can definitely take a shots from a few different perspectives of the rocky cliffside beach for the memory bank.
The best vantage points for a photo are: Ponte Borbonico (the bridge that runs over the top of Lama Monochile), Pietra Piatta (accessed via a small staircase near the statue of Domenico Modugno) and La Balconata sul Mare in the old town.
Walk the waterfront
The lungomare or seafront walk in Polignano a Mare is second to none. The cliffside views offer up stunning perspectives of both the coastline and the town perched atop the crags. There’s also fabulous vantage points where you can see the complex web of grottos and caverns that mark the shoreline, where small boats weave in and out from underneath.
The walk really only runs for about a kilometre so it is nice and easy and it is also pram-friendly!
Explore the town’s main piazza
Polignano a Mare has several piazzas to explore, however if you only have time for one make sure you see the lovely Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Take special note of the Palazzo dell’Orologio and the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral, both which have huge significance in the town’s history. The piazza is also dotted with shops and cafes, though you will likely pay tourist prices for anything purchased here – the people watching is the best activity though and it is totally free!
In summary: Is Polignano a Mare worth visiting?
Hopefully this post has convinced you that Polignano a Mare is worth visiting when you’re exploring the incredible Puglia region. With unmatched beach views, food to drive your tastebuds wild and options to match any travel preference this is a really great place to day trip or settle in for a longer stay.
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