Polignano a Mare

Travel Guide

Polignano a Mare featuring rocky coastline and a beach as well as a large group of people
Polignano a Mare which includes a pebble beach as well as a large group of people
Polignano a Mare featuring rocky coastline, a pebble beach and a coastal town
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare featuring rocky coastline and a coastal town
Vacation in this seaside town built on cliffs and appreciate its scenic rocky coastline, cliff-diving opportunities, popular beach and old churches.

Polignano a Mare benefits from a spectacular setting on top of a limestone cliff above the Adriatic Sea. It is a place where you can explore sea caves, relax on attractive beaches and see ancient architecture.

Start your visit in the town’s old quarter to get some insight into Polignano a Mare's history that stretches back more than 2,000 years. To reach the old quarter, walk through the Arco Marchesale, a 16th-century archway. Wander through the warren of narrow streets and alleys. Browse the stores and take in some refreshments at a bar or restaurant with a sidewalk terrace.

Visit the town's old churches, such as the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century place of worship that was built on the ruins of a pagan temple. Inside are religious works of art that are hundreds of years old as well as the remains of San Vito, the patron saint of Polignano a Mare. During your old town tour stop at one of the panoramic terraces to marvel at the fabulous sea views.

Head down to the beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. The beach is sandwiched between two cliffs and features calm, clear water. Look up from here at houses that seem to be perched precariously on the rocks.

Cliff diving is a popular activity in Polignano a Mare, particularly among teens who leap off the rocks into the sea. Occasionally, the town hosts an international cliff-diving competition in the summer.

Rent a paddle boat or schedule a boat tour to explore the inlets, caves and grottos that dot the rocky coastline, some of which are under the old town. Grotta Palazzese is the largest of the town's grottos. It is a huge cavernous space that is also the setting of a restaurant.

To get to Polignano a Mare, drive along the coastal road from the international airports at BariOpens in a new window or BrindisiOpens in a new window, approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) and 52 miles (83 kilometers) away respectively. Stay for the history, coastal scenery and hours of beach fun.

Where to stay in Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare featuring modern architecture

Pozziglioni

Though Pozziglioni might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grotta Ardito Promenade and Lama Monachile Beach.

Pozziglioni
Polignano a mare is all what you expect when you dream of Puglia, cliffs, crystal clear water, amazing viewpoints, and a certain calm and quiet atmosphere. One of the nicest places of Puglia, take it easy and enjoy! 
#beachbound

Historic Center

While Historic Center might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lama Monachile Beach and Statue of Domenico Modugno.

Historic Center
#trovember

Gelso

If you're spending some time in Gelso, Statue of Domenico Modugno and Lama Monachile Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Gelso
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San Vito

If you're spending some time in San Vito, Abbey of San Vito and San Vito Beach are top sights worth seeing.

San Vito
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Macello

While there might not be top attractions in Macello, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Grotta Ardito Promenade and Lama Monachile Beach.

Macello
Grotta Palazzese
Grotta Palazzese
5 out of 5
Via Narciso 59, Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is CA $1,550 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $1,550
CA $1,714 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Grotta Ardito Promenade and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"I would like to thank the manager and entire staff that delivering outstanding service at every moment of my stay. I definitely would return and highly recommend this phenomenal hotel and enjoyed the cuisine at the Restaurant as well, and entire staff at restaurant was exquisite. Thank you Grotta ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2024

Grotta Palazzese
Grotta Palazzese Beach Hotel
Grotta Palazzese Beach Hotel
5 out of 5
SS16, Km 832, Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is CA $493 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $493
CA $552 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (62 reviews)
"Beautiful Views Great entertainment Good food Delicious Wine"

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2024

Grotta Palazzese Beach Hotel
Covo dei Saraceni
Covo dei Saraceni
4 out of 5
Via Conversano 1/A, Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is CA $299 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $299
CA $335 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (353 reviews)
"Perfect location, a view of the sea from our balcony and very helpful staff - great experience"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2025

Covo dei Saraceni
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dim's Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Dim's Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Via Sirene 134, Polignano a Mare, BA
Stay at this apartment in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room espresso maker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Grotta Ardito Promenade and ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
"Väldigt litet rum som nås med två branta trappor. Dåliga förvaringsmöjligheter. Terassen var fantastisk."

Reviewed on Sep. 13, 2024

Dim's Apartments by Wonderful Italy
Affittacamere Incanto by Wonderful Italy
Affittacamere Incanto by Wonderful Italy
Madonna di Grottole, Polignano a Mare, Polignano a Mare, BA
Stay at this villa in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Cala San Giovanni and Abbey of San Vito are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Propriedade maravilhosa que superou nossas expectativas. Vale o investimento. Estrutura fantástica como poucas que já encontramos na Itália."

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2024

Affittacamere Incanto by Wonderful Italy
Casa Vacanza al Mare con Terrazza e Veranda
Casa Vacanza al Mare con Terrazza e Veranda
Polignano a Mare
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and patios. Popular attractions Statue of Domenico Modugno and ...
6/10 (1 review)
Simple apartment, excellent location, though not as advertised
"The location of the apartment is excellent, very close to the old part of town and Lama Monachile. It is a simple but adequate apartment. The pictures show the layout of the apartment accurately.The third bedroom is upstairs near the entrance to the roof terrace. Unfortunately, the description of ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2021

Casa Vacanza al Mare con Terrazza e Veranda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Polignano a Mare

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Take your bathing suit. The water is wonderful

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful cultural experience. A must visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Irene

It's a great little seaside town with lots of good restaurants and bars; very touristy in the summer.

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