Are you headed to Puglia and wondering if Polignano a Mare is worth visiting? Well, don’t fret, as you’ve come to the right place. Here we will discuss everything you need to know about Polignano a Mare to see if it lives up to the hype.
Polignano a Mare means Polignano on the Sea. The naming convention is similar to other European cities like Bloemendale aan Zee in the Netherlands (Bloemendale on the Sea) or Southend-on-Sea in England. And when you get to Polignano a Mare you realize its name is pretty damn accurate. The old city sits on a cliff that comes right out of the Adriatic Sea!
So read on to discover this vibrant and beautiful Italian city. After reading through all the info on this page you will definitely know if visiting Polignano a Mare is worth it or not for you.
- An Introduction to Polignano a Mare
- Things to do in Polignano a Mare
- Walk around the historic old town of Polignano a Mare
- Take in the views at Monumento a Domenico Modungo
- Spend the day at Lama Monachile
- Indulge yourself with some Tiella Pugliese
- View Lama Monachile from the bridge
- Take a scenic boat tour along the cliffs
- Have dinner in a sea cave
- Take a day trip to Monopoli
- Visit a less crowded beach
- The Downsides of Polignano a Mare
- Is Polignano a Mare Worth Visiting?
- Polignano a Mare – Logistics and Important Info
- Polignano a Mare – Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Word
Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent World Nomads, Booking.com, GetYourGuide, or discovercars.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.
An Introduction to Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is in the Puglia region of Italy. Puglia is the heel of the boot on the map of Italy, basically. It’s a beautiful region of sprawling olive groves, whitewashed cities, and dramatic coastlines. Polignano a Mare is one of the region’s most visited cities. With its epic cliffs, hidden cove beaches, and colorful streets, Polignano a Mare is a traveler’s dream.
The city is probably most known for one particular beach, Lama Monachile. The small, pebbly beach is tucked between towering cliffs with old town Polignano a Mare to the south. It’s what comes up when you search for Polignano a Mare online. Other than that the city is recognizable by its steep cliffs into the sea with old buildings and houses atop the cliffs.
Things to do in Polignano a Mare
Now let’s get to some of the awesome things you can do in Polignano a Mare.
Walk around the historic old town of Polignano a Mare
Old Town Polignano a Mare is car-free and simply gorgeous, to say the least. Walk around the old town, weaving through the narrow streets and quiet alleyways. Polignano a Mare’s old town is known for being situated atop a sharp cliff that drops off into the Adriatic Sea below.
The old town is small – like tiny, and you can reasonably see every single street and alleyway in less than an hour. But make time to step into the cathedral, enjoy some nice views of the seaside buildings getting dangerously close to the cliffs, and stop for a bite to eat or something to drink. For a great view looking to the south, check out Grotta dell’Arcivescovado.
The streets of Old Town Polignano a Mare are narrow and charming. They make for some of the most Instagrammable captures in Puglia. If you find the streets too busy for nice photos, be sure to set out early in the morning, before the day trippers arrive.
Take in the views at Monumento a Domenico Modungo
Arguably the most iconic view in all of Puglia can be found at the rocky cliffs just past Monumento a Domenico Modungo, north of Lama Monachile. From here you get the epic view seen in the photo below.
From the old town, you’ll head over the bridge towards a small plaza where the monument is located. From there, head down to the stairs to the rocky clifftop. It’s a pretty vast area with no official viewpoints, but from here you’ll be able to wander around to find the best view for you.
Here you’re likely to see Instagram influencers and models doing photoshoots. It really is an iconic location and a spot not to be missed when visiting Polignano a Mare.
Spend the day at Lama Monachile
Lama Monachile is by far the most famous beach in Puglia. The cozy cove is located at the edge of the Old Town at the base of the cliff. Steep cliffs rise from either side of the beach with clear turquoise water between.
The beach is not sandy, but made of pebbles and rocks instead. Some of the rocks can be quite large and to be honest, finding a comfortable spot to lay down is not that easy, due to the size of the rocks. But the beauty of the cove cannot be understated. It’s well worth the mild discomfort of trying to lay down on rocks and avoid the hoards of other people trying to do the same.
If you hit Lama Monachile earlier in the morning it will be less busy, but due to the steep cliffs on either side, the sun only shines directly on the beach during the middle of the day. It’s not really a beach you go to if sunbathing is your top priority. It’s a place to take in the scenery and be seen.
Practically speaking, there are no services at the beach. As I said before, it’s a tiny beach. There are no bathrooms. There is one restaurant/bar at the edge of the beach, but they don’t serve drinks on the beach. Guys with coolers do come around selling cold drinks though. A Peroni will set you back a few euros. You can also bring whatever you want to the beach, should you wish for cheaper Peroni.
Lastly, just be aware that it can be really windy at Lama Monachile. The cliffs sort of create a wind tunnel. And when the wind is strong, the calm, clear water you’re imagining will be choppy. It’s not advised to swim in the water when the waves are choppy unless you want to get thrown up against a jagged rock.
Indulge yourself with some Tiella Pugliese
Tiella Pugliese is a classic Puglian dish. It’s sort of like a risotto made with potatoes and mussels. It sounds odd, but it sure is delicious. Most of the restaurants in Polignano a Mare do it quite well at an affordable price. If you have only one meal in Polignano a Mare, make it Tiella Pugliese.
We didn’t eat everywhere in Polignano a Mare, but I can vouch for the Tiella Pugliese at Ruz Cucina Confidenziale. It was simply divine.
View Lama Monachile from the bridge
As you have seen by now, Polignano a Mare is full of great viewpoints and another one of the best can be found from the bridge on Piazza Giuseppe Verde. The bridge passes over the sea inlet that forms Lama Monachile, giving you a direct view of the beach with the steep cliffs of Old Town to the south.
The bridge can just be referred to as “the bridge”, as it’s the only bridge in town. On the bridge you might see street performers and instagram models trying to find the perfect shot. Once you see the view from the bridge you’ll understand why!
Take a scenic boat tour along the cliffs
Want to get out on the water and get a different perspective of the Adriatic coast? Well, luckily for you there are a ton of bout tours that operate out of Polignano a Mare! These tours run daily and sail you along the cliffs and into some hidden grottos.
Most of the tours offer aperitivo, which is essentially Italian snacks like breads, cheeses, and cured meats. They depart from the marina and typically cruise you around for about 2 hours on a speedboat. You’ll get to see the dramatic cliffs of the Adriatic coast from a totally different perspective than you could ever get on land.
Book your Polignano a Mare boat tour here!
Have dinner in a sea cave
If you’re up for an epic dining experience and you don’t care how much it costs, then you don’t want to miss Grotta Palazzese Restaurant. The restaurant is literally built into the sea cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. There’s nothing else quite like it in Italy!
The tasting menu starts at 195 euros per person. So yeah, it’s expensive. If that’s fine with you, just be sure to book well in advance (like when you plan your trip), as it’s usually booked out months ahead of time. Those who eat at Palazzese Restaurant say the food and the experience is more than worth it!
Take a day trip to Monopoli
As you probably know by now, Puglia is full of charming little cities with adorable old towns. Most of these, however, are not on the coast, which is part of what makes Polignano a Mare so special.
But Polignano a Mare is not the only coastal wonder in Puglia. About 15 minutes south down the highway you’ll find Monopoli, another beautiful city on the sea that is worth a day trip or an afternoon visit if you’re staying in Polignano a Mare.
Monopoli is actually larger than Polignano a Mare and has its fair share of tourist-heavy spots. The main reason why it’s not quite as popular is that it isn’t built on a cliff and doesn’t have any beautiful beaches. There are some nice spots in Monopoli though, for sure.
Park your car outside the old town – again, it’s a car-free old town – and walk into the city. The parking on the streets of the city outside the old town is free (at least as of 2023). Walk around the historic city making sure to check out the coastal fort, Cala Porta Vecchia (the city’s main beach), Duomo di Santa Maria (main cathedral), and Porto Antico.
Porto Antico is the most beautiful spot in the city if you ask me. It’s a small cove where little colorful fishing boats park between fishing runs. You can see the fort in the background and it makes for great contrast to the brightly painted fishing boats.
Monopoli is also a great place to snorkel, as surprising as that might sound. The various coves and inlets around the city are beaming with sea life, mainly fish. And if bringing all your own snorkeling gear sounds like too much of a hassle, never fear. You can do a 90-minute snorkeling tour from Monopoli that will take you out to some great spots for seeing the underwater world!
Visit a less crowded beach
If the crowds at Lama Monachile are too much for you, then you might be keen to try one of Polignano a Mare’s other beaches. The other beaches in town are hardly more than a strip of pebbles on a rocky coast, but they have their own beauty as well.
Some of the best alternative options for beaches are Lido Cala Paura , Cala Paguro, and Spiaggia di Ponte dei Lapilli. Each beach offers a small sitting area, mostly on rocks, and clear water. Even though these beaches aren’t nearly as popular as Lama Monachile, they can still get relatively busy, as they are so small. But it’s safe to say you won’t encounter the sheer volume of tourists as you will at Lama Monachile.
The Downsides of Polignano a Mare
There are not a whole lot of disadvantages when it comes to visiting Polignano a Mare. The main issue is that it can get pretty crowded in the summer months. The old city is tiny, with narrow streets, and it doesn’t take a whole lot of tourists walking around to make it feel crowded.
Lama Monachile can also get extremely busy, to the point where you can’t find one sliver of pebbly beach to set your towel down on. It’s not a large beach and the pebbles are actually more like rocks in most spots, so finding a comfortable spot to lay down can actually be pretty challenging.
Polignano a Mare is also one of the pricier places to stay in Puglia. We are still talking about cheaper than Lake Como and Venice, but there are not really any options for the budget-minded traveler in Polignano a Mare. There are some no frills apartments for rent, but even those are going to charge you almost 100 euros per night. The city mostly has mid-range hotel and guesthouse options, with a few luxury accommodations mixed in.
So Polignano is not really a place you want to go if you are looking for a budget destination, which could be why many people visit the city as a day trip from elsewhere. Just be prepared to deal with the crowds on that day trip!
Is Polignano a Mare Worth Visiting?
So now that we have gone through all the things there are to do and see in Polignano a Mare, you should have a pretty good idea if the coastal Puglian city is worth visiting or not.
Verdict
So is Polignano a Mare worth visiting? In this author’s opinion, yes it totally is! The dramatic location of the old town on a towering cliff coming right of the sea is an image that will stay in your mind forever. The little beaches, the food, the cute little streets, everything about Polignano a Mare is wonderful. Well, except the crowds. But as you’ve seen by now, while it can get crowded, it’s certainly not as overrun with tourists as many other places in Italy.
It would be a crime to visit Puglia in the heel of Italy and skip Polignano a Mare. It is absolutely worth visiting and I’m sure you will love it as much as I do!
Polignano a Mare – Logistics and Important Info
How to get to Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is located on the east coast of southern Italy in Puglia and accessible by car or train. Getting there by car is simple, as it’s right along the SS16 highway about 30 minutes south of Bari.
You’ll likely visit Polignano a Mare as part of a longer road trip around Puglia, hitting places like Alberobello, Ostuni, Monopoli, and even Matera. So my recommendation is to have a rental car when visiting Polignano a Mare. For renting cars in Europe we like to use DiscoverCars, who usually have the best rate.
The nearest airport is Bari, barely a 30 minute drive away. However, if you’re coming from outside of Europe it might be quicker and considerably cheaper to fly direct to Rome and make the 5 hour drive to Polignano a Mare. This route also gives you the option to stop at some other hidden gems in southern Italy like Casertavecchia and Castelmezzano.
To book a rental car from Rome or anywhere else in Italy you can use the link below. Note that old town Polignano a Mare is car-free. Most accommodations, however, have a designated parking place outside the city that you can reserve for an extra fee. Once you get to Polignano a Mare, you won’t really need the car. So park it and enjoy a car-free time in the splendid coastal city.
Click here to book a great deal on a rental car in Italy!
Getting to Polignano a Mare by train is also a possibility. It’s on the main Italian rail network, TrenItalia, though is not exactly straightforward from the Bari airport or Rome airport. If you’re coming from a major city center in Italy, it’s not bad though.
Click here to book your train in Italy!
Once you’re in Polignano you will want to walk everywhere. The old town is small and compact and easy to walk around. Even outside the old town, you can walk everywhere. And even though there are huge cliffs to the sea, the city itself is pretty flat and not difficult to maneuver around.
Where to stay in Polignano a Mare
For a small city Polignano a Mare has a ton of options when it comes to choosing a place to stay. There are not any large brand name hotels, but there are some really nice resorts and wonderful boutique hotels and guesthouses. Some recommendations for where to stay are below.
Where to stay in Polignano a Mare
Budget: There are no budget options in Polignano a Mare but for a great price for what you get check out Al Giardino Del Nespolo
Mid Range: A Casa di Elena
High End: Aquamarea
Weather and when to visit
Puglia has a strong Mediterranean climate, meaning warm, dry summers and mild winters. Rain is infrequent and the skies are usually clear and blue. It’s an arid climate, ideal for cultivating grapes and olives.
July is the hottest month in Polignano a Mare, with an average high of 85 degrees (29 C) and overnight lows around 67 (19 C). January is the coolest month, with an average high of 55 degrees (13 C) and overnight lows staying well above freezing. The most rain falls from November to March, about 2.5 inches (60mm) per month. It rarely rains in summer, and humid days are few and far between. It’s hard to imagine a better climate!
Polignano a Mare is one of the most crowded places in Puglia, but it’s still pretty laid back compared to other, more popular places in Italy. It is quite small though, so it can get pretty busy in the summer, especially in August when Italians take their holidays. The best time to visit for the best combination of awesome weather and calm crowds would be May, June, and early September. Though July is a good alternative.
Language and money
Puglia is not exactly a popular international travel destination and the vast majority of tourists in Polignano a Mare are domestic Italian travelers. Now, I will say that Polignano has far more English speaking tourists than other places in Puglia, so many hospitality workers have at least a basic understanding of English. But expect people you run into on this trip to not be so great in communicating in English. How’s your Italian?
Food in Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is not really known for any specific culinary delight itself, but coastal Puglia is home to Tiella Pugliese, which is sort of like a risotto made with potatoes and mussels. It sounds odd, but it sure is delicious. And most of the restaurants in Polignano a Mare do it quite well at an affordable price. As I said earlier, if you get only one meal in Polignano a Mare, make it Tiella Pugliese.
As you can imagine, you will find plenty of excellent seafood in the coastal city, not just mussels. For some great fish, check out Pescaria, a local casual fish joint where you order at the counter. Just be prepared to wait in line as it is a very popular place!
You’ll also find plenty of typical Italian fare and Puglian pastas in Polignano a Mare. So if you don’t want to experiment too much or you don’t eat seafood you’ll still have a great culinary experience.
Travel insurance
When traveling around Italy, it’s advised to have travel insurance so that you’re protected in case of unexpected circumstances or illness. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. Word Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.
Polignano a Mare – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polignano a Mare too touristy?
It’s hard to argue that Polignano a Mare is too touristy when compared to other hotpots in Italy like Venice and Positano. But it is true that Polignano a Mare is pretty touristy. Pretty much everyone you see around will be a visitor. That being said, in my humble opinion it is not too touristy. It’s touristy, but just the right amount.
Is it better to stay in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare?
While arguments can be made either way, staying in Polignano a Mare puts you right in the heart of the stunning old city on the coast. Monopoli is beautiful in its own right, but it’s hard to argue it’s more pleasing to the eye than Polignano a Mare. Polignano a Mare is more touristy and expensive than Monopoli, but if you ask me, it’s worth it to stay there.
What is the best town to base yourself in Puglia?
Two great options for where to base yourself on your Puglia trip are Ostuni and Alberobello. Both cities are interior and offer quick access to the rest of Puglia by car. In reality, though, Puglia is small enough that you can really base yourself anywhere if you don’t want to do a road trip. But these are your best options for keeping the day trips short.
Where is the best place to stay in Puglia without a car?
If you don’t have a car in Puglia – which I don’t recommend doing, you really do need a car – then your best bet for where to base yourself is Polignano a Mare, which is on a direct train ride from Bari and provides you access to the rest of the coast. Not having a car in Puglia will really limit your movement and make you reliant on the limited train service and daily tours.
Final Word
So is Polignano a Mare worth visiting? I certainly think so! But in the end it’s your call to make. Most people who visit Puglia do make a stop in the seaside city, and hopefully by now you’ve seen why you should too. Now go enjoy your time in Polignano a Mare!
