“Volare oh, oh – Cantare oh, oh” – Do you also love this Italian classic? Then you will also love the town of Polignano a Mare in Apulia at the tip of Italy’s boot. Because this song comes from this fantastic little coastal town. And you’ll get exactly the same vibe from the song during your visit here. In this article, I’ll tell you what you shouldn’t miss out on in Polignano a Mare.
Poglinano a Mare is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy and a very popular highlight on a tour of Apulia. The town is located around 35 km southeast of Bari, has only around 17,000 inhabitants and was even named the most hospitable place in the world by booking.com in 2023.
Best time to visit Polignano a Mare
The most popular time to visit is from May to October. Of course, the summer months from June to August are the hottest. But this is also when most tourists come and there is already a bit of overtourism in places like Polignano a Mare. I would generally avoid August as a month to travel in Italy, as it is not only tourists from all over the world who come here during Ferragosto (about 2 to 3 weeks around 15 August), but also almost all Italians who go on vacation on their coast.
I was in the city myself in October. There was still a lot going on at this time of year, but it was nowhere near as crowded as in summer during the peak tourist season. What’s more, the water is still warm and many people still go swimming in October.
After October, however, things tend to be quiet. Many providers then also take a winter break.
Best activities in Polignano a Mare
As Polignano has so many tourists, there are also numerous activities that you can book here. One highlight that you should definitely not miss in Polignano a Mare is a boat tour along the cliffs and to the many caves in the area.
There are numerous providers for this, most of whose tours also include a small gadget or a bottle of sparkling wine. Here is a selection of providers with very good ratings:
- Speedboat trip to the caves with aperitif
- Boat trip to the picturesque caves with Prosecco
- Boat trip, swimming & cave with aperitif
- Catamaran cruise with aperitif and meal
Note that most tours start in neighboring San Vito at the port. So you have to get there somehow. However, transportation from Polignano is usually included in the price. The meeting point is at the statue of Domenico Mudogno.
There are also tours to Polignano from other cities if you are not traveling by rental car or don’t have enough time. The day trips usually also include other highlights:
- From Bari: Full day tour to Polignano and Alberobello
- Bari: Alberobello and Polignano a Mare half-day tour
- From Lecce: Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano Tour
However, there are also other activities in Polignano a Mare, such as cooking classes with locals or tours by tuk tuk:
- Pasta cooking course with drinks
- Street food tour with tastings and wine
- Tuk-tuk tour along the coast
Brilliant accommodation in Polignano a Mare
One of the most famous and best hotels in Polignano Mare is the 5-star Hotel Grotta Palazzese. It stands on a cliff above the sea and offers pretty much all the amenities you would expect from a 5-star hotel. However, this also comes at a price.
If you are traveling on a slightly smaller budget, the Tuo Hotel may be a good alternative. Although it is located a little outside Polignano, you can reach the old town in a good 20 minutes. There is also a pool and good breakfast here.
1. Domenico Modugno statue
The first lines of the world-famous Italian song “Volare”, created by Domenico Modugno in 1958, describe the feelings of dreaming, flying and liberation. This is probably exactly what the statue of the Italian singer in Polignano is supposed to express.
I believe a dream like this will never come back
Domenico Modugno
“Volare” has become an anthem of Italian culture and is one of the most famous Italian songs in the world. So it is no wonder that the city erected a statue to its most famous son.
2. City beach – Lama Monachile
Lama Monachile beach is probably the most photographed place in Polignano a Mare and also one of the main reasons why so many tourists come here. Especially in summer, you can see almost nothing of the shimmering turquoise-blue water when all the beachgoers go swimming.
In October, however, it is quite pleasant here and not quite as busy. The temperatures in the water are often around 20 degrees, which is still good for swimming.
3. Bridge Ponte Borbonico
The Ponte Borbonico dates back to the 19th century and is a real eye-catcher with its round arches. It leads over the Lama Monachile gorge and you can watch the hustle and bustle on the beach from above.
4. Bridge Ponte Romano
Somewhat inconspicuous, but historically much more important, the Ponte Romano is the smaller bridge right next to the Ponte Borbonico. The Via Traiana, an ancient Roman road that served as an extension of the Via Appia leading to Rome, once even ran along here. It was built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan.
5. Old town
One of the highlights in Polignano a Mare is simply strolling through the lovingly decorated alleyways of the old town, exploring the numerous shops and small boutiques and, of course, not missing out on various ice cream parlors and other temples to gourmet delights.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is always very busy. The Chiesa Madre Santa Maria Assunta church is also located there and there are a few restaurants.
You should also not miss out on the many viewpoints on the cliffs:
- Belvedere Terrazza Santo Stefano: Here you have a great view over the cliffs.
- Belvedere su Lama Monachile: Best view of the beach.
- Belvedere su Grotta Palazzese: view of the famous Grotta Palazese restaurant
6. Steep cliffs with grottos
The coast in and around Polignano a Mare is known for its many impressive sea caves. The best way to explore them is on a boat tour:
- Speedboat trip to the caves with aperitif
- Boat trip to the picturesque caves with Prosecco
- Boat trip, swimming & cave with aperitif
- Catamaran cruise with aperitif and meal
7. Restaurant Grotta Palazzese
Polignano probably has one of the most famous restaurants in the world. The restaurant in the hotel of the same name has become famous thanks to various videos on Instagram and TikTok. What makes it special: You dine here in an old grotto under the city with a view of the sea.
It’s not so easy to get one of the best tables for dinner here. A table at lunchtime might be easier, but it’s best here in the evening. You can try to book a table online here. However, if you manage to get a table, your culinary pleasure in the grotto won ‘t be cheap. The menu for 2 people costs around 450 – 500. There is also a dress code, i.e. no shorts, flip flops or similar.
If you want to spend a romantic evening with your partner and are willing to spend a little more money, then this restaurant is certainly a great highlight in Polignano a Mare. However, if you just want something to eat, you will find better options in the next tip on this list.
8. Via Roma
Via Roma is one of the main streets in Polignano a Mare and runs through the historic center of the old town. No cars drive through here, but there are lots of tourists and locals out and about, especially in the evenings, to visit the shops, buy souvenirs or have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or cafés.
9. Red Bull Cliff Jumping
Once a year, usually at the end of June, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series takes place on Polignano beach. This is when daredevil divers throw themselves into the depths from a ramp placed on the cliffs.
Opposite the take-off area, at the Belvedere viewpoint on the other bank, you can watch from the best position as the athletes plunge into the water at speeds of up to 85 km/h.
10. Trip to Monopoli
Monopoli is another fantastic Italian coastal town and is also just 10 km from Polignano. The historic port of Porto Antico with its blue boats is particularly famous here.
As the two towns are so close to each other, it is worth visiting Monopoli if you have set up camp in Polignano a Mare. In addition to the harbor, Monopoli also has a very beautiful old town to offer.
11. Trip to San Vito
Located around 5 km northwest of Polignano, San Vito is not only the starting point for many boat trips, but also a great attraction in the area. The Abbey of San Vito right next to the beach is particularly popular. There are also a few restaurants here, from where you have an excellent view of the bay.
12. Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Pino Pascali
Pino Pascalli was one of the most important Apulian artists and a child of Polignano a Mare. This museum in the east of the town was opened in his honor.
There is a permanent exhibition here as well as changing exhibitions. The building itself, which houses the museum, is also architecturally very attractive. It is located directly above the cliffs by the sea.
13. Cala Sala
This small fishing bay is located just outside the south of Polignano a Mare. Away from the tourist crowds, you can enjoy the peace and quiet here. You can also go swimming here.
Polignano a Mare in Apulia is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Which spot in this beautiful coastal town is still missing? Have you ever been to Polignano a Mare yourself? Then write me a comment.
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