The 9 things to do in Polignano a Mare

In search of disbursement and heat? Discover how to visit Polignano a Mare, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”!

Idyllic landscape, turquoise and translucent waters, steep cliffs and mysterious caves... Welcome to Polignano a Mare! Originally Greek, and today a small, discreet but very crowded town, you have to visit Polignano a Mare which has some nice surprises.

Built on the edges of limestone cliffs so characteristic of the Puglia, Polignano a Mare is illustrated by the beauty of its waters and its urban landscape. Its wild coastline blends perfectly with the many dwellings that frost it, giving a breathtaking, almost dizzy result.

But visiting Polignano a Mare is also discovering it beyond its cliffs!

1. The Piazza dell’Orologio

Old central square of the village, the Pizza dell’Orologio is today a pleasant small square lined with shops and restaurants. She owes her name Palazzo dell’Orologio , a building on which a clock is proudly displayed.

The houses that close the square are typical, white and a little old by the years. The place is small enough, we make it fast, but you will necessarily go there to visit Polignano a Mare entirely!

2. The Church Matrix di Santa Maria Assunta

A true masterpiece of the religious architecture of Polignano a Mare, the Matrix Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located on the edge of the Piazza dell’Orologio .

It dates from the thirteenth century, and impresses by its beauty and by the height of its bell tower (23 meters). Its white façade illuminates space while inside, sculptures, columns, paintings and gildings are at the rendezvous.

Don't miss either the sumptuous organ of the eighteenth century, incredibly well preserved.

3. The caves of Polignano a Mare

How to visit Polignano a Mare without discovering the caves? Naturally carved by elements of nature, there are almost 80! However, not all are exploitable.

Among the most famous caves, discover the famous Grotta Palazzese , Grotta delle Monache , Grotta Scampagnata or the Grotta Castellana (15 kilometres).

Boat excursions are organized so that you can approach it very closely, and even sometimes, so that you know more about them.

Small peculiarity of the Grotta Palazzese : it is one of the few caves whose access can be made on foot. Via a narrow staircase cut to the rock, get to the immense natural hole of almost 30 meters wide!

Don't miss a candlelit meal at Grotta Palazzese in the restaurant inlaid in the cave rock between May and September. It is just under the hotel Grotta Palazzese . Definitely.

4. The Contemporary Art Museum

There is only very little museum in Polignano a Mare. This said, the Pino Pascali Palace, on the cliff, houses the Contemporary Art Museum. Pino Pascali was a great artist from the city, the museum then exhibits a lot of his works, which marked the Italian art of the twentieth century.

The Musée d’Art Contemporain de Polignano a Mare is the only one of this type in the Puglia region, so it is very popular with amateurs.

On two floors, discover the pieces of Pino Pascoli, but also those of the winners of the prize who bears his name. Every year, since 1997, a prize has been awarded to an artist who is offered a reproduction of one of Pascali’s most famous pieces: a whale-tail sculpture!

5. Lama Monachile Beach (Cala Porte)

This is the most famous beach of Polignano a Mare! Coined between two pieces of town hanging on the cliff, Lama Monachile impresses.

Whether for the clarity of its waters, its small white pebbles or its funds, this beach attracts many people every day.

Despite a strong affluence on its coastline, Polignano a Mare received several consecutive years the prize “Blue Flag” rewarding the clean seaside: water, beaches, marinas...

The passage of the Grotta Piana

A small artificial passage to the walls of raw stones, it allows, from the beach of Lama Monachile, to access a mysterious place.

No worries, however, it only gives access to a flat surface from which you can perform safely dives. First of all, it’s a little reassuring because it’s pretty dark, it’s even a passage to borrow to have fun!

On the other hand, stay careful, make sure your steps and dare dive only if you feel safe.

6. The views of the city and the sea

If you want to take your eyes full, then go to the observation points of the city. First, the Terrazza Santo Stefano , located on the right side of the beach of Lama Monachile, at the end of the historic center of Polignano a Mare.

On the other hand, on a more natural land, find Pietra Piatta A rocky breakthrough. A staircase takes you to the edge of the cliff.

These are two places where you then embrace a breathtaking, breathtaking view on the beach, the city and the Adriatic Sea that stretches under your feet. In the last lights of the day, come and watch the sunset and watch the city evolve according to the colors.

7. The Ponte Borbonico

The Ponte Borbonico is a very high bridge overlooking the beach of Lama Monachile. Crossing it, you can admire a beautiful view, on one side the beach, on the other the city.

It dates from the half of the sixteenth century but has been renovated since, to allow cars and passers-by to cross it.

It has five beautiful arches, and culminates at a height of almost 30 meters. It is also one of the access to the beach, which is finally done by a slightly abrupt staircase, be vigilant.

8. The rock of the Hermit

A few meters from the edge of the water, south of Polignano a Mare, there is the rock of the Hermit, or Scoglio dell’Ermita . His name comes from a legend that recounts the life of a hermit fascinated by the rock, who would have chosen a home there, before dying peacefully, helped to survive by local fishermen and sailors.

Today, the rock is preserved because rare birds, like the Goeland Corsica, come to nest there. Those who wish, however, can dive at the edge of the rock, to discover the submarine reef.

But you can just as well observe it from the earth, after a small walk. Be careful, the cliff edges are not secured with barriers, don't get too close!

9. L’Abbatiale de San Vito

Just 4 kilometers north of Polignano a Mare, stop at Abbatiale di San Vito , a Baroque abbey not ordinary.

Located by the water, a few meters from a small natural port, it has been erected since the 10th century. It is not possible to visit it entirely because it is a private property, although from time to time, the court is open to visitors.

The two restaurants near the abbey are well-known, don’t hesitate to restore it.

Surroundings

Visiting Polignano a Mare will also allow you to discover:

• **Bari**the capital of the region of Puglia;
• Monopolia unique city, full of curiosities;
• Ostuni the beautiful white town with Moroccan kasbah;
• **Alberobello**UNESCO World Heritage City, famous for its _trulli_dry stone houses with conical roofs;
• Natural park Dune Costiere da Torre Canne a Torre San Leonardoa beautiful reserve of beaches and wetlands.

How do I get to Polignano a Mare?

By car

There are different ways for you to visit Polignano a Mare. The easiest is obviously to take your car and drive from the France , passing through Highway A14 . From Bologna , the one called Adriatica , will lead you to the heel of the Italy .

Of course, expect a lot of time. For example, since Nice , there's 1 130 kilometres to be covered ( 12 heures ). That said, nothing prevents you from making a few stops on the way to discover some pieces of Italy: Genoa , Milan , Florence , Rome ... A pretty road trip, anyway!

By plane

Otherwise, national airlines offer regular flights, with stopovers, to Bari Airport, closest to Polignano a Mare (50 kilometers). In season, some direct flights even take off Paris or Bordeaux and land in Bari.

Find the perfect flight by going to an online comparison like Skyscanner . For the Borders Switzerland of the Belgium , or Germany , it may be interesting to find out.

By train

Finally, for those who like to travel by train, know that Polignano to Mare city centre station is served as the rest of the country.

High speed trains arrive in big cities like Bologna. Then regional trains take over to the cities like Polignano a Mare.

Where to stay in Polignano a Mare?

Polignano a Mare is a small tourist town. In other words, in terms of housing, you will not be left behind. The offer is great and there is everything. As often in the tourist cities, you will find the hotels, the guest rooms, the Airbnb or camping.

Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the best option. It is up to you to make your choice because comfort is not the same everywhere.

Then we advise you to stay in the historic centre of Polignano a Mare . Indeed, many restaurants and troquets are there. It is therefore the ideal place to enjoy the Italian nights, and to discover the lively life of the city.

But for those looking for peace and tranquility, don’t hesitate to turn to the North-West neighbourhoods City. A little further away, however, they do not lack charm!