Last Updated on: 21st September 2024, 10:04 am
Located on the stunning Adriatic coast in the Puglia region of southern Italy, Polignano a Mare is a picturesque town renowned for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed houses, and crystal-clear waters. Just a 15-minute train ride from Bari, this lovely destination offers breathtaking views and a charming seaside ambience.
I was actually staying in nearby Monopoli, just five minutes away by train. This was the final stay of my two-week adventure exploring Puglia without a car, and I visited Polignano a Mare for the day.
So here’s how to spend one perfect day in Polignano a Mare: wander the streets in the historic centre, admire the breathtaking views, read street poetry, sing Volare by the Domenico Modugno statue, and relax on the pebbly beach.
Explore The Historic Centre (Centro Storico)
Begin your visit by exploring the charming narrow streets of the historic centre, aka the Centro Storico. Admire the beautiful architecture and traditional whitewashed buildings adorned with balconies and flower pots. As you wander through the maze of alleys, you’ll come across several piazzas, ancient churches, quaint shops selling local crafts and street poetry.
Take A Break In The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Visit the main square of Polignano a Mare, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where you’ll find the clock tower and the Chiesa Matrice, the town’s principal church.
This bustling square, lined with cafes and restaurants, is an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee and cornetto (the Italian equivalent of a croissant) or gelato and the perfect spot for people-watching.
Balconies and Viewpoints
Visit the numerous viewpoints around the town to enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Notable spots include:
Terrazza Santo Stefano: Another beautiful viewpoint overlooking the sea and cliffs.
Balconata sul Mare: A famous terrace offering stunning panoramic views.
Take A Boat Tour Around The Caves And Cliffs
If you want to see the caves and cliffs in more detail than just from a viewpoint, consider taking a boat tour of the sea caves.
Exploring Polignano a Mare from the sea provides a different perspective of its stunning coastline, including a glimpse of the famous Grotta Palazzese Restaurant from the water.
Numerous boat tours are available, taking you to hidden coves and sea caves, where you can swim and snorkel in the pristine waters.
Practice Your Italian With Some Street Poetry
As you stroll through Polignano a Mare, look for the many poetic inscriptions adorning walls and steps. These artistic writings add a unique charm to the town’s streets. Throughout the old city, you’ll discover random lines of poetry and other sayings lovingly painted on various surfaces.
Domenico Modugno Statue
Visit the statue of the famous singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno, best known for his hit song “Volare.” This popular photo spot is located on the waterfront. Even if you don’t recognize his name, you likely know the tune and words to his song, “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu” (commonly known as “Volare” ):
“Volare, oh oh
E cantare, oh oh oh oh…”
The statue, depicting Modugno with his arms wide open, is set in a beautiful open piazza with the sea as a stunning backdrop.
Leap Off A Cliff
I’m not a massive fan of heights and water. So obviously, I didn’t do this, but just behind the statue of Domenico Modugno is a cliff and apparently, cliff diving is one of the most popular activities to do in Polignano a Mare for adventure junkies.
In fact, The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series often takes place here, which attracts cliff divers from all around the world. Watching the divers leap from the cliffs and hoping they don’t crack their heads open on a rock quite is a thrilling experience.
Relax On Lama Monachile (Cala Porto)
Make your way to this iconic beach situated between high cliffs. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and stunning surroundings. Relax on the pebbles, swim, or enjoy the picturesque setting, but be prepared for a crowded beach.
And Find Time For A Gelato Break
If you have time, treat yourself to some delicious Italian gelato from a local gelateria. The town is also famous for its gelato, with several artisanal gelaterias offering a wide choice of flavours. A must-try is the fig and almond gelato – it’s delicious.
How To Get To Polignano a Mare
By Plane
The closest airports are Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, approximately 51 km from the town, and Brindisi Papola Casale Airport, about 78 km away.
By Train
Polignano train station is on Viale Trieste, about a 5-minute walk from the main square, Aldo Moro (Town centre). From April to October, numerous trains arrive and depart from Polignano. During autumn and winter, checking the Trenitalia app or website is advisable, as train schedules may change and services may be less frequent compared to the peak season.
Polignano a Mare is just a 15-minute train ride from Bari. I stayed nearby in Monopoli, another charming coastal town, only five minutes by train from Polignano a Mare.
By Bus
Bus companies that stop in Polignano:
- Flixbus and Marinobus
- Ferrovie del Sud Est
Whenever I needed to take a bus during my two-week trip around Puglia, most of the time, it would be with Ferrovie del Sud Est, which can easily be booked on the Trainline app. You cannot buy your tickets on the bus. If you are unable to book online, head to the nearest ‘tabaccheria’, just look for a sign with a large T.
By Car
With a rental car, getting to Polignano a Mare is easy; parking can be a nightmare, especially in the summer months.
Fancy Staying in Polignano a Mare?
Although Polignano a Mare is an easy day trip from Bari or Monopoli, the town has plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets. Check here for prices and availability.
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