Polignano a Mare is an Apulian destination, mostly in the summer, very well known and popular. Surely its fame is due to the scenic beauties given to it by mother nature such as the always crystalline sea, the pebble beaches, the cliffs and the numerous caves distributed along the coast. If you are thinking of visiting Polignano a Mare we strongly recommend that you stay for a few days in order to visit everything it has to offer and, in this regard, here is all the necessary information on what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening !

What to see in Polignano a Mare

1 – Grotta delle Rondinelle
The Grotta delle Rondinelle is, among the many caves of Polignano a Mare, one of the most famous and vast also of the entire northern coast. The cave is accessible to all , as well as from the sea, also from the back in a very easy way. Inside, the water and sand are very clear and you will immediately notice the large suspended vault, about seven meters from the water , and a thin cliff that is held upright as if by a miracle. The cave is very popular especially with photographers, climbers and diving enthusiasts.

  • How to get there: 10 minutes from the historic center, reachable along the Lungomare San Vito or via the beach – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 1 day tour to discover the Apulian beaches

2 – Blue Grotto
A few minutes walk from the previous cave is the Blue Grotto, which is closer to the town and therefore easier to reach. Its dimensions are much smaller than the Grotta delle Rondinelle but this small natural cavity just 3 meters high is able to offer unique spectacles thanks to the sun’s rays that enter it, creating reflections and plays of light .

  • How to get there: less than 10 minutes walk from the historic center – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 1 day tour to discover the Apulian beaches

3 – Monument to Domenico Modugno
Photo by Luca Margheriti. A Polignano a Mare could not miss a reference to the famous artist Domenico Modugno as his birthplace, in fact on the beautiful Lungomare stands a bronze statue dedicated to him. The monument is three meters high and depicts the great interpreter with open arms, probably while intoning one of his most popular pieces of him such as “In the blue, painted blue (Volare)”. Visiting the monument will cost you nothing and will take you just a few minutes, but such a large and beautiful statue is certainly worth a visit on the fly and a photo.

  • How to get there: it is located a few steps from the beach and only 8 minutes walk from the historic center – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Polignano a Mare Walking tour with special coffee tasting

4 – Grotta Piana
The Grotta Piana opens in a beautiful indentation of the coast, just below the town. This cave is only two meters high, and for this reason some works were started years ago which proved to be a static hazard. To cope with this problem, changes were made to the structure, creating a narrow corridor between the cave and the deep sea and a network of large cavities communicating with each other through some underwater passages. It goes without saying that this cave is much loved by divers and divers .

  • How to get there: about 5 minutes walk from the historic center – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 1 day tour to discover the Apulian beaches

5 – Lama Monachile Cala Porto
Lama Monachile Cala Porto is a long and narrow cove , covered with pebbles and set between rocky walls that proudly boasts the Blue Flag thanks to its crystal clear and clean waters. Impossible not to have ever seen a photo of him if you have already searched for Polignano a Mare, as this cove represents one of the most famous and photographed scenarios of the town and of the Bari coast thanks to its position among the rocks, its white pebbles, the caves all around and obviously the beautiful sea.

  • How to get there: reachable in less than 5 minutes on foot from the historic center – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Recommended cards, tickets and tours: 1 day tour to discover the Apulian beaches

6 – Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo
Photo by Carlo Pelagalli. The Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo and the cathedral of Polignano a Mare , dedicated to the Holy Virgin of the Assumption. Its architectural style is very simple , with a sober Romanesque facade that has some decorations on the main portal and the statues of Sant’Antonio da Padova and San Marco on the sides. The interior, on the other hand, is very artistic, developed in length and consisting of several works of art. The Cappella del Presepe deserves particular attention for its interior in which there is a nativity scene of sculptures from the 16th century by Stefano da Putignano. By the same sculptor there are different works inside the Church such as the Pieta, the Madonna with Child and the statue of San Vito martyr.

  • How to get there: it is located in the historic center, very close to everything and easily accessible – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Card, ticket and recommended tour: Polignano a Mare: guided walking tour

7 – Pino Pascali
Museum of Contemporary Art The Pino Pascali Museum of Contemporary Art is the only foundation dedicated to contemporary Apulian art . The structure houses a permanent collection of the artist Pino Pascali, a native of Polignano a Mare from which the museum itself takes its name, occasionally accompanied by other temporary exhibitions. Inside it will be possible to admire original photos and drawings autographed by him and his entire cycle of works inspired by Mediterranean culture and life and the playful experience for which I create real toys from recycled materials.

  • How to get there: it is located very close to the historic center and can be reached in 10 minutes on foot – Get directions
  • Hours: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 21:00
  • Ticket cost: € 5.00

8 – Ponte Lama Monachile
The Ponte Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare as well as being a historic bridge and also an excellent vantage point to enjoy one of the best views of the town. This bridge was built in the Bourbon era and its architecture is very reminiscent of Roman structures, however in 1997 it was completely renovated and refurbished. Its structure is undoubtedly very beautiful, but certainly attention will be attracted by the breathtaking view that opens onto the cove of the same name !

  • How to get there: it is located in the historic center, reachable in about 5 minutes on foot from other places of interest in the center – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Card, ticket and recommended tour: Polignano a Mare: guided walking tour

9 – Casa dell’Orologio
Photo by Martin Stiburek. The Clock House has medieval origins and was the seat of the university for a long time. It is located in the ancient village of Polignano a Mare and it is a simple building with a bell tower and a large clock that was installed to replace the previous sundial. The peculiarity of this watch is that it is hand wound by the owner of the house herself, who also hosts musical events and street artists .

  • How to get there: it is located in the historic center, reachable in a few minutes on foot – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free
  • Card, ticket and recommended tour: Polignano a Mare: guided walking tour

10 – Scoglio dell’Eremita
Photo by Carlo Pelagalli. Lo Scoglio dell’Eremita is a large rock in the middle of the sea , isolated but not far from the coast of Polignano a Mare from which it is only a few meters away. It is located towards the south of the country but you can still see it very close thanks to a pleasant walk along the seafront or, in the summer, a boat ride . The position of the rock has in ancient times given free rein to the creation of tales and legends according to which the rock would be found there due to the launch of a giant during a tournament between legendary creatures.

  • How to get there: you can reach it by boat or observe it from the seafront of Polignano a Mare – Get directions
  • Hours: always open
  • Ticket cost: free

Polignano a Mare itinerary in one day
It is possible to visit Polignano a Mare in just one day, but it will be necessary to follow a specific itinerary. To simplify your life we ​​have prepared one that will allow you to visit the main attractions among those described above even if unfortunately it does not include the Grotta delle Rondinelle, the Grotta Azzurra and the Scoglio dell’Eremita as, although not far from the center, they are still a little out of the way and would waste your time. However, you can very well observe the Scoglio dell’Eremita from the beautiful seafront of Polignano a Mare.

  • Morning : first of all in the morning we suggest an excellent breakfast at the Il Super Mago del Gelo bar located a few steps from the Monument to Domenico Modugno which will be the first of the attractions you will visit. Immediately afterwards, head towards the nearby Lama Monachile Cala Porto and admire it in all its beauty, allowing yourself a few moments of relaxation and time to take wonderful photographs. A little later there is also the Grotta Piana where you can stay as long as you like to enjoy the silence, tranquility and its priceless natural beauty. After this first tour you can go to the Donna Gina restaurant, a two-minute walk away, where we suggest a delicious lunch!
  • Afternoon : from the restaurant you are very close to Ponte Lama Monachile on which we suggest you to go up absolutely to admire the beautiful panorama around you and take beautiful photographs. When you get off the bridge, start visiting the real historical center by pausing in the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo and in the Casa dell’Orologio. Finally, head towards the Pino Pascali Contemporary Art Museum and visit it calmly then, when you are finished, enjoy a nice walk of about ten minutes along the seafront until you reach the suggestive Grotta Palazzese restaurant that will host you for dinner, famous for its characteristic location inside the cave.

One day itinerary at a glance

  1. Breakfast at Il Super Mago del Frelo – Get directions
  2. Monument to Domenico Modugno – opening hours: always open – ticket price: free
  3. Lama Monachile Cala Porto – opening hours: always open – ticket price: free
  4. Grotta Piana – opening hours: always open – ticket price: free
  5. Lunch at Donna Gina – Get directions
  6. Ponte Lama Monachile – opening hours: always open – ticket price: free
  7. Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo – opening hours: always open – ticket price: free
  8. Casa dell’Orologio – opening hours: always open – ticket price: free
  9. Pino Pascali Contemporary Art Museum – opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 21:00 – ticket price: € 5.00
  10. Dinner at Grotta Palazzese – Get directions

Where to eat in Polignano a Mare

  1. Grotta Palazzese : a place known for being built inside a fantastic cave. It offers gourmet cuisine based on fresh fish or vegetarian with the possibility of choosing between tasting menu and a la carte menu
    Average price per person: € 100.00
    Address and contacts: Via Narciso, 59 Get directions / tel: 080 424 0677
  2. Donna Gina : offers cuisine based on fresh fish and local ingredients with an adjoining fish shop from which the fish is chosen at the moment
    Average price per person: € 35.00
    Address and contacts: via San Vito 2 / A Get directions / tel: 080 424 0914
  3. The Osteria di Chichibio : offers creative fish-based dishes with attention to both taste and appearance and combined with an extensive wine
    list Average price per person: € 30.00
    Address and contacts: Largo Gelso, 12 Get directions / tel : 080 424 0488
  4. Antiche Mura Restaurant : Fish specialties in an intimate rustic-chic place, with antiques on the walls and exposed stone walls.
    Average price per person: € 35.00
    Address and contacts: Via Roma, 11 (Get directions) / tel: 080 4242476
  5. Specchia Sant’Oronzo : Italian dishes and pizzas, including gourmet, served in an exclusive location obtained from a rocky cavity.
    Average price per person: € 30.00
    Address and contacts: Viale S. Francesco D’Assisi (Get directions) / tel: 080 424 0386

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and the best clubs
Polignano a Mare does not offer many alternatives in terms of nightlife and nightlife. The closest nightclub is in fact located in the more populated Monopoli, just 15 minutes by car, while in Polignano a Mare there are mostly lidos on the beach, lounge bars and informal clubs that however offer musical evenings accompanied by a good choice of drink.

  • Beija Flor cafe : very central place specialized in creating cocktails, ideal for spending quiet evenings and drinking well / Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 57 Get directions
  • Plenilunio Punta Paradiso : characteristic lounge bar in a central and suggestive position that offers exclusive events with music and cocktails / Address: Via S. Vito, 64 Get directions
  • Il Trappeto : the main nightclub in the area, an excellent place for those who love house music and dance until late at night / Address: Contrada Cristo delle Zolle, 207 Get directions
  • B-local : Apulian craft beers and Italian drinks from small artisans
    Address: Via Giacomo Matteotti (Get directions)
  • La Casa del Mojito : a unique place where the flavors of Puglia meet those of Cuba
    Address: Via Annunziata, 19 (Get directions)

Plan your stay in Polignano a Mare: info and useful tips

  • How to get there: Polignano a Mare can be easily reached in several ways. It is quite close to the airports of Bari and Brindisi respectively 43 km (40 minutes by car) and 77 km (50 minutes by car) away. Another practical way is the bus, thanks to the connections of the South-East Railway Bus lines which have Bari as their terminus from which you continue towards Polignano a Mare with one of the many regional trains. Finally, for those traveling by car, for Polignano a Mare you have to take the A14 Bologna-Ancona motorway and take the Bari Nord exit from which you continue for another 40 minutes.
  • How to get around : the historic center of Polignano a Mare and its main beaches are close enough to each other so with a little desire to walk you can easily visit everything on foot.
  • Where to park : Polignano a Mare has many public car parks but you will have to be careful as some are reserved exclusively for residents so you should always pay attention to the signs at the entrance. Most of the parking areas are located near the historic center and among all we point out the guarded one in Via Conversano (Get directions) and the one in Via Francesco d’Assisi (Get directions), both for a fee with the possibility of a daily rate. € 6.00 per day.
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per room – see the offers
  • What to see in the surrounding area : Conversano (15 minutes by car), Monopoli (15 minutes by car), Alberobello (32 minutes by car), Ostuni (40 minutes by car).
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