Polignano a Mare

Travel Guide

Polignano a Mare which includes a sandy beach and rocky coastline as well as a large group of people
Polignano a Mare showing a pebble beach as well as a large group of people
Polignano a Mare featuring a pebble beach, rocky coastline and a coastal town
Polignano a Mare showing boating
Polignano a Mare which includes a coastal town and rugged coastline

Vacation in this seaside town built on cliffs and appreciate its scenic rocky coastline, cliff-diving opportunities, popular beach and old churches.

Polignano a Mare benefits from a spectacular setting on top of a limestone cliff above the Adriatic Sea. It is a place where you can explore sea caves, relax on attractive beaches and see ancient architecture.

Start your visit in the town’s old quarter to get some insight into Polignano a Mare's history that stretches back more than 2,000 years. To reach the old quarter, walk through the Arco Marchesale, a 16th-century archway. Wander through the warren of narrow streets and alleys. Browse the stores and take in some refreshments at a bar or restaurant with a sidewalk terrace.

Visit the town's old churches, such as the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a 13th-century place of worship that was built on the ruins of a pagan temple. Inside are religious works of art that are hundreds of years old as well as the remains of San Vito, the patron saint of Polignano a Mare. During your old town tour stop at one of the panoramic terraces to marvel at the fabulous sea views.

Head down to the beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. The beach is sandwiched between two cliffs and features calm, clear water. Look up from here at houses that seem to be perched precariously on the rocks.

Cliff diving is a popular activity in Polignano a Mare, particularly among teens who leap off the rocks into the sea. Occasionally, the town hosts an international cliff-diving competition in the summer.

Rent a paddle boat or schedule a boat tour to explore the inlets, caves and grottos that dot the rocky coastline, some of which are under the old town. Grotta Palazzese is the largest of the town's grottos. It is a huge cavernous space that is also the setting of a restaurant.

To get to Polignano a Mare, drive along the coastal road from the international airports at BariOpens in a new window or BrindisiOpens in a new window, approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) and 52 miles (83 kilometers) away respectively. Stay for the history, coastal scenery and hours of beach fun.

Where to stay in Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare featuring modern architecture

Pozziglioni

Though Pozziglioni might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grotta Ardito Promenade and Lama Monachile Beach.

Pozziglioni
Polignano a mare is all what you expect when you dream of Puglia, cliffs, crystal clear water, amazing viewpoints, and a certain calm and quiet atmosphere. One of the nicest places of Puglia, take it easy and enjoy! 
#beachbound

Historic Center

While Historic Center might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lama Monachile Beach and Statue of Domenico Modugno.

Historic Center
#trovember

Gelso

If you're spending some time in Gelso, Statue of Domenico Modugno and Lama Monachile Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Gelso
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Macello

While there might not be top attractions in Macello, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Grotta Ardito Promenade and Lama Monachile Beach.

Macello
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San Vito

If you're spending some time in San Vito, Abbey of San Vito and San Vito Beach are top sights worth seeing.

San Vito
Cala Ponte, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Cala Ponte, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

5 out of 5
Localitá San Vito, Polignano a Mare, BA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥28,281 per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
¥28,281
¥32,152 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Beautiful rooms. Christian and Sylvia were fantastic. It might be the priciest and tasteless restaurant in pogliano."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Cala Ponte, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
CDSHotels Pietrablu Resort & SPA

CDSHotels Pietrablu Resort & SPA

4 out of 5
Contrada Fontanelle, 230, Polignano a Mare, BA
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Cala Fetente and Cala San Giovanni ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (220 reviews)
"Breakfast buffet was excellent. Property was nice can use some improvements. Staff at the front desk were nice and cleaning personnel was very nice."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

CDSHotels Pietrablu Resort & SPA
Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery Collection

Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery Collection

5 out of 5
Contrada Casello Cavuzzi, Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is ¥50,558 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
¥50,558
¥56,657 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (178 reviews)
Amazing
"Amazing place , service was awesome And 100% recommended"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025

Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dim's Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Dim's Apartments by Wonderful Italy

Via Sirene 134, Polignano a Mare, BA
Stay at this apartment in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room espresso maker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Grotta Ardito Promenade and ...
7.4/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"We really loved staying at this apartment! It's near all the spots you want to see when going to polignano a mare; the beaches, cute little shops, bars/restaurants, etc. The apartment was cute and we loved having a little kitchen + a table outside on the little deck. The views were amazing, being ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Dim's Apartments by Wonderful Italy
The Dream Chest

The Dream Chest

Polignano A Mare
Stay at this vacation home in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lama Monachile Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Polignano a Mare
"The apartment is basic but had everything we needed and in a great location. Very quickly I became friends with the neighbors."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

The Dream Chest
Affittacamere Incanto by Wonderful Italy

Affittacamere Incanto by Wonderful Italy

Madonna di Grottole, Polignano a Mare, Polignano a Mare, BA
Stay at this villa in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Cala San Giovanni and Abbey of San Vito are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Propriedade maravilhosa que superou nossas expectativas. Vale o investimento. Estrutura fantástica como poucas que já encontramos na Itália."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Affittacamere Incanto by Wonderful Italy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Polignano a Mare

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Awesome Awesome Place!!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Mark

Beautiful little town.. nice restaurants, clean , cute little beach.. nice place to visit for 2 days

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Not worth spending a night. If you must see just stop by for the day. The famous beach is crazy crowded. The restaurant in the grotto is wildly overpriced (minimum of 180€ per person!) and they have a lot of attitude.

4/5 - Good

Patti

The cliff resteraunt is way overpriced minimun $180 Euro per person.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My wife and I particularly liked the culture of “Old Town”, historical, yet not too reserved. Some great places to eat. We very much enjoyed our stay at Vilu Suite and at Polignano a Mare.

5/5 - Excellent

Peggy

Polignano a Mare is a must visit location

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