Polignano a Mare Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Polignano a Mare which includes a pebble beach as well as a large group of people
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 Bari or Brindisi, approximately 22 miles (35 kilometres) and 52 miles (83 kilometres) away respectively. Stay for the history, coastal scenery and hours of beach fun.

CDSHotels Pietrablu Resort & SPA
CDSHotels Pietrablu Resort & SPA
4 out of 5
Contrada Fontanelle, 230, Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is £128 per night from 23 May to 24 May
£128
per night
23 May - 24 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool.
8.4/10 Very Good! (129 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff, some of them standout so much that I needed to learned their names to mention them in review... Katia, ( always gave a kind word for my daughter and made her feel at home by noticing her pattern of food, my daughter doesnt speak italian), Enza ( she was on the top ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2023

CDSHotels Pietrablu Resort & SPA
Cala Ponte Hotel
Cala Ponte Hotel
4 out of 5
Località San Vito, s.n.c., Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is £187 per night from 12 May to 13 May
£187
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (278 reviews)
"Great facilities. It must be full in the summer."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Cala Ponte Hotel
Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery
Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery
5 out of 5
Contrada Casello Cavuzzi, Polignano a Mare, BA
The price is £306 per night from 23 May to 24 May
£306
per night
23 May - 24 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (123 reviews)
"It's a beautiful property. Like the rest of Italy, it was extremely hot while we were there in July 2023, and at times I think the central air conditioning was straining."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2023

Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery
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.
Marina Apartment 100m From Sea
Marina Apartment 100m From Sea
Polignano a Mare, Puglia
Stay at this apartment in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy a balcony, an in-room espresso maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Statue of Domenico Modugno and ...
Marina Apartment 100m From Sea
Villa Bianca a Polignano
Villa Bianca a Polignano
Polignano a Mare, Città Metropolitana di Bari
Stay at this villa in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Lama Monachile Beach and Statue of Domenico ...
Villa Bianca a Polignano
Panoramic villa on coastal stretch north of Polignano a Mare.
Panoramic villa on coastal stretch north of Polignano a Mare.
Polignano a mare, Puglia
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cala San Giovanni and Abbey ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Lovely villa!
"Umberto, the host was wonderful. The villa was spotless. It was nice to be within a short driving distance from all the towns we wanted to visit. We’d definitely come back and highly recommend."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2023

Panoramic villa on coastal stretch north of Polignano a Mare.
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

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
" "5 - Excellent 82.6086956521739%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 13.043478260869565%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 4.3478260869565215%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Oct 2019

We only stayed one night but wished we had stayed longer.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Oct 2019

station nearby so u can go off to other places - hope to return to the hotel and explore other areas in Puglia - polignano is a must visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Oct 2019

One of the most beautiful and romantic places we have had our holidays at . Up there with the Amalfi coast and cinque terre . Really loved every minute. The sea food at the restaurants was wonderful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Sep 2019

This hotel is about 10 Kim’s from Polignano a Mare. The actual town is beautiful and, with hindsight, we wished we stayed nearer but chose this because of the parking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Sep 2019

Loads of choice in restaurants, fab gelato, good and cheap train service, stunning views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Jul 2019

Very unique cute town where every street hides a beautiful corner to look at. Great restaurant/bar choice and amazing views.

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