POLIGNANO A MARE, ITALY: TRAVEL GUIDE TO PUGLIA’S MOST ICONIC DESTINATION
Polignano a Mare is one of the most unique settings in all of Puglia. The stunning Centro Storico sits atop a rocky outcrop that overlooks the iconic Lama Monachile, a picturesque inlet tucked into the surrounding rocks. The epic setting has put Polignano a Mare on the map in recent years, and now it’s one of the most visited destinations in Puglia. Below is my complete travel guide to Polignano a Mare including the best beaches, viewpoints, places to visit, hotels, restaurants, travel tips and more. And for 150 of my Google Map pins for the Puglia region, click here.
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The iconic Lama Monachile beach.
WHEN TO VISIT POLIGNANO A MARE
- APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER (shoulder season) – May and late September offer the best mix of warm weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices. April and October can be hit and miss with the weather.
- JUNE-AUGUST (high season) – The highest probability of sunshine is this time of the year, but you’re also dealing with scorching temperatures, peak hotel prices and summer crowds, especially in July and August.
- NOVEMBER-MARCH (low season) – Avoid the winter months when the weather is cold and you can’t enjoy the coast.
Completely smitten with all the plant-lined streets in the Centro Storico.
HOW MANY DAYS IN POLIGNANO A MARE
ONE DAY. If Polignano a Mare is not your home base in northern Puglia, it’s easy enough to visit as a day trip. The Old Town is small, and with a full day you can pretty much cover everything including the beach, the views, the shopping, the Centro Storico and dining at a couple of restaurants. Now, if Polignano a Mare is your home base for this region of Puglia, definitely stay a few nights. Monopoli, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni are all day trip options less than an hour away.
I bought a couple of these ceramic vases to bring home.
The vibrant main square of the Centro Storico.
POLIGNANO A MARE TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of Italy is the Euro. Almost everywhere accepts credit card, but it’s always useful to have cash handy for smaller purchases.
- CROWDS – Polignano a Mare is one of the most popular destinations in Puglia. If you visit in high season, brace for crowds, especially at the main beach.
- SAFETY – While Italy is notorious for pick pockets, I felt pretty safe in Polignano a Mare. That said, always be weary of your belongings, especially in crowded places.
The views of the town over the water are completely surreal.
PLACES TO VISIT IN POLIGNANO A MARE
BELVEDERE SU LAMA MONACHILE
This viewpoint sits along the edge of the Centro Storico overlooking the iconoc Lama Monachile and surrounding cliffs. The views of the sea are incredible from here, and it’s a great vantage point to watch the cliff jumpers. Belvedere du Lama Monachile is a popular stop for tour groups – if it’s busy you might need to wait a few minutes to secure an unobstructed view.
CENTRO STORICO
The Centro Storico is accessed through the Porta Vecchia gate that opens up to a labyrinth of stone alleyways, small courtyards and charming corridors lined with colorful pots and plants. This is considered the Old Town of Polignano a Mare. It isn’t big, and can be explored in a couple of hours. My favorite time to visit is in the morning before the tour groups and crowds start to pour in.
LAMA MONACHILE
The iconic beach that sits nestled between the cliffs of Polignano a Mare is one of the most popular spots in Puglia. The views from afar are incredible, but the beach itself during summer season is far from idyllic. It’s overcrowded to the point where it’s suffocating and claustrophobic. My suggestion is to enjoy the view, but if it’s busy, don’t waste your time on a beach day here.
PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II
The beautiful central square is one of the first places you’ll see as you stroll into the Centro Storico through the Porta Vecchia. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is lined with a handful of little cafes, restaurants and boutiques – a lovely vibe, especially in the evenings.
POLIGNANO A MARE VIEWPOINT
The cliffs located directly across the water from the Centro Storico offer up spectacular views of Polignano a Mare, and great spot to escape the crowds at the beach. Water access is possible, but not the easiest from here. Popular spot for picnickers, sunbathers and cliff jumpers.
Every corner in the Centro Storico leads to something special.
WHERE TO STAY IN POLIGNANO A MARE
Lovely bed and breakfast located in the heart of Polignano a Mare. There are a variety of room options, the prettiest with exposed stone walls and views of the sea. Antico Mondo is very clean, authentic and offers great service.
Clean, solid boutique hotel option in the heart of Polignano a Mare, perched over the sea. POSEA offers updated rooms, everything very tidy. Solid stay if you’re looking for something well located and clean.
One of the more luxurious boutique options in Polignano a Mare. The San Michele Suites attractive location in the Centro Storico overlooks the sea with views of spectacular Lama Monachile. Rooms are designed with white, neutral, light gray and light turquoise color palettes. Views from the hotel terrace are lovely.
One of the prettiest corners in Polignano a Mare.
EAT IN POLIGNANO A MARE
CRU FISH BAR
Lovely little restaurant run by a husband + wife team that serves a selection of artful fresh seafood dishes. One of the best restaurant options in Polignano a Mare. Reservations recommended.
GROTTA PALAZZESE
Grotta Palazzese is famous for its high prices and mediocre food, but completely epic ambiance. The restaurant is built into a sea cave perched above the water, and the setting is pretty incredible. Prices start at €195 for a three-course set menu. Reservations are a must.
LA CASA DEL MOJITO
Fun little cocktail bar that sits in the middle of the Centro Storico that gets very lively in the evenings.
MINT CUCINA FRESCA
Delicious, healthy restaurant option with vegan and vegetarian options. Mint Cucina Fresca does not serve meat or pasta. Instead, the menu is filled with fresh salads, hummus, zucchini noodles, lentils, tofu, sweet potato noodles – all with a fine dining twist. Reservations recommended.
The town in full bloom. OUTFIT DETAILS: Two-piece Petal+Pup set linked here.
GET AROUND POLIGNANO A MARE
Within the Centro Storico, everything is accessible on foot. In fact, this part of town is a pedestrian-only zone. The main beach, viewpoints, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance of each other.
The colors of Italy.
GET TO POLIGNANO A MARE
- PLANE – There are two airport options for Puglia – the Bari International Airport and Brindisi Airport. Both connect Puglia to a handful of cities across Europe, as well as domestic destinations. Most major car rental brands have locations at both airports. From Bari, it’s a 30-minute drive to Polignano a Mare, and from Brindisi it’s a one-hour drive.
- TRAIN – The train station in Polignano a Mare is Viale Trieste, located in the middle of town. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to reach Old Town.
While this beach is stunning from afar, it’s get uncomfortably crowded during the busy months of summer.
PUGLIA GOOGLE MAP PINS
Puglia is one of my favorite destinations in Italy, and I’m sharing 150 of my Google map pins from across the region with you guys here. The map is savable to your Google account, and easy to use for trip planning and navigation once on the ground in Puglia.
Map pins include:
- must-visit towns, historic sites, viewpoints
- hotels and masseria lodging
- bars, cafes, gelato shops, restaurants,
- beaches, calas
- photo from several of these locations
Destinations included in the map: Alberobello, Cisternino, Lecce, Locorotondo, Monopoli, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare and the Puglia coast.
