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
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! (207 reviews)
"My family and I really enjoyed staying at this resort. The rooms were spacious and clean. Part of our resort package we had breakfast and dinner. The food was very good. We were five minutes away from Polignano a mare, and other beaches such as Porto Rosso and Porto Ghiacciolo the resort provides ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

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

Cala Ponte, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

5 out of 5
Localitá San Vito, Polignano a Mare, BA
$235 nightly
The price is $266 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$266 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and 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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Wonderful Hotel Calaponte
"Had a wonderful stay at the hotel which had newly reopened following a renovation. The hotel had a very stylish design. The pool area was beautiful. The management and staff in the restaurant, bar and throughout the hotel could not have been more helpful and attentive. It would be impossible to name ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Cala Ponte, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery Collection

Borgobianco Resort & Spa Polignano - MGallery Collection

5 out of 5
Contrada Casello Cavuzzi, Polignano a Mare, BA
$336 nightly
The price is $377 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$377 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (166 reviews)
"Very nice property great place to relax and enjoy The staff are extra helpful and very attentive to all guests"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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.
The Dream Chest

The Dream Chest

Polignano A Mare
Stay at this vacation home in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Lama Monachile Beach and Grotta ...
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
Beautiful villa for rent, close to the sea, 150mp with a 700mp garden

Beautiful villa for rent, close to the sea, 150mp with a 700mp garden

Polignano a Mare
Stay at this villa in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Porto Cavallo Beach and Porto Contessa are located ...
Beautiful villa for rent, close to the sea, 150mp with a 700mp garden
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.

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