A day trip to Polignano a Mare should not be missing from your itinerary when traveling around Puglia! This picturesque town perched on the cliffs of the Adriatic Sea, is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel list. With its breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and charming narrow streets, Polignano a Mare is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
This quick guide will help you plan your one day in Polignano a Mare and find the best things to see and do, so you can make the most of it!
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One day in Polignano a Mare; best things to see and do
Table of Content
- One day in Polignano a Mare; best things to see and do
- Book a hotel for your day trip to Polignano a Mare
- Pin this post to plan your one day in Polignano a Mare for later
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Why should you go on a day trip to Polignano a Mare?
This charming seaside town is nestled on a 20-meter-high limestone cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea’s pristine waters. It is renowned for its stunning coastline, dotted with gorgeous beaches and dramatic cliffs that drop into the turquoise waters below. As you explore the town, you’ll discover a maze of charming narrow streets that lead you to quaint piazzas, historic churches, and beautifully decorated houses. Stop by local shops and cafes to sample the delicious cuisine and get a taste of the local culture. At night, the town comes alive with the sounds of live music and the buzz of outdoor dining.
Where is Polignano a Mare and how can you get there?
Polignano a Mare is located on the southern coast of Italy, in the region of Puglia, also known as the “heel” of Italy’s boot. The nearest airports are Bari (55 km drive) and Brindisi (78 km drive). The best way to move around in Puglia is by car. If you don’t mind the walk advise to park at the free public parking. But you can also park at the train station. The town is easily accessible by train from Bari. There are several trains that run daily between Bari and Polignano a Mare.
When should you go to Polignano a Mare?
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Polignano a Mare, as the weather is warm, but not too hot, and the town is awash with the colors of blooming flowers. From March to May, visitors can enjoy long walks along the shoreline, take in the fragrant sea air.
Summer is peak season and the town is brimming with life, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience its beauty. From June to August, the beaches are packed with sunbathers, the cafes and bars buzz with energy. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant culture and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Autumn is a time of transition in Polignano a Mare, as the summer crowds start to fade away and the town takes on a more tranquil pace. From September to November, the weather is still warm and the sea is perfect for swimming.
Winter may not be the busiest time of year, but it has its own unique charm. Take into account though that many businesses are closed though.
What are the best things to do in Polignano a Mare during a day trip?
Explore the old town
As you enter the old town, the first thing you’ll notice is the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs below. The town is built atop a rocky outcropping, providing stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The streets are lined with shops selling handmade crafts, ceramics, the cutest fashion boutiques, gelato shops, and cafes serving fresh seafood.
The historic center is a maze of narrow alleys and piazzas that lead to hidden squares and hidden vistas. The town’s architecture is a mix of styles, from the medieval to the Baroque, and each building tells its own unique story. You’ll find grand palaces, small homes, and everything in between.
As you explore the old town, be sure to stop at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the town’s main square. Here, you’ll find a stunning Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo and the Palazzo dell’Orologio (bell tower). In the evenings, locals gather here to listen to live music, and catch up with friends.
Make sure to step away from the busier streets and get lost in the more silent streets as well during your one day in Polignano a Mare!
If you are interested to dive deeper into the history of Polignano a Mare, I advise to take this 1.5 hour walking tour!
Belvederes
Hidden behind the corners of the winding streets at the edges of the labyrinth are various belvederes where you can admire the views of the rugged coastline. Some of the best views are:
- Belvedere su Lama Monachile: this viewpoint offers the most picturesque panorama of Polignano a Mare
- Grotta dell’Arcivescovado: offers a fantastic view on the Northern side of the town, looking to the East
- Punto Panoramico Largo Ardito: offers a fantastic view on the Northern side of the town, looking to the West
Lama Monachile
Lama Monachile, a shimmering jewel nestled along the coast of Puglia, is the epitome of beauty. Surrounded by towering cliffs, this picturesque beach is a true masterpiece of nature’s artistry. The ancient Roman bridge spanning the cliffs adds the perfect touch of history to the scene.
At the end of September, crowds still flock to Lama Monachile’s shore, drawn by the allure of its inviting waters. And even as the sun dips lower in the sky, the warmth of the beach remains, bathing visitors in a golden glow. Lama Monachile’s beauty has earned it a reputation as the most famous beach in all of Puglia.
Mirador al Bastión de Santo Stefano
Commissioned by the mighty Charles V in 1537, the Bastion de Santo Stefano was built to defend the bustling port of Bozzetta and guard the right bank of the Bozzetta river. Its walls, once towering and unyielding, were linked to the Castel del Monte fortress, which loomed atop a hill in the city of Andria.
But time marched on, and the bastion’s grandeur was partially dismantled to make way for progress. Today, only a remnant of the Via del Macello Vecchio remains, a haunting reminder of the bastion’s former might. So the mirador exists mostly out of the rocky cliffs.
Unfortunately this place was closed off due to construction works when I was there. It offers a nice view from the other side of Polignano a Mare and the glistening waters below.
Look for the poetry
Poems by a man known as ‘Guido Il Flâneur’ adorn the streets, walls, and doors of Polignano’s centre storico. They are not all of his own writing him, but that does not stop him from being some sort of a local celebrity. Guido’s ‘poetry steps’ Vicolo della Poesia, a photogenic stairway hidden down a small street not far from Balconata Sul Mare, are one of his most recognized creations.
Ponte Borbonico su Lama Monachile
If you ever see a photo of Polignano a Mare in a travel guide, it is most probably either taken from Belvedere su Lama Monachile or from this bridge! The view from the bridge on the beach Lama Monachile is definitely the most iconic one.
The bridge was part of the Via Triana, built by Emperor Trajan from 108 to 110 AD, as an extension to the Via Appia.
Piazza San Benedetto
This is the perfect place to have a rest; whether it is to have breakfast in the morning or aperitivo in the afternoon… it is always enjoyable and very easy to mingle with the locals!
Book a hotel for your day trip to Polignano a Mare
I stayed at Finisterre Casa di Mare, a cute little loft with one of the best balconies of Polignano a Mare; with a view on Lama Monachile! I absolutely loved it since it was practical and situated in the historic center. But there are plenty of other options to book in Polignano a Mare if you decide to stay longer.
Pin this post to plan your one day in Polignano a Mare for later
So that is it! I hope you enjoyed this “One day in Polignano a Mare, Italy; best things to do on a day trip” blog post and that it will help to plan your own trip! I really tried to cover everything you need to know. Do not hesitate to leave your comments or questions down below! That way I can add more information if necessary!
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