WHAT TO SEE IN POLIGNANO A MARE
AROUND
Dive into the beautiful Polignano a Mare.
You will be enchanted by its wonderful clear and crystalline waters and breathtaking views from every corner overlooking the sea. It is one of the most picturesque villages in Southern Italy and is also known as the "pearl of the Adriatic."
If what you are looking for is clear waters, beaches, rocks for diving, and ultimate relax, then you are in the right place!
BARI AND SURROUNDINGS
Puglia is full of wonders, and some are just a few kilometers from Polignano!
Here is a brief guide to some must-see stops in this small town.
Start your walk from the HISTORIC CENTER by passing through the ARCO MARCHESALE. The town is full of characteristic and unique alleys where you can immerse yourself in local craft shops, bars, and street life.
In the heart of the historic center, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, you will find the cathedral of Polignano a Mare: the MATRICE SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA IN CIELO Church. Nearby, you can also admire the CLOCK HOUSE, of medieval origin, which once housed the University. Initially, it had a simple sundial; today, the clock is manually wound by the house owner.
Wandering through the narrow streets, you will reach balconies overlooking the sea, a characteristic feature of the town, where you can lose yourself in the vastness and colors of the sea.
If you are looking for a breathtaking view, LAMA MONACHILE BRIDGE is the answer! It is a historic bridge overlooking the cove of the same name, also known as CALA PORTO. Very close to the historic center and reachable on foot, it is now the most famous beach in Polignano (free), chosen to host several editions of the “Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series” competition.
A symbol of Polignano is certainly the STATUE OF DOMENICO MODUGNO (as it is his hometown). It is positioned facing the village with open arms, likely representing the artist singing one of his most famous songs, “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare).”
A little curiosity: to the south of Polignano, there is a beautiful cove! It is called CALA PORTALGA and is famous not only for its crystalline sea but especially for a unique library in the world created from a small boat (a typical Italian rowing boat). Here, all visitors can take a book and donate another so that it is never empty!
BARI
Distance: 37km (30 minutes by car)
Curiosity: Bari is the capital of the Puglia region. If you visit in the morning, don't miss the octopus beating at the San Nicola pier: it's a tradition here to eat raw fish directly from local fishermen, accompanied by an ice-cold Peroni. Bari Vecchia is one of the most charming areas of the city, with the beautiful Largo Albicocca and the famous Via delle Orecchiette, where you can watch the making of this typical Puglian pasta!
Recommendations on where to eat:
- Osteria del Porto for seafood cuisine https://maps.app.goo.gl/kwSn8gts87AHDB1JA (Torre a Mare)
- Urban Assassineria https://maps.app.goo.gl/2C8vy7wJZvHNgYcS9
- Pizzeria da Cosimo for panzerotti, sgagliozze, and popizze (Largo Albicocca) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qo3RFm9SuXiRw74C9
- You will find the typical Barese focaccia everywhere; you must try it :)
ALBEROBELLO
Distance: 29km (30 minutes by car)
Curiosity: With its iconic trulli, it is the symbol of Puglia. These curious and traditional white structures with conical stone roofs were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. The best way to explore Alberobello is to immerse yourself in the wonderful streets of Rione Monti and Rione Aia, full of characteristic trulli! Today, many have been transformed into B&Bs or shops, but wandering through the center, you can still find some raw, unplastered ones, just like they were originally!
Recommendations on where to eat:
- La Cantina https://maps.app.goo.gl/AyztkYNstJj4UBwH8
- Ristorante “Il Trullo d’Oro” https://maps.app.goo.gl/9HbKdPZMihwELKJx8
MONOPOLI
Distance: 9km (15 minutes by car)
Curiosity: The right word to describe Monopoli is enchanting. Full of beaches and sandy coves, it is the perfect place for a bit of sea with green-blue waters. The historic center is very characteristic, full of craft shops and places overlooking the seafront. In the evening, it is the center of entertainment, especially at the various beach clubs that organize events on the beach.
Recommendations on where to eat:
- Chinè for a good pizza https://maps.app.goo.gl/dS7uvqkZi38fwUkL7
- Carloquinto https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ca8t7N89NYVS1XRA8
- Ristorante Almarea https://maps.app.goo.gl/YrjQMuLCTEc5tmECA
CASTELLANA GROTTE
Distance: 16km (25 minutes by car)
Curiosity: Castellana Grotte is famous for its caves, which feature fascinating natural formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring these majestic underground chambers offers an incredible journey into a subterranean world. Private tours or events are organized and require a ticket for entry.
Recommendations on where to eat:
- Osteria del Caroseno for typical cuisine https://maps.app.goo.gl/UCw4q3avZfLaU8799
- Birreria Hamburgeria Felix https://maps.app.goo.gl/nWQdQQ9x5LQ6U3jJ9
OTHER SMALL CITIES
SAMMICHELE
If you want to enjoy excellent meat, there are some great barbecue places in this town just 30km away. Sammichele is famous for its zampina: a traditional product made with minced beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned with tomato, local pecorino cheese, salt, pepper, and then rolled into a spiral. It is best cooked on the grill.
Here’s a place where you can try it:
- La Tradizione: Fornello Pugliese https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcfdL5YLb1fBtY7Y6
TURI
20km from Polignano a Mare, you’ll find Turi.
The traditional sweet is faldacchea, made with almond paste, sugar, sour cherries, and white chocolate. In May, you can also taste the ferrovia cherry (a special variety).
PUTIGNANO
The Putignano Carnival is one of the most important events in the town. It starts in mid-January and is recognized as the oldest in Europe (in 2024, it will be celebrating its 630th edition): it features various papier-mâché floats.
If you are a wine lover, there is an excellent winery that you must visit:
- Cantina ‘Enologo per Amore’ by Giovanni Aiello