Centro Storico di Polignano a Mare

The basics

Polignano a Mare is easily visited from Bari by local train or on a tour that includes transportation. Once you reach the centro storico, explore with a guide to take in the highlights of this ancient town and its most spectacular scenic overlooks. You can also opt for a culinary tour to sample the town’s top street food as you admire the sights. Boat trips along the coastline are a popular way to experience Polignano a Mare, as well. Most tours visit the sea caves along the waterfront cliffs.

Things to know before you go

• By far the easiest way to get around the centro storico in Polignano a Mare is on foot. The paving stones in the old town have been worn smooth over time and can be slippery, so wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

• Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from Polignano’s unforgiving sun, as there is little shade in the old town.

• Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan on taking a break at Lama Monachile, the famous beach set just below the clifftop town.

• The centro storico is packed with shops, restaurants, and cafés to visit before or after a guided tour.

• Most of the historic center is flat and paved, so it’s easy to explore with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to get there

The centro storico of Polignano a Mare is about a 30-minute drive or train ride from Bari. Tours including transportation drop you directly in the old town, while the train station is 10 minutes on foot to the center of town. The port where most boat tours depart is about a 10-minute drive north of the centro storico.

When to get there

Once a fishing village, Polignano a Mare’s centro storico is now primarily a resort town, and is busiest between spring and fall. The town’s most important annual event is the feast day of patron Saint Vito, celebrated in mid-June with processions on land and sea, fireworks, and concerts.

The sea caves of Polignano a Mare

Some of the biggest draws to Polignano are the grottoes that line the base of its coastal cliff, which are only accessible by sea. Palazzese Grotto, immortalized in works of art and literature, is the most famous, but there are many others to explore by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Many have fascinating backstories, such as the Cave of the Nuns—where local sisters could swim far from prying eyes—and Chiangella Cave (Crying Cave), where mothers once came to weep over their kidnapped daughters after Saracen pirate raids.