Visiting Polignano a Mare is a total immersion among the wonderful balconies overlooking the sea.

Polignano a Mare is a jewel set among the coves and wonderful natural caves of the rocky coast of the Adriatic Sea. From the balconies overlooking the sea to the charming historic center between art and culture linked to the sea. 
Visiting Polignano a Mare and walking through the narrow streets and ups and downs of the characteristic historic center, means breathing in the charm and serenity of a small fishing village. But always accompanied by the sweet notes of Domenico Modugno, the most famous fellow citizen. He has made entire generations fall in love with his music, just as his Polignano continues to do with its wonderful views of the sea where every time it feels like you are flying! The city has origins that seem to date back to the Neolithic, but it certainly represented a nerve center for the Roman trade routes as demonstrated by the finds of part of the Via Traiana, which is still accessible today. In the 16th century it underwent the domination of the powerful Venice, traces of which are clearly visible in the Doge's Palace where the Venetian governor resided.
Polignano a Mare is a delightful concentration of history, art and immense beauty. The charm of the homes overlooking the sea is matched by the natural wonder of the beaches. The most famous beach in Polignano is undoubtedly Lama Monachile because it is easily reachable after visiting the historic center. Visiting Polignano a Mare means letting yourself be transported by the scent of the sea. The beautiful beach is clearly visible by climbing the bridge of the same name dating back to the Bourbon age. From here, in addition to a splendid view of the crystalline sea of ​​Polignano, it is possible to enjoy a privileged point of view over the entire city.

If these places fascinate you, you can visit Polignano a Mare with one of our tours in Puglia:

⇒ The Rotta dei due Mari on foot 

⇒ Cycling holidays in Italy: Unesco tour

 

What to see in Polignano a Mare

Why not decide to spend a carefree day to discover the beauties of this fascinating city overlooking the Adriatic but looking towards the east. 
If you want to spend a day visiting Polignano a Mare, we have prepared a list with things to see and visit in peace:

  • Lama Monachile;
  • Bourbon bridge;
  • Marquis Arch;
  • Beaches and scenic spots

And now let's start together to discover the most suggestive places in Polignano a Mare!

 




Lama Monachile

Among the most well-known places in Polignano there is certainly the enchanting Lama Monachile beach. Its position in the heart of the city makes it one of the symbols of the village. Let yourself be enchanted by the wonderful colors that nature has chosen to paint this wonderful view. Lama Monachile beach is characterized by a high cliff jagged by the progress of the sea and by rounded pebbles, painted in the most varied colors. This stunning natural landscape is the enchanting backdrop for the highly anticipated Italian stage of Red Bull Cliff Diving.

Bourbon Bridge

Close to the colorful Lama Monachile beach, the imposing and elegant Bourbon bridge stands out. In fact, from its 15 meters of height, it offers a unique view over the entire beach and the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea . The structure was built by King Ferdinand II of Borbone and represented the key point of connections between Bari and Lecce, two of the main cities of the south. The Bourbon bridge is the ideal point to admire the beauty of Polignano in its entirety, with the white lime of the houses shining at sunset and the crystalline sea that slowly abandons itself to the reflection of the moon.

Abbey of San Vito

The imposing Benedictine Abbey directly overlooks the sea of ​​the small port. It has a quadrangular plan with a huge portico on the main facade which appears decorated with loggias with round arches. Finally, the beautiful bell tower looks like a tower decorated with the canons of Lecce baroque.
Its construction is linked to an incredible legend according to which a noblewoman from Salerno was miraculously saved by San Vito from drowning in the waters of the Sele river. It is said that the Saint had wanted in exchange to have her body moved to the then Polymnianenese castrum in Puglia, today's Polignano. In doing so, the place experienced surprising prosperity and the abbey was thus founded by a community of Basilian monks in the 10th century.
The building that can be admired today is the result of architectural additions made over the centuries. This is evident from the coexistence of different styles: in fact, we move from elegant baroque forms to the grandeur of Romanesque.

Beaches and scenic spots

Among the things to do in Polignano we cannot help but recommend admiring this fascinating village from its wonderful natural windows overlooking the sea. Largo Ardito represents one of the most famous because it is from here that Polignano shows itself in all its beauty. Once here, in fact, it is possible to see the rock of the hermit who was the protagonist of a fascinating legend that still resonates today among the alleys of the village. In fact, it is said that a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land was fascinated by the beauty of the islet so much so that he decided to dedicate himself to contemplation and solitude while living in that place.

What to do in Polignano - the Slow Active Tours proposal

Visiting Polignano a Mare is a wonderful journey into the history of the peoples overlooking the Mediterranean. It is a wonderful journey through the architectural styles that have alternated over the centuries and in the history of this wonderful village.

  • Pino Pascali Foundation Museum

    The structure, the only foundation dedicated to contemporary art in Puglia, hosts an excellent permanent collection of the artist from Polignano who died prematurely at just 33 years old. The museum is located inside the former municipal slaughterhouse and houses a valuable and refined collection of photos, drawings and many other works by the most representative Apulian artists and the artists who won the Pino Pascali prize that the foundation organizes every year to reward young talents who have established themselves internationally on the contemporary scene.
The museum was officially inaugurated on 1 June 2012 but its birth dates back to 1998 with the inauguration of a large anthological exhibition by Pino Pascali, set up on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the artist's death.

  • MUDIMA - Diocesan Museum Matronei Altamura

    The mother church of Polignano stands in the same area where a pagan temple once stood. The entrance is represented by a façade in which Gothic and Baroque blend perfectly. The structure is characterized by the presence of a 23 meter high bell tower made up of 3 orders which were added in different eras. In the lower part there is a valuable nativity scene from 1503, now recognized as a National Monument, created by Stefano di Putignano. The visitor's gaze is however captured by the elegance and beauty of the main altar, the choir and the chapel of San Vito, finely framed by a double order of arches also decorated.
Valuable is the eighteenth-century organ of the Neapolitan school, which can be admired high above the entrance. .

  • Church of Santa Maria Assunta

    Altamura is a city rich in history and culture, so what better way to visit it than strolling through the city streets and getting lost in the alleys of the area? The city offers attractions full of curiosities and excellent opportunities for every kind of visitor, young and old. In addition, you can take the opportunity to taste the delicacies that Altamura has to offer in one of the bakeries that teem in the city.

  • Beaches and scenic spots

    Among the things to do in Polignano we cannot help but recommend admiring this fascinating village from its wonderful natural windows overlooking the sea. Largo Ardito represents one of the most famous because it is from here that Poligano shows itself in all its beauty. Once here, in fact, it is possible to see the rock of the hermit who was the protagonist of a fascinating legend that still resonates today among the alleys of the village. In fact, it is said that a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land was fascinated by the beauty of the islet so much so that he decided to dedicate himself to contemplation and solitude while living in that place.

  • The Route of the Two Seas on foot

    Slow Active Tours offers an exciting and intriguing walking journey to discover the hidden beauties of Puglia from north to south, from the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic.

 

Festival and Popular Events of Poligano

The patronal festival of Polignano a Mare takes place from 14 to 16 June. The celebration begins when the effigy of the Saint is carried aboard a raft and taken by sea from the small port of San Vito to Cala Paura. From here the statue is carried on the shoulder to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele where he is symbolically given the keys to the city. On the second day the relics of the saint are exhibited in small cases in the streets of the town and finally, on the 16th he will be brought back to the mother church. The Kite Festival is an event in the spring of Polignano, where children, accompanied by their parents and grandparents. Every year the event has a central theme that touches on particular social aspects that invite participants to reflect. Polignano a Mare has been consecrated internationally also thanks to the beauty of its coves, protagonists of one of the stages of the world championship of diving from great heights. In fact, for over ten years the turquoise waters of Lama Monachile have been the incredible setting for the amazing performances of the 24 best divers in the world.

Typical dishes of Altamura

Polignano a Mare preserves among its narrow streets marked by the life of fishermen, the typical colors of a Mediterranean village: white and blue. The white of the stone and the clear blue of the sea which greatly characterize the local cuisine. Enjoying a delicious plate of raw seafood is a pleasure for the palate and the eyes. Perhaps lying on the banks of the beautiful cliff or sheltered in the shade of a century-old olive tree in the central Piazza Garibaldi. However you want to enjoy it, the result is that you will not be able to do without this dish with its simple composition but unparalleled taste. 
Fish specialties distinguish the street food menus of Polignano, any advice? The octopus sandwich will amaze you with its goodness.
Another local delicacy is undoubtedly the Polignano carrot, recognized and protected by the slow food brand. The characteristic color, more similar to plum, makes it recognizable in many of the dishes to which its delicious taste lends itself. Similar to the Bari tradition but with some characteristic features, it is the focaccia of Polignano. Soft and tasty, it is easy to find it in the bakeries of the historic center following the tasty scent of cooking in a wood-fired oven. After a tasty lunch based on typical products, you cannot return to visit Polignano a Mare without a good coffee, but not just any coffee.
Coffee in Polignano is only special coffee: cream, amaretto, sugar and lemon zest; these are the ingredients of the special coffee invented in Polignano by the frost wizard Mario Campanella.

Eating and drinking in Polignano

Among the many restaurants in the center of Polignano, we recommend some that are worth trying:
Bontà sotto l’arco , in P.zza F. Miani Peritto, 6. Pleasant place, at the entrance to the historic center of Polignano a Mare. Wide range of pucce, delicious, especially those with San Vito octopus.;
The Locanda Porta Picc ,Anemone street 34/36. An extraordinarily charming atmosphere, characterized by refined elegance;
Grotta Ardito Restaurant , in Largo Grotta Ardito, 11. Beautiful location with breathtaking views. From the terrace you can see all of Polignano and its beach.

Polignano a Mare awaits you for a tour full of art and taste!