Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a town on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast. It’s known for beaches like the white-pebble Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, which is bordered by a Roman bridge. The Ponte dei Lapilli is a cove nestled at the bottom of a cliff. The Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali displays photography and paintings. Overlooking the sea, San Vito Abbey has a Romanesque church and a 16th-century tower.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Polignano a Mare Trip Planner

Polignano a Mare Trip Planner

Ready to plan your trip to Polignano a Mare? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Polignano a Mare

Centro Storico Polignano a Mare
1. Centro Storico Polignano a Mare
4.8
(2269)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Stunning and super romantic little town. You can easily get off your mobile phone GPS/ Google maps and get lost in its cozy, tiny and utterly romantic streets!! And Christmas time is even more unique and beautiful!
Pretty but... I can't help feel that Polignano is a victim of its own "beauty". Certainly worth a visit, but I felt I kept on waiting for it to deliver, and it never did. It does have an impressive setting, built above and into the shallow cliffs, and it had the typical bars and restaurants to enjoy, with a "new" viaduct where an old Roman one used to be, above THE beach - pebble and crowded, so for viewing from a distance rather than enjoying as a beach. You also run out of things to experience pretty quickly, so give it an hour for a coffee, beer or glass of wine, and move on! Free parking up by the station.
A special place to visit! The tall narrow houses clinging to the cliffs with the crashing waves below. Let your eyes soak up the beautiful clear Adriatic sea. Walk the narrow passages in centro storico. Experience the poetry of the little village. Dive back to Roma times.
What a charming place to stay for a long weekend. Polignano a Mare looks like it is straight out of a movie set. This part of Italy (the heel) does not suffer over-tourism so I found it peaceful. The small town is very eye catching, as it's perched precariously on steep sea cliffs. The houses have flower laden balconies and are separated by tight alleyways. You really feel like you are stepping back in time by decades. Your standard run of the mill restaurant here, would be a top class Italian restaurant at home, and the prices are great. There is a statue here dedicated to their favourite son - the famous Italian singer, composer, and actor Domenico Modugno. There is not much English spoken here, so you are better off making the effort to learn some Italian words. If you are in the Bari area, I would advise coming here for a day trip at least, it's that special here.
A very nice small city with narrow streets and fresh sea air. If you dare, you can try swimming down at the rocks because this area is always full of visitors and tourists. While walking at the streets don't miss the beautiful sea view!
I had the pleasure of visiting the historic center of Polignano a Mare at night, and it was truly breathtaking. The area was bustling with tourists, yet it maintained a charming, intimate atmosphere. The streets were lined with numerous eateries, offering delicious gelato and pizza, perfect for a late-night snack. The art on the walls and light installations added a magical touch, making every corner a visual delight. The small churches scattered throughout the area were adorned with stunning religious art, a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Walking through the narrow alleys, I discovered hidden gems like the Vicolo della Poesia, where poetry adorns the walls, and the picturesque Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Polignano a Mare’s historic center is a must-visit, especially at night when it transforms into a vibrant yet serene haven. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoying local cuisine, this place has something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its beauty and charm!
If the weather is good, it will be even more beautiful! It's beautiful here
Not a bad city centre but very busy even in the off season.
Monumento a Domenico Modugno
2. Monumento a Domenico Modugno
4.5
(11044)
Sights & Landmarks
Monument
Upbeat seafront sculpture of the 20th-century Italian musician & politician, Domenico Modugno.
Slide 1 of 8
Nice spot for his statue. His song is a real classic. I’ll never forget when I was just a kid watching one of my first horror movies (Vamp with our goddess Grace Jones) and they played Volare at the end credits. It was a nice relief after so much scarring scenes 🤣🤣🤣.
Monumento a Domenico Modugno is a must-see in Polignano a Mare. The statue overlooks the sea and celebrates the iconic singer of “Volare.” It’s a popular photo spot, especially with the beautiful coastal backdrop. The surrounding area has a lively vibe, and it’s a great place to take a short break while walking through the town. Domenico Modugno, born in Polignano a Mare, co-wrote and performed “Nel blu dipinto di blu” (“Volare”), which became one of Italy’s most internationally famous songs—and even won two Grammy Awards in 1958!
I absolutely love the statue — and the artist who created it! As boats glide into the harbour, “Volare” starts playing and suddenly everyone’s singing and dancing together. The whole place comes alive. The pose is what made him famous when he performed the song for the first time in front of a large audience. He sang with immense passion, bringing a new style and energy that no one had ever seen before. The audience went wild — completely captivated by his performance. His story is truly amazing.
Been there done that! It’s a pity that there’s no details about this symbolism statue, so I asked AI for the explanation. Here’s what it says: “The statue is a monument to Domenico Modugno, a famous Italian singer-songwriter who was born in Polignano a Mare. He is best known for his hit song "Nel blu dipinto di blu," often referred to by its chorus, "Volare." The statue, a three-meter-tall bronze sculpture by Argentine artist Hermann Mejer, was unveiled on May 31, 2009. It depicts Modugno with his arms wide open, an iconic gesture that recalls his performance of "Volare" at the 1958 Sanremo Music Festival. The statue is located on the seafront of Polignano a Mare, looking out over the town and the sea. " Btw. I would definitely recommend you to look for the song to play along for a “dolce” Italian vibes 🥰!
Nice statute in a fabulous location. Hard to get a good photo in the morning, much better in the evening light.
For a moment, I felt like I was flying over Polignano a Mare, just like in the song — light, dreamy, full of Italian magic.
Very beautiful view point! Nice area to chill and have a spritz or coffee.
Lovely town with beautiful views and places to fall in love, the landscape is very nice clean and not too crowded
Lama Monachile
3. Lama Monachile
4.7
(20272)
Outdoor Activities
Public beach
Compact cove known for its clear water & pebble beach, flanked by dramatic, rugged cliffs.
Slide 1 of 8
❄️ A winter sea so quiet, it felt like time had stopped. I visited this beach in winter I thought it would be a small, charming beach — but in person, it felt much deeper, quieter especially with hardly anyone around. The only sound was the gentle rhythm of waves. I stood there for a long while, just watching the sea spray hit the rocks, feeling completely at peace. Such a special place — simple, quiet, and utterly calming.
Beautiful beach, water is absolutely stunning!! However it gets VERY BUSY in summer, and I'm sure the earlier you get there the better to find a spot. Also bring water shoes because it's a rock beach and slippery near the water.
Lama Monachile is one of those places that just takes your breath away the moment you see it. It feels iconic because it truly is—there’s nowhere else quite like it. Spending the day here is something special: swimming in the clear blue water, looking up at the cliffs, and just soaking in the beauty all around. The beach is very rocky, so bring good beach shoes, and if you can, a little float makes the swimming even more fun and relaxing. There are even a few small cliff jumps for the adventurous, but always with safety in mind. It’s not just a beach—it’s an experience you’ll remember.
We spent the day at a beautiful beach framed by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear blue water. The sea was perfect for swimming, with cool grottos and caves to explore beneath the cliffs. We even found a quiet spot on the rocks where we could read, relax, and dive in for a refreshing swim. Later, we wandered back to the beach and enjoyed a cold beer and an Aperol spritz as the sun dipped lower over the water — the perfect end to a perfect day.
Excellent experience checking out this beach today. It is truly stunning and beautiful! As many others have said, make sure to bring your water shoes or sandals as the rocks hurt your feet.
An iconic beach that commands a photo..or two..or three. Very rocky. Not crowded. Even though it was early November I had to have a swim. Water is cool but not cold. Clear. I can see fish around me. And also a surprise. An octopus just metres from the waters edge. Grabbed my phone and managed to capture it briefly. Great experience!
Beautiful rocky beach with crystal-clear water and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s very rocky, so not the most comfortable for long stays, but perfect for a short visit. About 1–2 hours is enough to enjoy it.
Amazing views of a unique to the eye beach. The truth is that it looks way better looking at it than swimming in it, because of the tourist hordes. A must SEE from all possible corners place.
Coco Beach, Wedding, Party
4. Coco Beach, Wedding, Party
4.2
(1662)
Lido
Outdoor Activities
Slide 1 of 8
This is the best place to relax and enjoy time out. Great facilities. Friendly professional staff. Good food and nice swimming in the sea or pool.
Great place, nice sun beds, very nice atmosphere, the food court just started, looking forward when they will be up to speed, great service, everyone is very friendly and helpful
Coco Beach is a great value-for-money spot with very friendly staff. The atmosphere and pool are exceptionally clean, making it a pleasant place to relax. However, if it’s windy, the waves and the pebbly beach can reduce the enjoyment of the sea, so it’s best to plan your visit according to the weather. There are also options for table tennis, volleyball, and a kids’ club, adding extra fun for visitors of all ages.
This location offers the perfect environment to unwind and savor some leisure time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With top-notch facilities, welcoming and highly professional staff, delicious food, and the opportunity to enjoy refreshing swims in either the sea or a pool, it's an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
Very beautiful location for a pre wedding party. We enjoyed it a lot. There is parking right at the location. The sunset is amazing to watch. The cold apero was not our favorite but the warm ones were good.
We had a wonderful time at Coco Beach Club! The atmosphere is perfect for both adults and kids. The place is relaxing, welcoming, and beautifully set by the sea. A special thank you to Pino, Franco and Ruben as well as the entire staff, who were incredibly friendly, kind, and attentive throughout our visit. Everyone went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a carefree and enjoyable day by the water!
Super Beach Club but unfortunately with a problem.. The swimming pool is great and big, the animation team also (in particular the Aquagym Coach she is amazing!), the prices are very correct (25 euros the deckchair per person + 5 euros the parking), the place is incredible and the environment very nice ! The BIG problem (because I would have put 5/5 otherwise) is the deplorable service from the people of the bar (the bald tattooed man and the woman who was with him today) not even a smile or hello,  the man even threw me the ice cream I had ordered.  It's just chocking!  This comment is not mean but in a constructive approach because it's really a shame in such a wonderful place to be served like this. (The other members of the staff are all cool tho') Good luck for the end of the season and thank you for this great day anyway.
Cool beach club equipped with lots of beds and umbrellas to rent. Nice little beach. Get fare bit incl in your rental fee - water, cocktail, snacks, Prosecco. Nice lunch options at all reasonable prices. Little disorganised though. Lots of young staff but weren't quite served on as well as could be.
V. Cala Paura
5. V. Cala Paura
4.7
(18)
Notable street
Outdoor Activities
Small street leading to the water & a bronze statue of famed Italian singer Domenico Modugno.
Slide 1 of 5
(Translated by Google) Fantastic place for rock lovers (Original) Posto fantastico per i amanti dei scogli
(Translated by Google) Cold water but wonderful sea (Original) Acqua fredda ma meraviglioso mare
(Translated by Google) Suggestive place (Original) Posto suggestivo
(Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Bellissima
(Translated by Google) Beautifully (Original) Pięknie
Abbazia di San Vito
6. Abbazia di San Vito
4.5
(398)
Beach
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Magnificent abbey, but can only be visited during Sunday Mass when it's open, so plan around that if you intend to visit it. You can also walk a bit along the coast.
San Vito a Mare is a small cove with its little fishing boats bobbing about in the water overlooked by the towering ancient Abbey. It is a beautiful little port, nice looking Abbey that is unfortunately privately own so you cannot visit. You can take a boat ride there to visit Pogliano a Mare caves. The town was once very prosperous and the monks turned this place into a pilgrimage destination. The church doors show marks from Turkish attacks as well as attempts to defend the building from the sea.
It only opens on Sunday morning. The view outside was nice though. Not worth the walk from the town.
Gorgeous building and amazing scenery in front of a beach.
Polignano a Mare: the legend of the San Vito Monastery The magnificent monastery overlooking the sea, in one of the most beautiful places in the Apulian region, also captivates its history. In most cases, a Polignano mare is associated with a splendid town of Bari province, Domenico Modugno, born here. But beyond Mr. Volare's troubled relationship with his hometown, there is much to discover. Sea caves are of considerable natural interest, and the historic center and remnants of Roman rule are historically significant. In the church of Santa Maria Assunta there are some artifacts made entirely of stone, such as the famous nativity scene, attributed to the sculptor Stefano da Putignano, who was active between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. But the main attraction stands out in the San Vito hamlet on the north coast of the country.
It was a beautiful place i love it It's healing my depression I love to give positive reviews
Beautiful City wonderful wow best seen I like it
The building is lovely; at the end of a neighborhood road. However, it is privately owned and you cannot go inside. Beach is kind of dirty.
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Other notable attractions

Visit Costa dei Trulli
Non-profit organization
Outdoor Activities
Palazzo dell'Orologio
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali
Museum
Art Museums
Ponte Borbonico su Lama Monachile
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Ex Chiesetta di Santo Stefano
Art museum
Sights & Landmarks
Cala Fetente
Nature & Parks
Beaches
Torre Incina
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Cala San Giovanni
Temporarily Closed
Lido
Outdoor Activities
Lounger rentals & upscale dining at a private lido with an entry fee on a sandy, pine-backed cove.
Terre di San Vito
Vineyard
Food & Drink

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Polignano a Mare?

Get inspired for your trip to Polignano a Mare with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Weather in Polignano a Mare

Here's the historical average temperature in Polignano a Mare over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Polignano a Mare in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Polignano a Mare
Ready to plan your trip to Polignano a Mare?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Polignano a Mare