Polignano a Mare is a romantic seaside town built upon limestone bluffs. It is easy to see why it is known as The Pearl of the Adriatic — the water is a million shades of blue and green and the waves are crystal clear. Located in Puglia, on Italy’s southeastern coast, it’s an area mainly for tourism, good food and wine, and of course, fantastic beaches. I fell in love with it immediately.
I loved lying on the beach and dipping my feet in that cool clear water. I could have been happy to spend a week doing nothing else in Polignano a Mare. But what I liked best were the views of the Adriatic ocean. Priceless!
Though it was only April, the weather was perfect and the beaches were almost deserted. Each day I soaked up the early spring sunshine as I walked to my favorite coffee bar – where I often stayed until evening apertivo hour. La dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) was my daily life.
Gorgeous views!
If you to go to Polignano A Mare
I went in April and it was not crowded at all. After May, it is packed through the summer. Off season is best for some privacy on those beautiful beaches.
Can you believe this water!
Don’t miss:
The statue of Domenico Modungo. Domenico is a famous singer and a celebrity in Polignano a Mare. You’ll know the song, Volare! As I write this I can hear that song playing in my head.
Let’s fly! Volare!
Here are my recommendations for places to eat, drink, and sleep in Polignano A Mare.
Bar Millenium for the perfect beachside caffe’ (also good for apertivo).
Mint for fresh vegetables, cheese, wine and salads. Don’t miss their cheesecakes!
Joya Canti di Stagione for heat-busting fruit salads.
Pescaria a Monaco for fresh seafood.
La Terazza for a wide variety of delicious pizzas.
Super Mago el Gelo for one of the best gelatos. Try their Cafe Speciale for a different espresso with lemon and liqueur.
Stay
I stayed at B&B Grottone on a beautiful cove overlooking the beach.
If you want to take a break from the beach you can visit the nearby towns of: Ostuni, Alberobello, Cisternino, Locorotondo. These are considered some of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Thanks to Green Italy Tours for my day trip in the Valle d’ Itria.
If you go
The best way to reach Polignano a Mare is by train from Bari or Lecce. It’s a ten minute walk into town from the train station.
Ishita is an Indian blogger who is very passionate about Italy and feels deeply connected to its language, culture, food, and history. She writes about her travels on her blog Italophilia, and visits Italy every year. You can follow her on twitter and Facebook.
33 comments
I love Polignano a Mare! I was there for an after wedding photoshoot . The old town is amazing! and the food is delicious
I hope I can visit as soon as this damn pandemic is over. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
I’m all about off season travel too. It’s so much nicer and you really get the feel of what it’s like to live there that way. Such beautiful views. Southern italy is a dream
I know Adriatic from the opposite side: Croatia, Montenegro. I was thinking about taking a ferry to Bari and explore Italian coast, but some things got in a way, and it fell through. Thus, Puglia region is still on my list.
The Puglia region of Italy has still eluded me. Polignano a Mare looks like a gorgeous place to visit, and soak in the Italian sunshine and stunning blue waters.
Sounds like a wonderful spot to visit – especially before the summer tourists come. I thought that Dean Martin made Volare famous!
I always travel on the shoulder season. It makes for such a better experience. Your photos were amazing and it looks like such a lovely place. Your food recs had some great fresh options for beating the heat! I want to go!
I’ve never heard of Polignano A Mare, but now I have yet another place to add to my list. It looks so charming. Thanks for sharing.
I also could be happy to spend a week doing nothing but soaking my feet in that cool clear water lying on the beach. Sounds like a dream! Polignano a Mare is definitely on my bucket list.
Wow, those took photos are stunning! And that water so clear! I’ve never heard of this place, but it sounds like a fab place to go
It would. I want to go
Excellent, home of the Volare dude! (It’s ok to call him that, no?) 🙂 I suspect that April is probably the best time to visit.
Hehe yes indeed! the Volare Dude!
Love the architecture of the whitewashed houses. Italy is such a beautiful country – I’ve just come back from Lake Como but need to explore Puglia!
Me too!
WOW that view! I would never leave. That’s certainly postcard worthy.
I’m so ready for a view like that.
Of course I know that song! Now I want a big fat glass of red wine and big bowl of pasta. 😉 I had never heard of Polignano before but it looks very interesting.
I know what you mean!
Italy is surely high on my list for European travel. Polignano A Mare looks stunning. Thanks for sharing your advice on visiting!
It absolutely is Jen. Perfect time to plan your Italian vacation 😉
Wow that water looks beautiful! Definitely the perfect place to get away from it all.
ndeed it was. Polignano waters are amazingly clear and tranquil.
Wow, gorgeous destination, I haven’t heard of this place. It really looks like a fun place to just relax and enjoy the outdoors along with savoring some wonderful Italian food.
So dramatic, all those house on the cliff. Must have been amazing finding empty beaches and the water being good enough to enjoy in April. Beautiful quaint little town.
Totally was. I hardly saw tourists! I was part of a little local party 🙂
I’ve never heard of this place before and I’ll probably add this the next time I go back to Italy.
I want to go too!
Wow, I never heard of this coastal settlement before in Italy. Love the looks of it and must add it on my places to visit. Can’t believe I never heard of this place on my travels.
I haven’t been yet either Danik. I’m looking forward to exploring there.
Visiting in slightly off season always has its advantages… Those beaches in Polignano A Mare look beautiful…
I’m hoping to go this year – also in April See you there?
That sounds wonderful. Keep me posted on your travels ladies 🙂