One day in Polignano a Mare, Italy (Day 4 of the itinerary)

About Polignano a mare

Polignano a mare is a spectacular city built on a high cliff. It also has some impressive caves below. As it is a small town, one day is perfect for exploring Polignano a mare.

It is about 35km south of Bari, which makes it easily accessible and popular with Italians and tourists alike.

Polignano a mare is more tourist-oriented than Monopoli and also very well maintained and decorated, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities for Instagram photos here.

Getting to Polignano a mare

Whether you are coming from Bari or Monopoli, remember to buy return tickets. Polignano is a small station, and it is safer to already have the return ticket. The trip from Monopoli only takes 5 minutes as it is the next station going towards Bari. From the station in Polignano a mare, it’s an easy walk downhill to the city center.

If you prefer to book your train tickets online, you can buy them here.

Things to do in Polignano a mare

Walk the Old City Center

The Old City is absolutely charming. Wander along the cobblestone streets and discover the small churches, squares, and Porta Vecchia. Also, every few hundred meters, you’ll find a new view of the Adriatic Sea and the caves below.

Cala Paura Beach

Take the time to go to the Cala Paura beach, just below the Old City Center. You can swim along the coast and discover the beautiful caves. The small beach gets really crowded during the summer weekends.

It’s an unforgettable experience to dive in that perfectly blue water and then find yourself between the 70-meter high rock walls.

Have you ever watched the Cliff Diving World Series?

Polignano a mare hosts one of the seven stages of the competition. Each year they build a platform in Polignano a mare. The divers get to that platform through somebody’s house, which is pretty odd.

The Roman Bridge

Just behind Cala Paura beach, there is an old Roman Bridge. Polignano a mare used to be a port on the ancient Via Traiana.

Lunch with a view

For lunch pick a place with a view and try some fresh fish.

If in town after winning the lottery or cashing an amazing bonus, reserve a table at Grotta Pallazzese, the stunning restaurant located in a cave above the sea.

Don’t forget to get gelato from one of the places close to the Roman Bridge.

That’s about it for one day in Polignano a mare. If you fall in love with the city, you can find some great B&Bs with a view on Booking.com.

If not, go back to Monopoli at your own leisure. The regional train tickets you buy at the station are valid for the day you choose, so you can choose your hour of departure. You need to validate the ticket using a machine in the station before you board the train.

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