About Polignano a Mare
Polignano existed long before modern tourism made it an iconic destination. First founded by Greek settlers back in the fourth century BC, Polignano later fell under the control of the Roman Empire, and was linked to other Roman towns by the Via Traiana in 110 A.D. Even back then, the town’s cliff-top location overlooking the glittering blue Adriatic Sea made it a popular place to visit for those who could afford leisure time, including Roman nobility and emperors.
After the fall of the Empire, Polignano fell under the sway of various Mediterranean powers before becoming part of a unified Italy in 1871. Although the town spent most of its life as a small fishing village, its natural setting ensured it appealed to the growing tourist class of the time. And with the twentieth-century boom in tourism and the growth of cheap airlines flying into the nearby city of Bari, Polignano’s popularity has only grown. In fact, this small village has become so popular with tourists that the authorities have recently had to start issuing tickets to visitors to make sure the ancient streets don’t get too overcrowded.
Things to do in Polignano a Mare
The main thing that draws visitors to Polignano a Mare is its stunning coastal location. But once you’ve gotten those all-important photos, there’s more to this town than just a pretty view. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage service and enjoy what this popular town has to offer.
- Catch some rays at Polignano Beach. Just a short walk from the center of town, this Blue Flag beach has crystal-clear water and is surrounded by impressive cliffs. It’s the perfect place to hang out with locals and visitors alike while you sunbathe and swim and enjoy everything the Mediterranean has to offer.
- Admire the bravery of cliff divers at the Red Bull diving competition. The summer festival attracts thousands as intrepid divers compete to jump from the highest spot on the surrounding cliffs. Even if you don’t manage to time your visit to coincide with the competition, you’ll see plenty of cliff diving taking place on Polignano’s beach.
- Take a stroll through the old town. The winding streets of Polignano are home to countless quaint shops, bars, and restaurants, and you can easily spend a Sunday afternoon just taking a stroll and soaking up the atmosphere of this lively village.
- Learn more about Polignano’s rich history with a walking tour. Discover why the streets are adorned with poetry or learn about the town’s connection to the popular Italian song Volare from a knowledgeable guide who will give you a deeper understanding of what Polignano is all about.
- Finish off a fun day with a meal in unique surroundings at Grotta Palazzese. This famous and upscale restaurant is located inside the sea cave and offers stunning views of the water. It’s not cheap, but if you have the budget for it, it’s an experience worth having.
Transit options in Polignano a Mare
- Bari is the closest airport to Polignano a Mare. A shuttle bus takes passengers from the airport to Bari train station. From there, it’s only a 30-minute train ride to Polignano.
- The village can also be reached from Brindisi Airport. The train journey takes over an hour.
- It’s also possible to reach the village by long-distance bus. There is a station just next to the train station which is served by FlixBus, bring travelers from across Italy to this location.
Luggage storage in Polignano a Mare
As with many charming Italian towns, one of the best things to do in Polignano is simply to wander without a particular purpose and enjoy the atmosphere. The narrow streets are alive with activity, especially in the summer, and you never know what you may find when you go exploring.
You can make things easier on yourself by dropping off any unneeded bags at a luggage storage in Polignano. By partnering with local businesses, Bounce makes it easy to find a luggage locker near you so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Attractions and activities near Polignano a Mare
- The ancient town of Monopoli is another jewel of the Puglian coast. Just a short distance from Polignano, Monopoli is known for its Baroque Cathedral, including a tall bell tower, and its 16th-century castle that overlooks the rugged coast. Larger than Polignano, Monopoli is a great place to visit if you want more of the amenities of the city while still preserving the low-key charm of the area.
- Alberobello is one of southern Italy’s most famous spots. This small town is best known for its trulli - ancient conical stone houses that have made this unique city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s a museum where you can explore what life was like in these old houses, and you can even stay in one for a few nights if you’d like a more immersive experience. Plus, if you’ve truly fallen in love with the place, there are plenty of realtors who would be happy to sell you a trullo of your own.
Bari is the capital of Puglia, and is the largest city on the Adriatic Sea. If you are visiting Polignano, chances are good that you will get there through Bari. But this town is much more than just a station on your way. Home to an 11th-century cathedral and a charming old town, it also boasts some of the region’s best beaches. You could easily spend at least a couple of days exploring here without running out of things to do.