Italy

Polignano a Mare

A breathtaking coastal town dramatically perched atop sheer limestone cliffs carved with sea caves above crystal-clear waters.

Region: Adriático
Country: Italy

What to see

Lama Monachile

The town's iconic pebble cove flanked by steep cliffs and spanned by an ancient Roman bridge.

Grotta Palazzese

A magnificent natural sea cavern famous worldwide for housing a dramatic fine-dining restaurant carved into the cliff.

Terrazza Santo Stefano

One of several breathtaking viewpoint terraces offering endless panoramic views of the open Adriatic Sea.

Experiences

Located just 30 minutes south of Bari by train, Polignano a Mare is one of the most celebrated coastal gems in southern Italy. Whitewashed buildings cling precariously to towering karst cliffs that plunge into the turquoise Adriatic Sea. The town is famous for its pebble beach, Lama Monachile, nestled inside a dramatic gorge beneath a Roman bridge.

The historic center is a maze of charming stone alleys, poetry-inscribed walls, and panoramic terraces offering spellbinding sea vistas. Polignano is also the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, composer of the legendary Italian song 'Volare', celebrated by a large bronze statue overlooking the ocean.

Nearby