Polignano a Mare: Old Town, Best Beaches & Restaurants
Polignano a Mare is the undisputed poster child of Puglia. The historic town sits dramatically atop rugged limestone cliffs, plunging straight into the turquoise Adriatic Sea. Whether you are visiting for a day trip or using it as a home base for your holiday, this coastal gem in Puglia is an absolute must-see.
In this Polignano guide, we will show you how to beat the crowds at the most famous Polignano a Mare beach, where to park stress-free using your phone, and which viewpoints in the old town you simply cannot miss.
Quick Facts: Your Trip to Polignano
Arrival & Polignano a Mare Parking
The town’s transport connections are excellent, whether you arrive by car or by public transport. You can find further details on traveling without a car or regarding rental cars in our Puglia blog.
How do I get from Bari to Polignano a Mare?
Our parking tip: Where to park in Polignano a Mare?
Free parking is almost impossible in the center. The streets are narrow and the ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) are expensive. We recommend Parcheggio San Francesco. It is centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. Parking costs €2 per hour.
The biggest advantage: You can easily manage your parking fee right from your phone using the EasyPark app. This lets you flexibly extend or shorten your parking time if you end up leaving earlier, and you only pay for the exact time you use.
Polignano a Mare Things to Do & Beaches
The Old Town (Centro Storico)
You enter the Polignano a Mare old town (Centro Storico) through the ancient Arco Marchesale archway. The real highlights here are the numerous small terraces (terrazze) that suddenly open up between the buildings, offering mind-blowing views of the steep cliffs and the sea, so just wander through the whitewashed alleys.
Polignano a Mare Beaches & Nearby Coves
The coastline surrounding Polignano is world-famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear, turquoise water. However, one key thing to know before you go: wide sandy beaches are practically non-existent right in town. Instead, you’ll find pebble coves, rocky platforms, and hidden inlets carved into the cliffs.
Coves in Polignano a Mare (Within Walking Distance)
Beaches Near Polignano a Mare (By Car)
If you want to escape the crowded city coves or look for great cliff-jumping and snorkeling spots, these nearby beaches are well worth the short drive:
Beach Day Essential: Since almost all coves in and around Polignano have stony ground or sharp rocks, water shoes can make getting into and walking down to the sea much more pleasant.
Food Guide: Polignano a Mare Restaurants
The restaurant scene is large, but also focused on tourism. Insider restaurant tips in Polignano a Mare are therefore rare, and spontaneous evening visits during peak season often end with long wait times. Furthermore, many restaurants do not offer online booking.
Anyone looking for a Polignano a Mare restaurant will immediately stumble upon Ristorante Grotta Palazzese. Here, you dine in a naturally lit cave built right into the cliffs above the sea. The setting is unique, but the prices are extremely high (menus usually start at over €190, plus drinks and additional reservation fees). Booking months in advance is a must.
Our recommendation: Look for one of the many small, slightly more hidden trattorias in the side streets and sample the local food. If the option is available, we recommend booking online 1 to 2 days ahead. However, even during peak season in July, we always managed to find a restaurant, and we’ve put together a few restaurant recommendations for Polignano for you:
