Polignano a Mare Italy: A town of beauty and discovery

Not far from our Coreggia property, you’ll find the wonderful beach town of Polignano a Mare. This charming coastal gem is relatively new to tourism; until just a handful of years ago, it was a well-kept secret. However, the town’s breathtaking beach, white-washed houses, historical sites and charming eateries have recently caught visitors’ attention. Despite this, Polignano a Mare still has an authentic Italian charm which continues to capture people’s imagination and is well-worth a visit during your stay.

The town is just over 30 minutes’ drive from Coreggia (via the SP113 and SS16) and is full of things to do. To help plan your trip to Polignano a Mare, we’ve picked out a few ideas to get you started…

1. Relax in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is the main square in Polignano a Mare, and a fantastic place to enjoy a pitstop during your visit. Like many Italian squares, it can be busy in the warmer months, with locals and tourists alike gathering to socialise and enjoy a quick drink or meal. However, it’s a lovely opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the world go by, so grab yourself a table, order a coffee or a chilled glass of wine, and linger for a while.

2. Take a walking tour

A walking tour is a fantastic way to really appreciate the beauty and history of the old town. The expert guides will be able to give you a greater insight into the town’s many highlights than a book would, and they may even point out some hidden gems! You can book a two hour tour here.

3. Admire the view from Balconata sul Mare

One of the most beautiful and famous viewpoints in the region can be found at Balconata sul Mare, a vantage point in the old town. Enjoy a stroll up here and drink in the views of the waves crashing against the cliffs, turquoise waters and picturesque town. There are three terraces to visit, so don’t forget your camera!

4. Enjoy a meal in an ancient cave

For a dining experience with a difference, look no further than Grotta Palazzese, the best restaurant of Polignano a Mere. The restaurant is nestled within an ancient cave, and has an amazing terrace overlooking the ocean. They have a couple of tasting menus to choose from, as well as an A La Carte menu for smaller groups. Whatever you choose, you’re in good company - the caves and terrace have been used as a venue for banquets since the 1700s and although it isn’t cheap, it will certainly be a meal to remember. You can book a table online here.

5. Treat yourself to an ice cream

Italy is perhaps the capital of the world when it comes to ice cream, and many agree that Puglia serves the best in the country! There’s nothing like a delicious frozen treat during a hot Italian afternoon, and Polignano a Mare has a fantastic selection of shops to choose from. One of our favourites is Caruso, on Via Martiri Di Dogali.

6. Visit the Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali

This splendid building used to be the town’s abattoir. Today, however, it is Puglia’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art, showcasing pieces by some of Italy’s finest 20^th Century artists. Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali has a wide selection of permanent pieces, as well as regularly changing temporary exhibitions. The museum is open between Tuesday and Sunday (10am – 1pm and 4pm - 9pm), and entrance is €5.

7. Climb the poetry steps

Behind the beach, on the way back to the old town, you’ll find a unique area known as Vicolo della Poesia. Poetry is written on the staircases, walls and doorways, signed by ‘Guido Il Flâneur’. Although the poetry is not his own, Guido moved to Polignono to further his writing career over 30 years ago, and the staircase is a lovely tribute to the city’s artistic heritage.

8. Cala Porto, the stunning Polignano a Mare beach

Puglia is famous for it’s beautiful beaches, and Cala Porto is no exception. The sparkling white pebbles do make it rather uncomfortable if you’re not wearing shoes, but it’s still well worth a visit during the warmer months.  The beach is also known for the bridge you have to cross to reach the water, known as Lama Monachile. With the facilities and convenience of the town just a stone’s throw away, it’s a lovely place to throw down a towel and enjoy the sunshine.

Whether you want to experience some gastronomic delights, admire some art or relax in the sunshine, there’s plenty to discover in Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare weather

Polignano a Mare weather is one of the things which draws people here time after time – for 10 months of the year the weather is warm and pleasant. Summer days often inch above 25°C and the sunniest and hottest month is July, which has an average of 28°C.  However, the south of Italy is also an excellent place to enjoy mild and sunny winters, usually between November and March. In Polignano a Mare, temperatures in the cool months can range from 12 to 15°C – still a lot warmer than frosty England! November is also the month which experiences the most rain, with an average of 71mm.

Anyone fancying a dip might be interested to know that the water temperature Polignano a Mare peaks in August, when it averages an enjoyable 25.6°C. In January, however, the water dips to around 13°C.

Polignano a Mare is just one of the lovely coastal towns within easy reach of our Coreggia property, so be sure to add it to your to-do list for your next holiday. To find out more about how to stay in out 30+ properties across the UK and Europe, simply get in touch with our team.