I was excited to visit Polignano a Mare during our 10-day Puglia road trip. There are great restaurants and a famous viewpoint with a beautiful view. Despite its small size, we spent only 1 night in Polignano a Mare as there was much more to explore in Puglia. Next to that, there are amazing restaurants available, and I’ll show you where to find the best pizza in Polignano a Mare! Lastly, for a mid-summer visit with guaranteed good weather, consider staying longer in town to enjoy the beach. Want more details? Check out this Quick Polignano a Mare travel guide.
The best way to get to Polignano a Mare is by renting a car or public transport from Ostuni, Bari, Alberobello, and Monopoli. Its central location in Puglia makes it unmissable!
Check out my complete 10-day Puglia itinerary here
High end: Aquamarea (€235 for 2 persons)
Mid-range: Dimora Anderi (€130 for 2 persons)
Budget: Nisea (€100 for 3 persons) - my top pick
When you buy through links in this blogpost, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost. Thanks for your support.
Polignano a Mare is, just like the rest of Puglia, known for its limestone houses and buildings. In any case, take some time to stroll through the old town and discover the several viewpoints in town. Don’t miss out on the old gate (Porta Vecchia), through which you can enter the city. Afterwards, take the cobblestone streets to any place in town you like. In my opinion, there are limited key sights in Polignano a Mare to visit, and exploring every corner of the little town is the best thing to do. Furthermore, as in other towns in Puglia, the main square is worth a visit. The square is called Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where the small cathedral is found. Also, this is a great place to enjoy a drink, for example at Beija Flor.
After you’ve explored the old town, it is time to continue your journey through Polignano a Mare. The famous beach, called Lama Monachile Beach, is where Polignano a Mare is known for. Located between the cliffs, this beach attracts many tourists daily and might be one of the main pictures you’ll see when browsing for travel tips about Puglia.
Next to the beaches, you should visit the main viewpoint, Pietra Piatta, which overlooks the limestone houses on the cliff. Other viewpoints you can add to your list are for example Belvedere su Lama Monachille or the Viewpoint of Grotta Palazesse.
Furthermore, you can explore the Lungomare, a coastal walk along the cliffs of about 1 kilometre.
Tip: Dining at the Grotta Palazesse is supposed to be an unforgettable experience. Make your reservation well in advance
Next to exploring the old town and viewpoints by foot, it is also possible to enjoy the views of Polignano a Mare from the sea. It is the perfect way to explore this beautiful coastal town further. Whereas the viewpoints offer a great city view, with a boat tour you can explore the coastline and the nearby caves.
Certainly, one of the highlights of my holiday is relishing a delightful terrace and savouring delectable food. Since Polignano a Mare offers limited attractions beyond exploring the old town, visiting the beach, and enjoying viewpoints, ample time can be dedicated to indulging in delicious meals and drinks. Bear with me to explore the best restaurants and bars in Polignano a Mare, including the best pizza place!
This Polignano a Mare pizzeria is amazing. Certainly, this might be one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. Especially the stracciatella pizza is amazing(similar to Burrata, but even softer and more famous in the Puglian region). They top it off with two other amazing Ingredients: prosciutto and pistachio nuts. This pizzeria is located on the Via Roma and is in my opinion the place to get the best pizza in Polignano a Mare. We sat on the terrace, but there is also some room inside.
Bella ‘Mbriana seems to serve the best pasta in Polignano a Mare. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to indulge in a meal here due to our short stay in town. Nevertheless, the stories I’ve read convinced me this place is part of the best restaurants in Polignano a Mare.
Are you looking for one of the best wine bars in Polignano? The cute wine and cocktail bar La Cueva was situated very near our apartment in. In fact, the terrace was full at all times and it was a great place to watch Italian life. If you are into wine bars, don’t forget to add Al Buco to your list as well, which also serves tasty snacks.
Do I need to say anything more than this being a Mojito bar? They have some lovely seats outside and offer a wide range of cocktails.
There is unfortunately not enough time to enjoy all the gastronomy the city offers when spending only 1 day in Polignano a Mare. Based on 2024 research, I’ve added some other bars and restaurants that seem worth a visit.
Vinaria – If you want to escape the crowds in town, Vinaria is a good location to go. It is located in a small alley with outdoor seating.
Cactus – Life Art Bio Drink Book – A small espresso bar located near the main square.
Beija Flor – A terrace located on the main square
HOPS Birreria & Wine Bar – Craft beer can now also be found in Polignano a Mare!
Malidea – The perfect place for a snack as they are offering hotdogs, burgers and focaccia.
La focacceria di Delle Noci Marco – The perfect place for lunch, where you can enjoy one of the best focaccias in town.
MINT Cucina Fresco – Slightly more fancy, but they offer a lot of amazing vegetarion meals.
Lastly, if you want to go with a really fancy and unforgettable experience, you should at the famous cave restaurant in Pogliano a Mare to your list. You might spot pictures like this on Instagram, but you can experience it yourself here in Polignano a Mare. Howerver, be warned, it’s not cheap. The cave dining overlooking the sea can be found at Grotta Palazzese.
We booked an amazing Airbnb, highly recommended to everyone. With 3 levels, including a rooftop terrace, it’s perfectly located in the center. The host even provided a video-guided free parking recommendation. 100% recommended, costing slightly less than 100 euros for 3 people for one night, great value for money! Currently, the place has moved to Booking.com and you can find Nisea Lovely Home here!
If you are looking for a high-end hotel in Polignano a Mare, Aquamarea is the place to be. The hotel is located on the cliffs of the famous Lama Monachile beach and offers the best views. You will be certain of an unforgettable experience. For a night in this most beautiful hotel in Polignano a Mare, you will pay around €235.
As a mid-range hotel option in Polignano a Mare, I could recommend Dimora Anderi, starting from €100 a night. The rooms are bright and clean and have a luxurious feel to it. Furthermore, breakfast is served in a nearby cafe.
