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Feature Destination: Discover Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is one of those places that seem to have sprung from a dream, where the Adriatic Sea meets dramatic white cliffs and ancient stone buildings cling impossibly to the rock. Traveling to this corner of Puglia feels like entering a storybook that hasn’t forgotten its past but is fully alive in the present. It is no surprise that it has become one of Italy’s most photographed towns, a true bucket list item for many people thinking about heading south, and well worth the trip if you’re considering it.

The town’s history stretches back to ancient times, with roots believed to be in the Greek and Roman periods. Its strategic position on the cliffs made it both easy to defend and perfectly placed for commerce along the Adriatic. Over centuries, Polignano’s tight maze of whitewashed alleyways and terraces took shape, designed not just for beauty but to help locals catch cooling sea breezes in the summer. The historic center is a layered record of Norman, Spanish, and more recent influences, reflected in arches, balconies overflowing with flowers, and small piazzas where neighbors chat over coffee. Its spectacular seafront was both shield and showcase, giving it that unique look of stacked houses teetering over blue water.

Polignano became even more famous in modern times thanks to music and film. Most Italians immediately think of Domenico Modugno, the singer of “Volare,” who was born here and is commemorated with a statue on the seafront. The area has also served as a film location, with its dramatic vistas and cinematic sunsets drawing filmmakers who want to bottle that southern magic. In recent years, it has become an icon of Puglia’s tourism revival, a kind of poster child for the beauty of the south. As tourism grows across Puglia, towns like Polignano have become increasingly popular not only with travelers from abroad but with Italian families returning to their roots each summer, lured by the region’s unpolished charm and unforgettable light.

Part of what makes Polignano so special is that, despite this popularity, it has largely avoided the fate of becoming overrun with cruise ship crowds. Unlike some Caribbean or other European ports that feel like they belong to the cruise industry for half the year, this stretch of the Adriatic is thankfully quiet in that respect. There is no huge port for cruise liners to disgorge thousands of day-trippers. Instead, the nearby city of Bari does have ferry connections, fascinating and fun trips that can take you across to Croatia or other Adriatic destinations, but these bring a completely different scale and feel, far less disruptive to the coastal towns themselves.

Polignano’s accommodations are varied, with a few small hotels but plenty of guesthouses and Airbnbs tucked into the historic lanes. You can find something to match nearly any budget or travel style. Increasingly, winter travel is becoming popular too. Summers can be super hot these days, while winters in Puglia are mild, often sunny, and perfect for appreciating the drama of the waves crashing against the cliffs without the crowds. While you might not swim, you can spend your days wandering the streets, exploring hidden coves and beaches, and enjoying long lunches or sunset aperitivi with smaller crowds. The air is cool but rarely cold, and the town’s limestone walls seem to glow in the softer light.

A huge part of the appeal here is simply walking, getting lost in the narrow white lanes that open onto breathtaking balconies over the sea. There are countless beaches and coves to explore. The coastline in this part of Puglia is a wonderful mix: pebbly beaches with impossibly clear water, rocky outcrops for dramatic views, and longer sandy beaches a short drive away. There’s something for every taste, whether you prefer a lively lido with chairs and umbrellas for rent, or a completely free beach you’ll share only with locals. One great thing to look for is Italy’s “Blue Flag” designation: beaches awarded this status meet stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria, and are generally known for being clean and well-managed. The Blue Flag program is an international certification run by the Foundation for Environmental Education, and it encourages sustainable tourism practices, environmental education for visitors, and conservation-friendly management of coastal resources. When you see a Blue Flag flying, you can be confident you’re at a beach that respects and preserves the natural environment.

Blue fishing boat in the bay near Polignano a Mare Copyright Giacomo Abrusci 2025

Giacomo Abrusci and husband at Polignano a Mare Copyright Giacomo Abrusci 2025

Beyond Polignano itself, the surrounding area is rich with possibilities. Monopoli is a short drive south, with its larger harbor, sweeping seafront promenade, and a charming old town of tangled alleys, baroque churches, and lively piazzas. It feels a bit bigger and busier than Polignano, but equally atmospheric. Ostuni, further inland, is called “the White City” for good reason: its historic center is a cascade of whitewashed houses glowing in the sun, rising like a Game of Thrones fortress over olive groves and the Adriatic in the distance. It’s a town that rewards slow wandering, with hidden corners, artisan shops, and panoramic views at every turn.

A bit farther afield, Alberobello is famous for its trulli, those iconic conical stone houses that look like something from a fairytale. Walking among them you need to imagine stepping back in time, and the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera, just over the border in Basilicata, is one of Italy’s most astonishing destinations. Known for its sassi districts, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone, it offers a unique and haunting beauty, especially in the golden hours of dawn and dusk. Both Alberobello and Matera make fantastic day trips from Polignano, though many travelers wish they’d stayed longer.

Back on the coast, you’ll find some beaches in the region that are also important for conservation, particularly for nesting sea turtles. South of Ostuni lies the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area, which combines unspoiled coastline with active conservation work. Here, the Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine WWF Molfetta and local partners rescue injured turtles, monitor nesting activity, and educate the public about protecting these vulnerable creatures. Torre Guaceto is a national nature reserve and marine protected area with dunes, wetlands, and reefs providing vital habitats for wildlife while offering visitors a pristine and responsibly managed landscape. It’s a great example of how tourism and conservation can coexist. You can read more about the protected area and its conservation efforts at:
https://www.riservaditorreguaceto.it/en/

Food, of course, is central to any visit in Italy, and Polignano is no exception. There’s no need to single out any one restaurant, there are too many excellent choices. Whether you want a casual meal or something more elegant, you’ll find plenty of options serving classic Italian cuisine, from fresh pastas to cheeses and locally baked breads. Don’t miss trying panzerotti, those delicious fried pockets of dough stuffed with tomato and cheese, and of course, pizzas ranging from the traditional to the inventive. My favorite local dish since I was a kid, “riso patate e cozze,” rice, potatoes and mussels- which is just what it sounds like. Italy in general is wonderfully accommodating for dietary needs, with gluten-free and vegetarian options widely available and familiar to staff, making it easy to travel with family or friends with different needs.

Polignano is a place that deserves more than a quick photo stop. Whether you have a few days or a whole month, you can tailor the pace to your own needs. Relax in the sun, sip local wines on cliffside terraces, watch the ever-changing sea, and wander medieval lanes that have seen countless generations do the same. It is this combination of history, scenery, and warm southern spirit that makes it such a compelling destination. As Puglia continues to open up to the world, towns like Polignano remind us that true beauty is not just in what you see but in how a place makes you feel- like you’ve found something rare, authentic, and completely unforgettable.

By Giacomo Abrusci, SEVENSEAS Media