Christmas Lights Festival
During the holiday season, the entire old town is illuminated with spectacular light installations, winter markets, and festive decorations.
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A unique local coffee mixed with lemon zest, cream, and amaretto. Try it at the historic cafes in the main square (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II).
An Apulian street food classic: a sandwich with grilled octopus, burrata, and greens. Excellent from the specialized seafood panino shops near the historical center.
Raw seafood, from sea urchins to red prawns. Best enjoyed at a high quality fish restaurant on the cliffs or down by the harbor.
Browse the narrow streets of the historical center for artisan boutiques selling beautifully painted traditional local pottery (pumo, plates, bowls).
Buy bags of crispy taralli (in various flavors like fennel or chili) and premium extra virgin olive oil from small delicatessens around town.
Take a short drive or bike ride north to this scenic abbey overlooking a small, much quieter harbor with traditional fishing boats.
Walk past the Modugno statue down to the large flat rocks ('pietra piatta'). It's less crowded than the main beach and great for sunbathing and diving.
Water temperature…
During the holiday season, the entire old town is illuminated with spectacular light installations, winter markets, and festive decorations.
The Italian stage of the annual cliff diving championship, where world-class international athletes compete from cliffs over the sea.
An annual musical tribute concert honoring the famous Italian singer Domenico Modugno, who was born in this coastal town.
A renowned annual literature festival that brings famous Italian and international authors for open-air discussions in the town squares.
The town's largest religious festival celebrates its patron saint with an impressive boat procession and grand evening fireworks.
A traditional annual spring festival where large bonfires are lit across the town to celebrate the end of the winter season.
Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia's most wide-open towns, literally clinging to the edge of a jagged limestone plateau 24 meters above the Adriatic Sea. Built upon the site of the ancient Greek settlement of Neapolis, its historic core is a maze of narrow whitewashed alleys that open onto dramatic terraces overlooking the waves. The town is world-renowned for the Lama Monachile beach, a pebble cove positioned between towering cliffs beneath a Roman bridge on the Via Traiana. It is the birthplace of the legendary singer Domenico Modugno, whose famous hit "Volare" captures the essence of this airy, sea-bound place. Beneath the town lies a network of sea caves, most notably the Grotta Palazzese, which houses one of the world's most unique restaurants inside a natural cavern. With its poetic inscriptions on city walls and its annual role as a host for international cliff diving competitions, Polignano remains a symbol of Mediterranean beauty and daring spirit.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 27 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 49 | 59 | 50 | 38 | 35 | 29 | 28 | 57 | 71 | 77 | 68 |
See what it looks like near Polignano a Mare right now.
Polignano a Mare › East · 1.9 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the heart of the old town at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, followed by a visit to the Chiesa Matrice. Walk across the Bourbon Bridge for stunning cliff views. At midday, marvel at the Grotta Palazzese sea cave before spending a relaxing afternoon at the iconic Lama Monachile beach. End your evening at the Domenico Modugno monument, humming Volare as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea.
A rainy morning at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where cafes provide shelter. At noon, we explore the dry interior of Chiesa Matrice. In the afternoon, watch the stormy sea from Ponte Borbonico. End the evening cozying up in a traditional restaurant in the old town.
A crisp winter morning in the square, with the sun warming the white walls. At noon, enjoy the peace of Chiesa Matrice without the crowds. In the afternoon, head to the monument for an early sunset over the Adriatic. End the day with warm local pasta in a cozy trattoria.
Explore Polignano on two wheels. After visiting the center, a scenic coastal ride leads you to the Abbey of San Vito. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you cycle to the more secluded rock formations like the Scoglio dell'Eremita.
A refreshing rainy ride through the center. Starting at the square, we seek shelter in Chiesa Matrice. At noon, we pedal carefully towards Ponte Borbonico. By afternoon, we reach Abbazia di San Vito, where the sea crashes dramatically against the stone.
Crisp winter air on two wheels. Starting at the square, we enjoy the empty roads. At noon, we reach the San Vito Abbey, looking almost mystical in the winter light. In the afternoon, pedal back to the monument for sunset before the evening chill sets in.
By car, you can easily reach the northern Abbey of San Vito and the southern coastal stretches. However, Polignano's historical center is car-free, so plan time for the walk from the parking lot.
A relaxed day by car, protected from the rain. Start at Abbazia di San Vito and head to the monument. At noon, park near the square for a city walk. Spend the afternoon in Chiesa Matrice before driving to the stormy Scoglio dell'Eremita.
A winter coastal drive with excellent visibility. From San Vito, head to the Modugno monument. Explore the quiet center around the square at noon. Visit Chiesa Matrice in the afternoon, then drive to Scoglio dell'Eremita for sunset.
May-June and September are best; July-August are hot and crowded.
Cliff paths slippery after rain; old town has narrow stepped alleys.
Standard Italian is spoken; locals appreciate a simple 'Buongiorno' and 'Grazie'.
Tucked away just outside Polignano a Mare, the small Spiaggia Cala Incina is hidden within an appealing, cliff-lined cove. The crystal-clear Apulian waters invite refreshing swims set against a memorable, wildly romantic backdrop. Wearing sturdy shoes for the descent is advantageous, and visitors are rewarded with a tranquil natural experience by the sea.
