Perhaps no bay in Puglia is photographed more than this one. Perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, Polignano a Mare is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in southern Italy. It is popular with visitors, yes, but it remains a place that simply must be experienced. Only a 40-minutes drive from La Villa Magnifica.
Tip: Visit early in the day when the light is soft and the streets are quieter. And if you have time, combine your trip with Monopoli, just a short and scenic drive away along the coast.
Cala Monachile, the Image of Puglia
Tucked between steep rock walls, Cala Monachile, also known as Lama Monachile, is the town’s crown jewel. You reach it by crossing an ancient Roman bridge along Via San Vito, where the turquoise sea opens beneath you. For the most iconic view, continue to the panoramic spot on Via Comite Fanelli. From there, the bridge, the cliffs and the bay come together in one unforgettable scene.
Take in the View or Take the Plunge
Some stop to admire the beauty from above. Others make their way down the rocks for a swim in the clear, cool water. On sunny days, you may spot locals and bold visitors diving from the cliffs. The beach is made of smooth pebbles and larger stones, so water shoes are a wise companion.
A Stage for the Fearless
Every summer, Polignano becomes the stage for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. From platforms built high above the sea, world-class athletes dive with elegance and precision. Crowds gather on balconies and ledges, turning the town into a theatre of air, water and applause. It is a moment where sport and setting become one.
Wander, Taste and Feel the Charm
After the bay, let yourself drift through the old town. Try a scoop of gelato made with fresh local ingredients, then wander the whitewashed alleys. Behind every corner waits a new discovery: hanging balconies filled with flowers, glimpses of the sea, painted poetry on stone walls and doorways that seem to open straight onto the cliffs.
A Place That Lingers in the Heart
Polignano a Mare is more than a perfect photo. It is a place to slow down, to taste, to explore and to breathe in the beauty that lives in every turn and every breeze.
