Dear traveler friends, welcome to a new appointment with the Blog’s article review dedicated to our “Pearl of the Adriatic”: Polignano a Mare. In today’s article, we answer one of the most frequent questions that guests of the B&B Casa di Anna usually ask during their stay at our Bed and Breakfast: “What can we do in Polignano?”

A dive “Into the Blue Painted Blue”

Without any doubt, the first advice can only be to immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of our beloved town. Also, for the year 2023, the municipality of Polignano a Mare has achieved the prestigious Blue Flag, a national recognition awarded only to those places that have distinguished themselves for the quality and purity of their waters. For more information on which beaches to visit, we refer you to our article on the best beaches in Polignano.

Boat Tour to discover the Marine Caves

Among the most suggestive activities to do during a trip to Polignano, our B&B recommends a boat tour to discover the Polignano coast and marine caves. Although little known, in Polignano, the marine caves are many, about 70! (among the most important are: Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta delle Monache, Grotta Palazzese – in the photo, Grotta Sella, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta Ardito) some of which are also visitable.

The Boat Tour is among the services offered by our B&B that relies on Cave Emotion and the extraordinary passion of Michele Serripierri to give his guests a unique experience. The Tours have a duration of about 120 minutes, and the best time to take the tour is undoubtedly at sunset. You can book your tour directly at the property at check-in, although it is advisable to give at least 24 hours’ notice.*

Reservations may be subject to changes due to weather conditions.

SUP Excursion

Stand Up Paddle, better known as SUP, is a variant of surfing that has rapidly spread in recent years. It simply involves standing on a board and using a paddle for propulsion.

Polignano has become the natural habitat for this new discipline: SUP excursions allow you to visit the coastline from a completely new perspective, as well as explore sea caves that are inaccessible to traditional boat tours. The excursions last about 60 minutes and include a basic lesson to learn the fundamental movements needed to move with the board and a visit to some caves. The excursion follows a route that starts from Lido Cala Paura, reaches Grotta Palazzese, and returns for a total of about 2 nautical miles traveled.

You can book your trip directly at the facility at the time of check-in.

*Reservations may be subject to changes due to weather conditions.

Selfie with the Domenico Modugno Statue

Inaugurated on May 31, 2009, the Domenico Modugno Statue is certainly one of the most sought-after and photographed monuments in Polignano. Created by Argentine sculptor Hermann Mejer, the approximately 3-meter-high bronze statue faces the town center with the sea in the background. With this choice, the artist undoubtedly sought to depict a symbolic embrace of the famous singer towards the city of his birth.

Cultural Moment at the Pino Pascali Museum

Among the most important and prestigious attractions, we cannot fail to mention the Pino Pascali Museum. Located inside the former municipal slaughterhouse, the museum, named after a prematurely deceased Polignanese artist, is one of the major points of interest offered by Polignano, as well as a cultural hub of absolute relevance for Puglia, being the only stable museum of contemporary art present in the region. For information on exhibitions and displays, we invite you to visit the Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali | Polignano a Mare (BA) – ITALY – Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali’s website.

Visit to San Vito

San Vito is a village located about 3.5 km from the city center of Polignano and represents one of the most charming areas that tourists can visit. The village is characterized by being a small fishermen’s bay overlooked by the Benedictine Abbey erected around the 10th century.

Not far from the small beach, there is also an ancient settlement represented by a watchtower of Saracen origin.

Discovering ancient civilizations at the Archaeological Site of Santa Barbara

For lovers of history and ancient civilizations, B&B A Casa di Anna recommends stopping in the Santa Barbara district (about 3 km from the city center) towards Monopoli, where there is a Neolithic settlement of significant historical and cultural value dated between the 6th and 5th millennium BC. The site can be reached at the following address: https://goo.gl/maps/sQgxLU36JXs.

We have come to the end, we hope that the information provided has contributed to providing useful ideas for planning the most exciting activities possible! But remember our advice does not end here, during your stay the staff of B&B A Casa di Anna is at your disposal for information and useful suggestions for your trip. We thank you for the time devoted to reading this article and we hope to have you as our guest soon! To continue planning your trip, we recommend What to see in Polignano.

Welcome to a new installment of articles on our blog dedicated to Polignano. If you haven’t already, we invite you to read our previous contributions by visiting our archive and to write to us with your thoughts 😉

In today’s article, we want to help you travelers who, amidst packing and planning, have not yet fully planned what to see in Polignano once you arrive in the city. If you are looking for useful tips on beaches, we recommend visiting our in-depth article about the best beaches in Polignano.

Let’s begin! What should you visit first?

Lama Monachile

Lama Monachile is the symbol beach of Polignano, the bay is located right in the center (2 minutes walk from B&B A Casa di Anna) and can be reached through two accesses located at the ends of the bridge of via Pompeo Sarnelli (a Bourbon bridge built about 200 years ago). In Roman times, Lama Monachile was used as a landing place for boats that made Polignano one of the most important commercial routes of the peninsula. The Roman influence can be seen in the “Ponte della Via Traiana” located right above Lama Monachile, parallel to the Bourbon bridge, which was intended to connect Rome to Brindisi. The lama is also the location of Red Bull Cliff Diving, the high diving competition organized every year by the energy drink company of the same name.

Statue of Domenico Modugno

Inaugurated on May 31, 2009, the Statue of Domenico Modugno is certainly one of the must-see stops in Polignano. Made by Argentine sculptor Hermann Mejer, the bronze statue, about 3 meters tall, faces the town center with the sea behind, almost as if to symbolize Mr. Volare’s embrace of the city where he was born.

Historic Center

The visit can only continue in the old town of Polignano. After crossing the bridge, you reach the Arco Marchesale, the symbolic entrance to the historic center and the last testimony of what was once the city walls that protected the small Pearl of the Adriatic. Once you pass the arch, the old town develops into a maze of narrow streets and alleys paved with stone, surrounded by stairs and balconies decorated with various floral patterns. However, the real attraction is represented by the “logge”: the sea views characterized by a breathtaking view. Continuing the walk, you reach Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, better known as Piazza dell’Orologio due to the Palazzo or Torre dell’Orologio located here. The square also houses the main church of Polignano: the Chiesa Matrice dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. After passing Piazza dell’Orologio, you reach Piazza San Benedetto, a rectangular square characterized by the presence of many small bars and restaurants, as well as one of the main locations of “Il Libro Possibile,” the literary festival that takes place annually in Polignano.

Waterfront

Recently renovated in 2017, the Polignano waterfront represents one of the most picturesque panoramic points offered by the Puglia town. With a route of about 1 km overlooking the sea that starts from the historic center, the waterfront is ideal for a relaxing walk made even more enjoyable by the presence of many small bars and restaurants where you can taste local specialties or simply quench your thirst with a refreshing drink. Always a place of great charm and interest, the waterfront has been the location of two important film productions: “The Girl with a Pistol” – 1968 and “Cado dalle nubi” – 2009.

Pino Pascali Museum

Continuing the walk along the waterfront, we arrive at the Pino Pascali Museum. Built inside the former municipal slaughterhouse, the museum is one of the major attractions offered by Polignano, as well as a cultural center of absolute importance for Puglia, being the only stable museum of Contemporary Art present within the region. For information on exhibitions and events, please visit the Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali | Polignano a Mare (BA) – ITALY – Website of the Pino Pascali Museum Foundation.

Hermit’s Rock

At the end of the walk on the waterfront, it is possible to admire the Hermit’s Rock, an islet located a few meters from the coast and another natural attraction offered by Polignano.

Marine Caves

Among the lesser-known but most suggestive natural beauties, the marine caves are certainly to be counted: in Polignano, there are about 70 of them! Most of these can be visited through special boat tours lasting about 2 hours (timings may vary depending on the selected packages). You can book your trip directly from our B&B and experience one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Polignano. Ask for the tour when booking or at check-in, and you won’t regret it.

San Vito

San Vito is a hamlet of Polignano, located about 3.5 km from the city center, and represents one of the major points of interest for tourists.

Here you can find the Benedictine Abbey of San Vito, a building nestled on the small port that hosts it and perched on the sea. The abbey was built around the 10th century and later became the residence of the friars belonging to the order of the Holy Apostles. At the end of the 18th century, it became property of the State and was then sold in 1866 to the Marquess La Greca family, the current owner.

The small beach is also surmounted by an ancient Saracen watchtower and is ideal for long and romantic walks while contemplating the sea.

Archaeological Site

To testify to the ancient origins of Polymnianum (whose translation means “built high”) or Neapolis, in the district of Santa Barbara, located about 3 km from the city center towards Monopoli, there is a Neolithic settlement of significant historical and cultural value dating back to between the 6th and 5th millennium BC.

We hope to have provided you with useful insights for your trip, and we thank you for reading. We look forward to having you soon as guests at B&B A Casa di Anna.

Today we will satisfy one of the biggest curiosities of our clients, as well as of most tourists who choose Polignano as their destination for summer holidays: the ranking of the best free beaches in the area!

8) Porto Contessa: it’s one of the smallest and most suggestive coves offered by the Polignano coast. A miniature bay, with a length of about 12 meters, Porto Contessa represents one of the few small sandy beaches in the area. Located a few steps from the San Vito harbor, Porto Contessa offers an enchanting panorama, worthy of a postcard: not to be missed!

7) Molo Corto: named this way by most of the Polignano locals, Molo Corto (Short Pier) used to be the only docking point for small fishing boats in the past. After the construction of the tourist port, which took place recently, bathers continued to crowd this characteristic stone arm. Its protected location and entirely sandy bottom make it an ideal spot for families and groups of friends.

6) Ponte dei Lapilli: among the less known but most suggestive frames of Polignano, the beach of Ponte Lapilli represents one of the places of greatest interest for sea lovers. Nestled among the rocks, this small cove owes its name to the presence of lapilli (small to medium-sized pebbles) that completely cover the areas in front of the beach and the shoreline, extending into the sea and to a bridge that looms a few meters from the shore, allowing the connection between Polignano and the San Vito fraction (located to the north of the town). It is recommended to wear protective shoes or sandals during bathing to avoid painful falls.

5) Spiaggia di San Vito: located just a few steps from the abbey and the small harbor where every morning the gozzi (typical fishing boats) depart towards the Adriatic Sea, San Vito Beach is one of the most picturesque places offered by the Apulian town. Surmounted by an ancient watchtower of Saracen origin, the beach is perfect for long and romantic walks contemplating the sea. Following an intervention by the public administration, the beach has been equipped with two semi-mobile platforms that allow for better access to the sea. The relatively shallow seabed is mostly made up of sand and small rocks. The location is completed by many small shops that surround the beach where you can taste local specialties or simply quench your thirst with a refreshing drink. The nearby harbor is also the starting point for many boat tours to discover the coast and marine caves of Polignano.

4) Portalga (also known as Cala Sala): located in the southern outskirts of Polignano, near the “Madonna d’Altomare” Municipal Stadium, Portalga Beach is characterized by a natural cove made mostly of gravel and pebbles, surrounded by spontaneous vegetation including the typical prickly pear of the Mediterranean scrub. To access it, you need to pass through a symbolic tuff gate and descend some steps carved into the rock. Breathtaking views and crystal clear water complete this splendid location enriched by the characteristic gozzi moored on the shore. Unknown to most tourists, Portalga is ideal for those who want a place to relax in peace. Easily reachable by car, the beach is served by a free parking lot located at the entrance.

3) Cala Paura (also known as Cala Paguro): On the third step of the podium of the best free beaches in Polignano, we find Cala Paura. Originally designed as a small harbor for boats, the beach, consisting of two coves and a small dock, has been enhanced over the years thanks to regional and European contributions. Today it represents one of the most attractive destinations for tourists, also due to its proximity to the city center. Both coves that make up the beach are entirely covered with pebbles and gravel. The predominant characteristic of Cala Paura is given by the alternation of cold and warm underwater currents that are a real tonic for the body. In addition, the beach is served by some kiosks that allow the tasting of snacks and typical local products. Cala Paura has been the venue for important cultural events including theatrical performances and musical concerts. It is also highly recommended to wear protective shoes or slippers during swimming to avoid painful falls.

2) Porto Cavallo: Silver medal for Porto Cavallo, one of the few Polignano beaches with an entirely sandy bottom. It is probably the best free beach for families available in the area. Consisting of a strip of sand about 30 meters long, Porto Cavallo is located a few meters from the tourist port of Polignano, reachable through a 50m pedestrian path with free street parking. The beach owes its name to an ancient tradition, where travelers passing through Polignano used to refresh their horses from the heat by bringing them to this small bay. The beach is delimited by two arms of easily walkable rocks.

1) Lama Monachile (also known as Cala Porto): the highest step on the podium for Polignano’s most iconic beach. Made famous by countless film productions and selected as the location for the world-renowned Red Bull Cliff Diving competition, Lama Monachile is the favorite beach for tourists from all over the world who choose Polignano as their holiday destination. As a symbol of Polignano, the bay of Lama Monachile is located in the heart of the town and can be reached through two entrances at the ends of the 200-year-old Bourbon bridge of Via Pompeo Sarnelli. The picturesque bay, paved with rocks, pebbles, and gravel, was the mouth of an ancient river that flowed through these rocks millions of years ago. Crystal clear water and breathtaking views complete the spectacle offered by this little corner of paradise.

Whatever beach you choose to visit (we hope you’ll visit them all 😊), we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. Polignano has been awarded the Blue Flag and the 4 Sails Legambiente certification for the quality and purity of our waters for several years now. So all you have to do is pack your bags, and we at B&B A Casa di Anna will be waiting for you to make your stay unforgettable!

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed the article, please share it with your friends and keep following us to discover more about Polignano and our B&B. See you soon!