9 Best Things To Do In Polignano a Mare, Italy

1. Porto Bianco

A gorgeous port, located just on the edges of Polignano A Mare, this is a perfect location to shoot all your lovely Insta-worthy shots of the ocean, the city itself, and the crystal clear waters of the ocean.

Porto Bianco

Address: Contrada Casello Cavuzzi, 70044 Polignano A Mare BA, Italy

2. Polignano a Mare Beach

Cliff diving is one of many things that Polignano a Mare is famous for. Polignano a Mare has even been hosting the famous Red Bull diving competition in recent years and it attracted crowds of up to 45,000 people, in 2010! The beach is, of course, a wonderful sight and with its crystal clear, azure blue water, one cannot help but simply dive right into the blue and cool off, amidst the beautiful cliffs.

Polignano a Mare Beach

Address: Via S. Vito, 70044 Polignano A Mare BA, Italy

Website: Polignano a Mare

3. Abbazia di San Vito

Images of Abbazia di San Vito are currently unavailable.

This is Polignano a Mare’s main attraction. The church, a Benedictine foundation, was designed in the 10th century and used to be the home of the minor monasteries of the SS Apostles, in 1785. The church is unique in that it has an irregular quadrangular plant, with a huge porch on the main facade and it is marked by loggias, while the church’s transept is surmounted by a small circular dome.

It’s an impressive sight to behold the moment you step up to the church and you will no doubt be captivated by its intricate designs, as well as the many gorgeous sights you will see, upon entering this bastion of religion.

Abbazia di San Vito

Address: Circa 3 km Dal Centro, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy

4. Centro Storico Polignano a Mare

This would be the old town portion of Polignano a Mare. Stunningly beautiful, there’s plenty to see, eat and drink while strolling around here, including one of Polignano’s pride and joys: their ice cream. Remember to eat at least one scoop a day. You’ll be coming back for more no matter what, all the while enjoying the impossibly gorgeous sights of the old town and history it oozes.

Centro Storico Polignano a Mare

Address: Polignano a Mare, Italy

5. Lama Monachile Cala Porto

Lama Monachile Cala Porto is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Polignano a Mare. A beautiful bay, with long, spectacular sandstone walls, this is the foundation upon which the city is built and a must see when visiting Polignano. Unfortunately, if you hate crowds, you’ll have a bit of a rough time, since this place is crawling with tourists. But, don’t worry, it’s all part of the charm, and if you’re willing, you can even swim out a little ways to get away from the landlubbers and catch some spectacular views from the water. If you’re lucky, you should be able to find a spot for your towel, and at the very least, you can people watch, while enjoying the sun, sand and sea.

Lama Monachile Cala Porto

Address: Via Comite Fanelli, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy

6. Cala Paura

Yep, Polignano a Mare has plenty of beaches you can explore, and lucky for you, a little bit out, you can walk by the lido to discover this hidden gem of a beach that’s one of the best ones yet. Although crowded, there’s plenty of seafood here to be had, including tasty grilled octopus paninis! Once you reach the water, you’ll be stunned by how insanely beautiful it is. It’s a little hard to get to though, considering the beach itself is full of rocks and large stones. Even so, the beach is still crowded and if it all gets too much for you, consider sitting in the grassy area a little bit behind, instead.

Cala Paura is very close to Polignano’s city centre, so don’t be afraid to come by and enjoy yourself a little, before heading back if it gets too rocky for your liking.

Cala Paura

Address: Via Cala Pau, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy

Website: Cala Paura in Italian

7. Museo Pascali

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the few museums in Polignano, you’ll be pleased to know that they do support local art and it hosts a collection of regional art in a small but very new gallery, with plenty of beautiful and interesting photographs taken over the last few years. There’s some contemporary art too, maybe even something interactive if you’re lucky and it is well worth the entry fee, with very helpful staff who’re all smiles and ready to assist.

Museo Pascali

Address: Via Parco del Lauro 119, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy

Website: Museo Pascali in Italian

8. Statue of Domenico Modugno

The pride and joy of Polignano, Domenico Modugno was a famous Italian singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, and even a member of the Italian Parliament, and was, of course, born in Polignano. This is just a statue though but it’s a great landmark and a meeting point. And maybe, if you strain your ears, you can almost make out the familiar tunes of his 1958 international hit song, “Nel blu dipinto di blu”.

Statue of Domenico Modugno

Address: Lungomare Domenico Modugno 9, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy

9. Pose with the famous Domenico Modugno Statue

When in Polignano a Mare, make a quick stop at the Borbonic Bridge where passers-by get to see the famous and beloved Domenico Modugno Statue. This statue is popular in Polignano for the iconic Italian singer-songwriter that it was made after, Domenico Modugno himself. He is known for singing the song, Volare, and has been dubbed as “Mr. Volare” all over Italy and the world. This 9.8 foot (3 foot) bronze statue always has quite the scene to see as many tourists stop by the statue and begin singing “Volare oh oh” when passing by. It was built by Hermann Mejer, an Argentinian sculptor who made the statue as a tribute to Polignano’s beauty. Pose by this iconic landmark and post it on your Instagram feed to remember your trip to Polignano a Mare.

Domenico Modugno Statue

Address: Lungomare Domenico Modugno 9, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy

Website: Domenico Modugnano Statue

Opening hours: 24 hours, Sundays to Mondays

Price: free

Beaches, sun and sand...

A beautiful beach resort with sun, sand and of course, sea, you can let your hair down when you visit Polignano, especially when you check out the many beaches, or simply enjoy the town for what it is. Let loose, go wild and enjoy your time here, with some of Italy’s most beautiful sights, ever.