Polignano a Mare - The Adriatic Sea jewel

This is a small city which seems like cut out of heaven. It is also one of the main attractions of the area, so you will definetly want to go there. If you are looking for an old town, paved street and just an old Italian vibe, this is the place for you. The Adriatic sea gives this mediaval city an amazing vine and the blue water seems like out of this world.

How to get there:

You can reach the area by train, from Bari Centrale, by car or bus. By train, it is a 30 minutes ride, very confortable and enjoyable. If you go by car, please note that there aren't so many available parking places. Bari is just 33 km away so you can plan this as 1 day trip. If you want to know how to get ready for this trip, you can read up my tips here.

The places is very vibrant and full in the summer time( from what I undertood) and it get very very hot. A proof is that they have a gelateria (ice cream shop) every 5 meters.

What to do:

When it comes to places to see, you can just get lost in the city, as the place is not very big and this is kind of the only thing to do.

There is a cliff where everyone goes to take pictures and there you will find the status of the most famous inhabitant of the island - they guys who sang "Volare" - Lungomare, which is also the name of the cliff. . You can just enjoy the view here or go to one of the restaurants that have the view but also a cold drink which you will for sure need.

Strolling in the city, you will see many small restaurant and little cute house which present in the best way the Italian vibe.

Where to stay:

If you choose to stay in the city for at least 1 night ( like I did) I recomend booking the small cute places ( I stayed at Brugis B&B- very nice place located in the center) and enjoy the hospitality of the people. Just remember the siesta time as the shops will close from 2 - 4 pm.

The main attraction of the place is the restaurant build inside a cave Grotta Palazzese - just make sure you will make a reservation in advance.

Where to eat:

Anywhere!! All the places have great fod, especially as the fish is so fresh and Italians know how to cook it.

You should also try the speciality of the place: Focacia - this is the birth place of Focacia - and panzerotti - a stuffed pastry with different flavours.

If you are looking for an autenthic experience, I recommed this place: Bar Clipper. A very freindly host and the food is just to die for!!

You don't need more then 1 day here as the place is small, but for sure it is worth spending the night and try the local cuisine and the prosecco or the wine, as they do it in the region.

One thing to note is that if you don't travel by car, the easiest way to continue your trip is to take the train back to Bari and from there to continue your journey. Unfortunetly, Polignano a Mare is not very well conected with other cities in the region.