A Information to the Finest Issues to do in Polignano a Mare

Final Up to date on 27th August 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

Probably the most lovely and iconic cities within the area of Puglia (the heel of the boot of Italy) is Polignano a Mare, a sun-drenched cliff hugging metropolis with oodles of character and attraction. Right here’s your information to the greatest issues to do in Polignano a Mare, in addition to journey suggestions and what to know earlier than you go!

The place is Polignano a Mare?

The city of Polignano a Mare is positioned within the heel of the boot area of Italy, Puglia. Positioned alongside the glittering Adriatic Shoreline on the japanese aspect of the area of Apulia, the closest airport is Bari, which is simply over 40 km away (which equals to round a thirty minute drive).

Whereas, in instances passed by, a lot of the city made its cash from fishing, a lot of the financial system of Polignano as we speak depends on tourism. The city has been inhabited since prehistory, and as such, nobody is aware of fairly when this magical land was first lived on.

Nevertheless, there are a number of items of archaeological proof which counsel that Polignano a Mare was really the traditional Greek metropolis of Neapolis. Native legend tells that the piece of land the place Polignano now sits was really a slab of rock which drifted off from Greece and have become half of what’s now Italy.

What’s Polignano a Mare identified for?

Scroll via any feed about Puglia on Instagram and also you’ll quickly see pictures and movies of the gorgeous whitewashed homes perched precariously on the cliff prime overlooking the azure blue sea and sandy seashore beneath. As you may think, Polignano a Mare is most well-known for its unbelievable viewpoints and sweetness!

Finest issues to do in Polignano a Mare

Stroll across the previous city

Like many historic European cities, Polignano has an previous ‘centro storico’. Fact be advised, the most effective methods to get pleasure from Polignano a Mare is just to wander across the city and permit the beachside settlement to disclose itself to you.

Be sure you put on snug sneakers as a lot of the city is just not solely down slim streets however can be pedestrian solely. One specific spotlight of wandering across the city contains seeing the various shuttered white-washed homes with their superb succulents on show outdoors. For a fair higher perception into the historical past of the town, you’ll want to guide a guided strolling tour like this one.

Church of Polignano a Mare

The primary place of worship within the Apulian city is the Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption, which was consecrated within the latter half of the 19th-century. Free to go to, specific highlights embrace an 18th-century pulpit and 15th century statue of San Vito.

Observe the poetry path

Those that favor to find the centro storico at their very own tempo ought to nonetheless keep in mind a reputation: ‘Guido Il Flâneur’. That is the signature of the thriller poetry author who graffiti’s their phrases in easy scrawls throughout the previous city’s buttery stone buildings for all to see and revel in.

Eat seafood at Pescaria

After all, due to its enviable place alongside the Adriatic shoreline, one of many primary dishes on many menus throughout eateries in Polignano a Mare is seafood. The very best spot on the town to seize a takeaway dish (or alternatively to sit down within the restaurant, although this has an extended queue) is at Pescaria.

We personally opted to take our snacks away because the queue for the restaurant was over an hour lengthy and we needed to maximise our time exploring the Apulian coastal town. There s additionally a vegetarian possibility on the menu.

Domenico Modugno statue

Probably the most well-known residents of the city is Domenico Modugno, who was born within the city. And whereas Mondugno left the city throughout childhood, Polignano stays proud to name him one in all their countrymen. Mondugno wrote ‘Nel blu dipinto di blu,’ which is also called ‘Volare’ and was impressed by Polignano a Mare.

Seaside of Polignano a Mare

Probably the most well-liked seashores within the entirety of Puglia might be the seashore of Polignano a Mare. Recognized domestically as Lama Monachile, this pure cove is flanked on both aspect by sky-high chalky limestone cliffs and is favoured by locals and guests alike.

A bit path leads down from near the previous city all the way in which to the pebbled seashore. Additionally identified domestically as Cala Porto, the seashore boasts crystal clear water. Be sure you arrive earlier within the day to safe a major spot in the event you want to go paddling and sunbathing right here (and don’t overlook your suncream!) Cliff leaping from the rocks only a brief approach from the seashore is well-liked amongst locals however I didn’t really feel like doing this myself!

Snap pictures from Balconata sul Mare

When you’ve gone trying to find pictures of Polignano a Mare on-line, then, chances are high, you’ve came across a photograph taken from the Balconata sul Mare. This ‘balcony over the ocean’ is positioned throughout the previous city and affords up a view of the city’s seashore, in addition to the chalky cliffs past.

Discover lovely vistas

Among the finest free methods to see the homes hanging over the cliffs is positioned a ten to fifteen minute stroll away from the historic previous city. Head to the rocky cliff just under the the statue of Domenico Mudegno and also you’ll discover a set of stairs that’s marked on maps as ‘Scalinata Volare’, after one in all Mudegno’s most well-known songs.

Head down this staircase and also you’ll quickly be rewarded by the viewpoint of Pietra Piatta. This affords an alternate, but nonetheless lovely, perspective of Polignano a Mare. The realm is far more spacious and is a welcome little break from the usually crowded and cramped streets of the Polignano a Mare previous city.

Up to date artwork museum

The primary artwork museum of the city is the Up to date Artwork Museum, which is named Museum of Up to date Artwork Pino Pascali domestically. The cultural house is the one everlasting museum devoted to modern artwork in Apulia and was created in 1998. Right this moment, Italian artworks might be admired for a small payment.

Eat dinner in a cave!

Probably the most luxurious and stylish experiences that guests to Polignano a Mare can have is to eat in a bit of grotto overlooking the crashing waves of the ocean. The Grotta Palazzese is the form of place that you simply go to for the setting versus the meals, which is by and huge a seafood based mostly menu.

The place to remain in Polignano a Mare

As a consequence of how extremely well-liked Polignano is, if you wish to actually expertise the place with out the crowds, then your greatest wager can be to remain in a single day and revel in a night meal as soon as the entire day trippers have left. Equally, must you decide to get up early for breakfast (check out our Italian coffee guide here), then you possibly can anticipate to benefit from the streets of the pedestrianised previous city with out the crowds!

Sei Stelle Mama: Inside strolling distance of all main points of interest that Polignano has to supply, the Sei Stelle Mama is extremely effectively reviewed. Highlights embrace a spa on-site and that it’s set in opposition to the backdrop of a lovingly restored constructing. Check prices and availability here.

Grotta Palazzese Lodge: For probably the most luxurious expertise on the town, look no additional than this 5 star institution. In addition to boasting probably the most enviable areas on the town, different facilities embrace a bar and restaurant on-site, in addition to air-con. Check prices and availability here.

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