Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, 70044 Polignano a Mare, Italy (June 2019)

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a captivating coastal town in southern Italy, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic Sea. Located in the region of Puglia, between Bari and Monopoli, it is renowned for its striking natural scenery, crystal clear waters, and whitewashed historic centre. Over the years, Polignano a Mare has become one of the most admired seaside destinations in Italy, yet it has managed to preserve a strong sense of local identity and tradition that gives it lasting depth and character.

The town’s history stretches back to ancient times, when the area was settled by the Messapii and later integrated into the Roman world. Remnants of this past can still be traced in archaeological sites and in the route of the ancient Via Traiana, which once connected major Roman cities along the Adriatic coast. During the Middle Ages, Polignano developed as a small fortified settlement, benefiting from its elevated position above the sea, which offered protection and commanding views of maritime routes. Over centuries of changing rule, the town absorbed cultural influences that are still visible in its architecture and customs.

Polignano a Mare’s historic centre is a maze of narrow streets, stone arches, and small piazzas that open suddenly onto breath-taking viewpoints. The buildings, constructed primarily from local limestone, reflect the bright sunlight and create a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape. Balconies adorned with flowers and poetic inscriptions add a personal, almost intimate touch to the urban environment. As visitors wander through the old town, they encounter a seamless blend of daily life and history, where homes, churches, and cafés coexist within centuries-old walls.

The natural setting of Polignano a Mare is one of its defining features. The coastline here is carved into a series of caves, inlets, and cliffs shaped by wind and water over thousands of years. Among these, Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, stands out as an iconic beach framed by steep rock faces and crossed by a Roman bridge. The contrast between the deep blue sea and the pale stone cliffs creates a scene that has become symbolic of the town and a powerful representation of the Adriatic coast’s beauty.

The sea has always played a central role in the life of Polignano a Mare. Fishing traditions, though reduced in scale today, remain part of the town’s cultural memory. Small boats, coastal paths, and seafood-based cuisine reflect a long-standing relationship with the water. Local dishes emphasize simplicity and freshness, featuring raw and cooked seafood, handmade pasta, olive oil, and vegetables typical of Puglia. Food in Polignano is not merely sustenance but a reflection of the region’s agricultural and maritime heritage.

Polignano a Mare is also known for its cultural vitality. The town has inspired artists, writers, and musicians, most notably Domenico Modugno, the famous singer-songwriter born here. His legacy is celebrated through public art and events, reinforcing the town’s connection to creativity and expression. Throughout the year, Polignano hosts festivals, concerts, and sporting events that animate its streets and waterfront, bringing together residents and visitors in shared celebration.

Despite its growing popularity, Polignano a Mare retains an atmosphere that feels genuine and rooted. Daily life continues at a measured pace, shaped by longstanding customs and social ties. Elderly residents gather in shaded squares, families stroll along the seafront in the evening, and conversations unfold across balconies and doorways. These ordinary moments reveal the human dimension of the town, offering a deeper understanding beyond its postcard-perfect views.

The surrounding countryside adds another layer to Polignano’s appeal. Just inland, the landscape opens into olive groves, dry stone walls, and rural farmhouses known as masserie. This proximity between sea and land allows visitors to experience the full richness of Puglia’s environment within a short distance. It also highlights the interconnectedness of coastal and agricultural traditions that have sustained the region for centuries.

In essence, Polignano a Mare is a place where nature and culture exist in dynamic balance. Its dramatic cliffs, historic streets, and vibrant community form a setting that is both visually striking and deeply lived in. As an introduction to Puglia and southern Italy more broadly, Polignano a Mare offers a compelling portrait of a town shaped by history, sustained by tradition, and enlivened by the enduring presence of the sea

Worth a Visit