Before you go

Your trip to Polignano a Mare.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Polignano a Mare – Apúlia Destination Apúlia and Matera about 36 km from Bari

How to get there

Aeroporto di Bari Karol Wojtyła (BRI) 50 km
Polignano a Mare 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. From Rome, take the train to Bari. From Bari Centrale, regional trains reach Polignano a Mare station in about 30 to 40 minutes; it's around a 15-minute walk from the station to the historic center. Bari Airport is about 50 km away.

How many days

Half a day or a full day is enough for the historic center, the terraces, Lama Monachile and the museum. If you want the beach and a boat trip to the caves, you can stay one or two nights and use the time to visit Monopoli, about 10 km away.

When to go

From May to June and in September the weather is usually good for the sea and for walking. The swimming season typically runs from June to September; in July and August the town gets very busy, especially on weekends. From November to March there is little activity and some shops close.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The regional train links Polignano with Bari and Lecce, and the center is walkable. A car helps to combine Alberobello, Monopoli and the coastal beaches in the same day. The historic center has a ZTL (limited traffic zone): leave the car in parking areas outside it.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Polignano a Mare

Morning
Historic center and terraces
Enter through the Arco Marchesale early, before it gets busy. Walk the alleys to the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the main church, and look for the terraces over the sea, such as the Terrazza Santo Stefano.
Afternoon
Lama Monachile and lunch
Descend to Lama Monachile and see the inlet with the Via Traiana bridge; in season you can swim in the sea. Have lunch around 13h, with fish or seafood.
Late afternoon
Museum and cliff
Visit the Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali by the sea, then walk along the cliff edge to the statue of Domenico Modugno.
Evening
Night in town
Return to the historic center to see the lit alleys and dine from around 20h. If you don't stay overnight in town, take the regional train back to Bari; check the last departure time.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Bari to Polignano a Mare?

By regional train from Bari Centrale; the journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Validate your ticket before boarding if it is paper. By car, it's about 35 km via the coastal road.

Is it worth staying overnight in Polignano or doing a day trip?

A day trip from Bari covers the essentials. Staying in town lets you see the historic center early in the morning and at night with fewer visitors, and enjoy the beach more leisurely.

Can you swim in Polignano?

Yes, at Lama Monachile and other small coves along the coast. The season typically runs from June to September. The beaches are small, rocky or pebbly, and get crowded in July and August.

Does Polignano get crowded?

Yes, on weekends and from June to September. To get around more easily, arrive early and avoid Saturdays and Sundays in summer.

Can you combine Polignano with Monopoli?

Yes. Monopoli is about 10 km away, on the same train line to Lecce, and has a historic center and an old port.

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