Polignano a Mare

Perched precariously on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s most photogenic seaside towns. Its old centre is a maze of whitewashed houses and flower-flecked balconies that lead to sweeping terraces overlooking the sea. Life here is lived to the soundtrack of waves crashing against the rocks below, giving the town an unmistakable charm.

The showstopper sight is Lama Monachile, a pebble beach set in a cove framed by those famous cliffs and the old Roman bridge. But beyond the beauty spots, Polignano is full of atmosphere, from narrow alleys where local life unfolds to piazzas buzzing with cafés and gelato shops. A stroll through town always brings surprises – look out for poetry inscribed on walls and hidden stairways leading to wow-factor viewpoints.

1. Soak up the views from the terraces
Polignano has no shortage of great places to take in the views. The most famous is the Balconata sul Mare, where you can look straight down into the waves. Time your visit for the golden hour and you’ll be rewarded with one of Puglia’s most spectacular sunsets.

2. Relax on Lama Monachile beach
Reached by a stone staircase beneath the Roman bridge, this pretty cove is the most photographed spot in Polignano. Its clear waters and striking backdrop make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking up the scene. Bring water shoes for comfort on the pebbles, then settle in to enjoy the lively buzz of one of Italy’s most iconic beaches.

3. Sample the town’s culinary delights
Polignano is a place to linger over food as much as views. Seafront trattorias and cliffside restaurants serve the freshest catch of the day, from grilled octopus to pasta with sea urchin. For something sweet, try a cone of gelato – the town is said to be the birthplace of Italy’s favourite frozen treat. Wash it all down with a glass of crisp local white wine as you watch the sea sparkle below.