Polignano a Mare, the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea

Polignano a Mare is a unique town, well known worldwide for its stunning cliff overlooking the sea. Farming and fishing are the main local sources of income.
 Its charming old town has many narrow white alleys ending on beautiful terraces overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Hometown of Domenico Modugno, Polignano is full of life and experience to make. With its beaches, small bays and mysterious sea caves, you will find the experience that meets your needs. Polignano is full of night pubs, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local delicious fish. And of course, it has a rich history, culture, art and traditions that only wait to be discovered.
You can never get bored in Polignano, while being surrounded by stunning postcard landscapes throughout the day.

Polignano a Mare stands out in the blue of the sea from a stunning and breathtaking cliff, with its old town still protected by the ancient walls. The Marquis Arch is the ancient main door to the old town, through which you arrive in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, centre of the religious and political power. The Palace of the Watch houses the statue of San Vito, local Saint Patron, while the Cathedral preserves valuable pieces of art, among which is worth mentioning the Nativity by Stefano da Putignano. The old town, with its narrow alleys, houses several stunning terraces overlooking the blue sea. With a simple architectural style, the old town is full of cosy outdoor staircases, cosy votive niches, adorned with colourful flowers, as a sign of devotion to Saints' icons.

The stunning coast is indented with several sea caves, most of which are accessible from the sea. The coastline offers several spectacular sights such as the Turquoise Cave, in Grottone, the Pigeons Cave, famous for its turquoise and emerald green colours of seawaters, or the worldwide renowned Grotta Palazzese. The Blue Flag award and the Four Sails by Legambiente recognition, granted to Polignano for four years in a row, are a testimony of the quality of its seawater, its services and its attention to the environment. 

Polignano is well known for the huge naturalistic value of its sea caves and for the historical importance of its old town, with the remains of the Roman period. Worth mentioning, the bridge hosting the Via Traiana still accessible nowadays to cross Lama Monachile and access one of the most famous beaches in town.

3 kilometres away from the town, the fishermen village of San Vito houses the majestic Abbey of San Vito. According to the legend, in 801 a boat with the princess Florenza landed in this harbour with the relics of the Saint, which were then preserved by the local monastic community.

From the 14th to the 18th century, the Abbey was the place of residence of Frati Minori conventuali dei SS. Apostoli and then in 1785, it became part of the Royal Property. A small and well-preserved church in Romanesque style is located in the Abbey, with three naves, separated by regular pillars.