Hotels near Polignano a Mare
70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy
Polignano a Mare balances on limestone cliffs 20 metres above the Adriatic and has become the single most-photographed spot in Puglia thanks to Lama Monachile, the pebbled cove framed by the arch of the old Roman Via Traiana bridge. The Roman engineers who first bridged the ravine in the 2nd century AD would still recognise the topography; the current bridge dates to 1826. The cove is a free public beach and open 24 hours in summer 2026, though lifeguard service runs 09:30-19:00 from mid-June through mid-September.
The centro storico is entered through the Arco Marchesale, the 16th-century gateway that opens onto Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Wander to the Palazzo dell'Orologio, the Chiesa Matrice (free, open 07:30-12:00 and 16:00-19:30 daily) and the terraces of Piazzale Aldo Moro for the classic cliff view. Polignano is also the birthplace of the singer Domenico Modugno, composer of the 1958 song Nel blu dipinto di blu, better known worldwide as Volare, whose statue faces the sea beside the marina.
Pro Tip: Book a small-boat grotto tour from the marina for the cave chapel of Grotta Palazzese, around 25 EUR for 90 minutes. The water shifts through four shades of blue between 10:00 and 12:00 when direct sun drops into the caves through openings in the cliff face.
No hotels found near this attraction
We don't have featured hotels in this area yet. Try searching with your dates to find available options.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest deals, new destinations, and travel tips delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
