We’ve crafted a travel guide to introduce you to the charming town of Polignano a Mare, Italy, which we discovered last year. Situated on the east coast of Puglia, this town boasts a population of approximately 17,000 residents and is nestled on cliffs along the Adriatic Sea. Bari, a larger city with an excellent train station and airport, is conveniently located just 30 minutes away.

The locals in Polignano a Mare are warm and hospitable, and the cuisine, typical of Puglia, emphasizes seafood and is utterly delightful. While the town is highly walkable, having a car can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking availability. Although sandy beaches are accessible nearby, the central part of town primarily features cliffs, with only a solitary rocky beach. For those seeking sandy shores, they can be found just a few miles away, although they tend to be smaller in size.

Appian Way Cocktail Bar

This fantastic cocktail bar presents a wide array of fun concoctions to try, alongside perfect Aperol Spritz and intriguing local beer. Naturally, you’ll enjoy a delightful aperitivo snack, but they also provide a tasty menu. Situated on Via Roma, the street adorned with the lyrics to the ubiquitous “Volare” in lights, make sure to sit outside and soak in the scene.

Grotta Palazzese

This amazing restaurant has become an Instagram phenomenon. It is set in a cave, offering every table a view of a lifetime. Although the menu is extravagant and expensive, it is worth every penny. The food is delicious, the service is impeccable, and it will definitely make for a memorable evening. Reservations are hard to get, so plan accordingly. If you have a special occasion while in Italy and are including Puglia on your itinerary, this restaurant will be perfect for your celebration

Matera is just an hour away and well worth the visit. It is known for its unique architecture and fascinating history. Carved into the rugged landscape, Matera is famed for its “Sassi” districts, where dwellings are built into the rock cliffs, creating a strikingly picturesque scene.  Visit the Museo della Civiltà Contadina “Casa Grotta” (Museum of Peasant Civilization “House Cave”) to get a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of Matera’s inhabitants throughout the centuries. These cave dwellings, some dating back to prehistoric times, have earned Matera recognition as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.  You may also recognize it as the backdrop in the James Bond movie “No Time to Die.”

Alberobello, located just a 30-minute drive from Polignano a Mare, captivates visitors with its enchanting trulli houses. These unique stone dwellings with conical roofs symbolize the town and have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Alberobello’s trulli district offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Apulian architecture, with narrow streets winding between clusters of these distinctive structures. Shops and restaurants inhabit these distinctive houses, making it a location well worth the visit.