Beaches of Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Bari in Puglia, is known for its beauty and rich history. Located on a rocky outcrop 33 kilometers south of Bari.

Polignano a Mare is renowned for its beaches and crystal-clear waters, awarded the Blue Flag. The coastline is characterized by high cliffs with numerous caves. The northern coastline offers sandy beaches such as Porto Contessa, San Vito, and Cala Fetente, while to the south, there are more wild beaches. Near the tourist port, there are the beaches of Porto Cavallo and Santa Caterina.

From Santa Caterina onwards, the coastline becomes more rugged and hosts several rocky coves known as "Lame". The first is Lido Cala Paura which hosts both an equipped beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, and pedal boat rental and a free beach. Continuing, you will come across the Grottone, a small pebble beach where you will also find the "Ristorante Il Grottone", which offers excellent fish dishes. Finally, two beaches suitable for those who want to spend a day in tranquility are Cala Sala, an uncontaminated cove also known as "Port'alga", and Cala Incina, the largest lama in the area.

Porto Contessa

Among the beaches near Polignano, not far from the village of San Vito, this free beach is characterized by small sandy coves and larger areas of rocky zones. The little beach of Porto Contessa is located near the road to San Vito and has fairly convenient access to reach the beach.

Ponte dei Lapilli

The free beach consists of small and large pebbles. To reach the cove, you have to walk down a stretch of the cliff with suitable shoes. Free parking is available on the street, and you can dive into the crystal-clear water while admiring the panorama of this splendid stretch of the Polignano coastline.

Lido Cala Paura

Located near the town center, in a very characteristic cove with rocky inlets that outline the coast. Charming even in the evening, for romantic walks and the fascinating views that can be seen in the moonlight. Typical are the fishermen's houses and the boats stranded on the shore. Not particularly extensive, and very crowded in summer. Free beach - It is partly composed of wooden platforms and partly of rocky stretches and sea stones. Rocky and quickly deep, accessed by a stone staircase, comfortable but irregular. Access for the disabled is not particularly easy.

Available services:

• Rental of umbrellas and sunbeds
• Parking about 300 meters away

Lama Monachile

Lama Monachile, recognized as one of Italy's most enchanting beaches, is a must-visit attraction for those exploring Polignano a Mare. Located a short distance from the historic center, it is easily accessible via its characteristic bridge, from which spectacular views of the bay below can be admired.

The beach, also known as Cala Porto, has been repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag by Legambiente for its beauty and cleanliness. The white pebbles of the beach contrast with the crystal-clear waters ranging from green to turquoise, creating a postcard-perfect setting. Although parking nearby is difficult to find, reaching it on foot offers the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and discover the marine caves and historic homes of the village.

Lama Monachile has services such as bars and restaurants within walking distance. However, its small size and deep seabed near the shore make it less suitable for families with young children, especially in high season when it is particularly crowded.

Porto Cavallo

Porto Cavallo, located in the San Vito district of Polignano a Mare, is a picturesque and welcoming cove, particularly suitable for families and people with disabilities. This fine sandy beach is ideal for children, offering a safe and comfortable environment to play and have fun. Given its popularity and small size, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot. Parking is available along the adjacent road, but it can be challenging to find during the peak season due to the high influx of visitors.

Santa Caterina

Santa Caterina, also close to Polignano a Mare, is located near the renowned Cozze Nere Restaurant, along Via San Vito. This sandy beach is easily accessible even for people with disabilities. Although parking is nearby, its proximity to the restaurant may make finding a parking spot difficult, especially in the summer months. For those staying in Polignano, an alternative that is ecological and exploratory is to rent a bicycle or enjoy a relaxing walk, taking advantage of the beach's proximity to the town center and the enchanting coastal landscape.