Lama Monachile (Cala Porto): the most picturesque cove in Polignano a Mare

Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, is undoubtedly considered the most beautiful and picturesque beach in Polignano a Mare.

It is impossible not to be enchanted by such a spectacle! The scenery one witnesses is worthy of the best paintings, but it is also reality: a high cliff where many small marine caves are embedded, and as if this were not enough, man has contributed to making everything even more picturesque with the construction of houses perched above the sea.

One spectacle that is hard to describe, but needs to be experienced!

The beach of Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare

The beach of Lama Monachile is located in the heart of the village and was an ancient commercial port built by the Bourbons, which is why it is also called Cala Porto. Due to its location, it is impossible not to see it and be enchanted.

The beach of Lama Monachile is made up of rounded and polished pebbles smoothed by the sea and features a rocky and rapidly deepening seabed.

The public beach is quite small and, due to its central location, it is particularly crowded in the height of summer. We recommend going early in the morning to secure a spot (especially because early in the morning is truly enchanting).

The access to the sea is possible via a staircase near the bridge (which we will discuss later) and another descent that begins from Via Conversano, not recommended for disabled individuals and the elderly.

The beach does not have public services but there are many bars, facilities, and beach clubs nearby where you can access restrooms and enjoy refreshments in the shade.

The parking is about 300 meters away and is both free and paid: however, be careful during the high season!

The bridge of Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare

The beach of Lama Monachile takes its name from the homonymous Bourbon bridge, which is still passable, intersecting the ancient Trajan road and providing postcard views. Built in the 1830s and standing 15 meters tall, the bridge offers breathtaking views.

While everyone focuses on the "sea side," few notice the inner side of the cove. This side hides numerous treasures: centuries-old bridges, winding paths, cavities, and ancient passages.

We then descend next to an unsightly “cube” of concrete being built for the sewer system, leading us to a shorter and lower bridge compared to the 19th-century one. However, this bridge is much older: it dates back to the 2nd century A.D. and is a single-arch Roman bridge, situated along the Via Traiana, which connected Benevento to Brindisi. Built with blocks of amber tuff, the bridge is in excellent condition thanks to a recent restoration.

In front of us, white houses rise up with green shutters and plaster partially eroded by saltiness. These houses overlook the bridge and are connected by stone steps, with low trees with thick dark foliage on the sides.

Red Bull Cliff Diving: the spectacular diving competition held at Cala Porto

In the sea of Lama Monachile beach, the champions of the Red Bull Cliff Diving dive from a platform on a balcony overlooking the sea. The international competition, held in Polignano, is the most important high diving event.

This competition combines sport and spectacle. Divers leap from over twenty meters in height (27 for men, 21 for women). In just 3 seconds, at about 85 km/h, they perform spectacular acrobatics before entering the water.

This year the race will take place on September 26, as the second-to-last stage, but the date may vary depending on the order of the stages. So, if you pass through Polignano, don’t miss it!

If, however, you are in a different period and cannot attend, we recommend you check out our experiences in Polignano a Mare: