Polignano a mare: the most beautiful caves and how to visit them

Vacation in Puglia? It is mandatory to stop by Polignano a Mare and discover all its incredible caves, the result of the erosive action of water and wind and the "artistic vein" of nature that seems to have enjoyed painting truly unique shapes and plays of light.

Follow this article and you will find all the useful information regarding the most beautiful caves of Polignano a Mare and how to visit them!

The 5 most beautiful sea caves of Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is known for its enchanting scenic beauty, but especially for the numerous caves that open in the cliff from north to south.

From the sea, the entire shape of the coast can be seen, dotted with coves and caves, intricate stone formations that rise above the water and hold fantastic wonders in their depths. 

The caves of Polignano, mostly cataloged by the speleological registry, are worth visiting to enjoy the fantastic plays of light, a result of refraction between a bright sky and a clear sea, and to admire the remarkable work that nature, using water and wind, has accomplished over the centuries.

A pleasure that can only be visited by boat or SUP and through guided tours.

Here are the 5 most beautiful caves in Polignano a Mare that definitely deserve to be visited:

1. Grotta Ripagnola

The northernmost of the caves in Polignano opens in the homonymous location about a thousand meters from Cala Fontanella (or Cala Fetente, according to the contemporary name). It is far from the inhabited center of Polignano a Mare. The visit is recommended only for those with caving skills.

2. Grotte di Santa Caterina

These two caves penetrate into the cliff of Polignano a Mare for many dozens of meters and, as usual, offer a small pebble beach at the far end. They open in pairs near the famous restaurant Tuccino. The first cave features large boulders at its entrance, fallen from a previous collapse of the vault, and has an easy entrance. The second is larger than the first, which is accessed through a very wide entrance. Both are worth visiting from the open sea, but it is also possible to capture their shape from a small rocky outcrop outside.

3. Grottarco

It is not a true cave, but rather a stone arch, sculpted over time by weather and marine agents in the high, massive wall of the rock. It is visible from the top of the cliff, but its most fascinating views are best enjoyed coming from the open sea. There are similar ones along the coast, but this is certainly the most impressive.

4. Grotte della foca

They are two large caves, very deep but with not a very wide entrance, which it is suggested to visit only if you do not suffer from claustrophobia. From the bottom of the caves, one can admire the exit, illuminated by the rising or midday sun.

5. Grotta Palazzese: the restaurant in the cave in Polignano a Mare

Located in the historic center of Polignano a Mare, Grotta Palazzese is one of the most famous caves in Polignano a Mare because, in addition to being visible from the historic center, it houses the restaurant of the same name, considered among the 10 most exclusive outdoor restaurants in the world. The restaurant, elegantly renovated, also features 15 rooms that are truly suspended over the sea, in total harmony with the most advanced technology systems.

An experience definitely worth living for those with high financial availability; for those who just want to take a look at Grotta Palazzese from the sea, a SUP excursion is what we recommend.

How to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare

A piece of advice we give you is to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare at least once in your life because it is truly an incredible experience that deserves to be lived.

There are many ways to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare: canoe, SUP, or by boat.

It all depends on what kind of vacationer you are!

1. Visit to the caves of Polignano a Mare by SUP

If you are a sports lover and enjoy moving in a sustainable way, choose canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. An eco-friendly way that allows you to reach inaccessible spots in a different manner. It represents a way to stay fit during your vacation while enjoying the breathtaking scenery!

2. Visit to the caves of Polignano a Mare

If, instead, you have little time available for your vacation and want to move quickly and calmly, we recommend visiting the caves of Polignano by boat. There are, in fact, boat tours and guided excursions through which you can admire the splendor of the Polignano coasts and its caves.

Visiting the caves of Polignano allows you to witness a true natural spectacle that unfolds among long stretches of fine sand, cliffs overlooking the sea, bastions, enchanting caves, and crystal-clear waters.

It doesn't matter how, what matters is to visit the Polignano coast from the sea: don't miss the chance to see these wonderful works of nature!

Excursion to the caves of Polignano a Mare: how to book

Every traveler who arrives in Polignano a Mare cannot leave without taking an excursion to discover the splendid sea caves and a cobalt blue, crystal-clear sea that bathes these rocky cliffs overlooking the sea. 

We at Pugliamare offer you a series of organized excursions to discover the wonders of Polignano a Mare.

Whether you are an adventurous type or a tourist for just a few days, below you will find a list of experiences that will definitely suit your needs.

All that's left is to choose your next adventure! Enjoy!