Polignano a Mare: the 5 beaches to visit if you're in the area

The beaches of Polignano a Mare are a must-visit when traveling in Puglia, but what are the best beaches in the city and its surroundings?

Polignano is perfect for those who love bays, rocky coves, and sandy beaches. 

Read this article to discover the 5 most beautiful beaches in Polignano a Mare to visit if you're in the area!

Beaches in Polignano a Mare: sand or rock?

The beaches of Polignano a Mare are located in areas mainly surrounded by rocks and cliffs.

The coast of Polignano is rich in some sandy coves formed by the erosive action of weather agents over time. It is these coves that are perfect for use as beaches if you want to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The coastline of Polignano a Mare is primarily rocky, where the waves of the Adriatic Sea crash against the cliffs. Therefore, the coast of Polignano a Mare is the ideal place for lovers of this type of shoreline, where the water is always clear and crystalline and where you can enjoy the true essence of the sea away from the chaos of usually crowded sandy beaches.

The 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Center of Polignano a Mare and Surroundings

The beaches of Polignano a Mare are truly numerous, and it is difficult for us, in this article, to describe the countless beauties of this extraordinary location.

If you want to admire the many beaches (many of which are hidden and inaccessible to the public) of Polignano a Mare and you have little time available, we recommend a boat tour or a SUP excursion. There is no better way if you want to experience and immerse yourself in the wonderful Polignano coastline!

In this article, however, we have prepared a list of the best seaside locations for you, which, both for accessibility and beauty, you absolutely must see if you are in Polignano.

We have selected 5 beaches for you:

1. Porto Cavallo

Porto Cavallo is a cove located in the district of San Vito, in Polignano a Mare. This beach, characterized by fine sand, is particularly suitable for families with children and for people with disabilities, thanks to its easy access and welcoming nature. Being a small and very popular beach, especially due to the presence of sand, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

Generally, you can park along the street, but for a more convenient and safe solution, you can take advantage of our Pugliamare Parking, located just a few steps from the beach and near the port Cala Ponte Marina. Additionally, upon request, we offer a free transfer service from our parking lot to the center of Polignano a Mare.

This beach is located in the heart of Polignano a Mare, consisting of small white pebbles and crystal-clear green waters. Lama Monachile appears to those who see it as absolutely rare in its beauty.

Upon arriving at this place, you can admire on one side the ancient bridge and on the other the sea, whose endless line matches the color of the horizon. In these few meters, you can appreciate the marine caves embedded in the high cliffs. As if this weren’t enough, humans have further enhanced the scenery by constructing small houses perched directly above the sea. Lama Monachile is likely one of the most famous and symbolic scenes of Polignano a Mare. Also known as Cala Porto, it has frequently been awarded the Blue Flag by Legambiente.

3. Cala Paura

Near the town center, we find Cala Paura, a very characteristic cove known for the rocky inlets that outline the coast. It's also charming in the evening, perfect for romantic walks and the enchanting views that can be admired by moonlight.

This beach in Polignano a Mare is small, consisting of two coves and a docking pier for small boats. You can walk on the smooth pebbles, lie down on the pier, or dive from the cliff into the transparent waters where the rocky seabed is visible.

You can choose between the free beach or relax at the lido, which provides sunbeds, umbrellas, and pedal boats for a trip offshore. 

To give a picturesque touch to the scene are the colorful little fishing boats.

4. Port’Alga

Port’Alga is a stretch of rocks from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Scoglio dell’Eremita. It is located far from the historic center of Polignano a Mare; the ideal way to enjoy it is to dive in, but there are also two beaches (one with rocks and the other with pebbles) where you can access the water. There are also some very scenic natural pools.

Port’alga is a free and unserviced bathing area; however, it is possible to bring umbrellas and chairs and relax in the spots where the rocks are very flat.

The marine depths are perfect for those who love snorkeling.

Certainly, among the beaches of Polignano, it is the most tranquil, favored by locals, also for the convenience of the adjacent parking.

5. Spiaggia di San Vito

Moving just 3 km north of Polignano a Mare, you will reach San Vito Beach.

Here you will find the evocative abbey built starting from the 10th century, enriched over time with Baroque influences and embellished with a portico and a dramatic external staircase.

In the surroundings of the beach, you can admire the Saracen tower and the ancient eel trap.

From the small harbor in front of the Abbey of San Vito extends a pleasant free beach. The area is very attractive, with fishing boats filling the harbor and the watchtower standing out on the northern side.

It is a highly sought-after place not only for the sea but also because it is perfect for fun and interesting photo shoots.

The Trulli Coast

The Trulli Coast, stretching over 20 km, features stunning coastlines rich in dunes and vegetation, and includes some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia.

Tourists seeking a high-level tourist destination will find here everything that can meet their expectations. The unique and crystal-clear sea makes this area perfect for those who love long swims and for diving enthusiasts.

It is recognized with the title of Blue Flag and with the five sails from Legambiente, for the cleanliness of its sea and the quality of the services available along its coast.

Equipped Beaches or Free Beaches: which one to choose?

If you’re craving the sea, plan a vacation to visit the beautiful beaches of Polignano a Mare: small gems hidden among the rocks of the Bari area.

If, on the other hand, you have already booked your next vacation, you are probably wondering whether to choose between a equipped beach or a beach club and a free beach.

Let's try to give you some advice:

• If you have a family and children or simply need to relax, we definitely recommend booking a beach club. However, be careful not to book too late: most of the equipped beaches in Polignano a Mare are always packed with travelers and it is difficult to secure a spot at the last minute.
• If, instead, you have a low budget and are an adventure lover, we recommend checking out the free beaches in the area. There are many hidden coves that are little-visited by tourists and are worth exploring and visiting. Many of these are difficult to access and hard to reach. However, at these free beaches (many of which are rocky), you can escape the chaos of the crowd and enjoy breathtaking views. Other free beaches, mainly sandy, are located near equipped beach resorts and are much more accessible compared to the previous ones: ideal if you have young children and prefer softer, more comfortable sand. Be sure to bring an umbrella and sunscreen for the hottest hours of the day!

Visit the Beaches of Polignano a Mare by Boat

If you have limited time for your vacation and don't want to miss out on the most beautiful beaches of Polignano (many of which are not reachable on foot), our advice is to book a boat trip, a daily sailing tour, or a SUP excursion.

These fantastic experiences allow you to visit in a short time the most beautiful beaches of the coastline and reach charming coves, never seen before.

We at Pugliamare organize enchanting experiences for your happiness, allowing you to enjoy the sea and beaches of Polignano in a fun and unique way: what are you waiting for to book your next adventure?

Board Pugliamare!