Polignano a Mare: 5 Beaches to Visit If You're in the Area

Polignano a Mare: 5 Beaches to Visit If You're in the Area

The beaches of  Polignano a Mare are an unmissable destination when traveling in Puglia, but what are the best beaches in and around the city?

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 are in the area!

The beaches in Polignano a Mare: sand or rock?

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

However, the coast of Polignano is rich in some  sandy coves born from the erosive action of atmospheric agents over time. These are the ones that are suitable for use as beaches if you want to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The coastline of Polignano a Mare is mainly rocky, with the waves of the Adriatic Sea crashing against its cliffs. The coast of Polignano a Mare is therefore the ideal place for lovers of this type of coastline, where the water is always transparent 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 nearby

There are truly many beaches in Polignano a Mare, 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 (often hidden and inaccessible to the public) of Polignano a Mare and you have little time, we recommend a boat trip or a SUP excursion. There's no better way if you want to experience and immerse yourself in the wonderful Polignano coast!

In this article, however, we have prepared a list of the best seaside resorts 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 hamlet of San Vito, in Polignano a Mare. This beach, characterized by fine sand, is particularly suitable for families with children and 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 park along the road, but for a more convenient and secure solution, you can use our  Pugliamare Car Park, located a few steps from the beach and near the  Cala Ponte Marina port. In addition, upon request, we offer a free  transfer service from our car park to the center of Polignano a Mare.

2. Lama Monachile

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, one can admire on one side the ancient bridge and on the other the sea whose infinite line is the same color as the horizon. Within these few meters, one can appreciate the sea caves embedded in the high cliff. As if this weren't enough, man has contributed to making it even more picturesque with the construction of houses directly overlooking the sea. Lama Monachile is probably one of the most famous and symbolic landscapes of  Polignano a Mare. Also known as  Cala Porto, it has often been awarded the  Blue Flag by Legambiente.

3. Cala Paura

Near the town center we find  Cala Paura, a very characteristic cove with rocky inlets that define the coast. It's also charming in the evening, for romantic strolls and fascinating glimpses that can be admired by moonlight.

This beach in Polignano a Mare is small, consisting of two inlets and a mooring pier for small boats. You can walk on the  smooth pebbles, lie on the pier, or dive from the cliff into the  transparent waters from which you can see the rocky seabed.

You can choose the free beach or relax at the lido which provides sun loungers, umbrellas, and pedal boats for a ride out to sea.

The  small, colorful fishing boats add a picturesque touch to the scene.

4. Port'Alga

Port'Alga is an expanse of rocks from which you have a beautiful view of the  Hermit's Rock. It is far from the historic center of Polignano a Mare, ideal for swimming, but there are two beaches (one rocky and one pebbly) from which you can descend. There are also very suggestive natural pools.

Port'alga is a free and undeveloped bathing area, however it is possible to bring umbrellas and chairs and relax in the points where the rocks are very flat.

The seabed is perfect for those who love snorkeling.

Certainly among the beaches of Polignano, it is the quietest, preferred by locals, also due to the convenience of the adjacent parking.

5. San Vito Beach

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

Here you will find the charming  abbey built starting from the 10th century, enriched over time with baroque influences and embellished by the loggia and a spectacular external staircase.

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

From the small port in front of the Abbazia di San Vito, a pleasant  free beach stretches out. The area is very attractive, with fishing boats filling the small port and with the watchtower dominating the northern side.

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

The Trulli Coast

The  Trulli Coast, 20 km long, offers wonderful coastlines rich in  dunes and  vegetation and includes some of the  most beautiful beaches in Puglia.

Tourists looking for a high-level tourist destination will find everything here to satisfy their expectations. The unique and crystalline 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 of Legambiente, for the cleanliness of its sea and the quality of services available along its coast.

Equipped Beaches or Free Beaches: which to choose?

If you're longing for the sea, plan a vacation to visit the wonderful beaches of Polignano a Mare: small hidden gems among the cliffs of the Bari area.

If, however, you have already booked your next vacation, you will surely be wondering whether to choose between an equipped beach or lido and a free beach.

Let's try to give you some advice:

  • If you have family and children or simply  need to relax, we definitely recommend booking a  lido. Be careful not to book too late: most of the equipped beaches in Polignano a Mare are always packed with travelers, and it's difficult to get a spot at the last minute.
  • If, on the other hand, you have  a limited budget and are an  adventure lover, we recommend checking out the  free beaches in the area. There are many hidden coves, rarely visited by tourists, that are worth exploring and visiting. Many of these are difficult to access and reach. In return, however, on these free beaches (many of which are rocky), it is possible to escape the chaos of the crowd and enjoy a breathtaking view. Other free beaches, predominantly sandy, are located near equipped lidos and are much more accessible than the former: ideal if, even in this case, you have small children and prefer sand, which is much softer and more comfortable. Be sure to bring an umbrella and sun protection for the hottest hours of the day!
  • Visiting the beaches of Polignano a Mare by Boat

    If you have little time for your vacation and don't want to miss 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 the most beautiful beaches of the coast in a short time and reach enchanting coves, never seen before.

    We at  Pugliamare organize fabulous experiences for your happiness that allow you to experience the sea and beaches of Polignano in a fun and unique way: what are you waiting for to book your next adventure?

    Come aboard Pugliamare!