Puglia, Italy
Puglia offers a treasure trove of destinations within a short distance from Polignano a Mare, each with its own appeal.
Accessible Locations within Day-Trip Distance: Monopoli (approx. 10 km south) is a charming fishing town with a well-preserved historic center, a seafront castle (Carlo V Castle), and a picturesque working harbor filled with traditional blue fishing boats. Less touristy than Polignano, it offers an authentic Puglian life view. Ostuni (approx. 40 km south), the "White City" (Città Bianca), features whitewashed buildings, contrasting with the deep blue sky. Its historic center is a beautiful cathedral. Views extend over olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.
Explore different travel styles and their time requirements for regional excursions.
Offers maximum flexibility and is often budget-friendly. This travel style allows you to explore at your own pace. Ideal for destinations connected by train (Bari, Monopoli, Ostuni). This approach does involve planning public transport schedules or navigating by car.
More convenient for reaching multiple, less accessible destinations in one day (e.g., Alberobello, Locorotondo, Matera) without the hassle of driving, parking, or public transport logistics.
Beyond Polignano a Mare's immediate coastline, Puglia contains diverse natural landscapes worth exploring.
Near Bari, a regional park with diverse flora and fauna, archaeological sites, and walking trails. Good for a quiet nature walk.
South of Polignano, this park safeguards a coast stretch with diverse ecosystems, protected beaches, and wetlands. Birdwatching and walks in a wilder setting.
Area near Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca with 'trulli' houses, rolling hills, ancient olive groves, and vineyards. A picturesque landscape for drives or cycling.
Explore more secluded beaches and coves south of Polignano a Mare, less crowded than town beaches.
Head inland to the rural beauty of the Itria Valley for a different kind of scenery, marked by dry-stone walls and distinctive architecture.
Puglia abounds with history and culture, featuring numerous sites beyond Polignano a Mare.
Castel del Monte (near Andria): A unique octagonal 13th-century castle. Requires a longer car trip.
Visit charming small villages in the Itria Valley like Cisternino, known for its whitewashed houses and excellent local butchers.
Egnazia (near Fasano): An ancient Roman and Messapian archaeological site on the coast. Features impressive ruins and a museum.
Explore the countryside, dotted with masserie (fortified farmhouses). Many produce olive oil or wine, offering tours and tastings.
A 13th-century castle, an UNESCO World Heritage site, displaying unique octagonal design.
Coastal archaeological park with Roman and Messapian ruins.
Ancient pilgrimage cave sanctuary dedicated to Archangel Michael.
Polignano a Mare serves as a gateway for longer explorations of Puglia and neighboring regions.
Further south, stay in Lecce. Discover Otranto and Gallipoli. Relax on Salento's sandy beaches.
Explore rugged coastline, lush forests, and white towns (Vieste, Peschici) in northern Puglia.
More time in Matera, then explore smaller towns like Craco (ghost town) or the Lucanian Dolomites.
Start Polignano a Mare, then south to Monopoli, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto/Gallipoli. This route traces the Adriatic coast.
Use Polignano a Mare as base, then day trips or stay in Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Cisternino, exploring the charming inland towns.
Begin Polignano a Mare, then head west to Matera. From there, return to Puglia for Itria Valley (Alberobello, Ostuni) before moving south to Lecce.
