This is the town's most famous and photographed spot, a small pebble beach nestled between two towering cliffs and framed by a historic Roman bridge.
Polignano a Mare's dramatic cliffs hide several beautiful sea caves (or grottos). A boat tour is the best way to explore Grotta Palazzese, Grotta della Rondinella, and others, often including swimming stops, small bites and the best way to enjoy the coastline. Highly recommend! Several websites such as Viator, GetYourGuide, Expedia offer boat tours.
See or dine at the world-famous restaurant located inside a natural limestone cave. Even if you don't dine there, you can view the cave and the restaurant from the nearby Viewpoint of Grotta Palazzese. If you plan on dining here, book reservations ASAP.
To fully immerse yourself in the region's culinary culture, we highly recommend a local cooking, wine, or olive oil tasting class. Puglia is renowned for its exceptional food, wine, and olive oil. If you'd like help scheduling, please reach out. These experiences are also often available for booking directly with your hotel/masseria.
Explore the old town of Polignano a Mare and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow, whitewashed streets, charming alleys, and small squares. The architecture is quintessential Puglian. Polignano has several terraces offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and old town, such as Belvedere Terrazza Santo Stefano and Pietra Piatta.
If you are looking for a beach club experience near the wedding venue, the towns directly south of Polignano a Mare, known as Monopoli, Capitolo and Savelletri are often highlighted for having some of the best beach clubs (or lidos) for guests to explore. While Polignano a Mare itself has stunning, dramatic, and mostly rocky coves (like the famous Lama Monachile), the coastline around Monopoli/Savelletri offers a shift to longer stretches of sand and numerous well-equipped beach resorts. Some beach club recommendations are Lido Bambu, Egnazia Beach Club, Calderisi Mare Beach Club, Le Palme Beach Club and Pettolecchia Il Lido.
Monopoli is a stunning, authentic Apulian seaside town just minutes from Polignano a Mare, making it an ideal day trip destination. You can explore its charming, whitewashed historic center, see the scenic old port, and relax on beautiful sandy beaches or explore the historic Castello Carlo V. It offers a perfect blend of rich history and Mediterranean beauty for a relaxing afternoon.
Alberobello is famous for its over 1,500 trulli, which are traditional whitewashed houses with iconic conical stone roofs. We highly recommend taking a day trip to explore this town. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a charming, fairytale-like experience.
Matera is an extraordinary UNESCO site famous for its ancient cave dwellings (Sassi) and perfect for a day trip. The "Sassi" (stones) are a complex system of houses and churches carved into the soft limestone rock. It is widely considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
Known as "The White City." This iconic hilltop town is a must-see, known for its dazzlingly white, maze-like medieval streets, which offer incredible views over the ancient olive groves and the sea. Expect to spend a few happy hours getting lost and finding charm at every corner.
Prepare for a leisurely day of ambling through one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. The town’s circular layout and whitewashed buildings make it incredibly charming, and every corner offers a photo opportunity. Be sure to find the panoramic viewpoint for a breathtaking look over the Valle d'Itria's vineyards and trulli.
Gallipoli is a stunning coastal city on the Ionian Sea side of the Salento peninsula and is considered the capital of summer nightlife in Puglia. It features a stunning fortified Old Town on an island, world-class Ionian Sea beaches with crystal-clear water, and the region's most active summer nightlife. It perfectly blends historical charm and local restaurants with a lively, modern beach vacation atmosphere. Just south of the town, the Baia Verde area is the unofficial capital of Italian beach club culture, Baia Verde is where golden sands meet a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy turquoise waters by day and sunset DJ sets by evening at iconic spots like Lido Baia Verde or Zen Beach.
Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," is an inland city famous for its extravagant and unique Baroque architecture in a beautiful golden limestone. Guests can explore the stunning historic center, discover the ornate Basilica di Santa Croce, and see an ancient Roman Amphitheater, offering a rich historical and cultural contrast to the coastal areas.
Situated on the heel of Italy, Otranto offers breathtaking sea views, historic charm, and incredible local cuisine. Perfect for sunny strolls and exploring Puglia's coastal beauty. Visit the Aragonese Castle, a 15th-century fortress that dominates the skyline and panoramic views of the harbor or visit the beaches near Baia dei Turchi. Located a 2 hour drive South of Polignano.
Often called the “Caribbean of Italy,” Punta Prosciutto is a must-visit for its surreal turquoise waters and high sand dunes. For a full-service experience with sunbeds and cocktails, we recommend booking a spot at beach clubs like the boho-chic Samanà Beach, the stylish Teranga Bay, or the family-friendly Spiaggia del Conte. It is approximately a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Polignano a Mare
Officially known as the “Maldives of Salento,” Pescoluse is famous for its sparkling white sand and shallow, tropical-blue waters that stay calm all day long. It is the ultimate spot for a classic Italian beach day with excellent facilities; we recommend booking ahead at premium beach clubs like Le Cinque Vele or Lido Venere. It is roughly a 2 hour and 20 minute drive from Polignano a Mare.