Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Polignano a Mare
Dip into this spectacularly positioned small town if you can. Located around 34km south
of Bari on the S16 coastal road, Polignano a Mare is built on the edge of a craggy ravine
pockmarked with caves. The town is thought to be one of the most important ancient set-
tlements in Puglia and was later inhabited by successive invaders ranging from the Huns
to the Normans.
Sights & Activities
On Sunday the
logge
(balconies) are crowded with day trippers from Bari who come here
to view the crashing waves, visit the caves and crowd out the
cornetterias
(shops special-
ising in Italian croissants) in the atmospheric
centro storico
. There are several baroque
churches, an imposing Norman monastery and the medieval
Porta Grande
, which was the
only access to the historic centre until the 18th century. You can still see the holes that ac-
tivated the heavy drawbridge and the openings from where boiling oil was poured onto
any unwelcome visitors to town.
Several operators organise boat trips to the grottoes, including
Dorino
(
329 6465 904)
,
costing around €20 per person.
Sleeping & Eating
B&B
$
B&B Santo Stefano
(
www.santostefano.inf
o; Vico Santo Stefano 9-13; d €69-99; )
Six attractive rooms located in an an-
cient tower in the old part of Polignano, complete with tufa walls, antique furniture and
bright bathrooms.
Antiche Mura
( 080 424 24 76;
www.ristoranteantichemura.it
;
Via Roma 11; meals €20-35)
This delightful little restaur-
ant features a vaulted cavelike interior with lanterns and bells adorning the walls. Unsur-
prisingly, fish is a speciality, with sea bass, octopus and lobster on the menu.
PUGLIAN
$$
Getting There & Away
Although there is a twice-daily bus service from Bari, your own car is the best way to
reach Polignano.
