Discover the Best Parking in Polignano a Mare

If you're thinking of visiting Polignano these days (or in peak summer), be prepared: parking is that classic hassle everyone hates 😂 But don't worry, it's not impossible. You just need to know where to go without driving around anxiously for half an hour.

I usually start from outside and enjoy walking, because the center is chaotic. You risk getting a ticket or finding nothing. Let me give you a quick tour of the spots I use or always see packed with people:

The most convenient and "classic" is San Francesco. It's the one with blue lines near the church, 7 minutes walking from the central square. It's good for campers too, not guarded but reliable. But there's a catch: in high season, it can get quite chaotic. Finding a free spot isn't guaranteed, and if you do, it's often just luck. There's no shuttle service, and it costs €2 per hour. Also, during busy times, you often have to queue to pay, wasting time.So, consider this option only if you arrive very early or outside peak hours.

If you want to save money and don't mind walking a bit more, Piazza Giovanni Paolo II is free, about 100 spots, just under 11 minutes. Arrive early in the morning, and you almost always find a spot. I won't say always, but almost always.

Then there's Via Marconi, behind the station: free, about sixty spots, 9 minutes walking. Small but good when others are full.

The main station parking is free, 200 nice wide spots, only 6 minutes walking. Perfect if you arrive by train or with a camper.

Via Antonio Callea and the nearby streets (San Francesco and Oronzo) are free and very close, 5-8 minutes: when you find a spot there, you're lucky.

If you have a camper or want space, head to Cala Paura / Via San Vito. There are about 200 free spots, not paved, 12 minutes walking with a beautiful sea view along the coast. I love that walk.

Another spacious spot is Marco Polo. It's free at night, paid during the day, about 200 spots, 14 minutes via the seafront (with the Modugno statue, you'll enjoy it). Also camper-friendly.

If you want zero worries, there's Pugliamare in San Vito, near Porto Cavallo. It's paid and guarded, not very close, but they offer a transfer to the center on request. Convenient. This is my choice. It's a few minutes from Porto Cavallo beach and near Cala Ponte Marina, a strategic spot for sea and city. Ideal for leaving your car safely.Rates: €6 for half a day (max 5 hours, exit by 8 PM), €10 for the whole day (9 AM-8 PM), €15 for 24 hours. A shuttle service to the historic center is also available.

Two tips:

The yellow zones in summer (late April to late September) are for residents only, don't even try.

The free white spots fill up very early, by 9-9:30 AM in high season you're already late.

Avoid searching in the narrow center, you'll just waste time and get frustrated. When entering Polignano, stop at the first free parking you find. The closer you get to the center, the harder it is to find parking.

Good news for tourists, not so much for residents: Polignano is a city to explore on foot. Leaving the car and walking along the sea makes the experience even better.

From the outer areas, you can easily reach the historic center, sea terraces, and restaurants.