Guide to Lama Monachile

Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia's most charming spots. It's famous for its cliffs and enchanting old town. Lama Monachile is an iconic place attracting visitors from everywhere. This cove, with turquoise waters and white pebbles, sits between two tall cliffs, creating a breathtaking view. Locals also call it Cala Porto, and it's a true gem to discover.

To admire it from above, there are two great spots. The first is the Bourbon bridge on Via Traiana, offering a spectacular view of the gorge. This bridge is one of the city's most photographed places and a great starting point for your visit. The second spot is the viewpoint on Via Roma. It's easy to access and right across from the stairs leading to the sea. From here, you can take amazing photos and enjoy the panoramic view.

If you're in the heart of Polignano's old town, like in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, you can easily walk there. Follow Via Roma, the main road connecting the center to the city's new area. Walking east towards the sea, you'll find an opening on the right leading to a panoramic balcony. From there, you can admire Lama Monachile in all its glory. Walk a few more meters, and you'll reach the Via Traiana bridge, where the view is equally stunning. The walk takes only 3-5 minutes, making the visit very convenient.

After admiring the cove from above, you might want to go down to the beach. To do this, head back to Via Roma and look for a stone staircase on the right, just before the bridge. This path leads you to the small bay with the pebble beach. Even though the path is short, it's steep, so wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea. The beach is free, with no facilities, so bring everything you need, like water, sunscreen, and a towel, as the pebbles can be uncomfortable.

Lama Monachile is fascinating in every season, but it can be crowded in summer. If you want to take photos peacefully, the best months are April, May, September, and October. Early morning is also a good time to visit to avoid crowds. The sunset light offers a warm, suggestive atmosphere, perfect for admiring the cove from above.

If you're driving, know the historic center is a limited traffic zone. You can park outside, like on Via San Vito or Via Pompeo Sarnelli. From there, Lama Monachile is less than a 10-minute walk. But parking in Polignano isn't easy during peak season or weekends.

The walk from the center is short and safe, suitable for all ages. However, the descent to the beach has steep, uneven steps. For seniors or those with mobility issues, it's better to stop at the viewpoint. Kids, if accompanied, can safely enjoy the visit.

The place isn't just a postcard; it's unique for sea access too. The area is mostly rocky, with clear water, and you can settle on the rocks since there are no facilities and most of the area is free. On the left, facing the sea, a passage through the rocks leads to a less crowded spot directly on the rocks. The rocks are stunning and where athletes from around the world dive.

The view is extraordinary: from the cliff, Polignano's houses and resorts seem to reflect in the water, creating an almost unreal scene. The beach has large pebbles, beautiful but not comfy for lying down. Unfortunately, some visitors leave trash among the stones at times.

Timing makes a difference. I went at dawn, mid-August, and managed a nearly solo swim: calm sea, silence, and incredible light. Returning later in the morning, the scene was completely different: from above, the cove looked like an anthill. It shows the place can be experienced in two opposite ways, depending on when you visit. It's the only time my wife didn't get mad, even though she had to wake up early because of me.