How to Reach Polignano a Mare

This winter, I ended up in Polignano a Mare almost by chance. I promised myself to return soon. You see, only there can you find a modern Apulian town perched over the Adriatic. From panoramic terraces, you can watch the sea crash against cliffs. It also gently touches the beach at Lama Monachile.

I had been in Cerignola for a traditional Apulian wedding. It was celebrated with a long, rich lunch. One of those meals where you know when it starts but not when it ends. You eat a lot, laugh, and meet relatives and friends you haven't seen in a while.

After the wedding, I needed to drive back to Brindisi for a work meeting. At the Cerignola Est toll booth, I took the A14 highway towards Bari. Sure, I could have taken the SS16. But despite the toll (6.40 euros), I chose the highway. There's less local and heavy traffic, so travel time is more predictable. Plus, if needed, I could stop at service areas for rest, bathrooms, or 24/7 assistance.

I didn't need to stop and continued smoothly to the Bari Nord exit.

Right then, I got a call: my work meeting was canceled. The person I was meeting was stuck at the airport due to an airline strike.

The news instantly lifted my mood. Suddenly, I had a few free hours. I thought I'd use the chance to visit a place I'd never really explored.

After the toll booth, I drove along the SS16 Bari bypass heading south. I followed signs for Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce. Then, the Polignano a Mare Nord exit appeared.

The GPS showed I could quickly reach Lama Monachile and the historic center from there. So, I decided to exit.

In minutes, I was near the historic center, following clear signs. They all seemed to lead to one spot: the Arco Marchesale, the grand entrance to the historic center.

Parking the car, though, wasn't easy. The public parking in the central area is limited and mostly paid.

I waited about forty-five minutes until my patience paid off. A spot opened up in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, right in front of the Arco Marchesale.

Finally, I got out of the car and paid for parking -- quite expensive at 2 euros an hour.

I crossed the Arco Marchesale and found myself in the pedestrian area of the historic center.

After a few steps, I reached Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The outdoor tables at the restaurants were packed with customers. For a moment, I thought about sitting down and ordering a spritz. But after waiting so long for parking, I didn't want to queue again.

So, I continued walking along Vicolo Porto. This street leads to the city's most famous panoramic terrace, overlooking Lama Monachile beach.

A few minutes later, I found myself on the Terrazza Santo Stefano.

In front of me was one of Puglia's most famous views: a small beach nestled between two high limestone cliffs, with the sea gently entering the inlet.

A truly enchanting place. The atmosphere was even more special thanks to some street artists playing the violin right on the terrace.

Practical info for getting there

After that impromptu visit, I realized Polignano a Mare is actually easy to reach, especially along the Bari-Brindisi route. Here are the simplest options.

From Bari, you can get there quickly by train or car. Trenitalia trains leave from Bari Centrale station and take about 30-35 minutes. They run quite frequently, usually every 30-60 minutes. Tickets typically cost between 2.50 and 4 euros. By car, you can take the SS16 or the A14 highway, exiting at Polignano a Mare North or South. Normally, the drive takes about 35-45 minutes.

From Brindisi, it's also easy. Trenitalia trains take between 50 and 70 minutes on average, depending on the train type. Sometimes you change at Bari or have a direct connection. The average cost is between 7 and 12 euros. By car, just follow the SS16 north; travel time generally varies between 60 and 80 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Taranto, the journey is slightly longer. By train, you usually pass through Bari, taking between two and two and a half hours, with a cost between 10 and 15 euros. By car, you take the SS7 to Bari and then the SS16 south, with an average travel time between an hour and forty-five minutes and two hours.

Parking near the historic center, around Arco Marchesale / Piazza Garibaldi, can be tricky, especially on weekends and in summer. Rates easily reach 2 euros per hour, and spaces are limited.

More practical alternatives are the Ex Convento dei Padri Scolopi multi-story parking, about 10 minutes on foot from the center, or the port and Cala Paura area, generally cheaper and connected to the center with summer shuttles.

So, my advice is to get there by train 😉.