Polignano a Mare is one of the most photographed towns in Puglia, perched on sheer cliffs above a small cove and the beach at Lama Monachile. The old town is a pleasure on foot, with whitewashed lanes, lookouts over the sea and a statue of Domenico Modugno, the singer who wrote Volare, but the best perspective is from the water. This group boat tour runs for about an hour and a half and leaves from San Vito, just along the coast. The boat motors beneath the cliffs and slips in and out of sea caves carved by waves, and the skipper explains how the rock formed and which caves were used by fishermen. Light snacks are included, and sun awnings and life jackets are provided. It is a good, affordable way to see the town and coast in the late morning, and it fits easily into a day trip from Bari.
The cliffs of Polignano are the whole attraction. Limestone has been eroded by the sea into arches, ledges and hollows, and from the boat you look up at houses and terraces built right on the edge. The caves vary in size, and in calm weather the boat can enter some of them, with the water glowing blue-green inside.
The tour is not a long expedition, which is why it suits families and anyone short of time. The trip has a relaxed pace, with time to take photographs and swim only if the operator allows it, so check conditions on the day.
The weather matters on the Adriatic. Boats do not run in rough seas, and tours may be rescheduled or cancelled for wind and swell, so keep your plans flexible and read the cancellation terms. Take a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for the breeze, and bring your own towel if you plan to swim, as towels are not included. The meeting point is in San Vito, so arrive early and allow for parking or the short taxi or train and bus connection from Polignano.
After the boat, spend time in the old town itself. Walk to the lookouts, find the cove at Lama Monachile and stop for coffee or ice cream in the lanes. Combine Polignano with Monopoli, a harbour town a short train ride south, for a relaxed coastal day from Bari. The tour is a seasonal favourite, and the rest of the year the coast is quieter, with more calm days than crowds.
What to expect
The experience
A group boat tour of about an hour and a half from San Vito, passing under the cliffs of Polignano a Mare and into sea caves.
Best time
Morning, when seas are usually calmer and the light on the cliffs is soft.
How long
About 90 minutes on the water, plus time to reach the meeting point.
Tips
Wear a hat and sun protection, bring your own towel if you plan to swim, and check the weather because boats do not sail in rough seas.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the iconic cliff view of Polignano without a long boat trip.
- Families
- A good length for children; life jackets are provided, and the short tour keeps attention high.
- Couples
- A relaxed morning on the water followed by lunch in the old town.
- Pair with
- Polignano's old town and the cove at Lama Monachile, then Monopoli or Alberobello.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the old town included.
Good questions
Where does the boat leave from?+
It leaves from San Vito, a small harbour on the coast near Polignano a Mare. Check the meeting point on your voucher and allow time to reach it.
What is included?+
The tour includes local snacks, petrol, sun awnings and life jackets. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own if you want to swim.
What if the weather is bad?+
Boats do not run in rough seas, and tours may be rescheduled or cancelled for wind and swell. Read the cancellation terms and keep a flexible day.
Can I swim during the tour?+
Swimming depends on the operator, the conditions and the group, so ask when you arrive. Bring a towel and swimwear in case a stop is offered.
How do I get there from Bari?+
Regional trains run from Bari to Polignano a Mare in roughly half an hour. From the station you can take a short taxi or local transport to San Vito.
