In this quick guide to Polignano, a mare, we will try to reveal a few fascinating facts about this beautiful coastal town, which can quickly be compared to some other jewels, like Otranto. What’s so magical about it? Why is it so popular and much, much more?
Our tagline for this article will be”Volare, cantare” (fly and sing). Let’s read why.
Polignano a mare and Volare song
Table of Contents
“Volare, oh, oh
Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassù…..”
– Domenico Modugno
Why did we begin this story with this song?
- The first reason is that we are sure that almost everyone has heard it in a version. It is the unofficial anthem of this town.
- Secondly, it was first sung by Domenico Modugno, born in this beautiful town.
- Above all, the track spent five non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1958 and eventually became Billboard’s number one of the year.
- During the first Grammy Awards, recording of Modugno was the first Grammy to receive the Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song is also the only Eurovision song with a Grammy award.
- Winning the eighth Sanremo Music Festival, the song was chosen as the Italian entry to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958, where it won third place out of ten songs in total. The combined sales of all the song versions exceeded 22 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most popular Eurovision songs ever and the most successful Sanremo Music Festival song ever.
- In conclusion, ‘Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)’ has left a lasting legacy for musicians over the last seven decades. It has been “the most covered Eurovision song ever” and has been translated into multiple languages.
Lastly, we are almost sure once you have visited this great town, you will be all about flying and singing.
About Polignano, a mare
It is one of these rare jewels which has no particular architectural marvels. However, the village becomes an absolute masterpiece when you combine all the pieces with a magnificent natural landscape. Hence, a pretty little gem that everyone loves.
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Polignano a Mare is the ideal place to plunge into uncontaminated waters and explore a picturesque historic center by the sea. In addition, the enchanting historical center reveals traces of its Arab, Byzantine, Spanish, and Norman past, including the remains of the four watchtowers that once guarded the ancient town. More importantly, it’s just 30 km (18.5 miles) from Puglia’s capital Bari.
Head through the “Arco Della Porta” (the Door Arch), once the town’s only entrance, and you’ll find yourself in the magical center, home to the 13th-century Mother Church dedicated to the Assumption. Another must-see is the town’s former slaughterhouse, which is renovated and houses the Pino Pascali Museum Foundation and its collection of works by Puglia’s renowned artist and sculptor.
Furthermore, the high cliffs, spiced with hidden inlets and charming sandy bays, and the jagged coastline between Palazzese Cave and Lama Monachile make Polignano’s shoreline the most beautiful seaside stretch. While you are there, you can visit The fantastic Cave restaurant (Grotta Palazzese Ristorante). However, prices there are not very budget-friendly.
What to See?
- Statue of Domenico Modugno (on the seaside at the end of the old town). This statue of the Italian singer/songwriter was dedicated in 2009. It’s about 3 meters tall and was conceived and built by the Argentinean sculptor Hermann Meijer. Modugno is depicted in the open-armed gesture for which he’s famous. As you may already know, a native of Polignano a Mare, he is the author of the favorite song “Volare.”
- Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta (St. Mary Assunta’s mother church) (in Piazza Dell’Orologio). The mother church was consecrated in 1295. The church has a simple but elegant façade and a robust tower bell. Two statues’ invaluable niches flank the late Renaissance grand portal. Finally, inside the church is a masterpiece, “The Nativity,” sculpted by Stefano da Putignano.
Excursions around Polignano a mare
Terre di San Vito
Do you want to travel to Polignano a Mare? Stop what you are doing now and find a way to fit this winery into your itinerary! A ride out of town is a hidden paradise that will let you want more. The tasting experience of 5 delicious wines accompanied by delicious local cheeses, homemade food, and “Mamma’s-Sun-Dried-Tomatoes,” which will change your life! On top of everything, the tourist guide (co-owner) is incredibly charismatic, competent, and incredible. It is an ideal experience for couples and equally pleasant for a group of friends. Do yourselves a favor and book a visit now!
Ultimately, you can find more info on Trip Advisor or their website.
Boat excursions – Visit the Polignano a mare caves
What can you expect? The natural erosion of the sea offers boat trips, boat tours and excursions, and beautiful scenery. After all, this is the only way to visit the caves of Polignano a Mare. The times are available every day from March to November. To sum up, you will discover the many caves created by the sea over millennia, spending one hour and a half relaxing and having fun on a boat.
You can find more info here.
Around the Polignano a mare
Discover Ostuni and Valle d’Itria
Discover the coastline
If you are a beach lover, we suggest renting a car and exploring the beautiful beaches nearby. Many beaches are around, so we have selected only a few (according to the recommendations and popularity).
Firstly, ravelers recommend Coco beach club or Miami beach club if you love organized beaches, where you can be all-inclusive in one place. Coco Beach Club, for example, is a magnificent rocky beach close to Polignano. More importantly, there is the pristine blue sea.
Secondly, if you are more in the “Cala” type of beaches, similar to those you may find in Mallorca, then we recommend the beach of Cala San Giovanni. It’s lovely and well-equipped as well.
And finally, if you are searching for more natural beaches, we recommend going further south, where you will find an amazing Costa dei Trulli. Because it is near Ostuni, you can combine beach time with sightseeing tours.
How to arrive at the destination?
By plane
Take the shuttle from the Bari airport (48 km) to the central train station in Bari. Then take the train to Brindisi and get off in Polignano a Mare. Alternatively, you can reach the Brindisi train station from the Brindisi airport (83 km) by shuttle. Afterward, take a train to Bari and get off in Polignano a Mare.
By car
From highway A14 (Bologna – Taranto) and A16 (Napoli – Bari), reach Bari and exit to Bari Nord (North). Follow the signs to downtown Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce. Continue to Brindisi on the SS 16 and exit to Polignano a Mare Nord (North). Take the SS16 to Bari from Brindisi and exit at Polignano a Mare / Conversano.
You can rent a car at the Bari airport or rent a car in advance Rental Cars.
By train
- Polignano a Mare railway station (Stazione di Polignano a Mare), Viale Trieste.
- Drive by train last ca. 29 minutes.
- If you’d like to see timetables, visit Trenitalia or The Train online
- One way ticket usually costs 2,60 euros on.
What and where to eat?
Without a doubt eating out in Puglia can be a wonderful experience. So many magnificent restaurants and “agriturismo” there will offer you an exceptional experience. Let’s name a few.
Note: You can find many great restaurants with reviews and tips on the following sites: Trip Advisor, Via Michelin, The culture trip, etc.
Antiche Mura
A charming place, a restaurant with all the features to become “historical” since it stands where the first stones of Neapolis were placed in the far Middle Ages.
CUISINES Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Healthy
MINT cucina fresca
Mint Cucina Fresca is the restaurant to seek out. This place is entirely vegetarian and focuses on super healthy dishes.
Da Pasqualino
Fresh and reasonably priced seafood and good local wine.
Osteria PIGA
The excellent restaurant, near the historic center, has fresh and tasty food for a fair price and friendly and helpful personnel.
Sleep
We advise booking your apartment/hotel/room/house on Booking.com, Airbnb, CaseVacanza, and Expedia.
The conclusion of the fast guide to Polignano a mare article
Hopefully, you enjoyed reading the brief guide to Polignano, a mare article. If you’ve already been there, share your experiences in the comments below. Ultimately, we want to hear your thoughts on this charming region called Apulia.
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