The Don’ts of Polignano a Mare
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Polignano a Mara, Italy. If you are visiting the Puglia region of Italy, this is the beach town that you HAVE to visit! While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Puglia, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting Polignano a Mare Italy!
Don’t Just Visit the Free Beaches
The free main beach right in town is quite small and rocky. It gets very crowded, so it’s not our favorite beach in Puglia, even though it is scenic. There are plenty of beaches around Puglia to explore and spread out a little bit. If you want a bit of a nicer experience, go to a beach that is not free. Ask at your hotel if they can arrange a beach spot for you.
Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen
You don’t just need sunscreen at the beach; you’ll need it as you explore the town as well. Most of the buildings are white and seem to reflect the sun back at you, so you’re getting sunshine from all directions!
Don’t Think It’s Just a Day Trip from Bari
Bari is another fantastic village in Puglia, and you can visit Polignano a Mare on a day trip from Bari. It’s pretty easy to travel between the two, as the train is less than an hour. But we think Polignano a Mare warrants a few nights of your trip to Puglia. Two to three nights should be sufficient to get a good feel for the area.
Don’t Be Confused By Your Accommodation
A lot of hotels and apartments in Polignano a Mare have a check-in desk that is not located where you are staying. You may need to check in at a central office, and then make your way to your overnight accommodation. It’s part of the adventure, but it’s also a good reason to pack light!
Don’t forget to save a pin of your accommodation location so you can find your way home at the end of the day.
Don’t Miss Out on the Sea Views
A lot of the town is built up on cliffs overlooking the sea. So many of the restaurants and shops have fantastic views! It’s one of the reasons that this area is so popular on Instagram. That said, don’t be surprised if you end up in a lot of photos, especially if you have a table with a view!
Don’t Worry About Finding Great Food
Polignano a Mare is a popular destination for Italian travelers, so there are some really great Italian restaurants. Even in the most touristy areas, they are used to Italian tourists, so all of the food we tried was very authentic.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Italy
One thing you have to try is a Panino Col Polpi, which is a grilled octopus sandwich. Pescaria has the best, and you’ll find it by the long line outside. But don’t worry, it moves super fast and the panino is totally worth the wait!
Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations
If there is a specific restaurant you want to try for dinner, make sure you have reservations because it can get very busy during peak travel season.
Don’t Forget to Greet the Nonnas
As you roam the streets of Polignano a Mare in the evenings, make sure you look up and give a wave to the Nonnas out on their balconies. They often gather in the evenings to watch the nightlife below.
Don’t Forget to Pay Your Respects to Dominico Modugno
You’ll see references to Volare all over town and may hear the song being played as well. The 1958 hit song was originally recorded by Dominico Modugno, who was born in Polignano a Mare. There’s even a statue dedicated to him in town.
Don’t Be in a Hurry
You are in the most laidback region of Italy, so nobody is in a hurry, and you shouldn’t be either. The people are super friendly, but things take a bit longer than what you might be used to. Just like being on “island time” in the Caribbean, you’re on Puglia time here.
The one instance where the locals seem to be in a hurry is when you are trying to practice your Italian. Most people in the service industry speak English, and will immediately switch to English before letting you blunder your way through an Italian sentence. Don’t take it personally.
Don’t Miss Out on Other Attractions
Yes, it’s a beach town and you will spend lots of time at the beach. But there are other things to see in Polignano a Mare besides the beach. The old town area is great for a day of shopping and exploring, and the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta is a beautiful cathedral that is worth touring.
Don’t Skip the Tuk Tuks
When you are getting around Polignano a Mare, many of the taxis are actually little tuk-tuks. They usually hold up to three people, but there are some larger ones around too. It’s a fun way to get to some of the beaches near Polignano a Mare. If you ask for their card, you can reach out to them for a ride back, or if you really like them, you can use them throughout your trip. Just make sure you have WhatsApp on your phone, as that’s the easiest way to communicate.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Polignano a Mare Italy is a great place to visit if you want a more relaxing vacation, and it’s a great place to stay for exploring the surrounding region of Puglia. Visiting Polignano a Mare Italy is just as beautiful as the Amalfi Coast, but feels a lot less touristy. Need more travel tips for visiting Italy? Check out these blog posts!