Polignano a Mare is a small seaside town around half an hour drive south from Bari. Parking is an issue - you must be really patient circling around to find your spot. The best area is concentrated around the famous beach Lama Monachile. Cute shops, galleries, small cafes and restaurants with pretty affordable prices. Walk the Lungomare (the seaside promenade) for best views of the cliffs this town is famous for. Apart from this area there's nothing more to see - just residential blocks. Count on around 2-3 hours.

We took a one-day trip to this romantic place, which was built on rocks near the sea. The coast is beautiful, we took lots of photos. In the centre there are some old historic buildings, churches, art shops, cafes etc. We liked wandering in the narrow streets in the old town. It was very nice.

We took the train from Monopoli for a day trip in March and it was crowded even in the off season. The town is tiny with a cute beach surrounded by cliffs and many small picturesque lanes in the medieval town. We preferred staying in the larger town of Monopoli but highly recommend visiting the beautiful town of Polignano al Mare. The beach would be very crowded in the summer.

Polignano a Mare has a very characterful old town with narrow streets and residences perched above the sea cliffs. Parking by the railway station is free and just 10 minutes walk to the old town. We swam from its pebbly beach and were surprised to see the very clear sea so close to the town.