Small, and picturesquely positioned on the edge of limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare is famed for the quality of its ice cream, its Blue Flag Beaches, having Puglia’s only contemporary art museum and its charming cobbled streets and old stone churches. Some of the hotels here are some of Italy’s best kept secrets, and because it’s not yet a popular destination, the best places to stay in Polignano a Mare are an affordable list, which includes converted villas, traditional hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. There are also a number of luxurious resorts just around the bay.

Polignano a Mare’s Old Town is guarded by a medieval gate and a Roman bridge, and the main square, the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, is a great place to grab an aperitif, or a cold beer after a hot day soaking up the Adriatic sunshine on the town’s pebbled beach. After your aperitif you might consider trying out one of its best known restaurants, the Grotto Palazzese, which is hidden in the mouth of a sea cave — very romantic! It’s certainly true that this town is well suited to couples seeking a romantic escape, but this is also a great place for a family holiday, or for a beach break, and the best places to stay in Polignano a Mare make an affordable choice for all visitors to Puglia. Before word gets out…

The Best Places to Stay in Polignano a Mare

For Great Value

• Casa Dorsi is an entirely charming, eight room B&B in an enviably central spot in Polignano a Mare, which also offers sea views from its clifftop location. Extremely affordable, these eight rooms are small but well designed, benefitting from original features and antiques. The largest rooms would suit some families, and while there’s no restaurant, they do offer breakfast, and you’re close to a number of great places to eat and drink.

Best B&Bs

• The B&B Antico Mondo is a charmingly furnished B&B, with original features including exposed stone, decorative tiles, and exposed ceiling beams in all of its eleven rooms. The location is perfect: within the medieval walls of Polignano a Mare, and only a few minutes stroll from the beach. Plus there's a great range of bars and restaurants close by.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bari Airport is the closest airport to Polignano a Mare, about 40 minutes drive, or an hour and a half by train. Brindisi Airport is also super close to Polignano a Mare, about 50 minutes by car, or two hours by public transport.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Polignano a Mare’s Mediterranean climate, and proximity to the temperature regulating sea, means there’s not really a bad time to visit as far as the weather is concerned. It’s hot in summer, but only really hot – 30°C+ – in July and August. In summer the city hosts the Red Bull Cliff Diving event, and the Libro Possible Festival, so the city bustles with visitors and excitement. Spring and autumn are more temperate, and quieter as far as visitor numbers goes.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Puglia
• Or just some of the best places to stay in nearby Bari
• You might want to refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the the best beach hotels in Puglia, the most romantic hotels in Puglia or the best hotels in Puglia with a private beach
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.