Luxury Villas in Polignano a Mare
Under an hour’s drive from either of Puglia’s airports, a villa in Polignano a Mare makes a convenient base for a luxury holiday in Puglia. This seaside town is just 30 km south of the regional capital, Bari, and 80 km north of Brindisi.
The whitewashed buildings of the town’s centro storico sit perched on dramatic cliffs, with the clear waters of the Adriatic lapping at their base. Narrow lanes meander out from its main square – the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – leading to panoramic terraces overlooking the sea. This is an iconic town where poetry literally lines the streets and whose beach – Lama Monachile – is instantly recognisable, nestled between cliffs.
All our luxury villas in Polignano a Mare are within a 20 km radius of the town.
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How to get around Polignano a Mare while on a luxury holiday
Polignano has its own train station and it’s an easy 15-minute walk from here to the historic centre. It’s also well connected by Puglia’s bus network and easy to reach by car. The historic centre itself is a Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) so inaccessible to cars, but there are designated paid car parks located between a 5 and 15 minute walk of the old town as well as free parking near the railway station. On-street parking is also available – white lines indicate free parking, blue lines are paid parking and yellow lines denote resident-only parking. However, despite all these options, finding a parking space in Polignano a Mare can be pretty stressful, especially in peak Summer season. The advice is to arrive early!
Once in town, Polignano a Mare is easily explored on foot. The historic centre is a car-free zone, and the main sights – the central square, coastal viewpoints and beach are just minutes apart from one another. Just be aware that many alleyways are uneven, narrow and cobbled, whilst the polished stone streets can become slippery when wet.
Best areas to stay in on a luxury holiday in Polignano a Mare
Staying in the heart of Polignano a Mare will ensure you can make the most of the fantastic restaurants on your doorstep. However, luxury properties here tend to be smaller hotel rooms or designer suites within historic buildings. For the ultimate privacy, more space and peace and quiet, opt for a luxury villa holiday in the countryside around Polignano a Mare. Just a 5 to 10 minute drive outside the town centre, you will discover a host of luxury villas with private pools.
Amenities for your luxury holiday villa in Polignano a Mare
Villas with private pools
Polignano a Mare’s beach may be iconic but it’s also super busy in July and August. Choosing a villa with a private pool in Polignano a Mare will allow you to make the most of Puglia’s long, hot summers without having to leave the house. Just a short drive from Polignano a Mare is this Polignano masseria, which boasts a large 15-metre-long private pool as well as a smaller 10-metre pool.
Villas with rooftop terraces
A rooftop terrace can be particularly desirable for a luxury villa holiday in Polignano a Mare. There is no better way to enjoy breakfast or an evening aperitivo than with views across the town or of the Adriatic Sea.
Things to do on a luxury holiday in Polignano a Mare
Spend time on foot discovering the whitewashed streets and narrow lanes of Polignano a Mare’s historic centre. As you explore, stop for coffee in the bustling Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II overlooked by the 22-metre bell tower of the Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta. Read the poetry that decorates the town’s walls and staircases thanks to local poet Guido Lupori. Discover the many panoramic viewpoints such as the Terrazza Santo Stefano, which boasts spectacular views across the Adriatic Sea. Relax or swim at the iconic Lama Monachile beach, tucked dramatically between the cliffs. And discover the statue of the town’s most famous resident, Domenico Modugno. His song – Nel blu dipinto di blu – has become known all over the world and is more affectionately known as Volare.
One of the other ways to discover Polignano a Mare on your luxury villa holiday is to head to the sea. Boat trips, kayaking trips and swimming offer the chance to properly explore the spectacular sea caves carved into the cliffs beneath the town and to see the historic centre looking its most dramatic.
And, of course, take time to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the town’s excellent seafood restaurants and soak up the atmosphere of one of Puglia’s most picturesque seaside towns.
Frequently asked questions about booking a luxury holiday villa in Polignano a Mare
Is Polignano a Mare worth visiting?
Absolutely. Polignano a Mare is well worth visiting. It is one of Puglia’s most charming and iconic seaside towns. It’s not just worth a visit during the summer either. Go at Christmas and you will find the central square transformed into a winter wonderland with a huge Christmas tree and the largest Santa’s grotto in Puglia.
Is it better to stay in Polignano a Mare or Monopoli?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Monopoli is larger and, as a working coastal town, arguably has a more authentic vibe. You’ll find its beaches are bigger and more accessible than at Polignano a Mare, with sandy shores and shallow waters that are more family-friendly. Its size also means it offers much more variety when it comes to dining out and shopping. However, Polignano a Mare captures our heart more. Its scenery is far more dramatic and the vibe much more romantic.
That said, for stays longer than a couple of nights, we would actually recommend you choose a luxury villa in the countryside instead of in the heart of these coastal towns. That way, you can enjoy greater privacy and comfort, visiting Monopoli and Polignano a Mare on day trips instead.
