Polignano a Mare Italy – Puglia’s Treasure

Discover the beauty of Polignano a Mare in Italy, famous for its stunning limestone cliffs and crystal clear sea. Explore top attractions and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Perfect for a memorable visit to Puglia.

Polignano a Mare, Italy is everything you look for in a beautiful village. It is famous for its unparalleled position atop the limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Bright white stone, contrasting against the impossibly clear sea offers magnificent and spectacular views. Certainly, it is a treasure hidden among the rocks. Polignano Puglia is well known for the beauty of its landscapes. Its shimmering sea and charming town add to its allure. It is well worth the visit.

What to See

Polignano’s main attraction is its balcony which overlooks the most photographed beach in Puglia, Lama Monachile. This beach is known for the spectacular beauty of its landscape and its crystal clear sea. Located in a cove nestled between two massive cliffs, it is impossible not to notice from every viewpoint. This is a public beach that we had a thoroughly enjoyable few days at. We had so much fun jumping off the rocks and simply tanning and watching the activity. Bring your own towels and maybe grab something to eat since this is not a full-service beach.

Lama Monacille — Lama Monachile – swimming view from viewpoint in town.

Polignano Rock Jumping — Lama Monachile – swimming view from viewpoint in town.

Here are a few significant sights to find during your visit….
Lama Monachile Beach (Cala Porto)
Santa Maria Assent Church – dates back to the 13th century.
Arch of the Marquis (Port Grande)- the entrance into old town, built in 1530.
Palazzo dell’Orologio Clock Tower located in beautiful Piazza Vittorio Emanuele ll.
Domenico Modugno‘s statue
Finally……savor a spectacular dinner at one of many charming restaurants in Polignano!

Activities

Polignano, Italy has many places to shop for clothes and beautiful ceramics, as well as other items. Of course, it is also perfect for a day at the beach and strolling through its charming town. An afternoon gelato and delicious dinner is always in store for you. On the more exciting side, you can take one of many boat or a walking tours. Moreover, you can rent kayaks or rickshaws.

How to Get to Polignano

Polignano a Mare is only a 35 minute drive from the Bari airport.
I definitely recommend renting a car. The area is very easy to drive around and towns are close to each other. Additionally, you will always find parking nearby.
Puglia is a wonderful region of Italy. You will fall in love with it, as I did. It is truly beautiful and unique. I suggest staying at least a week. This will allow you to see all its splendor. It will also let you soak up the wonderful culture and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Be sure to see these other charming Puglian towns…..
Alberobello, Grottaglie, Lecce, Locorotundo, Martina Franca, Monopoli,and Ostuni. In addition, Matera (in the region of Basilicata) is a must visit! If you’re thinking of a personal or group yoga retreat, discover a special Puglian retreat in the beautiful wine countryside near Manduria.

Polignano a Mare is the birthplace of Domenico Modugno. He is one of Italy’s most cherished singer-songwriters. He is famous for the song ‘Nel blu dipinto de blu’ also known as VOLARE. You have definitely heard it, since the song is as popular today as it was in the 1950’s.

Restaurants

Jump to my favorite restaurants here. 🍝🍕

Polignano a Mare Hotels – Where to Stay

San Michele Suite – For a luxurious stay, choose this place perfectly located in the historic center. It is a gorgeous hotel with exceptional service and beautiful rooms. Make sure you book a room with a fabulous view over the beach. Moreover, don’t miss sunset drinks and snacks on the spectacular rooftop. You will love every minute at San Michele Suite.
Address: Via Arco Bellipario 5, Polignano a Mare Puglia

B&B nel Blu Dipinto di Blu – This B&B is clean and modern. It is on the main street in the heart of old town. It is spotlessly clean with a sleek design, and it is cozy and comfy! Of course, booking a balcony overlooking Via Roma is great for people watching while enjoying a drink.
Address: Via Roma 72, Polignano a Mare Puglia

Polignano a Mare Italy Picture Gallery

Experience the exceptional beauty of Polignano Puglia, with its unparalleled sea views and charming town. Delight in a visit to Lama Monachile Beach and savor a spectacular dinner at one of the charming restaurants.

Lecce Italy – The Baroque Gem of Southern Italy

Puglia’s Baroque City

Lecce, Puglia – Ciao, beautiful people! Get ready to be utterly captivated because today, we’re heading to the dazzling capital of Salento: Lecce! Forget Rome or Florence for a moment; Lecce is often called “The Florence of the South”. Once you see its golden glow, you’ll understand why. This city is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, sunshine, and Southern Italian charm. It is a beautiful city with unmistakable style. Lecce’s defining feature is its stunning buildings, crafted from the local, soft, golden-hued pietra leccese (Lecce Limestone). This stone bathes the town in glowing shades of cream and golden depending on how the sun hits it. The city literally glows, especially at sunset!

The historic center is enchanting. You will find beautiful seventeenth-century buildings adorned with ornate details. Not to mention, Roman monuments and an ancient amphitheater. There are architectural surprises around every corner. Lecce Italy, nicknamed ‘The Florence of the South’, is definitely worth a visit.

Moreover, there are many main attractions to see in the historic center of Lecce Italy. The highlight of these being the Roman Amphitheater located in the main piazza of old town. Remarkably, this spectacular theater was buried under the earth for centuries while structures were built above. Its hidden existence was discovered in 1901, when it was unearthed while excavation began to build a bank. The amphitheater is surrounded by other ancient ruins including a Baroque triumphal arch, all seen in one sweeping view!

Things to do in Lecce

Lecce is small enough for you to walk everywhere, and the city offers countless unique sights. Here are some things you can see.
*Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – It is in the Piazza del Duomo, Prepare to be awestruck! This enclosed piazza is one of Italy’s most beautiful. It features the magnificent Duomo di Lecce with its incredibly ornate facade. There is also a towering bell tower. Make sure to visit at night when it’s spectacularly lit!
*Basilica di Santa Croce – A superb example of the most intricate Baroque works in Italy. . Spend time admiring the incredibly intricate facade, which is a whimsical riot of cherubs, mythical creatures, and floral motifs.
*Piazza Sant’Oronzo – The bustling heart of Lecce, where ancient history meets daily life. Here you’ll find a partially excavated Roman Amphitheatre. There is the majestic column of Sant’Oronzo. You can also enjoy plenty of cafes for people-watching.
Porta Napoli – One of the grand city gates, an impressive triumphal arch that welcomes you into the old town.

Wander and Discover

Lecce’s historic center is a joy to explore on foot. Its narrow, winding streets reveal hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and charming little churches around every corner.

Paper Mâché Art: Lecce has a unique tradition of cartapesta (paper mâché) artistry. Visit local workshops to watch artisans crafting intricate statues and religious figures.
Beyond the paper mâché, you’ll discover beautiful ceramic creations, local olive oil, Primitivo and Negroamaro wines, and handmade leather goods.

A Taste of Lecce and the Salento Region

Lecce is also a culinary delight, offering unique specialties from the Salento region!

Caffè Leccese – A MUST-TRY! This refreshing iced coffee is made with almond milk syrup (sciroppo di orzata) and a shot of espresso, perfect for a hot day.
Pasticciotto – The iconic Salento pastry! A delicious oval-shaped shortcrust pastry filled with a rich, creamy custard, often served warm for breakfast.
Rustico Leccese – A savory treat! It’s a puff pastry disc filled with béchamel sauce, mozzarella, tomato, and often a hint of pepper. Great for a quick snack!
Orecchiette con cime di rapa – This dish is found throughout Puglia. Lecce does a fantastic version of this classic pasta dish with turnip tops.

Getting to Lecce

I definitely recommend renting a car. The area is very easy to drive, and the towns sit close to one another. You will also find parking nearby almost everywhere you go. Lecce makes the perfect base for exploring the stunning beaches on the Ionian and Adriatic coasts of Salento. But trust me—you’ll want to spend plenty of time simply soaking in this city’s golden glow. The experience will amaze you! You’ll fall in love with it just as I did. Its beauty and uniqueness truly stand out. I suggest staying for 3 to 4 days so you can experience all its splendor. That amount of time also lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Lecce Puglia

Lecce Puglia has a lively and bustling atmosphere. Day and night, the city delights you with its elegant alleyways and delicious restaurants.

Restaurants in Lecce
Ristorante Doppio Zero — Ristorante Doppio Zero

Lecce’s Must-Try Restaurants

If you’re looking to explore local gems in Lecce, I have a few must-try recommendations. They come from my favorite local—my daughter! Be sure to check out these fantastic places while you’re in town.

Ristorante Doppio Zero – One of our absolute favorite spot is Doppio Zero 🏆. The food is consistently amazing, and the service is warm and exceptional.
Trattoria dall’Antiquario – This is a traditional restaurant that offers excellent value. It is highly praised for classic Apulian dishes like ciceri e tria (pasta with chickpeas).
Alle Due Corti – Another fantastic choice for traditional, simple regional cuisine.
La Cucina di Mamma Elvira – A popular spot that offers quality food and traditional fare. They also have a popular wine bar (Enoteca) nearby.
I Latini – Perfect for a traditional taste of Lecce.
Zio Pesce – A seafood lover’s paradise.
Pizza & Co – A fantastic concept for a quick meal. They sell large slices of various types of pizza.

☕️ Coffee & Pastries
Café Alvino – The best spot in town for coffee and pastries. Located in the main Piazza Sant’Oronzo, it’s a Lecce institution. It’s perfect for coffee, rustico leccese (savory puff pastry snack), and great pastries. Don’t miss the Pasticiotto, a Lecce specialty!

🍷 Aperitivo & Cocktails
Quanto Basta – A must-visit for crafted cocktails.
Barroccio – Casual, relaxed, and perfect for spritz and aperitivo.
Caffè Cittadino – Enjoy your drinks with a beautiful view of Piazza Oronzo from their upstairs terrace.
Miro Coffee Bistrot – Great for a laid-back vibe and creative cocktails.

Hotels in Lecce Italy

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through a city of gold? Lecce is waiting!
That’s wonderful! Lecce offers some truly luxurious and deeply authentic experiences. Here are some of the most charming places to stay in the “Florence of the South.” You have a fantastic selection of hotels and B&Bs. They blend Lecce’s Baroque history with modern comfort. Many are carved out of historic palaces.

Alvino Suite & Breakfast
Hotels in Lecce — Alvino Suites

Alvino Suite & Breakfast was perfect for us! It offered a sweeping view from the Amphitheater to the Piazza Sant’Oronzo from our balcony. Our room was huge and beautiful. Furthermore, directly downstairs is a delicious Cafe Alvino. The perfect spot for a complimentary breakfast. Get yourself a Pasticciotto Leccese – a famous custard cream-filled pastry of southern Puglia.
Patria Palace Hotel – This luxurious hotel is a 5-star establishment. It is a historic 18th-century palace. The palace, which was formerly a noble residence, has been transformed into a luxury hotel. It offers a front-row view of the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce and features a stunning rooftop bar.

Looking for popular meeting places? Head to Piazzetta Santa Chiara and Porta San Biagio. This is especially recommended in the evening. There are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and clubs.

Lecce, Puglia is definitely worth a visit because it offers stunning beauty and rich history. Plus, you can easily drive from here to many beautiful Salento beaches.

Be sure to see these other charming Puglian towns…..
Alberobello, Grottaglie, Locorotundo, Martina Franca, Monopoli, Ostuni and Polignano a Mare. In addition, Matera (in the region of Basilicata) is a must visit! If you’re thinking of a personal or group yoga retreat, discover a Puglian retreat near Manduria.

Lecce Picture Gallery

Gate to Lecce — Porto Napoli (above) is one of the three remaining gates leading to Lecce’s historic walled city. Of course, built to protect Lecce from the Turks and any other invaders.

This adorable tiny car is owned by #bruna.pizzichini.

Puglia Italy

Thanks to Instagram, Puglia Italy has become a very popular region – just look at pictures! There are beautiful, white-washed villages, amazing beaches, delicious Apulian food and wonderful people. All these reasons will make your visit a very memorable one! Not to mention, it is very convenient to rent a car and visit practically all of it, since many towns are a short drive away from each other, and all are near the beautiful coast.

Great news! Neos Airlines is now running non-stop New York to Bari flights. Flights will operate from June till October.

Having the longest coastline of any mainland Italian region, Puglia consists of the entire ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot shape. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on the east, and the Ionian Sea on the west. Both being part of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Most Picturesque Towns in Puglia

Ostuni at night at Piazza Liberta — Locorotondo is Lovely!

Another spectacular place to visit is Matera. Not in the Puglia region, but only a 45-minute drive from the Bari airport. It is truly a unique, must visit town.

Puglia Italy Map

Ostuni Italy is Outstanding!

Ciao amici! Wait until you lay eyes on Ostuni, the dazzling queen of the Itria Valley! Affectionately nicknamed La Città Bianca (The White City) this town is a breathtaking vision. A brilliant cascade of whitewashed houses spilling down a hilltop. Colorful flowers and green succulent plants make for a visually stunning appearance in contrast to white buildings. I loved Ostuni- it is one of my favorite towns in Puglia! The best thing to do in Ostuni is simply to get lost! The Centro Storico (Old Town) is a medieval masterpiece built deliberately without a plan, meant to confuse invaders. You can spend hours wandering its maze of winding cobblestone streets, where every turn feels like a hidden treasure.

Ostuni – Roam the Gleaming White City

Wander the Alleys: Lose yourself in the tiny, winding alleys, staircases, and hidden courtyards. Every turn reveals a new pop of color. There are cozy cafés tucked into corners to breezy terraces serving up local bites and colorful cocktails. There are also unexpected glimpses of the deep blue Adriatic Sea in the distance.
The Arco Scoppa: You have to see this elegant stone archway. It connects the Bishop’s Palace to the old Seminary. It’s one of the town’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks!

You could be sipping an aperitivo. Or you might be simply soaking it all in. The views stretch endlessly across olive-dotted hills all the way to the sea. Ostuni Puglia is a dream – definitely worth a visit when in this region!

Ostuni is an incredible place for both unique stays and authentic, delicious dining. Here are some top recommendations for places that capture the spirit of La Città Bianca.

Ostuni Restaurants
Ostuni Bars
Ostuni Hotels

Ostuni Highlights

Piazza della Libertà: This main square is the bustling hub, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee at Caffè Centrale or admiring the towering Colonna di Sant’Oronzo. In the evening it is filled with strollers, shoppers and late diners. Ostuni becomes abuzz with activity at night. Enjoy the atmosphere at local cafes and restaurants. You can have aperitivo and enjoy music and drinks all hours of the day. In addition, you’ll find mix of fashion, home decor, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Directly off Piazza Liberta, follow the sloping steps down to Via Vito Tamborino. It consists of a piazza with plenty of shops and eateries. You’ll hear music in the air and see a beautiful view of the sea.

Duomo di Ostuni — Basilica Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

Ostuni Cathedral: Is the beautiful 15th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Assunzione with its exquisite rose window. It is an easy short walk from Piazza Liberta. There is a little square in front that sometimes has a live band. And always has tables for the gelato shop next to it. There is also a beautiful arch opposite the church, making the scenery simply lovely!

Getting to Ostuni

Ostuni is only a 30 minute drive from the Bari airport.
I definitely recommend renting a car. The area is very easy to drive around and towns are close to each other. Additionally, you will always find parking nearby.
Puglia is a wonderful region of Italy. You will fall in love with it, as I did. It is truly beautiful and unique. I suggest staying at least a week. This will allow you to see all its splendor. It will also let you soak up the wonderful culture and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Be sure to see these other charming Puglian towns…..
Alberobello, Grottaglie, Lecce, Locorotundo, Martina Franca, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. In addition, Matera (in the region of Basilicata) is a must visit! If you’re thinking of a personal/group yoga retreat, discover a special Puglian Retreat in the beautiful wine countryside near Manduria.

Ostuni Puglia – Tastes of the White City

Local Cuisine and Fantastic Restaurants
First, the food here is honest, fresh, and delicious. Thanks to the produce grown in the surrounding countryside and the Local Olive Oil. The area is famous for its ancient olive trees. Some of which are a thousand years old!
You must try the Orecchiette Pasta. Look for the traditional Apulian “little ears” pasta, often served with turnip tops (cime di rapa).

Second, mashed fava bean puree and chicory is a rich and flavorful dish – I really loved it.
Next, a Bombette. YUM! A thin sliced pork cutlet topped with breadcrumbs and cheese. Then rolled and baked into a Bombette. Delish!
Finally, Stracciatella is a traditional Italian cheese which is the creamy center of burrata cheese. It is extremely popular in Puglia and is amazingly delicious! We are crazy about it!
Ostuni is a wonderful place especially late at night to wander narrow alleys and see all that is happening. Do yourself a favor and begin the evening with a delicious meal!

Osteria del Tempo Perso

Dining in a Cave: For an unforgettable romantic experience, check out Osteria Del Tempo Perso. Book a table in their stunning cave room for a memorable dining experience! This is the absolute best restaurant we had the pleasure of dining at. Everything about it was fantastic! The food was delicious, the atmosphere divine and the staff was wonderful. You must make reservations, especially in July and August.

Dish Restaurant offers a stunning terrace with a panoramic view of the old town. Therefore, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a memorable dining experience. The view alone is worth the visit, but the great music and exceptional food truly make this place stand out.

Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale: Located near the Cathedral, offering high-quality traditional cuisine and specializing in fresh seafood, perfect for a romantic dinner.

Antico Borgo Bristot

Antico Borgo Bistrot is a great hot spot for eats and drinks. This unique eatery is built into zig-zag multi-level steps. The view overlooks the countryside to the sea. It is the perfect place for an aperitivo. Moreover the food is delicious! Everything we had at our table of four was excellent. I would say that it is best for lunch or a light dinner. No reservations are accepted, first come, first served.
Address: Via Fina 8

Ostuni Italy Drinks

Bar Perso – We loved the seats conveniently located on the steps of the alleyway. Additionally, there are a few tables lower down. All have stunning views. Very cute place with good drinks and music.

Riccardo Caffè in Ostuni is a great spot for an aperitivo. We just love outdoor seating with lounge chairs on the steps.

Ostuni Italy Hotels

This is an Ostuni Hotel that I highly recommend. It is a wonderful place where we stayed for two nights; Vico Bianco Raro Villas. We had the Superior King Room # 5 (La Terra Junior Suite) with terrace. It definitely exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved Vico Bianco. Not only was our room, terrace and bathroom terrific. But so was the rooftop lounge area, patios and lobby. The included breakfast was excellent – as well as the staff! Moreover, the location is perfect – just steps away from Piazza Liberta.

In summary, to fully explore the many wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, I recommend spending 2 days in Ostuni. Still, the whole city can be seen in a day. This makes it perfect to combine with Locorotundo, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Aberobello and Lecce. as well as other areas in Puglia.
Ostuni Italy is more than just a beautiful facade; it’s a feeling—a perfect blend of ancient history, dazzling beauty, and relaxed Southern Italian life.

Locorotondo You will love this Town in Puglia!

Locorotondo Italy is definitely enchanting! A maze of white-washed houses adorned with elegant wrought-iron balconies greeted me. Most were dripping with pretty flowers! Not to mention, Locorotondo Puglia is listed as one of Italy’s prettiest small towns in I borghi più belli d’Italia. This lists the most beautiful villages in Italy. This is certainly a well-deserved honor!

Locorotondo (rotundo means round) is a village built in a circular fashion positioned above the beautiful Valle d’Itria. The hillside is filled with vineyards, olive groves and sprinkled with Trulli homes. Furthermore, I found a wonderful maze of pretty narrow streets which wind up to the central piazza.

Things to see and do…..

Via Nardelli is the ‘balcony’ road of town. It’s a wonderful place for you to view the spectacular countryside surrounding Locorotondo, Italy. Definitely take a nice walk and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below. On Via Nardelli, you will find great places to sit and eat. After all, it’s time for an Aperol Spritz! You can take a staircase down from here. Visit the vineyards of Sirose Bufano Winery for a wine tasting and bites.

We had the most amazing lunch and drinks at Controra overlooking the countryside. An incredible sandwich of prosciutto, stracciatella cheese, and pistachios. Stracciatella is the delicious gooey inside of burrata cheese and is extremely popular in Puglia! I suggest you make a stop here! Ristorante 20m2 also offers the same pretty view if you can’t get a seat and Controra.

Locorotondo Puglia is a town where you can simply get lost for a few hours. You can immerse yourself in it for a enjoyable day or two. The great thing about Locorotondo is that it is not yet crowded with tons of tourists. Therefore, you can stroll around and really get the natural vibe of this special town. Centro Storico has many tiny streets to wander. In addition there are many places to sit in the sun and just take in the atmosphere.

What to See & Do

By all means, roam the white washed streets and take a huge amount of pictures. Furthermore, try traditional Puglian food, such as orecchiette. And let’s not forget the wine! There are several wineries and wine bars with wine straight from the Puglia region.

Palazzo Morelli

At the center of the old town is stunning Palazzo Morelli. The palace boasts an entrance in Baroque architecture which is the finest example in Locorotondo. The ornate balconies have rounded wrought iron railings. In fact, they are a true example of supreme art and engineering from the 18th century.

Be sure to visit Villa Comunale Park. It contains 19th century gardens and has a beautiful view of the Valle D’Itria (valley) below. There is an extremely moving monument honoring all local fallen soldiers from during WW1 and WW2. It was so sad to see the same last names from one war to the next. Generations of families sacrificed their loved ones to fight fascism and Nazi Germany. It is hard to believe this happened, in what is now a beautiful, peaceful town.

I fell in love with Locorotondo, Puglia and its locals – when you visit, you will also. In summary, to fully explore the restaurants, cafes, and shops, I recommend spending one night in Lorocotondo. You can see the whole city in a day. It is perfect to combine with Os tuni, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and Lecce, as well as other areas in Puglia.
Indeed, Locorotondo Italy is certainly charming!

Locorotondo is practically in between the Bari and Brindisi airports. If you fly into Bari, start your journey by heading south to Locorotundo. Spend a night or two in Polignano a Mare first.
I definitely recommend renting a car. The area is very easy to drive around, and towns are close to each other. Additionally, you will always find parking nearby.
Puglia is a wonderful region of Italy. You will fall in love with it, as I did. It is truly beautiful and unique. I suggest staying at least a week. This will allow you to see all its splendor. It will also let you soak up the wonderful culture and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Be sure to see these other charming Puglian towns…..
Alberobello, Grottaglie, Lecce, Martina Franca, Monopoli, Ostuni and Polignano a Mare. In addition, Matera (in the region of Basilicata) is a must visit! If you’re thinking of a personal or group yoga retreat, discover a special Puglian Retreat in the beautiful wine countryside of Manduria.

My Favorite Restaurant in Locorotondo Italy

U Curdunn is a delicious restaurant serving traditional local cuisine. You can dine outside or in the elegant, stone vaulted rooms inside. Great atmosphere with excellent pastas and wines. You won’t be disappointed!

Locorotondo Hotel – My Favorite

When I booked a suite at Sotto Le Cummerse Albergo Diffuso, I did not expect the value we received. Namely, we had an entire three-floor apartment with 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen and a terrace! Moreover, they owned the best breakfast spot just steps away. That is to say I highly recommend this excellent hotel – you will be very happy! Definitely my favorite Locorotondo Hotel and one of the best on our trip.