Polignano a Mare 

This charming, small town with white houses located by the emerald sea is considered one of the biggest attractions of the Italian region of Apulia. It is situated 35 kilometers from Bari and connected to Bari by a railway line - both towns are well connected, and the train ride takes about 25 minutes. You can check the connections on the Italian railways website www.trenitalia.com. The town and its picturesque beach are featured on the first pages of Apulia travel guides - so we expected tourist kitsch. However, although it was difficult to find an empty spot on the beach at noon, the town itself surprised us with its intimacy and tranquility.

Lama Monachile Beach - Polignano a Mare

The main attraction of Polignano a Mare is the picturesque beach squeezed between two cliffs - allegedly the most beautiful in Apulia. When we arrived around 10 o'clock in the morning, there were only a few people, but it became more crowded in the afternoon. The beach itself is small but truly beautifully located. The houses are built on rocks that are washed by the waves, seemingly mocking all safety regulations.

On the beach, we found a rocky passage and a scenic window.

Polignano a Mare - Old Town

The Old Town is small but almost fairy-tale-like. There are many narrow corners among the white buildings. Creaking wooden shutters, clotheslines with laundry, and pots with cacti - all of this creates a peaceful atmosphere of a small Italian town.

Remember that the picturesque Old Town is really small - if you are looking for accommodation and a base for excursions, we recommend staying in Monopoli, which is located nearby.

Pumo Amulet

While strolling through Apulia, you will come across its symbol in almost every souvenir shop - it has the shape of a bud surrounded by three leaves and can be found on the top of balustrades, in gardens... practically everywhere. It is an object that brings luck. Apulian craftsmen have been making such amulets for centuries - its name comes from the goddess Pomona and dates back to around the 1st century BCE when ancient Romans appeared in the area of present-day Apulia, bringing their culture and beliefs. The bud became a symbol of wealth, luck, and prosperity.

To activate the amulet, it is said that you should receive it as a gift, never buy it for yourself ;)

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Author: Adelina
Publish Date: 2023-01-28