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Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare

4.5
·2k reviews·San Vito, Italy

Discover Polignano a Mare's stunning coastline and hidden sea caves on a memorable boat tour departing from this charming marina.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Cala Ponte Marina - Image 1

Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Polignano a Mare's stunning coastline and hidden sea caves on a memorable boat tour departing from this charming marina.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Absolutely thrilled with the boat ride! Such a cool experience jumping into the water straight from the boat!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Boat Tours Ahead

Secure your spot on popular boat tours, especially for private charters or catamaran trips, to avoid disappointment. :ticket:

Swim from the Boat

Many tours offer a chance to swim in the clear waters. Jumping straight from the boat is a thrilling experience! :ocean:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grotto and Sea Cave Exploration

Grotto and Sea Cave Exploration

Along the Polignano a Mare coastline

Discover hidden sea caves and grottos by boat, marveling at the unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Lama Monachile (Cala Porto)

Lama Monachile (Cala Porto)

Between the two cliffs of Polignano

This iconic beach, nestled between dramatic cliffs, offers breathtaking views and a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea.

Boat Charter for a Coastal Cruise

Boat Charter for a Coastal Cruise

Departing from Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride, perhaps to nearby Monopoli, with opportunities for swimming and soaking in the coastal scenery.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Boat Tour in Advance

To secure your preferred boat tour, especially during peak season, booking ahead is highly recommended. Options range from private yachts to group tours, so plan your adventure to explore Polignano's stunning coastline and sea caves.

Manage Expectations for Amenities

While the marina offers a beautiful setting, be aware that public restrooms can be closed or in disrepair, and shower facilities may not be operational. Consider this when planning your day, especially after swimming.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for swimming
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Appartamento estate 2025 a San Vito lo Capo con piscina privata fronte mare. Dieci posti letto totali. #sanvitolocapo #estate #sicilia
@housetravel2022
10K likes • 938.9K views

Book Boat Tours Ahead

Secure your spot on popular boat tours, especially for private charters or catamaran trips, to avoid disappointment. :ticket:

Swim from the Boat

Many tours offer a chance to swim in the clear waters. Jumping straight from the boat is a thrilling experience! :ocean:

Un piccolo paradiso da amare e rispettare. Caletta del Bue Marino, Macari 📍#consiglidiviaggio #spiaggeitaliane #sicilia #calettenascoste #macari #sanvitolocapo
@federica_raccuglia
9.6K likes • 175.1K views
ℹ️ INFO QUI 👇🏻 🛥️ Un’esperienza che non potete assolutamente perdere in Puglia, è il giro in barca a Polignano alla scoperta delle sue grotte e dei suoi tesori nascosti Ecco alcune info utili sul tour: 📍luogo di partenza: Cala Ponte Marina, il porto turistico della città ⏱️ durata: la compagnia permette di selezionare fino a 4 tipologie di durate: 2/4/6 e 8 ore (ovviamente i costi variano in ...
alessandra.marchionna
0 likes • 3.9K views

Check Restroom Availability

Public restrooms can be unreliable. Plan accordingly, especially if you're not on a tour with onboard facilities. :toilet:

Pack Snacks & Drinks

While some tours include refreshments, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. :apple:

✨️ Polignano a Mare. Puglia 💙 Se avete poco tempo per visitare Polignano a Mare non preoccupatevi questo è un piccolo itinerario da seguire. 📍Lama Monachile (Cala Porto) la spiaggia simbolo del luogo, incastonata tra due coste rocciose. 📍Ponte Borbonico e Ponte Romano dove vedere Lama Monachile dall'alto. 📍 Statua e Belvedere Domenico Modugno, da qui scendete le scalette e dirigetevi verso...
emanuela.marcucci_traveller
387 likes • 12.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Boat Tours Ahead

Secure your spot on popular boat tours, especially for private charters or catamaran trips, to avoid disappointment. :ticket:

Swim from the Boat

Many tours offer a chance to swim in the clear waters. Jumping straight from the boat is a thrilling experience! :ocean:

Check Restroom Availability

Public restrooms can be unreliable. Plan accordingly, especially if you're not on a tour with onboard facilities. :toilet:

Pack Snacks & Drinks

While some tours include refreshments, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. :apple:

Consider a Catamaran Tour

These tours offer a relaxing sailing experience with included snacks and beverages, ideal for couples and families. : catamaran:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking boat tours from Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare, highlighting the stunning sea caves and the exhilarating swimming opportunities. The marina itself is noted as clean and modern, though some travelers mention that public restrooms and showers can be unreliable. Despite minor amenity issues, the overall experience of exploring the Puglian coast by sea is highly praised.

"At this port, you can easily book anything from a private yacht to a small boat or even a guided sightseeing tour around Polignano a Mare. The small boat we took had eight people on board — one was the captain, and the other seven were tourists who came to enjoy the trip and explore the local attractions.

We were absolutely thrilled with the boat ride! 🛥️
After the full sightseeing tour, they let you swim near the boat, which was really fun and refreshing. You can even jump into the water straight from the boat — such a cool experience!

The only downside to this place is that most of the public restrooms are either closed or broken. There’s no option to take a shower after swimming in the salty sea, and unfortunately, the toilet cabins have a very strong and unpleasant smell.

There is no designated place to change clothes, so you have to do it in the restroom, which is not very comfortable."

Кристина Сургай

"Great place to get boat charter for the day for a ride out to Monopoli for the view and a swim"

Leah

"Clean newer marina. Nice store to buy snacks and public restrooms. Showers didn’t work. Hence 4 stars."

jerry Z

What People Like

Spectacular sea caves
Exhilarating boat trips
Beautiful coastal views

What People Dislike

Unreliable restrooms
Non-operational showers

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. You can also reach Polignano a Mare by train from major cities like Bari or Lecce, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to the port. Instagram

Yes, there are parking options available near the marina. Some reviews mention a 'fantastic cafe/waiting area' which might also offer parking or be close to it. Reddit

Polignano a Mare is a charming town, and the port is generally within walking distance from the main attractions, including Lama Monachile. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can book boat tours directly at the port, or for popular options like catamaran tours or private charters, it's best to book in advance online or through local tour operators. Instagram+1

A variety of tours are offered, including private yacht charters, small group boat tours, and catamaran sailing trips, often exploring the local grottoes and coastline. InstagramReddit

There are typically no entrance fees to access the Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare itself. Fees apply to specific boat tours or services. Instagram

Boat tours can vary in length, with options ranging from 2.5-hour excursions to longer 3-hour trips exploring the grottoes and caves. Some companies offer up to 4 different tour types. InstagramReddit

It is highly recommended to book your boat trip in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and secure your preferred time slot. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is booking a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline, sea caves, and grottos. You can also enjoy the nearby Lama Monachile beach and the charming town. Instagram+1

Yes, many boat tours allow you to swim near the boat in the clear Adriatic waters. Some tours might also take you to specific swimming spots. Reddit

Public restrooms at the port can be unreliable, with some being closed or in poor condition. Shower facilities may not be working. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy boat tours, especially catamaran trips which are recommended for families and include snacks and beverages. Reddit

The marina is described as clean and newer, offering a pleasant starting point for boat excursions. There's often a cafe or waiting area available. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the port itself might have limited dining options, the town of Polignano a Mare, just a short walk away, offers numerous restaurants and cafes with local Puglian cuisine. Instagram

Yes, there is usually a store at the marina where you can buy snacks and drinks. Some boat tours also include small snacks, fruits, and beverages. InstagramReddit

Lama Monachile is located within the town, so you'll find various dining options nearby, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants with sea views. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The viewpoints overlooking Lama Monachile, the historic center, and the dramatic coastline are fantastic for photos. Boat tours also offer unique perspectives of the sea caves. Instagram+1

Drone footage can capture stunning aerial views of Polignano a Mare and its coastline, showcasing the unique landscape. TikTok

During boat trips, you might spot marine life like the Aplysia fasciata (sea hare) in the coastal waters. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare will find boat tours to be a highlight. Catamaran tours are particularly recommended as they are often family-friendly and include snacks and drinks, making the journey more enjoyable for everyone. Reddit The opportunity to swim in the clear waters, perhaps even jumping from the boat, is a thrilling experience for children. Reddit

While amenities like restrooms and showers might be inconsistent, planning ahead by bringing extra towels and water can help mitigate any issues. The picturesque setting and the adventure of exploring the coastline by boat are sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.

💑 Couples

For couples, a boat tour from Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare offers a romantic and memorable experience. Opting for a private charter or a catamaran tour can provide a more intimate setting to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and the gentle rhythm of the sea. InstagramReddit

Exploring the sea caves together, stopping for a swim in secluded spots, and enjoying the sunset from the water are perfect ingredients for a romantic getaway. The charming town of Polignano a Mare itself, with its narrow streets and beautiful viewpoints, also adds to the romantic appeal.

💰 Budget Travelers

Budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy the beauty of Polignano a Mare by opting for group boat tours rather than private charters. These tours offer a more affordable way to experience the coastline and sea caves. Reddit While amenities might be basic, focusing on the natural beauty and the swimming opportunities can provide immense value. Reddit

Consider packing your own food and drinks to save on expenses, as some tours may include refreshments but at an additional cost. Exploring the town on foot and enjoying the public beach, Lama Monachile, are also free activities that offer a great taste of Polignano.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Polignano's Sea Caves by Boat

A boat tour from Porto Turistico Polignano a Mare is the quintessential way to experience the dramatic Puglian coastline. These excursions take you along the cliffs, revealing hidden sea caves and grottos carved by the Adriatic Sea over centuries. While some tours advertise cave exploration, it's important to note that you might not always go inside the largest caves, but rather cruise alongside them, admiring their grandeur from the water. Reddit

Many tours offer opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters, often allowing you to jump directly from the boat for a refreshing dip. The experience is highly recommended for couples and families alike, with some tours including light refreshments like snacks, fruits, and beverages to enhance your journey. InstagramReddit

When booking, consider the duration and type of boat. Catamaran tours provide a more relaxed sailing experience, while smaller boats might offer more intimate access to certain areas. Always check what is included and what to expect to make the most of your coastal adventure. Instagram

Navigating Amenities and Comforts

While the allure of Polignano a Mare's coastline is undeniable, visitors should be aware of the practicalities regarding public amenities. Reviews indicate that public restrooms at the port can be a point of concern, with some being closed or in a state of disrepair. This means planning ahead, especially if you're on a longer excursion or have specific needs. Reddit

Similarly, shower facilities may not always be operational, which can be a consideration after a refreshing swim in the salty sea. There isn't always a designated changing area, so you might need to be resourceful. Reddit

Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall experience at the marina is often described positively, with a clean and modern feel. The presence of a cafe or waiting area can provide a comfortable spot before or after your boat trip. Reddit

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