an aerial view of the city of Rome with a large square in the middle of the city.
green and yellow scooters parked on a cobblestone street
an aerial view of the city of Rome with a large square in the middle of the city.
green and yellow scooters parked on a cobblestone street
Aerial view of a white cliffside town overlooking turquoise sea under a bright sun. Polignano a Mare, Italy
A vibrant green door on a stone wall, surrounded by numerous potted and hanging colorful flowers. Monopoli, Italy
Aerial view of a large historic stone building on a rocky peninsula, with vivid turquoise water and a sandy beach full of umbrellas. Monopoli, Italy
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Combine Rome and Polignano a Mare

Two sides of Italy in the same trip. Rome meets Polignano a Mare in Apulia, the heel of Italy, with city life and seaside relaxation in perfect balance.

From Rome to the coast of Puglia

This journey is built on contrasts. You begin in Rome, where the pace is high and impressions are many, and end by the sea in Polignano a Mare. The combination offers both energy and recovery without feeling fragmented. You fly to Rome and then continue by plane to Puglia, before travelling onward by land down to the coast.

Rome – the city’s rhythm and pauses in between

Rome is a city best experienced without stress. Walk through the small streets of Trastevere, around Campo de’ Fiori and across squares where everyday life unfolds alongside history. There is always something to see, but just as important is slowing down. A coffee in the sun, a long lunch, an evening that takes its time. That is when Rome feels most alive.

Flying south – an easy change of pace

After your days in Rome, you fly on to Bari. This is the journey’s only flight between city and coast and makes the transition quick and smooth. Once there, you continue to Polignano a Mare, where the landscape opens up and the pace shifts almost immediately. From city to sea, without hassle.

Polignano a Mare – where the sea is part of everyday life

Polignano a Mare is a small coastal town where life revolves around the water. Houses cluster along the cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, and swimming spots are woven into the town itself. Here, it is completely normal to start the day with a morning swim, enjoy a coffee in the old town and then head back down to the sea again.

Swimming is easy and close by. The small beach Lama Monachile lies dramatically between the cliffs, but many prefer swimming from the rocks or bathing platforms along the coast. The water is clear and deep, ideal for swimming. No large beach setup, just sea, sun and a towel over your shoulder.

Evenings, walks and a relaxed town life

The town is compact and easy to explore on foot. The old town offers narrow streets, small squares and viewpoints where you tend to linger longer than planned. In the evenings, the streets fill with both locals and visitors. It is lively but relaxed, more evening strolls than late nights. A place that is easy to enjoy.

Day trips from Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is also an excellent base for exploring Puglia. Monopoli is nearby and offers sandy beaches and a small marina. Alberobello is ideal for a half-day trip with its trulli houses and distinctive character. Ostuni, the white city, offers views over olive groves and a slower pace. If you prefer to stay by the coast, a boat trip along the cliffs around Polignano is a lovely way to experience the area from the sea.

Practical information

Best time to travel:
May–June and September are ideal months, with warm sea temperatures and pleasant weather. During summer, the focus is entirely on sun and swimming.

Getting around:
Fly to Rome and continue by plane to Bari. From there, travel to Polignano a Mare by car, train or transfer. Once there, walking and local transport are usually sufficient.

Transfer (can be added):
You can add transfers before completing your booking. Transfers can be booked between Rome airport and your accommodation in Rome, as well as between Bari airport and your accommodation in Polignano a Mare. An easy choice for a comfortable start and a relaxed end to the trip.

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