cave tour polignano a mare

• 0 Shopping Cart 0,00  € -->

Boat excursions

Boat excursion to the sea caves and cliffs of polignano a mare.

Any traveler arriving to Polignano a Mare cannot leave without having taken a boat trip to discover the beautiful sea caves and a cobalt blue sea and crystalline that bathes these rocky coasts overlooking the sea.

The tour leaves every two hours from the Port of Polignano a Mare (Cala Ponte Marina) and during the two-hour journey, aboard a modern and new boat six-and-a-half-metre boat , launched in 2018, you will have the chance to see Cala Incina, a 16th century tower that stood in defence of the coast against the arrival of invading peoples from the sea, such as the dreaded Saracens. Cala Incina is a natural harbor that marks the border between Monopoli and Polignano.

Sailing further north you can see from the sea the small natural harbor inhabited by fishermen, called Porta Alga, with its picturesque white houses and the trulli placed at the top.

“Grotta azzurra” Polignano a Mare

Just in front of Porta Alga stands the rock of the Hermit , also known as the islet of San Paolo. This small rock contains a legend that there really lived a hermit, returning from the holy land, probably around the eleventh century.

After the rock of the hermit, you will walk along the cave of the Monache, a place in ancient times frequented by the nuns of a nearby convent, in search of tranquility and privacy. In the cave you can see rock seats where you can imagine the nuns gathered in contemplation.

Once in front of the ramparts of Polignano you will find yourself in front of a spectacle of rare beauty, to which even the locals can never get used to each other, each time experiencing the same admiration. The stone houses with alleys and terraces overlooking the sea and the wonderful Grotta Palazzese , which stands out like a diamond set in so much beauty. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the blue grotto and the Archiepiscopal Cave, as well as by the very special and evocative beach of Lama Monachile, so called because once you could spot the monk seals.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to dive and swim, but we do not want to reveal too much, the tour will reserve many other surprises, stories and anecdotes that you will discover in person, so do not miss this wonderful experience!

Reproduction prohibited.

Or request information

I declare that I have read and accepted the terms and conditions described on the Privacy Policy page and I authorize the processing of my personal data in accordance with the European regulation 2016/679. *

2 + 2 = ? Please prove that you are human by solving the equation *

RENT ME CHARTER & MORE SRLS

Cala Ponte Porto turistico, Polignano a mare

4.8 51 reviews

TOUR TO THE POLIGNANO CAVES WITH DEPARTURE FROM POLIGNANO

Collective tours with a six and a half meter boat (Protagon 20 year 2023 or similars) lasting one hour and 45 minutes, the cost is € 30 per person (minimum 2 people per the shared tour), children up to three years free, from 4 to twelve € 15. The boats are equipped with an awning for shade.

Private tour up to 8 passengers €180.00 (€250.00 only in August) Departure times from Cala Ponte Marina (Port of Polignano) are at: 09:30/11:30/14:00/16:00/18:00. Marina’s fee € 4 per person.

Share this entry

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on WhatsApp
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Reddit
• Share by Mail

Boat parties

Receive news, offers and discounts in your e-mail box!

Sign up to our newsletter

Questo sito utilizza i cookie. Continuando a navigare sul sito, accetti il nostro utilizzo dei cookie.

Impostazioni su Cookie e Privacy

Potremmo richiedere che i cookie siano impostati sul tuo dispositivo. Utilizziamo i cookie per farci sapere quando visiti i nostri siti Web, come interagisci con noi, per arricchire la tua esperienza utente e per personalizzare il tuo rapporto con il nostro sito Web.

Clicca sulle diverse intestazioni di categoria per saperne di più. Puoi anche modificare alcune delle tue preferenze. Si noti che il blocco di alcuni tipi di cookie può influire sulla tua esperienza sui nostri siti Web e sui servizi che siamo in grado di offrire.

Questi cookie sono strettamente necessari per fornirti i servizi disponibili attraverso il nostro sito Web e per utilizzare alcune delle sue caratteristiche.

poiché questi cookie sono strettamente necessari per la consegna del sito Web, non è possibile rifiutarli senza influire sul funzionamento del nostro sito. È possibile bloccarli o eliminarli modificando le impostazioni del browser e forzare il blocco di tutti i cookie su questo sito Web.

Questi cookie raccolgono informazioni che vengono utilizzate in forma aggregata per aiutarci a capire come viene utilizzato il nostro sito Web o quanto sono efficaci le nostre campagne di marketing, o per aiutarci a personalizzare il nostro sito Web e l'applicazione per voi al fine di migliorare la vostra esperienza.

se non si desidera che monitiamo il vostro visistare al nostro sito è possibile disabilitare il tracciamento nel browser qui: Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking.

Usiamo anche diversi servizi esterni come Google webfonts, Google Maps e fornitori di video esterni. Poiché questi fornitori possono raccogliere dati personali come il tuo indirizzo IP, ti consentiamo di bloccarli qui. Si prega di notare che questo potrebbe ridurre pesantemente la funzionalità e l'aspetto del nostro sito. Le modifiche saranno effettive una volta ricaricate la pagina.

Google Webfont Settings: Click to enable/disable Google Webfonts.

Google Map Settings: Click to enable/disable Google Maps.

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds: Click to enable/disable video embeds.

Puoi leggere in dettaglio i nostri cookie e le nostre impostazioni sulla privacy sulla nostra pagina Privacy Policy.

Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif

• Aperitif on board offered
• Guaranteed to skip the lines
• La Veranda di Giselda, Frazione San Vito, 342, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy The starting point of the tour is in front of the bar 'La veranda di Giselda', where you will find a member of our staff wearing a Pugliamare t-shirt.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• Not recommended for travelers suffering from seasickness
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at La Veranda di Giselda Frazione San Vito, 342, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy The starting point of the tour is in front of the bar 'La veranda di Giselda', where you will find a member of our staff wearing a Pugliamare t-shirt. See address & details
• 1 Cala Paura Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 2 Lama Monachile Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Eileen G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pugliese delights Our guide, Alessandra was wonderful, she was friendly, sociable and gave us a lot of insight into Pugliese food. We highly recommend this tour. You get to eat quite a bit and even enjoy a glass of wine at the end. Read more Written October 22, 2023
• colvinking571 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Dissatisfied customer Forgot to mention in my previous feedback the smell of raw paint as I walked along the corridor and in my room. The hotel should have close for renovation and reopened on completion. Very poor management and lack of communication Read more Written October 17, 2023
• nancyd198 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun tour with very warm guide We forgot the name of our guide, but she was lovely and gave us plenty of facts about Polignano. She was passionate about sharing her town and famous snacks/coffee/wine with us and was so helpful with local recommendations. Our tour duration was longer than expected, and we appreciated this as we were really enjoying our time. Read more Written October 13, 2023
• Brina608 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely Tour with great Italian food Great Tourguide - everyone felt seen Great foodspots & photospots, fun with new people - great day Read more Written September 28, 2023
• Xandermcc 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles The food tour that never was Hard to comment on food tour itself as never happened in our case. Had a booking for 7 only to receive a phone call on the morning of the tour that there would be no 5.30pm tour happening. Reason stated was that there had been a problem with our booking portal. After this cancellation call and having applied for a refund about an hour later received another call stating that they could offer a private tour at a higher cost at 5.30pm. Not very impressed with the customer service as given the last minute cancellation the least that could have been done was to offer the tour at the same price we paid. Silver lining managed to get my money back, but would avoid this company! Read more Written September 27, 2023
• Marianella M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Pollignano a Mare from the sea A great way to experience Pollignano a Mare from the sea. You get to see beautiful grottas and swim in the emerald water. Tony was a great captain, highly recommended experience. Read more Written September 22, 2023
• Coridi88 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wondeful Tour @ Polignano a Mare It was really a wonderful tour, Allesandra showed me many beautiful corners and sometimes hidden places in Polignano al Mare and I also learned a lot of exciting things about the history of the city. The culinary samples were also delicious. Allessandra is a great guide and I can highly recommend the tour. Read more Written September 21, 2023
• 896ellek 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip to two popular destinations It was great to get to see both Alberobello and Matera in the same day and the tour guides at each stop were very informative. The only issue with the trip was that it was advertised as a 9:30am start/meeting time, however I was emailed the day before to meet at 8:00am. This caused some issues with a couple in the group who did not receive the email. There also could have been more information given en route to each location as the drive was long. Otherwise a very worthwhile trip if you are hoping to visit both of these places. Read more Written September 19, 2023
• Steve S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun Tour The tour was fun and very informative! Our guide was excellent and made the extra effort to insure everyone was having a great time. Read more Written September 18, 2023
• JoannaCubbonC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent wine tasting morning Very good information and great vineyards and tour. Most importantly fabulous wines. Family run organic vineyard Read more Written September 14, 2023
• jennaclarkemolloy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Would recommend to anybody visiting Polignano Allessandra was an amazing guide! The tour was a brilliant mix of local history and culture and delicious street food from the area. I would highly recommend this tour to anybody in Polignano. I’m still thinking about the panzerotto! Read more Written September 14, 2023
• Jo-Ann H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Simple delacacies! Alessandra provided a locals approach to the tour highlighting places that may otherwise go unnoticed. Her love for the food of this region was self evident, and she enriched our understanding of it through her in depth knowledge of it’s origins. It was truly much more than I expected, and a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Molto grazie! Read more Written September 7, 2023
• LJeanSc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Way to spend a morning in Polignano a Mare We had a fabulous morning with our guides on this walking tour. Their enthusiasm for their Puglian heritage was infectious, and all the food we tasted was delicious!! It's a gorgeous town, so just strolling around is wonderful, but stopping to taste typical dishes and getting some of the history and a feel for the local culture really added a lot to our appreciation of the city. Read more Written September 5, 2023
• 579bethanp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super fun boat trip I really enjoyed our boat trip with Pugliamare, though I would definitely recommend taking the shuttle to the port (this could have been cheaper than £10pp each way). Our driver was hilarious, he got us soaked, it was really fun. He gave us 2 bottles of prosecco and let us swim in the sea under the famous restaurant in the cave. I had a great time! Read more Written September 3, 2023
• L1858KTaleksandras 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Weather dependent Due to wind the trip was cancelled a day before. I was offered to change it for a different day or take a different trip that day (food tour). I was visting the coast for only 1 day, so I decided to resign. I recieved the refund after 4 days. Read more Written August 1, 2023

More to explore in Polignano a Mare

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif provided by Pugliamare

Polignano a Mare Sea Caves Sailing Tour by Catamaran

Sail the caves and along the cliffs of the adriatic coast in luxury by private boat.

Are you looking to explore sea caves without random others? Join our VIP Tour by Catamaran for a private boat experience. Your local English-Speaking skipper will point out the stunning cliffs that line the coast and lead you to the famous sea caves. With plenty of time to relax and swim in the clear blue waters, enjoy a half-day on the water. Cheers with local Prosecco as you bask in the sun and tranquility of this private boat tour.

• Private Catamaran Tour of the Polignano a Mare
• Enjoy an Aperitivo with Wine and Prosecco
• Fun for Friends and Family
• See Sunset on Board with Evening Options
• Partake in Water Activities with Equipment Included
• See the Cliffs and Caves along the Coast
• Enjoy a Half Day in the Adriatic
• Relax and Swim in the Clear Mediterranean Waters

Are you ready for a relaxing day on the Adriatic Coast? Can you imagine a private catamaran led by a friendly English-Speaking captain? Join our Private Luxury Catamaran tour for the ultimate experience on the water in Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare Sea Caves Private Boat Tour Description

This 3.5 hour private boat tour includes:

Private Luxury Catamaran Rental

Expert Local Skipper-Guide

Free Time to Swim and Relax

Authentic Aperitivo with Local Prosecco

Visit to Sea Caves along Polignano Coast

Meet Your Captain at the Polignano Marina

Your day begins at at the Marina where your English-speaking skipper will lead you onto to your luxury sea craft. Look up and admire the picturesque views as the Catamaran glides away from the dock.

Experience a Private Sailing Catamaran

For over 3,000 years, Catamarans have been sailing across the world with their efficient double hulled design. Over the years Catamarans have gotten much more luxurious, including the one you will have for your half day at sea.

See the Sea Caves and Sharp Cliffs

Famous for its twenty-one sea caves the skipper will lead your boat to the stunning favorites. Take in the world-class scenery and see the historic skyline of the city founded by Julius Caesar (debated by scholars).

Aperitivo with Local Prosecco Included

On board, enjoy a spread of local meats, cheeses and plenty of Prosecco. Enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo with these typical products.

Free Time for Swimming and Water Sports

Enjoy plenty of time to swim and enjoy engaging water activities in the crystal blue waters. Fun for all ages, savor this private day at sea.

" data-expanded-text="hide full description "> show full description

See what people are saying

0 total reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

You may also like

Polignano a Mare Sea Caves Boat Tour with Local Skipper

Explore the caves, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy a glass of Prosecco in a small group

From: $33.90

Stand Up Paddle Experience in Polignano a Mare

In a Small Group, Explore the Stunning Caves, Beaches and Waters

From: $45.20

Full Day Alberobello and Winery Day Trip from Polignano a Mare

In a small group, see historic trulli homes and taste authentic Puglian wines with a local guide

From: $214.70

Matera, Sassi Caves and Alberobello Private Day Trip from Bari

Easily explore more of Puglia and Basilicata, including the UNESCO cave dwellings and trullo houses

From: $565.00

Top tours customers bought with this tour:

Thank you for letting us know how your experience was!

Tell us about your experience.

If you need to book more than 7 guests on this tour, contact us at [email protected] A travel Expert will get back to you to arrange all the details.

Europe is re-opening for visitors!

Want to see which small group tours are now operating ?

More tours added weekly!

See Open Tours

• Travel Blog
• In The Press
• Top Attractions

Policy & Terms

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• USA or Canada: +1 888 290 5595
• Email: [email protected]

© 2024 - The Tour Guy All rights reserved.

Choose your experience, unique and sensational way to discover the secret caves and the high cliffs overlooking the sea…

Shared boat tour to the Polignano a Mare caves

Explore the fascinating caves of Polignano a Mare with our boat tour, an unforgettable experience among the natural wonders of the Apulian coast.

STARTING FROM

Private Boat Tour to the Polignano a Mare Caves

Make your boat tour exclusive and intimate. Change it into something priceless, that holds private emotions reserved for a few.

Night and romantic private boat tour to the Polignano a Mare caves

Let yourself be enchanted by the night lights that change the Polignano a Mare coast when the sun goes down, making it even more romantic and suggestive.

Shared Tour by Gozzo to the Caves of Polignano a Mare

Explore the wonderful caves of Polignano a Mare aboard our authentic gozzo, an unforgettable immersion in the natural beauty of the Apulian coast.

Private Gozzo Tour to the Caves of Polignano a Mare

Corporate Events by Boat in Polignano a Mare

A boat tour discovering all the Polignano a Mare coast could be the right idea to give value to your company. The entire event will be treated in detail with the possibility to manage small and large groups.

ASK US FOR A QUOTE

Party on Board in Polignano a Mare

Stand out and choose to celebrate in a different way. Lots of fun and music await you on board, with your true friends or loved ones.

Captain for a day

If you have some experience driving a boat and are an adult, choose driver-free rental. You can decide the itinerary and what to visit.

E-Gift Card

Gift idea for those who love to give moments that hold immense value that you cannot quantify but only experience as wonderful.

PERSONALIZE THE AMOUNT.

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE COAST

There is no better way than admiring the beauty of the Polignano coastline from the sea. Live an unforgettable experience, discovering the most striking points of interest.

Our services

Blu & Blu Gran Turismo

Mimi Libeccio 25

Can one fall in love with a place? Desire intensely to return there once they leave?

The purpose we set ourselves every day is to leave a mark to all those who will choose us. Polignano a Mare has an old town set in the rock, full of narrow streets where you can get lost. Almost certainly, they will lead you to one of the many hanging balconies overlooking the sea. Your dream starts here, wanting to dive into its “blu dipinto di blu”, wishing to fly on its coast catching all its beauty.

Over 100 happy customers worldwide

Super positive experience. The skipper Francis very kind and friendly. If you find yourself passing through Polignano a mare rely on Blue Wave for a boat excursion to the caves of Polignano.

Top experience. Boat excursion along the coast of Polignano a mare with a visit to the beautiful caves, including an explanation of Polignano's history. Francis very qualified and polite. He made us feel very comfortable. Absolutely recommended.

Beautiful and exciting experience in seeing the caves from inside. Availability competence and courtesy distinguish Francis, who with his boat makes you spend beautiful moments...

Fantastic boat tour of Polignano coast, beautiful caves, sea as always amazing. The very knowledgeable skipper Francis also treated us to an aperitif with prosecco and tarallini, all very pleasant.

Beautiful day spent together with Francesco Excellent skipper great mastery of the boat ⛵ inside the caves thanks to his girlfriend who accompanied us with her car to the boarding dock we are waiting for you in Ancona x an excursion in the Conero Riviera ciao see you soon

150+ reviews on Google. Certificate of Excellence

Read all reviews

SHARE WITH US

Your experience.

Send us your photos! The most beautiful ones will be posted on our website.

• Group tours by boat
• Private boat tours

• Group tours by boat from Polignano a Mare >

Polignano a Mare and sea caves boat tour

Blue Flag 2013, Polignano is called "Pearl of the Adriatic" for the twelve kilometers of coastline characterized by a crystalline sea and by the succession of caves dug by the action of the sea. With a boat trip of approximately 1.50 hours, you will discover each cave, including the famous Grotta Palazzese, bays with crystal clear water, and enjoy amazing landscapes.

The so-called “Pearl of Adriatic”, Polignano a Mare is known for its unique high cliffs and jagged coastline, incredible caves excavated in the rocks, caves accessible only from the sea. The erosive action of water, wind and the karst phenomenon have created a charming landscape. Of course, the best way to enjoy this show is from the sea perspective: with this boat tour in Polignano a Mare, you will admire the play of colour and light of these unique caves and have the chance to swim in the crystal waters of the coast. Often Mother Nature enjoys being an artist and you cannot miss to admire this masterpiece.

Program of the Polignano a Mare and sea caves boat tour:

• Meeting point in the port of San Vito (Frazione di San vito 342 – Polignano a Mare) and start of the boat tour.
• Just below the town is the Grotta Palazzese, the largest of the grottos, considered one of the “seven scenic wonders of the world”. This particular cave was used for royal banquets at the request of Italian nobility since the 18th century. Today the natural sea cave hosts a unique restaurant, which is sort of suspended between the town above and the Adriatic Sea 74 feet below.
• The tour continues with a stop at the Ardito Cave: as you enter the cave, you will see how small beams of sunlight find ways to penetrate the rock and illuminate the unique play of colors on the cave walls.
• Further along, we find the Chiangella Cave, named after the cries of the weeping mothers desperate for news of the fate of their daughters who were kidnapped during the raids of the Saracens and pirates and the Cave of Nuns, named after its most frequent visitors, the religious, who could swim peacefully away from curious eyes.
• The tour continues with a stop in Lama Monachile, one of the most beautiful sights in all of Polignano a Mare. A beautiful bay, this is the foundation upon which the city is built and a must see when visiting Polignano.
• Further along, you can see the majestic Island of San Paolo or “Rock Hermit”; it owes its name to the legend that tells of a mysterious person that had chosen this rock to pursue a life in solitude and meditation.
• Among the other points of interest, you will see: Episcopina Cave, Favale Cave, Port’Alga, Cala Paura and Rondinelle Cave. In addition, during the tour there will be a stop for swimming.

The price includes : Professional English-speaking skipper – Aperitif with prosecco and “taralli” – Equipment for snorkeling.

The price does not include : Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Do not forget : Swimsuit – Beach towel – Sunscreen – Sun hat – Camera.

Maximum : 10 people on board.

To know more about your boat trip...

The most beautiful beaches in polignano a mare, lama monachile, the main grottos of polignano a mare, grotta palazzese, why is it called grotta palazzese, grotta ardito, grotta delle monache, grotta del pianto, island of san paolo or scoglio dell’eremita, legend behind the scoglio dell’eremita, grotta dell’arcivescovado, grotta favale and grotticella sotto favale, legend of the grotta delle rondinelle, what is the name of the inhabitants of polignano a mare, how to reach polignano a mare from bari, what to see in polignano a mare, how to reach port’alga, where is cala paura, can i choose the departure time of the boat tour, how long is the polignano a mare and its caves boat tour, do i have some free time to swim and snorkel, are there toilet breaks during the tour, are drinks included in this tour, will the tour be cancelled in case of heavy rain or rough sea.

Confirm E-mail

Date Pick-up

Pick Up Area Naples Torre del Greco Pompeii Herculaneum Castellammare Vico Equense Meta Piano di Sorrento S.Agnello Sorrento Massa Lubrense Positano Altro

Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Kids 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Infanti (0-2) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Accept privacy [ ? ]

Write a review!

Title of your review

Date of the tour

Rate 5 stelle 4 stelle 3 stelle 2 stelle 1 stella

Highlights:

• Departure from San Vito
• Guaranteed everyday
• Small groups of maximum 10 people
• Professional skipper English speaking
• Visit all the sea caves along the coast
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea

€ 35 Adults

Reviews from our customers

Overall rating

Rating details

Enchanting Caves of Polignano

Breathtaking polignano adventure, hidden gems of polignano coast, sign up to our newsletter.

Sign up now and get a 10% discount to use when you want on one of our You Know! signature tours. Keep up to date on the trend news of You Know Life on Travels, Made in Italy and Green Economy delivered straight to your inbox.

Our Newsletter!

Sign up with your email address to get exclusive offers and the trend news of You Know Life on Travels, Made in Italy and Green Economy delivered straight to your inbox.

• Cave Emotion

Cave Emotion Giri in Barca

+39 334 5758167

[email protected]

We respect your privacy

Statistical.

• Service provided by Google

• Porto Selvaggio
• FAQ – Rules
• Kayak course for beginners
• PAGAIA AZZURRA SK1 kayak course
• PAGAIA AZZURRA SK2 kayak course

The 21 caves of Polignano a Mare

A visit to the caves of Polignano a Mare is a must when you come to Puglia. The most suitable way to visit them is certainly the sea kayak . In fact with this absolutely ecological boat we can enter all, but really all the caves that have a marine entrance. We will be sure not to damage the original coastal environment and we will be able to see all the details that interest us up close. In our sea kayak tour at Polignano a Mare we make you do exactly this!

Below is the map with the position of each cave in sequence from left to right.

• “CALA PAURA” CAVE
• “PIANA” CAVE
• CAVE UNDER “BASTIONE DI SANTO STEFANO”
• “ARCIVESCOVADO” CAVE
• “PALAZZESE” CAVE
• “PIETROPAOLO” CAVE
• “SOTTO FAVALE” CAVE
• “ARDITO DELLE CALDAIE” CAVE
• “PERTUSO OF RAFANIEDD'”
• “FRASCINA” CAVE
• “PIETRO E PAOLO” CAVE 2
• “PIETRO E PAOLO” CAVE 1
• “DELLE MONACHE” CAVE
• “SAN GENNARO” CAVE
• “ANTRO DEL MACELLO” CAVE
• “PUNTA DEL CIUCCIO” CAVE
• “STAMPAGNATA” CAVE
• “DELLA COLONNA” CAVE
• “DELL’EREMITA” CAVE 1
• “DELL’EREMITA” CAVE 2

Polignano’s cave n°1 “CALA PAURA” CAVE

“Cala Paura” Cave means Fear Cove Cave. The “Cala Paura” cave is a small shelter carved out of the rock. It is partly masked by a wall built at the end of the last century, for the construction of the first city bathhouse.

Polignano’s cave n°2 BLUE CAVE

The Blue Cave is a cavern about three meters high which is entered through a low passage between the surface of the water and the rock. On the right, a few meters from the entrance, there is an underwater opening which in particular conditions of light creates beautiful bright reflections. Hence the name of Blue Cave. At the bottom there is a small sandy beach.

Polignano’s cave n°3 “PIANA” CAVE

“Piana” Cave means Flat Cave. The “Piana” Cave or “Basso Porto” Cave, as they call it Polignano’s citizens, is a marine cave consisting of a large quadrangular cave, characterized by a perfectly flat and horizontal vault. It has two entrances: one from the ground and the other, opposite, from the sea. Today it is one of the symbols of Polignano, right at the corner under the “Bastione di Santo Stefano”.

Polignano’s cave n°4 CAVE UNDER “BASTIONE DI SANTO STEFANO”

Between Lama Monachile and the edge of the Bastione di Santo Stefano, there are two small openings in the rock that allow entry into this cave.

Polignano’s cave n°5 “ARCIVESCOVADO” CAVE

“Arcivescovado” Cave means Archbishopric Cave. Polignano has the belief that this cave was the outlet to the sea of secret tunnels that allowed the escape of the prelates of Polignano from the episcopal palace during enemy incursions. In reality, however, this large cave does not hide any secrets as the narrow passage becomes impractical after a few meters.

Polignano’s cave n°6 “PALAZZESE” CAVE

“Palazzese” Cave means Cave of the Palace. The “Palazzese” Cave is the largest of all Polignano’s caves. It is called because it belonged to the Marquis Leto, feudal lords of Polignano in 1700. The cave can be accessed both from the ground, through a small staircase carved into the rock by the Marquises Leto, and from the sea through two openings. A large terrace overlooks the cave and allows visitors to admire it in all its majestic beauty. Inside it is formed by a very large semicircular environment, with a diameter of 30 meters, communicating with a second smaller environment with an outlet to the sea and a small pebbly beach on the bottom. The cave has been home to a restaurant for several decades, with an adjoining hotel, known all over the world.

Polignano’s cave n°7 “PIETROPAOLO” CAVE

“Pietropaolo” Cave means PeterPaul Cave. The “Pietropaolo” Cave is a shallow, but very high and bilobed cave. The bottom is full of huge boulders collapsed from the vault.

Polignano’s cave n°8 “SOTTO FAVALE” CAVE

In 1960 large fragments of Roman wine vessels were collected. It is the confirmation of the presence of a Roman colony in Polignano.

Polignano’s cave n°9 “ARDITO DELLE CALDAIE” CAVE

It has 48 steps carved out of silica that descend from the large open space above to sea level. It is not easy to access, but the vision presented to those who manage to enter it repays the effort made.

Polignano’s cave n°10 “PERTUSO DI RAFANIEDD'”

Really cramped cave with a small sleeping partition on the water.

Polignano’s cave n°11 “FRASCINA” CAVE

The “Frascina” Cave does not have the beauty of the other Polignano’s caves, in fact it looks more like a large niche under the rocks.

Polignano’s caves n°12 and 13 “PIETRO E PAOLO” CAVE 2 AND 1

“Pietro e Paolo” Cave means Peter and Paul Cave. The Pietro e Paolo caves have the same name because they are very close. Local fishermen call them Delle Monache Caves. Cave number 1 opens a few meters above sea level and is characterized by the presence of a large natural column at the entrance. Next to it and further down, there is the Pietro e Paolo Cave 2. Its entrance is on the surface of the water and the sea inside forms a pond only a few centimeters deep.

Polignano’s cave n°14 “DELLE MONACHE” CAVE

“Delle Monache” Cave means Cave of the Nuns. Tradition tells that the nuns of the nearby hospital went to this cave in summer to bathe away from prying eyes. A small stepped passageway allowed access to the cave from the floor above. This tunnel was open until a few years ago, but today it is closed.

Polignano’s cave n°15 “SAN GENNARO” CAVE

The “San Gennaro” Cave is the largest of the 4 caves that insist under the large inlet called Hospital or Slaughterhouse. The cavity is protected by north wind and mistral. A reef of rocks delimits the southern part of the entrance. The internal part, large and bright, is completely invaded by the sea. At the highest point under the vault, a narrow passage seems to go under the village. The tunnel, however, still remains unexplored.

Polignano’s cave n°16 “ANTRO DEL MACELLO” CAVE

“Antro del Macello” Cave means Slaughterhouse Cave. Small cave more similar to a shelter under rock than to a real cave. At the entrance, a series of emerged rocks forms a quay against which the waves break.

Polignano’s cave n°17 “PUNTA DEL CIUCCIO” CAVE

“Punta del Ciuccio” Cave means Donkey Cape Cave. A few meters east of the “Antro del Macello” Cave there is the entrance to a cave with a very unusual name. This old toponym refers to the small prominence that enters the sea. The cavity consists of a single environment which emerges almost a couple of meters from the sea in the deepest part.

Polignano’s cave n°18 “STAMPAGNATA” CAVE

“Stampagnata” Cave means Roofless Cave. The name of this cave derives from the morphological peculiarity of the internal environment which is partially missing from the vault. “Stampagnata” means in fact in dialect “without roof”, that is uncovered. The cave has two large openings (over two smaller ones placed at the top). The first is at sea level which penetrates almost the entire length; the second is about one meter above the sea.

Polignano’s cave n°19 “DELLA COLONNA” CAVE

“Della Colonna” Cave means Column Cave. The cave is located close to the small peninsula overlooking the Eremita rock and is characterized by a double entrance separated by a column. The interior is completely invaded by the sea and is quadrangular in shape. Suggestive are the colors of this cave, determined by the reflections of light in the waters of the entrance.

Polignano’s caves n°20 and 21 “DELL’EREMITA” CAVE 1 AND 2

“Dell’Eremita” Cave means Hermit Cave. Small in size, these caves show no particularities, except for a deposit of red earth in the first cave, the highest one above sea level, and some findings of bones and flints worked in the second, which would suggest a prehistoric human presence in the site.

Images extracted from http://www.catasto.fspuglia.it/df/dati.php

• Post last modified: 10 June 2022
• Post author: Marco Garbetta