Polignano a Mare is an Adriatic coastal town you can reach from Bari on Trenitalia’s Regionale route between Bari and Lecce. A day here can centre on the historic old town, its coastal viewpoints and Lama Monachile, the cove beach below the cliffs.
- Train route: Trenitalia Regionale between Bari and Lecce
- Old-town entrance: Arco Marchesale, also called Porta Grande
- Beach access: on foot from the town centre via the Roman bridge
Getting from Bari to Polignano a Mare
The train is a direct way to plan a day trip: Polignano a Mare is a stop on Trenitalia’s Regionale route between Bari and Lecce.
Trenitalia identifies it as one of the Adriatic coastal stops on this service. The guide to getting around Bari by train, bus and on foot covers local transport to consider before setting off for the station.
Start by checking train options for your travel day, then build the rest of your plan around the time you have in town. No journey duration or current timetable is established here, so avoid relying on a general schedule.
Trenitalia says bicycles can be carried free on Regionale trains on this route, though spaces vary by train and can reach up to 16. If you plan to bring a bike, check the official site before you go for current travel details.
For a broader rail day-trip comparison, you can also read about planning a trip from Bari to Alberobello.
Walking from the station to the old town
Arco Marchesale, also known as Porta Grande, is the entrance to Polignano a Mare’s historic centre. Once you arrive, make this arch your first landmark as you head into the old town.
The arch dates to the 16th century. From there, take time to explore the historic centre before heading toward the coast; the old streets and viewpoints make a natural start to a day focused on the town’s seafront.
Coastal viewpoints and Lama Monachile
Lama Monachile, also called Cala Porto, is a small cove beach set in the bed of an ancient river that is now dry. You can reach it on foot from the town centre via the Roman bridge.
The bridge behind the cove was built over a Roman bridge on the ancient Via Traiana, the road between Rome and Brindisi. From here, the beach sits below the town’s cliffs. In summer, the cove is especially crowded; Italia.it recommends arriving early in the morning.
After the cove, follow the seafront for a different perspective on the coast. A three-metre-high bronze statue of Domenico Modugno, created by sculptor Hermann Mejer, stands on Polignano’s seafront.
Planning a day around the town
A simple sequence is to enter the historic centre through Arco Marchesale, spend time among its streets and coastal viewpoints, then walk via the Roman bridge to Lama Monachile. If the beach is part of your plan in summer, an early arrival can help you avoid the busiest part of the day.
Keep your return train in mind when deciding how long to linger by the water. The facts here don’t establish a current timetable, so check your options for the day rather than assuming a particular departure time.
The Pino Pascali Foundation museum presents contemporary art exhibitions in a renovated former slaughterhouse. Its exhibition programme can change, so check details before making it part of your itinerary.
For this train day trip, BARI 102 is about a seven-minute walk from Bari Centrale.
FAQs
Can you reach Polignano a Mare by train from Bari?
Yes. Polignano a Mare is a stop on Trenitalia’s Regionale route between Bari and Lecce. Check current services for your travel day.
How do you get to Lama Monachile from the town centre?
Walk from the town centre via the Roman bridge to reach the cove.
What is the historic entrance to Polignano a Mare’s old town?
Arco Marchesale, also called Porta Grande, is the entrance to the historic centre.
What is Lama Monachile also called?
It is also known as Cala Porto.