Polignano a Mare is one of the most impossibly picturesque towns in Apulia and in Italy. Let us paint you a picture: white washed buildings perched right up to the edge of rugged cliffs, jewel-toned water sharply contrasting below, endless pretty and winding little cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with plants and flowers, a charming little bay nestled between two of those rugged cliffs right at the centre of town with a pebble beach, and elegant piazze with canopied cafés for sitting out and watching the world go by. A magical gem of a place, it is a wonderful spot in which to enjoy a day-trip if you have found a villa in Apulia and are exploring the area.
However, we would note that Polignano a Mare is an especially idyllic spot to visit if you are planning a spring getaway in Apulia. The region is lovely pretty much no matter when you visit but there is no doubt that those who prefer to avoid tourist crowds will find that the hot and exciting summer months, when all sorts of events taking place in the area and the weather draw holidayers to the seaside towns, are perhaps not the ideal time to plan a trip. Never fear, though, a vacation in Apulia in spring is wonderful for many reasons and Polignano a Mare, in particular, has lots to recommend it at this time of the year. Here are just five of the excellent reasons to come and find a holiday rental in Apulia and plan a day-trip to Polignano a Mare this spring...
1. The Weather
While sun-worshippers and those who love the heat are more likely to enjoy the more consistently high temperatures and sunny days afforded by the summer months in Apulia, those who prefer pleasant but milder climes would be better served in spring. Between March and May, the weather in Apulia continues to get gradually warmer with the temperatures on average in the high teens (Celsius) by April and the around the mid-twenties by the end of May. For some, these temperatures will preclude visits to the beach but for others they will be pleasant enough conditions to still enjoy bathing in the waters. Certainly, for those looking to really wander all around town, they are likely preferable and this combined with a lack of the humidity that becomes common during the summer, means that you’ll be able to really explore properly without getting sweaty or sunburned.
2. The Beaches
Speaking of spending time at the beach, Polignano a Mare’s famous beach at the centre of town and many beloved nearby strands are likely going to be more comfortable to visit at this time of the year. Due to their popularity and the fact that events such as the Red Bull Cliffdiving competition are held in the area throughout the summer, large crowds descend upon the coastline here during the warmer months. So, if you want more space and peace and quiet during a day at the beach, then we wouldn’t particularly suggest coming during the summer. If, instead, you are willing to compromise on the temperature in order to benefit from the relative calm and absence of large numbers of fellow tourists, then you’ll enjoy visiting Polignano a Mare’s iconic little bay during a holiday in Apulia in the spring.
3. The Poetry Trail
A great way to make the most of the pleasant spring weather to see more of Polignano a Mare is to go on a poetry trail through the historic streets. Particularly interesting if you speak Italian but easily translated with apps today, the poetic phrases scrawled on walls, doors, stairs, and many other places all throughout the centre of town make for an brilliant framework for exploring this gem of a place and are a unique attribute of this stunning part of the world. Dating back to when a man named Guido Lupori from Bari left his mundane life and boring job and decided to move to Polignano a Mare to become a writer, the verses began as a passion project of the newly settled creative. He began to write them all over town, words of his own and his favourite authors, and signed them as Guido Il Flâneur, or Guido The Wanderer. The tiny little Vicolo della Poesia, with its poetry stairs, is the most famous and photographed spot and can be tricky to find sometimes. Ask some locals, keep your eyes peeled, and use this treasure hunt of sorts as an excellent way to see all kinds of picturesque corners and random surprises and delights. Go out seeking the poetry dotted throughout Polignano a Mare during your stay in a vacation rental in Apulia and use it as a chance to really get to know the place.
4. The (Pleasantly) Warm Welcome
Polignano a Mare recently won the title of, “the world's most welcoming city,” in Booking’s 2023 edition of their Traveller Review Awards due to a combination of its incredible beauty and attractions alongside the friendliness and excellent services offered by locals. Service and welcomes are always at their absolute best, however, when people are not under too much pressure – it is why so many say to avoid restaurants on Valentine’s Day, for example – so if you really want to experience exactly what it is that makes Polignano a Mare so welcoming, then we recommend a visit during a spring getaway in Apulia. Come when everyone has the time and space and there is more room all around you to really appreciate this stunning place!
5. The Special Polignano Coffee
Spring may be when things are warming up but in the evenings or throughout some days, it still might be somewhat chilly or there could be a cold breeze on a particular morning. So, you might need something special to warm you up, which makes spring an ideal time to try a local treat called the Caffè Speciale (literally, the Special Coffee). A recipe that is unique to the town and can be found in cafés and eateries around Polignano a Mare, it is a warm coffee with lemon peel, cream, and a dash of artisanal amaretto, served in a small glass. A little bit boozy and sweet and creamy, like an Irish coffee, this is a perfect holiday drink and well-suited to the pleasant but not overly hot spring weather. Of course, if you find a villa in Apulia and visit Polignano a Mare at any point throughout the year, we would still recommend trying the Caffè Speciale as it is a unique local speciality but it really is a perfectly suited beverage for more off-season visits to the town.
So, if you were considering a spring break in Apulia then we heartily encourage the idea and definitely suggest adding a day-trip to Polignano a Mare while you’re at it. It really is a wonderful time of the year to explore this part of the region and a perfect time to come and wander around this stunning seaside town, in particular, while you can have it a little more to yourself. For those who enjoy an off-season vacation and more peace and quiet, it offers a truly ideal combination of time and place.
