Polignano a Mare

Sea caves in Polignano a Mare

Spectacular Sea Caves

Polignano a Mare's coastline is defined by dramatic limestone cliffs and over 70 sea caves carved by the Adriatic Sea. This collection highlights the most significant karst formations, ranging from the massive Grotta Palazzese, which houses a world-renowned restaurant, to the secluded Grotta delle Monache. These grottoes feature unique mineral deposits, subterranean tunnels connecting to historic palaces, and natural light displays created by the reflection of water against white stone walls.

Spectacular Sea Caves — Map

Renan Bezerra / CC-BY-SA

A

Grotta dell'Arcivescovado

A historic sea cave connected to the Bishop's Palace through a series of internal tunnels.

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

B

Grotta piana - Grotta del basso porto

A low-ceilinged limestone cavern located near the old port area of Polignano.

C

Grotta Palazzese

The largest and most famous sea cave in the region, housing a restaurant within its massive limestone vault.

Leandro Catelli / CC-BY-SA

D

Grotta delle monache

A secluded grotto historically used by nuns from a nearby convent for private sea bathing.

E

Grotta Frascina

A natural karst formation carved into the high cliffs south of the town center.

F

Grotticella di Santo Stefano

Small coastal grotto located near the historic defensive structures of the Santo Stefano area.

G

Grotta della colonna

Known for a distinctive vertical rock formation inside the cave that resembles a column.

H

Grotta di sella

Named for its saddle-shaped rock ceiling, this cave is primarily accessible by small boat.

I

Grotta Testa di Morto

The name refers to the specific shape of the cave entrance, which resembles a skull.

J

Grotta dei passeri

A high-vaulted cave frequently used as a nesting site for local coastal birds.

K

Grotticella di Pozzovivo

A small limestone cave located along the rocky stretch of coast heading toward Monopoli.

L

Grotticella di Santo Stefano

A small natural opening in the cliffside near the historic Santo Stefano landing.

M

Grotta di San Vito

A sea cave located directly beneath the 10th-century Benedictine Abbey of San Vito.

N

Grottone di Cala San Giovanni

A large cavernous opening situated near the sandy beach of Cala San Giovanni.

O

Grotta dei fidanzati

A small, secluded grotto often visited by swimmers and small rowing boats.

P

Grotta Corrente dei giunchi

A cave characterized by specific tidal currents and its proximity to coastal reed beds.

Q

Grotta del doppio ponte

Named for the unique natural rock arches that span the entrance of the cave.

R

Grotta delle concrezioni

Features significant stalactite and stalagmite formations created by mineral-rich water filtration.

S

Grotta San Gennaro

A coastal cave named after Saint Januarius, featuring deep turquoise waters.

T

Grotta del porticello

Located near a small natural inlet used as a landing point for local fishing boats.

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Polignano a Mare: Absolute Must-Sees Coastal Viewpoints and Caves Historic Ruins and Towers