Polignano a Mare shines as a jewel on Italy’s Adriatic coast, famous not only for its dramatic cliffs and colorful houses but also for its lively tour scene. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat ride, an active paddle, or a cultural trip to nearby towns, this seaside town offers a variety of ways to see and feel its charm. We especially love the Boat Cruise with Prosecco for its panoramic scenery and caves; it’s a fantastic way to absorb the place from the water while sipping bubbly. For those who want a bit of adventure, the Stand-Up Paddle Tour offers a fun, active way to explore sea caves and inlets. If history is more your thing, the day trip to Alberobello shows off the iconic Trulli houses and provides a glimpse into this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whatever your style, Polignano’s tours promise memorable moments, insider views, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy authentic Italy.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a wide array of tours in Polignano a Mare—from boat excursions with options for prosecco, snacks, and snorkeling, to active stand-up paddleboarding and cultural day trips to nearby historic towns. Each offers a different perspective on the region’s natural beauty and local culture, with highlights including exploring sea caves, swimming in clear waters, and discovering charming towns like Alberobello. To help you decide, check out the full details of each experience below and see which fits your travel style best.
1. Polignano a Mare: Boat Cruise with Prosecco
At number 1, this boat cruise with prosecco combines scenic sightseeing with relaxation. For about $47 per person, you get 1.5 hours exploring Polignano’s coast, sailing past its famous caves like Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito. The tour starts at Calaponte Marina, where you’ll climb aboard a speedboat and cruise along the coast, feeling the sea breeze as you approach the caves. The experience is not just about sightseeing; it’s also about feeling connected to the water and nature with stops for swimming in clear waters. The highlight is undoubtedly sipping Italian prosecco while taking in panoramic views of the town’s white facades and rocky cliffs. With a stellar 4.7/5 rating from 690 reviews, this tour offers excellent value, especially for travelers seeking a shorter, lively adventure. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of sightseeing, refreshment, and a splash of adventure.
Bottom Line: Easy to book, fun, and beautifully scenic, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy Polignano’s coast in a lively, social setting.
2. Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour with Aperitif and Snorkeling
Coming in at number 2, this boat tour with aperitif and snorkeling boasts a 4.9/5 rating from 185 reviews. It’s slightly longer and more comprehensive, with several stops to explore caves like Grotta dell’Arcivescovado and Grotta Palazzese, plus time for a swim under the cliffs—perfect for water lovers. The tour begins at Beach San Vito, and the guide’s local knowledge shines through as they share stories about the coast and its features. The inclusion of a small aperitif makes this a relaxing experience, ideal for those who want a taste of local cuisine while soaking up the scenery. The reviews highlight the fun atmosphere created by guides like Francesco, who keeps things lively and informative. This shorter, more intimate experience is well-suited for travelers wanting a well-rounded day on the water with plenty of swimming and cave viewing.
Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, vibrant tour with snorkeling and a touch of local flavor, this is a top pick.
3. Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour with Prosecco and Snacks
At number 3, this boat tour with prosecco and snacks offers a relaxed 1.5-hour journey along the coast, with highlights including stops at Grotta Palazzese and Cala Paura. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Polignano from the sea, and on board, there’s a well-reviewed aperitif featuring Prosecco and taralli—simple Italian snacks that perfectly complement the sparkling wine. Guests appreciate the balance of sightseeing and leisure, with many praising the organization and the friendly crew, especially Francesco, for creating a memorable experience. The tour is ideal for those who want a shorter experience but still wish to see the main caves and enjoy a proper Italian aperitivo.
Bottom Line: For a quick, scenic cruise with great snacks and a relaxed vibe, this tour delivers excellent value.
4. Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour with Aperitif
Number 4 on our list is the Boat Tour with Aperitif, lasting 2 to 4 hours. It covers multiple stops around Polignano’s coast, including hidden coves and caves like Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito. The highlight is the generous aperitif provided onboard, including local drinks and snacks, coupled with the chance to swim in the crystal waters outside Polignano. This tour benefits from the expertise of a local skipper and crew who know the area intimately. Guests rave about the breathtaking views of the town from the water, and some mention it as a perfect way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty without rushing. Suitable for travelers who want depth and flexibility in their sea experience, this tour offers a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and leisure.
Bottom Line: Longer than others, this tour is best for those seeking a comprehensive day on the water with good food and stunning scenery.
5. Polignano: Coastline & Caves Tour With Aperitivo & Swim
At number 5, this coastline and caves cruise lasts around 2 hours and covers the main grottos of Polignano. Highlights include swimming in the clear sea, viewing the characteristic houses overhanging the water, and an onboard aperitivo with Prosecco and taralli. The tour’s strength lies in its contact with nature—the boat stops for swims at scenic spots, giving you time to relax and enjoy the sea. Reviewers mention the tour as a good introduction for first-timers and praise the intimate setting. It’s a compact option for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a refreshing break in the water.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those short on time but eager to see caves and enjoy some swimming with a drink in hand.
6. Polignano a Mare: Stand-Up Paddle Tour
Number 6 features the Stand-Up Paddle Tour, rated 4.9/5 from 42 reviews. After a quick lesson, you’ll paddle around the bays and hidden inlets, exploring sea caves and rocky inlets. Antonella, the guide, often takes guests cliff jumping or swimming inside caves, making this an active, interactive experience. The tour offers stunning views of Polignano from the sea, and many mention how it made their trip memorable. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who enjoy being on the water and want to combine sightseeing with physical activity.
Bottom Line: If you like an active approach and want to explore with a knowledgeable guide, this tour is a hit.
7. From Puglia: Local Towns Historic Centers Private Tour
Number 7 brings you out of the immediate coast to visit Polignano, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Ostuni. This private tour offers a deep dive into historic centers, especially the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello (a UNESCO site). The guide Beppe’s passion and knowledge shine through, making complex history engaging. The tour includes scenic drives, panoramic views, and plenty of opportunities for photos. Reviewers emphasize Beppe’s enthusiasm and local insights, offering a more personalized way to explore Puglia’s towns in about 4.5 hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive cultural overview and don’t mind a longer day.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, in-depth look at Puglia’s charming towns, this private tour delivers.
8. Polignano: group boat Tour between caves prosecco and snacks
Number 8 is a group boat tour lasting 105 minutes, rated 4.7/5 from 53 reviews. You’ll see the familiar caves like Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito, with a relaxed schedule that includes prosecco and snacks on board. The itinerary covers highlights such as the Domenico Modugno monument, Cala Porto, and Hermit’s Rock, all viewed from the water. Guests appreciate the easy pace and the friendly crew, making this a good choice for those seeking a social, laid-back experience without sacrificing scenery.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a social vibe, scenic views, and simple pleasures like prosecco and sunshine.
9. From Polignano a Mare: Alberobello Guided Tour
Number 9 offers a 3.5-hour guided trip to Alberobello, focusing on the famous Trulli houses. The tour includes a walk through the UNESCO-listed district, with stops in Aia Piccola and Rione Monti. The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge make the history and architecture come alive. Reviewers mention the tour as being well-paced and educational, perfect for history and architecture lovers. It’s a practical option for those who want a quick yet thorough visit to this iconic town, especially if combined with other regional explorations.
Bottom Line: For an efficient, informative day trip to see iconic Trulli, this tour is a smart choice.
10. Polignano a Mare: Coast to Coast TukTuk Tour
Number 10 is a 1-hour tuk-tuk tour, rated 5/5 from 8 reviews. It’s a vintage, fun way to explore Polignano and nearby spots, with scenic views and a local guide. The experience is perfect for travelers seeking a quick, unique way to see the landscape and discover hidden corners. Many reviews mention the driver Dionisio’s hospitality and the ability to hop off for photos, which adds a personal touch to the tour. It’s suitable for all ages and those short on time but wanting a memorable, local experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, fun, and intimate tour that highlights Polignano’s best vistas.
11. Polignano a Mare by Boat: Sea Caves & Apulian Aperitif
Finally, our number 11 is a boat trip focusing on sea caves and aperitif, rated 4.9/5 from 10 reviews. It’s a 1.5-hour journey designed to showcase the Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta Ardito, with time for swimming and relaxing. The highlight is the sea caves paired with an authentic Apulian aperitif. Reviewers note the professionalism of Alessandro and the opportunity to see the town from a different vantage point. It’s perfect for travelers who want a shorter but scenic and social boat experience.
Bottom Line: A splendid way to see Polignano’s caves and enjoy a swim with a drink in hand.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
Selecting the right experience in Polignano a Mare depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you’re after a lively, social outing, the Boat Cruise with Prosecco or the group boat tour may suit you best. For an active day, the Stand-Up Paddle Tour offers both exercise and scenery. Cultural explorers will appreciate the private tour to Puglia’s towns or the guided trip to Alberobello, immersing you in local architecture and history. If you prefer a quick glimpse, the coastline & caves cruise provides a compact but scenic overview.
Think about booking early, especially for popular tours like the boat excursions, which fill up quickly during peak season. Also, consider your fitness level: some tours involve swimming or paddleboarding, while others are mainly sightseeing. For a comprehensive experience, combining a boat trip with a cultural tour to towns like Ostuni or Monopoli makes for an unforgettable itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Polignano a Mare offers a fantastic choice of tours, whether you want a relaxing boat cruise, an active paddle session, or a cultural day trip. The Boat Cruise with Prosecco stands out for its perfect blend of scenery and laid-back fun, while the private tour to Alberobello is ideal for a deeper dive into Puglia’s architecture. For a quick taste of the coast, the group boat tour or sea caves & aperitif experience are excellent options.
No matter your travel style, booking early ensures you’ll secure your spot in these popular experiences. With such a variety of adventures on offer, you’re sure to find a tour that makes your time in Polignano a Mare truly special.