Polignano a Mare is famous not just for its stunning cliffs and turquoise waters but also for the incredible variety of tours that let you experience its beauty firsthand. Whether you’re looking for an exhilarating speedboat ride, a relaxing cave tour, or a flavorful food adventure, this small town offers options for every kind of traveler. We particularly love the Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif because of its combination of breathtaking scenery, hidden caves, and a delicious Italian aperitif—plus, it’s highly rated with a 4.8/5 from over 2,000 reviews. If you want to explore the coast in style and learn about the area from a local skipper, this is a fantastic choice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best tours in Polignano a Mare, highlighting what makes each one special. From quick boat rides to immersive culinary classes, we’ll help you find the perfect experience to suit your interests, budget, and schedule.
1. Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif
This 2-hour speedboat cruise is a hit for its combination of soaring coastline views, visits to spectacular caves like Grotta Palazzese, and a traditional Italian aperitif served on board. The local skipper and crew are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude—guaranteeing a relaxed yet exciting trip. You’ll stop at iconic locations such as Lama Monachile Beach and Hermit’s Rock, with plenty of time for swimming in the clear waters. The highlight is the visit to the famous Grotta Palazzese, a cave with a restaurant that’s been featured in many travel magazines. The reviews are stellar, with many calling it “magnificent,” and the price of about $40 makes it great value for money. This tour is perfect if you want a quick, scenic overview with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local hospitality.
Bottom Line: Highly rated, fast-paced, scenic, and with a delicious aperitif—ideal for travelers who want a lively, comprehensive coastal experience.
2. Polignano a Mare: Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif
This 1.5-hour boat tour covers all the main caves along the coast, with a relaxing pace and included aperitif. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a shorter trip but still want to see the highlights, such as Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Palazzese. Pick from three meeting points, including La Veranda di Giselda or Calaponte Marina, giving flexibility to your day. The tour guides are friendly and informative, making the experience educational as well as scenic. Though it doesn’t include swimming, you get to enjoy close-up views of stunning caves and cliffs, with the added bonus of local snacks and drinks. Passengers mention how the trip was “comfortable and fun,” and it’s especially suited for those short on time but eager to see the coast from the water.
Bottom Line: A quick, well-organized way to explore Polignano’s caves with a relaxed vibe and great reviews.
3. Polignano a Mare: Boat Trip, Swim & Cave with Aperitif
This 1.5-hour guided boat tour emphasizes swimming and exploring the hidden grottos of the coast. It includes a visit to Restaurant Grotta Palazzese, so you get a true sense of the local landscape and its famous cave restaurant. The highlight? Diving into the clear waters and discovering sea caves that seem straight out of a postcard. The guide takes care to give you panoramic views of Polignano’s rugged coastline while offering prosecco and snacks onboard. Guests mention the “fantastic scenery,” and the option to swim in the sea makes it stand out. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a bit of adventure along with their sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Combines exploration, swimming, and scenic views into a compact trip that’s perfect for active travelers.
4. Polignano a Mare: Boat Cruise with Prosecco
At number 4 the Boat Cruise with Prosecco offers a relaxed 1.5-hour tour along the coast, focusing on the stunning vistas of Polignano’s cliffs, caves, and iconic white facades. The highlight is the opportunity to sail in the most scenic spots while sipping Italian Prosecco—perfect for romantic evenings or those who want a laid-back, picturesque experience. The boat is described as very comfortable, and the guide’s commentary makes the experience both fun and informative. Reviews frequently praise the “great value,” with many noting the “beautiful scenery” and “delicious drinks.” It’s a good pick if you’re short on time but desire a taste of the coast’s natural and architectural beauty.
Bottom Line: An easygoing, scenic cruise that’s ideal for a relaxing afternoon with a glass of Prosecco in hand.
5. Polignano a Mare Boat Tour with Prosecco and Taralli
This 1.5-hour tour is all about combining sea exploration with local flavors. The guide leads you around the coast, visiting caves like Grotta Palazzese and Hermit’s Rock, with a swim in the crystal waters. The small onboard aperitif of Prosecco and taralli adds a touch of authenticity and relaxation. Reviewers love the “friendly guide” and the “amazing scenery,” describing the experience as “unforgettable.” Its moderate price point of around $41 makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking authentic coastal vistas paired with regional snacks. Best suited for those looking for a intimate experience with a focus on local culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of both scenery and regional food, with a personal touch and great reviews.
6. Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour with Prosecco and Snacks
This 1.5-hour boat tour combines caves, panoramic views, and a tasty onboard aperitif. It stops at the famous Grotta Palazzese and Cala Paura and includes time for swimming. Guests mention that the trip offers “beautiful views” and a “great vibe,” especially appreciate the onboard Prosecco and taralli. The trip is described as very relaxing, with a good balance of sightseeing and leisure. It’s suited for travelers who want a short but memorable coastal outing with a taste of local hospitality.
Bottom Line: An enjoyable, well-rated option with scenic stops and tasty snacks, suited for a laid-back day.
7. Polignano a Mare: Street Food Tour with Tastings and Wine
A different flavor of tour, this 2.5-hour guided walk takes you through Polignano’s streets with tastings of regional specialties like focaccia, burrata, panzerotto, and regional wine. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers insights into the city’s culinary traditions. Reviewers highlight the “delicious food,” “informative stories,” and “beautiful panoramic views,” especially from the terrace of Polignano a Mare. It’s a fantastic choice for food lovers eager to learn about local ingredients and culture. The tour’s length and focus on food make it ideal if you prefer tastings over boat trips.
Bottom Line: A flavorful walk that combines sightseeing with regional eats—perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
8. Polignano Sea Caves: Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Aperitif
This 1.5-hour tour emphasizes snorkeling and exploring the sea caves of Polignano. It’s ideal for travelers who want to get into the water and see marine life firsthand. The guide is praised for sharing detailed commentary while the boat visits caves like Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Palazzese. Guests love the chance to “swim in crystal waters,” with the added bonus of Prosecco and local snacks. The tour may be a bit chilly depending on the season, so pack accordingly. It’s best suited for active travelers or those wanting a mix of sightseeing and adventure.
Bottom Line: A memorable mix of underwater exploration and coast scenery, perfect if you enjoy snorkeling.
9. Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour with Aperitif
This 2 to 4-hour adventure dives deeper into the coastline, with stops at caves and hidden coves. It’s ideal if you want a longer, more comprehensive trip. The experience includes visiting caves, enjoying an aperitif, and swimming in the clear waters. The local crew’s knowledge enhances the trip, and reviews mention it as “beautiful,” “relaxing,” and “informative.” If you’re a boat lover or want to see Polignano from the water in a more leisurely setting, this is a fantastic pick.
Bottom Line: Longer, immersive, and perfect for those who want a detailed exploration with plenty of swimming.
10. Polignano a Mare: Caves and Grottos Tour by Boat with Spritz
This 2-hour trip focuses on the main caves and grottos while offering a refreshing Spritz. The boat visits highlights like Grotta Palazzese and Hermit’s Rock, with several stops for photos and short walks. The reviews are full of praise, citing the comfortable boat, friendly guides, and the delicious drinks. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a shorter, relaxed experience with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local drinks.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick but comprehensive coast tour with a refreshing twist.
11. Polignano a Mare: Tuk-Tuk Tour Along the Coast
This 40-minute to 1-hour tuk-tuk ride offers a fun, quick way to see Polignano’s best viewpoints. The Ape Calessino whisks you from Cala Incina to San Vito, with panoramic views and commentary from your driver-guide. Reviewers love how it takes you to parts of the town that are hard to reach on foot and appreciate the local stories and photos. It’s ideal for those short on time but wanting to see both the cliffs and architecture from a different perspective.
Bottom Line: A quick, fun exploration perfect for a first-time visitor or those with limited time.
12. Polignano a Mare: Apulian Cooking Class with Food and Drinks
This 2-hour hands-on cooking class is a highlight for food lovers. You’ll learn how to make oreghette pasta in a traditional house, then enjoy your freshly made pasta with regional wines and regional taralli and veggies. Reviewers rave about the knowledge and enthusiasm of the instructor, Daniele, and how they left with new skills and delicious recipes. It’s a practical, engaging way to connect with local culture while satisfying your appetite. This experience suits travelers who enjoy cooking or want a memorable culinary souvenir.
Bottom Line: An authentic, fun cooking class that rewards you with homemade pasta and a taste of local life.
13. Polignano: Coastline Tour With Prosecco And Taralli & Swim
This 2-hour cruise takes you along the main coast, visiting key grottos like Grotta Palazzese, with stops to swim and relax. It includes Prosecco and taralli, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Reviews mention the beautiful scenery and the friendly crew, especially those who appreciate the opportunity to see the town from the water in comfort. It’s well suited for travelers who want a relaxed, all-in-one experience with scenic views and a splash of local flavor.
Bottom Line: A family-friendly, scenic cruise with opportunities to swim and enjoy regional snacks.
14. Polignano a Mare: Stand-Up Paddle Tour or Rental
For the adventurous, this SUP tour/rental offers up to 8 hours exploring Polignano’s bays, caves, and beaches on your own terms. With a brief lesson, you’ll be paddling past rocky inlets and sandy coves, enjoying spectacular panoramic views. The reviews highlight the ease of learning and the fun of discovering hidden corners at your own pace. It’s especially good for active travelers who want flexibility and a more personal experience.
Bottom Line: A flexible, fun way to explore the coast at your own pace, suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
15. Polignano a Mare: Pasta Making Cooking Class with Drink
This 2-hour pasta-making class is especially popular among those who love hands-on experiences. You’ll learn to make orecchiette and cavatelli with a local chef, then enjoy your creations paired with regional wine and aperitifs. The reviews praise the instructor’s enthusiasm and the quality of the food, with many saying they leave with new skills and delicious memories. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, practical way to connect with local cuisine.
Bottom Line: A rewarding, engaging class especially suited for those eager to learn regional pasta recipes and enjoy a relaxed meal.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Picking the perfect experience depends on your interests and your schedule. If you’re after a quick but scenic overview, the Speedboat Cruise to Caves or the Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif are excellent options, offering stunning views and memorable cave visits. For those who love food, the Street Food Tour or the Pasta Making Class provide authentic flavors and cultural insights. Active travelers might prefer the Stand-Up Paddle Tour, while families enjoy the Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Aperitif or the Swim & Cave Tour.
Consider your budget and how much time you have; most tours are between 1.5 and 3 hours, making them easy to fit into a day. Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
From exhilarating boat rides to flavorful culinary classes, Polignano a Mare offers a wide range of tours that cater to all interests. If you want a lively, comprehensive coast experience, the Speedboat Cruise with Aperitif is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, scenic adventure, the Boat Cruise with Prosecco makes a perfect choice. And if you’re passionate about food and culture, don’t miss the Cooking Classes or the Street Food Tour.
No matter which you choose, each tour offers a chance to see this charming seaside town from a new perspective. Book early, prepare for some stunning views, and enjoy your time exploring this jewel on the Apulian coast.