From Bari: Visit Polignano a Mare with street food tour

Traveling through Italy often means exploring the grandest historical sites or art-filled cities, but sometimes, the most memorable moments come from simply tasting your way through a charming town. This full-day food and sightseeing tour from Bari to Polignano a Mare offers a perfect blend of local culture, delicious bites, and stunning coastal scenery. With a small group, knowledgeable guides, and a focus on authentic flavors, this experience promises a laid-back yet deeply flavorful day.

What really stands out about this tour is the chance to sample Polignano’s signature street foods—from a special regional coffee to mouthwatering focaccia and panzerotti—paired with local wines and breathtaking sea views. The guide (who, according to reviews, makes the experience engaging and friendly) leads you through the town’s scenic streets, sharing stories and local tips. A second highlight is the flexible options for extra activities like boat trips into the caves or SUP tours, which let you extend your adventure if you’re keen.

One potential consideration is the 9-hour length, which is perfect if you’re eager for a full immersion but might feel long if you’re pressed for time or prefer a lighter, more relaxed visit. Also, while the tour costs about $115 per person, it’s quite comprehensive, covering transport, tastings, and a taste of local lifestyle—definitely good value for those seeking a deep, authentic experience.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic local flavors: The tour offers tasting sessions of regional specialties like focaccia, panzerotto, and a special coffee crafted by Mario Campanella.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Alessandra and Giuseppe are praised for their friendliness and local expertise, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Stunning coastal views: The town’s cliffside setting offers plenty of chances for memorable photos, especially during the wine and burrata tasting overlooking the sea.
• Flexible optional activities: Extra services like boat tours of the caves and SUP excursions are available, allowing you to tailor the day to your interests.
• Convenient logistics: The tour departs early from Bari, arriving in Polignano a Mare by 9 am, with plenty of free time afterward for lunch, shopping, or additional explorations.
• High satisfaction: All three reviews rate this experience a perfect 5, highlighting the quality of food, guides, and overall atmosphere.

Entering Polignano a Mare: A Coastal Dream

Arriving in Polignano a Mare feels like stepping into a picture postcard. This town, made famous by singer Domenico Modugno—who launched the iconic “Volare”—boasts dramatic cliffs, narrow winding streets, and clear blue waters. The tour starts early, with departure from Bari at 8 am and arrives by 9 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the town’s charm.

The guide then takes you on a street food tour starting at 10:30 am, which is where the true flavor of Polignano shines. The emphasis here is on local delicacies, and you’ll quickly notice how passionate guides like Alessandra are about sharing their knowledge. One reviewer mentioned her friendliness and expertise, which transformed what could be a simple tasting into a memorable cultural experience.

Sampling the Town’s Signature Foods

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the food. You’ll sample Mario Campanella’s special coffee, a regional twist that travelers say is a must-try. Next, you’ll enjoy focaccia, often called the “queen of Apulian street food,” with its perfect balance of crispy crust and fluffy interior. The panzerotto, a deep-fried pocket of mozzarella and tomato sauce, is another crowd favorite—especially enjoyed in its traditional form, but with many variations to suit different tastes.

One guest shared, “Stops included the delicious special coffee, scrumptious focaccia, and traditional panzerotto,” emphasizing how these simple foods can be both satisfying and representative of local culture. The guide often points out how these foods have put Polignano and the larger Puglia region on the culinary map.

A Glass of Wine with Burrata and Capocollo

Mid-morning, the tour culminates in a seaside tasting of local wine, paired with a platter of burrata and capocollo. The setting—overlooking the shimmering sea—makes this not just a meal but a moment of genuine relaxation. Reviews mention this as a highlight, with one saying, “enjoyed overlooking the sea,” which captures the essence of savoring local flavors in a scenic setting.

Free Time and Optional Extras

After the guided tasting, you have from 1 pm onward for lunch and shopping. While you can simply enjoy the town at your own pace, there are also options to extend your experience with boat tours of the Polignano caves, SUP excursions, or gig tours. These are popular add-ons, with prices from about $30 to $40 per person, and they give you the chance to see the caves or coastal scenery from a different perspective.

Returning to Bari at 5 pm gives you plenty of time to reflect on the day’s discoveries. Plus, the small group size (limited to 30 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.

The Value of the Experience

At roughly $115 per person, this tour offers a blend of cultural insight, culinary delights, and stunning scenery—a good deal considering the inclusions. Transport is via air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide’s local knowledge shines through in the storytelling. While the tour is quite full, many travelers appreciate the structure and the chance to see Polignano without the hassle of planning logistics.

It’s especially well-suited for food lovers who also want to see a beautiful Italian seaside town, or anyone interested in a relaxed, taste-focused day. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, friendly introduction to Polignano a Mare with plenty of delicious moments, this tour delivers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you value authentic eats and scenic views over hurried sightseeing. It suits those willing to spend a full day exploring, tasting, and relaxing in a beautiful setting. Perfect for first-time visitors to Polignano or those seeking a local perspective, especially with guides praised for their friendliness and expertise.

It’s less fitting if you prefer a quick overview or are on a tight schedule—this is a leisurely, immersive trip. But for anyone wanting to connect with Polignano’s culinary and coastal charm, this tour offers a flavorful, scenic, and well-organized way to do just that.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs from Bari at 8 am, with pickup or meeting points arranged nearby.

What’s included in the price?
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a panzerotto, focaccia, special coffee, and a glass of local wine.

Can I extend the experience with extra activities?
Yes, options like boat tours, SUP tours, and gig tours can be added for extra cost, allowing for more exploration of Polignano’s caves and coastline.

How long is the tour?
About 9 hours, including travel, guided tastings, free time, and return to Bari.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 30, making it comfortable for different ages and mobility levels.

What’s the best part of the experience?
Many reviews highlight the guidance from Alessandra and Giuseppe, the quality of the food, and the scenic views during tastings.

Is there free time after the food tour?
Yes, starting from 1 pm, you have free time for lunch, shopping, or optional activities.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 84 days in advance, indicating good demand and the tour’s popularity.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start time.

This Polignano a Mare street food tour from Bari offers a relaxed, flavorful way to experience one of Italy’s most picturesque towns. Focusing on local foods, friendly guides, and spectacular views, it’s a smart choice for travelers eager to taste and see a coastal jewel with genuine charm.