Polignano a Mare: Street Food Tour with Tastings and Wine

Exploring Polignano a Mare through a guided street food tour offers a delicious way to soak up the town’s lively atmosphere and scenic beauty. With an engaging local guide, you’ll wander through winding alleys while sampling iconic Apulian dishes like focaccia, panzerotto, and burrata. The tour includes a panoramic terrace view of the town, making it a perfect blend of taste and scenery. What’s particularly appealing is the personal touch — many guides, like Alessandra and Giuseppe, earn rave reviews for their warmth and in-depth knowledge, turning a simple tasting into a genuine cultural experience.

Two standout features for me are the variety of tastings — from Mario Campanella’s famous caffè speciale to regional Capocollo di Martina Franca — and the spectacular sea views shared during the wine stop. Plus, the intimate group size and relaxed pace mean you’re not just rushing through, but truly savoring each moment. A possible downside? The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, which is perfect for most, but if you’re a particularly slow eater or want more time at each stop, you might find it a bit quick. That said, the value for the price — just under $60 — is more than fair given the quality of guides and authentic tastings.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Apulian Flavors: The tour offers a curated tasting of iconic local foods, from focaccia to burrata, with plenty of regional wine.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Alessandra and Giuseppe aren’t just foodies but passionate storytellers who deepen your understanding of Polignano’s culture.
• Spectacular Views: The tour includes a panoramic terrace stop, perfect for snapping photos and enjoying the sea breeze.
• Cultural Insight: Beyond food, guides share charming stories and details about local life, architecture, and history.
• Excellent Value: For around $57, you’ll get a solid mix of tastings, a scenic walk, and expert local insights — a worthwhile investment.
• Flexible Booking & Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Discovering Polignano a Mare’s Flavors and Sights

Walking into the colorful heart of Polignano a Mare, I was immediately struck by its cinematic charm: narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the Adriatic. The street food tour begins at Pugliamare, where your guide — often Alessandra or Giuseppe — will meet you. Their warmth and depth of knowledge shine through from the start, making you feel like an old friend being shown around.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting at Pugliamare and Walking the Old Town

The tour kicks off with a gentle walk through the town’s historic alleys. Many reviews highlight guides like Alessandra as “friendly” and “incredible,” who “showed us the best of Polignano with lots of tasty treats.” You’ll learn about how the streets themselves tell stories — from charming alleyways to the staircase where Liam and Hope, characters from the soap “The Bold and the Beautiful,” got married.

If you’re wondering about the scenery, don’t worry. The views while walking are spectacular, with many participants mentioning the “cinematic” backdrop of sea cliffs. Guides often point out little details — like public art and local plants — that enhance the experience.

Panoramic Terrace Stop

About an hour into the tour, you’ll reach a panoramic terrace, a highlight for many. Here, you can pause to enjoy sweeping views of the sea, perfect for photos. This stop isn’t just about the scenery; it’s also a moment for a quick story or two about the town’s history and culture, often shared with enthusiasm by guides like Giuseppe, who with a smile, explains what makes Polignano a unique destination.

Tasting Traditional Apulian Foods

Next, the focus shifts to the food. You’ll sample the focaccia, a staple of Apulian baking, with many reviewers praising its flavor and texture. The panzerotto, filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, is another crowd favorite. Alessandra often mentions that it’s a “must-try” regional specialty, and many describe it as “so delicious I wanted seconds.”

The caffè speciale, a variation of coffee created by Mario Campanella, is a standout for caffeine lovers. Many reviews mention how memorable it is — “a great experience,” as one reviewer put it, and “a perfect start to the day.”

Sampling Burrata and Capocollo

No food tour in Puglia would be complete without burrata, a creamy cheese that pairs beautifully with the local Capocollo di Martina Franca, a slow-food-preserved cold cut praised for its tenderness. Guides often share insights about how these ingredients are made and their significance in local cuisine, elevating the tasting beyond just eating.

Wine and Sea Views

Finally, the tour concludes with a glass of regional wine, enjoyed with a backdrop of the sea, creating a relaxing, almost meditative moment. Many participants mention that this part of the experience feels like a toast to Puglia — relaxed, flavorful, and authentic.

The Value of the Experience

At a cost of just under $60, this tour offers an impressive combination of local cuisine, scenic views, and cultural insight. Guides like Alessandra are frequently described as “warm,” “knowledgeable,” and “engaging,” transforming what could be a simple tasting into a memorable cultural journey. Several reviews note Alessandra’s storytelling as a highlight, making the experience feel personal rather than touristy.

What makes this tour particularly good is its balance of food and sightseeing. It’s not just about stuffing your face; it’s about understanding what makes Polignano a culinary and visual jewel. The included tastings are generous, with many reviewers saying they left full and satisfied. The scenic stops and stories enrich the experience, providing context that turns the food into a window into local life.

Possible Considerations

It’s worth noting that the duration is about 2.5 hours, which is comfortable for most, but some might prefer more time at each stop or a less hurried pace. Also, if you have dietary restrictions or are a very picky eater, it’s worth asking in advance about options, though the tour’s focus on regional specialties makes it quite inclusive.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience suits food lovers eager to taste authentic Apulian dishes and those interested in local stories behind them. It’s also ideal if you want a relaxed introduction to Polignano’s charming streets and stunning vistas without the hassle of planning individual stops. Travelers who appreciate guides with personality, like Alessandra, will find her storytelling and warmth a real bonus.

The Sum Up

This street food tour in Polignano a Mare offers more than just snacks — it’s a delightful immersion into the town’s flavors, culture, and scenery. The combination of expert guides, authentic tastings, and breathtaking views makes it a standout choice for anyone wanting a meaningful introduction to this Apulian gem.

If you’re someone who loves discovering local cuisine with a side of storytelling and stunning vistas, this tour is well worth the price. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to relax, learn, and eat well — all within a manageable time frame. Plus, with its flexible booking and accessible options, it’s simple to plan into your day.

Overall, expect a warm welcome, plentiful bites, and a memorable glimpse into the heart of Polignano a Mare. It’s a small investment for a big flavor and cultural payoff.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, offering plenty of time for tastings, sightseeing, and stories without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pugliamare, in Piazza Caduti di via Fani, 26, and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

What is included in the price?
You’ll enjoy a walking tour with a guide, tastings of caffè speciale, focaccia, panzerotto, burrata, capocollo, and a glass of regional wine.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which helps keep your travel plans flexible.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in English and Italian, with guides often fluent in both.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest a small, friendly group that adds to the personalized feel.

Would this tour be good for kids or families?
It’s suitable for most, especially those interested in food and culture, but consider the walking involved when traveling with small children.

If you’re eager to taste the essence of Polignano a Mare while exploring its streets and scenery, this street food tour is genuinely a top-notch choice that combines flavor, scenery, and stories into one delicious package.