Arriving in Polignano a Mare, Italy

We travel all day by train from Monterosso al Mare in northern Italy on the Mediterranean to Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic in southern Italy.  We change trains in Rome (and two other towns) and that gives us a great lunch a block or two from the Rome train station.

Perched on a 20-meter limestone cliff overlooking the Adriatic, Polignano dates back to the 4th century BC when Greek settlers found the city of Neapolis Pueceta and the strategic location allowed for control of the shipping trade towards the Ionian Sea.  Under the Romans, Polignano served as a station along the Trajan Way connecting Rome to Brindisi, flourishing as a trade center.  In the 11th century, the local economy thrived on olive oil; now it is dependent on tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

We arrive in Polignano just after dark and walk from the train station through the city to the sea.

Walking through Polignano a Mare

Polignano is hosting the Cliff Diving World Series, sponsored by Red Bull, this week and we arrive to a concert in the park also sponsored by Red Bull.

Concert and party in the park

We stop at a small bar a few blocks from the concert for an aperitif and find many drinks made with Red Bull (sponsor of the concert and the diving) mixed with various alcohols and a slogan to live by.

Stopping for cocktails

In our room at the hotel, we look out the window at the Adriatic and see the buildings of the village perched above the sea.

Looking left and right out the hotel window

We're looking forward to daylight and a new city and coastline to explore!