From Bari: Visit Polignano a Mare with street food tour

Travelers who love authentic culinary experiences blended with eye-catching scenery will find this tour to be a delightful way to spend a day in Puglia. This guided exploration from Bari to Polignano a Mare offers a flavorful taste of local street foods, historic charm, and breathtaking sea views—all wrapped into a well-organized, approximately nine-hour excursion. What makes it particularly appealing is the focus on local flavors, guided by knowledgeable experts who share insights into the region’s culinary traditions.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the focus on authentic, regional specialties—from focaccia to panzerotto—paired with the scenic backdrop of Polignano’s cliffside vistas. That said, the tour’s timing is quite structured, with most of the food stops and sightseeing packed into a single day, which might feel a bit rushed for those wanting a more leisurely pace. Nevertheless, it’s perfectly suited for travelers eager to combine food, culture, and stunning views, all in one compelling package.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy regional street foods like focaccia, panzerotto, and local coffee.
• Stunning Coastal Views: The setting of Polignano a Mare offers picture-perfect scenery and memorable photo moments.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Alessandra and Giuseppe enhance the experience with stories and tips.
• Flexible Options: Optional add-ons like boat tours or SUP excursions provide opportunities to extend your adventure.
• Value for Money: At $115.68, the tour includes multiple tastings and transport, making it a worthwhile investment.
• Well-Organized: From pickup to drop-off, the tour runs smoothly, with a good balance of guided and free time.

How the Tour Starts and Transportation

Departing from Bari at 8:00 AM, the journey begins with an air-conditioned vehicle that comfortably seats up to 30 travelers. The early start ensures you beat the day’s crowds and set out with plenty of time to savor the sights and flavors. The drive to Polignano a Mare is roughly an hour, giving you a chance to relax and take in views along the way.

We appreciate that the tour is well-paced, with a clear itinerary that balances sightseeing, tasting, and free time. The smooth transportation allows travelers to focus on the experience rather than logistical worries.

The Arrival in Polignano a Mare

You’ll arrive around 9:00 AM, greeted by the panoramic beauty of this seaside town. Known for its dramatic cliffs, crystalline waters, and charming alleys, Polignano a Mare is a visual feast. The town’s streets are alive with color, and the scent of fresh focaccia and espresso fills the air.

The Street Food Tour – A Taster’s Paradise

The core of this experience kicks off at 10:30 AM with a local guide leading the way through the streets. Our guide, Alessandra, is praised for her friendliness and deep knowledge of regional cuisine, making each stop informative and engaging.

Coffee at Mario Campanella’s Special Café

The tour begins with a unique coffee creation—more than just a caffeine fix, this special coffee is a regional invention by Mario Campanella. Expect a flavor profile that balances boldness with a touch of regional flair—perfect for awakening your senses before the culinary journey ahead.

Focaccia – The Queen of Apulian Street Food

Next, we sample focaccia, which is described as the standout of Apulian street fare. The focaccia here isn’t just bread but a soft, fragrant, and slightly crispy delight, often topped with simple ingredients that allow the recipe’s authenticity to shine. Many reviews emphasize how good this focaccia is—some even saying it’s “scrumptious”—and it provides a satisfying snack that perfectly pairs with the scenic views.

Panzerotto – The Traditional Favorite

The tour continues with the iconic panzerotto, deep-fried and filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Visitors can also opt for variations, and the reviewers mention the “traditional” version as well as many creative twists. The panzerotto is a must-try, especially fresh from the street vendors, offering a gooey, savory bite of local comfort food.

Wine and Deli Platter

The afternoon features a relaxing glass of local wine, accompanied by a platter of burrata and capocollo, enjoyed while overlooking the sea. This part of the experience is a major highlight—many guests loved the combination of stunning views and delicious bites, with one reviewer noting the “excellent wine selection” that added a layer of sophistication to the casual street food stops.

Free Time and Optional Extras

After the guided tasting, around 1:00 PM, you’re free to explore or enjoy lunch at your leisure. Local shops offer authentic souvenirs, and you can choose to add optional activities such as boat tours of the Polignano caves, SUP experiences, or even a gig tour—though these are extra costs.

The flexibility to extend your day is a real plus, especially for those craving more adventure or a more relaxed pace. The tour wraps up with a return to Bari at approximately 5:00 PM.

This experience is especially valuable for food lovers and those eager to see Polignano a Mare beyond its postcard-perfect views. The guided nature means you get insider knowledge and background stories, making the food tastings even more meaningful. Plus, having a professional guide like Alessandra or Giuseppe means you’re likely to learn a lot about regional customs, making the experience more enriching.

It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy small-group settings, as the tour is limited to 30 participants, ensuring personalized attention. The inclusion of transportation simplifies logistics, and the focus on authentic local foods gives you a taste of Puglia’s culinary soul.

The value here is notable: for about $115, you receive a full day of guided exploration, multiple tastings, and scenic views. Considering the quality of food and the expert guidance, many find this to be a good deal, especially when compared with the cost of eating out independently or organizing similar activities on your own.

While the tour offers a fantastic introduction to Polignano a Mare, some travelers might find the schedule a bit full—most tastings and sightseeing are packed into a 9-hour window. If you prefer a slower, more leisurely pace, you might want to supplement this experience with additional free time or optional activities.

Also, note that boat tours or SUP experiences are optional add-ons and come at extra costs. For those who love water adventures, it might be worth budgeting for these in advance.

Weather can impact some optional activities, like boat tours, which are subject to cancellation in poor conditions. However, the core food and sightseeing components are weather-proof—walking and tasting in town are unlikely to be affected.

If you’re visiting Bari and want a comprehensive, well-paced way to experience Polignano a Mare’s culinary delights and stunning coastal charm, this tour is a strong choice. The guided element, led by personable and knowledgeable hosts, adds depth to the experience that you might not get exploring solo.

The focus on authentic, regional street foods coupled with spectacular views makes it especially appealing for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and anyone eager to soak up the essence of Puglia in a single day. Its convenient structure, including transport and multiple tastings, provides excellent value for money.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate good food, scenic settings, and guided insights. It’s particularly ideal for first-timers to Polignano a Mare and those looking for a full, curated experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a panzerotto, a piece of focaccia, a special coffee, and a glass of local wine with a burrata and capocollo platter.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Optional activities such as boat tours, SUP rentals, or gig tours are available for additional fees. These are not included in the base price.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from departure at 8:00 AM to return around 5:00 PM.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 30, ensuring a comfortable experience. However, mobility considerations should be taken into account for walking around the town.

Can I customize the experience?
While the core tour is fixed, you can opt to add extra services like boat or SUP tours at extra cost. Free time from 1:00 PM allows for personal exploration or lunch.

What makes this tour stand out?
The expert guides, like Alessandra and Giuseppe, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, elevating the experience. The combination of authentic street foods and spectacular views makes it memorable.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Weather-related cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled.

To sum it up, this tour offers an engaging, flavor-packed day that combines the best of Polignano a Mare’s scenery and cuisine. Perfect for those wanting to explore with expert guides, taste authentic local dishes, and enjoy the coastal vistas without the stress of planning. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a beautiful day out, this experience nicely balances value, authenticity, and fun.