Polignano a Mare ~ mythical and magical ~ Adriatic swim

 

Remember those fabulous movies from the 60's that brought to life, in a marvelously awkward but earnest fashion, the stories of Greek mythology?  They seemed to always take place in some remarkable coastal location, where the sea was turquoise and clear, gorgeous creatures, male and female, practically naked, relaxed on the rocks just waiting to lure some wretched sailors to their deaths, and at any minute something impossible, breathtaking, astonishing could happen?  Dreams, fantasies, miracles.  Gods, sirens, demons.

Polignano a Mare is just that place.  A tiny coastal town at the edge of the Itrian valley, about 30 minutes drive from Alberobello, Polignano a Mare is an exquisite jewel on the Adriatic sea.  Known for its impressive limestone cliffs, where the annual "Red Bull" cliff diving contest happens, this little place simply must be seen from the sea.  As we motored around, the captain of our little boat played music.  Some of it cliché, I agree, but most charming:

All along the coast are sea caves.  We went in several, but this one was one of the best.  The water gets that milky turquoise color from the limestone.  There are NO color enhancements used in ANY of the photos I am presenting.

Into the cave:

And if there is an opportunity to jump into the sea, count me in!  Oh, it was so glorious.  I would say the temperature was in the upper 70s, about the temp of a lap pool.  Very nice.  Glorious salt water.  Buoyant. Divine.  

And the town is super cute though very small.  Mostly made up of tiny shops and restaurants and a few churches.  Totally fab.  

But it is really the sea that is the main attraction:

And how about a late lunch featuring cialledda, a classic Pugliese salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, pepperoncino, basil and olive oil>  I think it's been a perfect day!