Cala San Giovanni
A pine-fringed cove south of Polignano a Mare, with sand, cliffs and a private lido.
Overview
Cala San Giovanni lies a few kilometres south of Polignano a Mare's old town, a small cove of fine golden sand backed by pine trees and cliffs with sea caves. Unlike Lama Monachile in the town centre, this is a private lido with an entry fee, offering a more set-up beach-club day. It suits families and anyone wanting sunbeds and facilities rather than a wild swim.
Good for
Public access
This is a private lido with an entry fee rather than a free public beach - access is via the arrival road with street parking nearby.
Beach clubs available: Yes — sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be rented in season.
A private lido covers the cove, with umbrellas, sunbeds, a panoramic terrace, showers, changing rooms, bars and lifeguards included in the entry fee.
How to get there
By train: Polignano a Mare has its own station on the Bari-Lecce line, but Cala San Giovanni is a few kilometres south of town, so a taxi or car is needed for the final stretch.
By bus: Local buses connect Polignano a Mare's centre with the surrounding coast, though most visitors drive to this beach.
Parking: By car: From Polignano a Mare, follow the coast road south towards Contrada San Giovanni, where the cove is signed. Street parking is available along the arrival road; confirm whether fees apply in peak season.
On foot: From the street parking on the arrival road, it's a short walk down into the cove.
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Cala San Giovanni
Cala San Giovanni sits in a picturesque cove a short drive from Polignano a Mare's historic centre, distinct from the town's famous Lama Monachile in both setting and character. Pine trees line the approach, and cliffs riddled with small sea caves frame the bay, giving it a more sheltered, wooded feel than the open cliff-top drama of the town beach. This is a private lido rather than a free public beach - there's an entry fee, and in return you get umbrellas, sunbeds, a panoramic terrace, showers, free changing rooms, disabled access and assistance, bars on site and lifeguards. It's a genuinely well-equipped set-up for a beach this size. Parking is straightforward: there's street parking on the arrival road, generally available though it's worth confirming if fees apply during peak season. This makes Cala San Giovanni an easier drive-and-park option than some of Polignano's other coves. Cala San Giovanni suits a comfortable, full-service beach day close to Polignano rather than a free, undeveloped spot - a good alternative if Lama Monachile is too crowded or too basic for what you want.
Location
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