Polignano a Mare
Reefs below the Polignano cliffs, Bari's go-to spot.
The coast at Polignano a Mare is a run of cliffs and rocky coves. With a north or north-west swell raised by the maestrale in the Adriatic, several reefs south of the town give well-shaped waves.
It's the most popular spot with Bari's surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | N, NW, NE |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SW |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | October to April |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Polignano a Mare
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 25 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonFor water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A present local crew. Watch before paddling out.
Surfing style
Short reef waves.
Hazards
Rock, sea urchins and a tricky exit in big swell.
Map
Other spots nearby
Porto Cesareo (Lecce)
Ionian beaches with white sand and clear water, with waves in a scirocco or libeccio.
Gallipoli (Lecce)
The beaches south of Gallipoli, on the Ionian coast, open to the libeccio.
Melendugno (Lecce)
Beaches and rocky bottoms on the Salento's Adriatic coast, with north-east swell.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.