Italy is home to an array of spectacular beaches along the Mediterranean Coast including those with white sandy stretches to incredible rocky coves. But there is one breathtaking beach town that sits aside from the rest where visitors can expect a warm welcome from locals.
Polignano a Mare, an enchanting town perched on limestone cliffs, topped the list when it came to finding the friendliest place to travel by Booking.com. This enchanting town reaches a warm 30C in the summer and has the most welcoming hospitality sector out of anywhere in the world. Located on the heel of Italy and part of the Puglia region, it is famous for its clifftop dwellings and stunning beach carved through the middle of it flanked by a Roman bridge.
Perched dramatically on a 20-meter-high limestone cliff this incredibly picturesque beach features crystal clear water and is a firm favourite with locals.
With its roots stretching back to the 4th century BC this ancient town is ideal for those seeking an authentic Italian holiday charming visitors with its natural beauty and historical richness.
There are around twenty caves that the sea has created with the force of its waves on the cliff on which Polignano stands: the largest is the Palazzese cave.
If you are able to drag yourself away from the gorgeous beach then you must make your way round the narrow, winding streets of its historical town centre.
The maze of streets make their way down towards a tiny beach, the Lama Monachile, which cuts the cliff in two.
Also called Cala Porto, the Lama Monachile is the most photographed spot on the Bari coast and is named after the Roman-era bridge that overhangs it.
Hometown of Italian singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno this iconic bay is one of the most famous in Italy and has been used for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
Due to its small size if you fancy visiting this stunning beach it is recommend to arrive early in the morning as it can get crowded as the day goes on, expecially in the summer.