Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, is the most famous beach in Polignano a Mare, Puglia. Thanks to its central location, it is easily reachable on foot, by car, or by train for anyone visiting this Adriatic town. In this guide, we explain how to reach Lama Monachile quickly and easily, with all the useful information on parking, access points, and practical tips.
🚗 Getting to Lama Monachile by Car
Reaching Lama Monachile by car is convenient whether you come from Bari or Brindisi.
- From Bari: Take the SS16 (E55) towards Brindisi and follow signs to Polignano a Mare (approx. 30 km). Take the Polignano Nord exit and continue toward the city entrance.
- From Brindisi: Take the SS16 towards Bari, exit at Polignano a Mare Nord (approx. 75 km).
Once in town, follow the signs to Parcheggio San Francesco.
📍 Tip: The beach is located just below the Bourbon Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that offers a panoramic view of the famous beach from above.
🅿️ Parking Near Lama Monachile
Much of Polignano’s center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so it is best to leave your car in public paid parking just outside the center.
The most convenient options are:
- Parcheggio San Francesco – about 5 minutes from Lama Monachile
- Parcheggio Via Martiri di Dogali – several paid parking lots
- Parcheggio Stazione Ferroviaria – ideal during summer, free and always open
During peak season, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot easily.
🚆 Getting to Lama Monachile by Train
Polignano a Mare is served by the Bari–Lecce line of the Ferrovie del Sud Est.
- From Bari Centrale, the journey takes about 25 minutes.
- Polignano station is only a 10-minute walk from Lama Monachile.
Once you exit the station, follow signs to the historic center to reach the Bourbon Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the beach.
🚌 Getting There by Bus or Shuttle
During the summer season, several buses connect Polignano a Mare with the main towns along the Puglian coast.
Notable services include:
- Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) – Bari–Monopoli–Polignano lines
- Flixbus, MarinoBus, ITABus – all stop at Via Grazia Deledda bus stop
- Private shuttles from Bari and Monopoli (bookable online or via hotels)
Buses are a practical option if you want to avoid parking hassles while choosing an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to reach the beach.
🚶 Getting from the Town Center to Lama Monachile Beach
There are three main pedestrian accesses to Lama Monachile:
- From Piazza Garibaldi / Arco Marchesale – Access is via steep stairs descending to the ancient Roman Bridge of Lama Monachile.
📍 Tip: The staircase is on the right of the entrance to the restaurant Il Buco Preferito. - From Piazza Bonsante – Convenient if coming from Parcheggio San Francesco. Follow the pedestrian path to the Roman Bridge.
- From Largo Gelso – Near the Domenico Modugno statue, the access is on the left (Via Conversano, opposite Bar Clipper). A long path (partly slippery) leads to restaurants like Terrazza Monachile, where stairs provide access to the beach.
Following these tips, you can easily reach Lama Monachile and fully enjoy the beauty of this unique, world-renowned location.