Sea caves of Polignano a Mare

The Caves of Polignano a Mare are a sprawling network of intricate grottoes that puncture the Adriatic coastline of Puglia and just beg to be explored. You’ve got to take to the water to see the cliff face up-close, and there are plenty of boat and kayak trips to choose from. These limestone masterpieces have been carved by nature over millennia, meaning there’s loads of history for to get your head around – early humans used to use them as shelters. Each of the 21 caves here tells its own story. The Blue Cave is famed for the way the light reflects on the water, creating brilliant blue hues that give the whole cavern a mystical feel. But most people say the star attraction is the Palazzese Cave, which was popular with 14th-century royalty. Extending 80 meters into the cliff, this cave houses a restaurant with once-in-a-lifetime views of the coast, complete with a soundtrack of gentle waves.