The beautiful Italian town of Polignano a Mare, in the province of Bari, wins the title of the world's most welcoming town.
The highest levels of hospitality all year
The little seaside town of Polignano a Mare beat off competition from 220 countries to place first in the Traveller Review Award 2023, which crowned it the most welcoming city in the world. This prestigious award, from booking.com, goes to destinations that are committed to providing guests with the highest levels of hospitality throughout the year.
A town that knows how to make guests feel at home
And, as Polignano’s mayor Vito Carrieri pointed out, what makes this little town, nestled on the Adriatic coast between Mola di Bari and Monopoli, so special is that is has something for every kind of tourist thanks to its vocation for hospitality. Polignano knows how to make each and every guest feel at home.
A mix of nature, culture and traditions
The town captivates visitors with its unique mix of natural attractions, cultural events and traditions, plus the warmth and welcome they get from its inhabitants. Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Adriatic Sea, strolling along its paved alleyways, through little white squares with flowering balconies, and taking in the wonderful views from the rocky headland that frames the town, leaves visitors with lasting impressions. Domenico Modugno, a popular singer in the 1960s is Polignano’s most illustrious citizen, and there is a bronze statue to him, his arms outstretched, on a little square on the seafront. 
The mild climate and local cuisine are an added plus
The favorable climate is another important factor in making Polignano the perfect place to visit at any time of year. Many of the town’s hotels and guesthouses are in old houses in the historic center that have been renovated to guarantee quality stays in charming and relaxed settings. And then there is the food. Fresh fish specialties and other typical Apulian delicacies can be enjoyed in the many restaurants, from a simple tomato focaccia to be enjoyed on the beach to a romantic dinner overlooking the sea, there is something for all tastes and all pockets in Polignano a Mare.
