Seaside towns are some of the best places to visit during the summer. They offer everything from crystal-clear waters to big sandy beaches and great restaurants. However, some spots, especially in Europe, are starting to get overcrowded at this time of the year.

Luckily, there are still some places that offer a relatively quieter experience. And that’s the case with this ancient Italian seaside town. But anyone who wants to visit and avoid the crowds should do it soon, because the spot is getting more and more popular every year.

Polignano a Mare, in southern Italy, is built on top of huge limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. 

The town is more than 2,000 years old and has a history that stretches back to the 4th century BC.

It later became part of the Roman Empire and was important enough to have the Via Traiana road run through it. 

Today, the Roman bridge at Lama Monachile still stands and is one of the town’s best-known sights.

Speaking exclusively to the Express about the town, travel expert Jiayi Wang, who runs the popular travel blog The Diary Of A Nomad, said: “Polignano a Mare has really stuck with me.

“Polignano clings to limestone cliffs, and even though it’s getting more popular, there’s still a rhythm of local life you can tap into if you avoid August. The sea caves are beautiful, and the light there changes constantly, it’s a dream to shoot.”

The old town is full of whitewashed buildings, winding streets, and sea-view terraces. 

There are also churches like Chiesa Matrice, a clock tower in Piazza Dell’Orologio, and poems written on walls and staircases.

Down below is Lama Monachile beach, a pebbled cove between two cliffs that is popular for swimming in the crystal-clear water and cliff diving. 

Visitors can also take boat trips along the coast to see the sea caves, small hidden bays, and Scoglio dell’Eremita, a rocky island home to nesting seabirds.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there is the stunning San Vito Abbey just outside the town that offers great views.

Polignano is also known as the hometown of Domenico Modugno, the singer behind the international hit Volare. 

His statue stands by the sea, close to some of the best spots for a sunset aperitivo or evening stroll.

The town’s food is another highlight, with plenty of local seafood, homemade pasta, and traditional Italian gelato. Prices are also generally lower than in bigger Italian hotspots.

But that may not last forever. Polignano a Mare is being discovered by more and more tourists every year. 

While it still offers a laid-back and authentic feel, its growing popularity means it may not stay quiet for long, especially during peak season.