Italy's distinctive shape resembles a high-heeled boot, with the little-known town of Polignano Marina situated at the heel. The nearest town, Bari, is approximately 35 km away, taking around 40 minutes by car to reach.
Driving south along the Adriatic coastline, we entered the town and experienced the most relaxing time of our Italian journey. From a distance, we could see the cliffs plunging straight into the sea, and a large white house growing out from the top of the cliff, spreading along the winding coast, gleaming in the sunlight.
The town boasts a rich history, with the old town still retaining its medieval appearance, characterized by old buildings in varying shades of light to dark honey-colored stone. Every stone-paved path leads to a cliff-top terrace overlooking the blue sea, every house is carefully adorned with flowers and greenery, and every honey-colored stone wall is illuminated by sunshine.
It's a town where slow living prevails, and Italian vacationers adopt a laid-back attitude, sitting on the street, leisurely sipping espresso, chatting, and observing passers-by.
Although the town is not widely known, it's home to a colossal cavern in the limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise water, hiding the prestigious Grotta Palazzese - "the most romantic restaurant in the world." Countless people come here just to savor delicious seafood against the waves illuminated by lights and stars or to propose to their beloved.
After a leisurely meal, take a stroll through the peaceful town and immerse yourself in the lazy Italian afternoon atmosphere. The only creatures more languid than the Italians are the orange cats lounging in the streets. Their agile, supple bodies weave under the shade of red flowers, then flop down in front of us, squinting and waiting to be petted.
Once you've indulged the felines, be sure to try the old-fashioned ice cream shop across from the old city gate. If you happen to come across a group of children who have just finished school eagerly heading towards the outskirts of the city, follow in their footsteps, and you'll end up at the store.
This small shop, Il Mago Del Gelato S.R.L, has been selling its own recipe of gelato since 1935, and still retains its old-fashioned charm, always bustling with locals and tourists. The sweet and delicious ice cream melts in your mouth, evoking the wonderful scent of early summer.
Orange cats, cranberry-flavored ice cream, honey-colored old buildings - the romantic ambiance of summer is just a bay of turquoise blue water away. So, take your ice cream and stroll along Via Traiana, a stone path dating back to ancient Roman times, passing through the towering bridge cave and down the cliff.
Built in 109 A.D., Via Traiana's long, honey-colored road runs through several cities in southern Italy. A little further down from the ancient road passing through the town lies the turquoise-blue Adriatic Sea. The old road, the crumbling ruins along the way, and the unchanged clear waters embody the romance and beauty of the vicissitudes of history.
Italians lie in groups on the rocky beaches, basking in the gentle sunlight before sunset. Some of them are not even wearing bathing suits - they likely came for a good time and then stumbled upon the clear water and sunshine, so they took off their outer clothes and sunbathed to their heart's content.
The translucent water sparkles, while couples embrace and kiss. With no wind and lazy waves, this is perhaps the Italian concept of "la vita bella" - nothing is more important than lounging in the sun and kissing your beloved.
