Mostar to Polignano a Mare Road Trip Guide

The road from Mostar to Polignano a Mare traverses 700 kilometers of shifting landscapes, from the limestone gorges of Herzegovina to the Adriatic cliffs of Puglia. The journey typically takes 7-8 hours of driving time, including a short ferry crossing from Ploče or a longer loop via the Pelješac Bridge. The A1 highway in Croatia and the A14 in Italy provide high-speed links, but the real essence lies in the secondary roads that connect historical gems like Dubrovnik and Bari.

• Total distance: ~700 km (via Ploče ferry) or ~750 km (via Pelješac Bridge)
• Driving time: 7-8 hours (excluding stops)
• Recommended stops: 3-4 for a comfortable journey
• Border crossings: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, ferry to Italy (or via Slovenia)

Planning fuel stops is crucial as the route combines motorways and coastal roads. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, fuel stations are less frequent but adequate along the M17. Croatia's A1 has well-spaced rest areas with fuel, and in Italy, the A14 has Autogrill services.

• Bosnia: Fuel cost ~1.20 EUR/L, stations in Mostar and near Čapljina
• Croatia: Fuel cost ~1.50 EUR/L, stations every 30-40 km on A1
• Italy: Fuel cost ~1.80 EUR/L, stations on A14 every 20 km
• Total fuel cost estimate: ~60-80 EUR (based on 8L/100km)

Toll roads apply in Croatia (A1) and Italy (A14). In Croatia, expect ~15-20 EUR from Ploče to Dubrovnik, and in Italy ~10 EUR from Bari to Polignano. The most scenic alternative is the coastal D8 road from Ploče to Dubrovnik, but it adds 1 hour.

• Dubrovnik-Bari ferry: Jadrolinija or GNV, ~60-80 EUR per car, 3-4 hours
• Ploče-Trpanj ferry: Short 1-hour crossing, ~15 EUR
• Pelješac Bridge: Free since opening in 2022

The route unveils the Neretva River delta near Ploče, with its green wetlands and agricultural patches. As you climb into the Pelješac Peninsula, vineyards and olive groves line the road, offering local wine tastings. The Dalmatian coastline then leads to Dubrovnik's fortified walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Mostar: Stari Most, old bazaar with copperware and silk scarves
• Pelješac Peninsula: Dingač wine region, stop at a konoba (traditional tavern)
• Dubrovnik: Avoid peak season crowds by visiting early morning

After the ferry to Bari, the landscape flattens into the Apulian plain, dominated by olive trees and trulli huts. Polignano a Mare clings to limestone cliffs, with turquoise coves below. The local commerce revolves around seafood and ceramics.

• Bari: Old town (Bari Vecchia) for fresh orecchiette pasta
• Polignano: Largo Ardito cave, Lama Monachile beach
• Best local products: Olive oil, wine, burrata cheese

The A1 in Croatia and A14 in Italy are well-maintained, but Serbian and Bosnian roads may have potholes. The coastal D8 in Croatia has tight curves and limited shoulders. For families, rest stops with playgrounds are available at Autogrill in Italy and certain Croatian rest areas.

• Child-friendly stops: Ploče (beach), Ston (oyster farm), Bari (Parco 2 Giugno)
• Rest zones: Average one every 40 km on highways, less on secondary roads
• Parking: Mostar (paid lots near Old Town), Polignano (limited, use Piazza Vittorio Emanuele)

Fatigue management is key due to the 8-hour drive plus ferry. Plan to stop for 20 minutes every 2 hours. The ferry itself can serve as a rest break. For pet owners, most Croatian and Italian beaches allow dogs off-season, but check local signs.

• Pet-friendly accommodations: Many hotels in Dubrovnik and Polignano accept pets
• Hidden off-route spots: Kravice waterfalls (30 min from Mostar), Tremiti Islands (ferry from Vieste, detour +2h)