Diving Off A Balcony in Polignano a Mare, Italy | Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2026

ROUND 1-3 diving in Polignano a Mare, Italy For a record-extending 13th year, Polignano a Mare – the beating heart of European cliff diving – will host the penultimate stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Perched high above the Adriatic Sea, the iconic town once again becomes a decisive battleground, where title ambitions are sharpened and mistakes carry heavy consequences. With only one event remaining, Polignano a Mare is where pressure intensifies. This venue has the power to define seasons, rewarding composure and punishing hesitation. The last-but-one stop often reshapes the title race shortly before the finale. Each year, Polignano a Mare adds another chapter to its rich cliff diving history. Athletes launch from take-off points mounted on private homes embedded directly into the limestone cliffs, creating an unrivalled connection between sport and setting – one that has become synonymous with the World Series itself. In the women’s competition, Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland has established Polignano a Mare as a cornerstone of her dominance, consistently achieving victories in a venue that demands absolute precision. In the men’s competition, meanwhile, the Adriatic narrative has continued to evolve. Following a series of victories for Gary Hunt, Aidan Heslop claimed a breakthrough win here in 2023 on his way to the overall title, before Constantin Popovici produced one of the most resilient performances in World Series history by winning in 2024 just weeks after sustaining knee fractures. The natural amphitheatre of Polignano a Mare amplifies every moment. From cliff edges and private balconies to the beach below and the historic arch bridge, thousands of locals and visitors pack every available vantage point. The narrow streets of the old town also become part of the spectacle, as the athletes pass through the crowd en route back to the platforms, exchanging high-fives with the fans. Nestled in the beautiful Puglia region, Polignano a Mare offers more than just cliff diving. The area boasts an enviable year-round climate perfect for outdoor adventures, including trekking, cycling, horseback riding, golf, and water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and kite surfing. For more about Puglia’s incredible offerings, visit www.weareinpuglia.it. Fittingly, every dive unfolds beneath the gaze of Domenico Modugno, Polignano a Mare’s most famous son and the voice behind the global hit “Volare”. Translating to “to fly,” the song echoes the essence of cliff diving itself – brief, breathtaking flights that continue to captivate and inspire in southern Italy. ___ Experience the world of Red Bull Cliff Diving like you have never seen it before: Subscribe to Red Bull Cliff Diving:    / redbullcliffdiving   Get the FREE Red Bull TV apps for all your devices: http://onelink.to/yfbct7 Watch Red Bull TV: http://win.gs/WatchRBTV Check out https://redbullcliffdiving.com Red Bull Cliff Diving on Facebook:   / redbullcliffdiving