A Guide to Monopoli Puglia | A Blissful Day by the Sea
If you’re looking for the perfect base for your adventures around Puglia or just a quiet town on the Adriatic Sea to relax, look no further than Monopoli Puglia. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know in this complete guide.
With its white-washed facades, fortified sea walls and old port, Monopoli makes the perfect stop on any Puglia itinerary. Boasting a unique local feel, it’s here that you can learn more about Puglia’s local history, feast on gastronomic delights and get glimpses into the lives of the many locals and fishermen who live here.
Monopoli also makes the perfect base for exploring Puglia for a few days- it’s close to the Itria Valley and its picturesque, whitewashed towns as well as Polignano a Mare- yet Monopoli is much more relaxed and laid back.
If getting away from the crowds is your thing, make sure to consider visiting and perhaps basing yourself in Monopoli for a little while but make sure you’ve rented a car for freedom to move around the local area.
Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Monopoli and all my recommendations for places to eat and the best hotels in Monopoli.
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Getting to Monopoli, Puglia
Monopoli is a small fishing town located on Puglia’s Adriatic Coast. It’s a 45 minute drive south of Bari and just 15 minutes south of Polignano a Mare, making it a great day trip destination from Bari, Polignano a Mare or even the Itria Valley.
Car – If you’re exploring quite a few different destinations around Puglia, getting around by car is by far the best way. It’ll give you the flexibility to get to all the towns and villages in the region and you won’t need to read, understand or follow public transport timetables.
In Monopoli, there are many public car parks to park in near the town centre and many hotels also offer free or private parking. I highly recommend using Auto Europe to rent a car in Italy. They have some of the best rates, especially in the summer high season. Find a rental car with Auto Europe here.
Train – Monopoli is also reachable by train and if you’re just coming for the day from Bari or Polignano a Mare, the train is a good option. Monopoli’s train station is located just outside the modern center, a short walk from all the points of interest. Check Tren Italia here for schedules and to book tickets in advance.
READ MORE: The Puglia Road Trip Itinerary: A 10 Day Puglia Itinerary Guide
Where to Stay in Monopli, Puglia
There are so many gorgeous options when thinking about where to stay in Monopoli. I’d highly recommend staying in Monopoli Old Town or close to it as this is where most sights are.
With so many charming hotels in Monopoli Italy, Airbnb and vacation rentals you’ll be able to find the perfect option for you.
Hotel Don Ferrante Puglia – Probably one of the most charming hotels in Puglia, 5-star Hotel Don Ferrante is easily my favourite place to stay in Monopoli. With charming, low, stone ceilings, sea views, modern Italian decor and all the mod-cons, this hotel really has some serious design inspiration.
There’s also a small outdoor pool, amazing breakfast and service from all staff and an unbeatable location. Honestly, you don’t want to stay anywhere else. Check rates and availability here.
Bellavista Monopoli Suites – For a touch of Mykonos in Monopoli, Bellavista Suites is a stunning chic property with an infinity rooftop pool, sea views, amazing location and beautiful stone rooms fit for royalty.
Opt for the luxury suite with a private pool in the main room and you’ll not want to ever leave. Bellavista Suites is the perfect choice for couples. Check rates and availability here
Orazio 33 B&B – Hidden behind an unremarkable blue door, this B&B is a modern and comfortable place to stay in Monopoli. With high ceilings and modern, minimalist rooms, well-functioning facilities as well as a communal kitchenette and fridge for guests, it’s the perfect mid-to-budget option.
A good breakfast is also included. Check rates and availability here.
Vittorio Emanuele Charming Suites – Charming is definitely the adjective to use to describe these swoon-worthy stone suites. With great service, rooms with spa baths and terraces and indispensable free private parking, this is a brilliant choice in Monopoli. Check rates and availability here.
Masseria Torre Coccaro – For those not wanting to be in Monopoli itself but looking for a base from which to do day trips, this Masseria is one of the top options in the area.
With beautifully, traditionally designed rooms, top-notch service, a large outdoor pool, and splendid restaurant and food, you can’t go wrong here.
They also have a beach club in Savelletri which is a must-visit for a seafood lunch. Check rates and availability here.
Top Things to Do in Monopoli Puglia
Stroll around the Old Town
When it comes to Puglian towns there’s nothing better than just strolling around and exploring the town for yourself.
Monopoli is a lovely mix of open, seaside promenades and narrow whitewashed alleys which you can get lost in for hours looking around corners and poking your head into cafes, shops and churches.
There’s no real itinerary or way to go about your walking, it’s best to keep it spontaneous and go where your eye takes you.
I would personally start at the lungomare for sunrise, walk to the lighthouse, the Porto Antico and then the little back streets of the centro storico.
I highly recommend starting your exploring early in the morning however as this will give you the best light (for photos) and you’ll be able to escape the crowds and the heat.
If you’re only passing through Monopoli for a few hours while on a Puglia road trip, doing a guided walking tour might be the best idea so that you can get the most out of your time.
Find the best 2-hour Monopoli Guided Tour here.
Visit Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia
Monopoli’s Duomo is one of the most impressive cathedrals around and it certainly deserves a look inside.
The cathedral was built on the site of a Roman Temple and even though the cathedral dates back to 1107 what we can see today dates back to the Baroque era of the 16th Century.
Inside you’ll find the Chapel of Madonna Della Madia with a prominently decorated altar as well as two paintings by Pietro Bardellino and smaller ones of the Virgin.
What makes this cathedral different from many in the area is actually the use of red marble- both real marble and painted- giving a colourful effect of luxury and grandeur.
Stroll along Lungomare
Existing in almost every beach town in Puglia, the lungomare is the seaside promenade that’s made for strolling especially at sunset or sunrise.
In Monopoli Puglia, that special time of day is sunrise and as the sun rises up over the Adriatic Sea, casting the whole lungomare into a golden glow, few locals take to the streets for morning exercise.
Monopoli’s lungomare is equally beautiful, yet a little more crowded in the evening where you can enjoy the local streets filled with restaurants, bars with Aperol sipping tourists and locals going for a walk.
You’ll no doubt find yourself here at some point during your time in Monopoli.
Have a Beach Day
Because why on earth not?
While there aren’t too many beaches close to town (the one just outside the centro storico Cala Porta Vecchia, was covered in seaweed when we visited), there are quite a few little beaches and swimming spots nearby.
Walk south along the lungomare and you’ll find a few little coves or calas such as Cala Cozze, Porto Bianco, Porto Rosso and Porto Nero which are good for swimming but they are more rocky coves than beaches.
For one of the best beaches within walking distance head to the tiny but gorgeous Spiaggia di Porto Verde, which has a lovely strip of golden sand to relax on, just make sure to come early as it will fill up fast.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the center of Monopoli.
There are plenty more beaches and coves walking south away from Monopoli, so I highly recommend exploring the area to find your perfect swimming spot for the day.
Visit Palazzo Palmieri
Hidden amongst the narrow alleyways of the centro storico in Monopoli Puglia is the historic Palazzo Palmieri. Palazzo Palmieri was the family home of the Palmieri family, one of the most influential and powerful families in Monopoli.
The palace was built by Francesco Paolo and was passed down through the family until 1921 when the last remaining Palmieri made the palace a School of the Arts.
The building itself was built like a typical mansion house of this area, massively inspired by the Baroque style of Lecce. Inside you’ll find the main residences on the main floor as well as guest rooms, a study and library and even a private chapel.
It’s worth visiting to find out more about the aristocratic lifestyle of the influential figures of Monopoli during the 18th Century.
Take in the Views from Bastione Santa Maria
While walking the lungomare, make sure to stop and take in the views from Bastione Santa Maria. A small fortress overlooking the open sea, the bastion used to be a defense tower for the city.
It’s now mostly a ruin but you can climb up to check out the cannons that still remain as well as the pretty picturesque sea views. Its best visited at sunrise or in the early morning.