[ad_1]
Adventurous Kate accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. Should you make a purchase order by way of these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a fee at no additional value to you. Thanks!
Monopoli, Italy is one in every of my favourite locations on the planet. This small coastal city is likely one of the loveliest locations to go to in Puglia, and one in every of my all-time favourite underrated locations in Italy. Simply south of the big city of Bari, Monopoli’s small city appeal attracts guests in, however by no means to the purpose of it feeling overwhelming.
Whereas there are many issues to do in Monopoli, it’s additionally excellent spot to simply be. Half the appeal of Monopoli is simply absorbing the environment. Have an aperitivo at sundown, take pleasure in a gelato with a view of the outdated port, or wander by way of the slim alleyways and whitewashed buildings of the outdated city, taking plenty of images.
I’m an enormous fan of exploring Puglia by street journey, and Monopoli makes an important base for exploring Puglia by automobile. It’s inside straightforward distance of among the prime locations within the area, like Matera and Alberobello, and it’s the right place to return again to every night time to chill out and revel in a scrumptious dinner.
My husband launched me to Monopoli only a few months after we met, and even after greater than a dozen Italy visits collectively since, Monopoli stays one in every of our all-time favourite spots.
Listed below are among the finest issues to do in Monopoli, Italy!
This publish was printed in January 2024 and co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
![Blue boats in a small harbor with white buildings on one side in Monopoli, Italy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Monopoli-1024x683.jpg)
The Finest Issues to do in Monopoli, Italy
Discover the Outdated City
The place the place you wish to spend the majority of your time is Monopoli’s outdated city, generally known as the centro storico in Italian. Right here you’ll discover most of Monopoli’s cultural factors of curiosity. The outdated city is residence to lovely whitewashed buildings with inexperienced shutters and doorways, meandering alleyways, church buildings, bars and eating places, and piazzas — all inviting you to sit down and revel in.
Within the coronary heart of the outdated city is Palmieri Palace (Palazzo Palmieri), a Baroque palace utilized by the Palmieri household till 1921 after which used as an artwork institute till 1990. Right this moment the spectacular palace nonetheless holds artwork in a lot of its 100+ rooms however it isn’t usually open to the general public (although I nonetheless assume it’s price a glance from the skin!). I like to recommend checking in individual when you arrive.
In Monopoli’s outdated city you’ll additionally discover Il Bastione del Molino, the ruins of an outdated fort, and church buildings like Chiesa di San Salvatore, the oldest church in Monopoli constructed within the third or 4th Century.
You may discover the centro storico by yourself or with a tour — although a tour offers you a lot historic context. Should you’d like, you’ll be able to see the highlights of the city on a two hour tour with a local produce tasting or take pleasure in a private tour with a local guide.
![A tall, sand-colored Baroque cathedral in Monopoli, Italy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Monopoli-Cathedral-Monopoli-Italy-1024x675.jpg)
Go to Monopoli Cathedral (Basilica of the Madonna della Madia)
The Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, additionally known as the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, is a Roman Catholic Cathedral with a shocking inside and exterior.
Building started on the unique cathedral in 1107 however needed to be stopped once they ran out of wooden to complete the roof. Miraculously, a ship washed up in 1117 carrying an icon of the Madonna. The beams of the boat have been used to complete the roof and the Madonna icon impressed the church’s title!
Through the years, the cathedral was broken and rebuilt; its present Baroque-style constructing was accomplished in 1772. There are a selection of necessary work and altar decorations contained in the basilica for guests to admire.
The cathedral is open each day from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00-8:30 PM. Entrance to the cathedral is free.
![People relaxing on the jagged rocky beach of Monopoli, Italy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Monopoli-Beach-1024x683.jpg)
Chill out on the seashores of Monopoli
Should you’re trying to spend a number of days in Puglia enjoyable on picturesque seashores and swimming in crystal-clear waters, you’ll be able to undoubtedly do this in Monopoli.
In Monopoli you’ll discover each free seashores which can be open to the general public and Italian-style seashore golf equipment, the place you pay for personal entry and get facilities like solar beds, altering rooms, and drinks service. Remember the fact that most seashore golf equipment are solely open throughout swimming season, usually from late Might to late September.
Among the finest seashore golf equipment in Monopoli embrace Lido Cala Paradiso, Lido Colonia, and The Black Pearl (La Perla Nera), which has a scrumptious restaurant hooked up.
Among the finest free seashores in Monopoli embrace Cala Porta Vecchia, which is correct subsequent to the outdated city, in addition to family-friendly Calette Del Clio and off-the-beaten-path Cala Monaci.
![A boat sailing along a rocky coastline in Italy](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Polignano-Caves-near-Monopoli-Italy-1024x683.jpg)
Take a ship journey alongside the coast
Since a lot of this metropolis is centered round its port and shoreline, it solely is smart that probably the greatest issues to do in Monopoli is get out on the water.
Discover the coast on a private sightseeing cruise (with champagne!) the place you’ll take pleasure in lovely views, go for a swim and take pleasure in an aperitif. This personal boat tour contains the boat rental, skipper, cruise alongside the coast, and refreshments for teams of as much as 10. Although I feel it might additionally make a stunning romantic possibility.
Or, alternatively, take a 3 hour private boat tour to the nearby Polignano caves with as much as six mates. The Polignano caves are an important day journey from Monopoli. However somewhat than get there by practice or automobile, why not go to by boat and revel in some swimming stops?
![A square stone castle perched on the edge of the sea in Monopoli, Italy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Castello-Carlo-V-Monopoli-Italy-1024x660.jpg)
Discover Castello Carlo V
Castello Carlo V, also called the Citadel of Monopoli, is a sixteenth Century fortress that juts out into the ocean. Its constructions embrace a Roman spherical tower, an underground church and the pentagonal form that was frequent of Spanish forts at the moment. It was named for Charles V of Spain, who deliberate the fortress.
As soon as a spot of excessive army regard, the fort was then used as a jail within the twentieth Century. Right this moment, the fort is used for conferences and exhibitions, with some displays open to the general public from 10:00 AM-1:30 PM and 4:30-9:00 PM each day. The present images exhibit prices 10 EUR ($11 USD) per individual.
Go to Museo e Sito Archeologico Cripta Romanica
Monopoli’s Museum of the Romanesque Crypt and Archeological Web site is situated underneath the Monopoli Cathedral and shows artifacts from town’s historical past and lots of occupations.
On this small museum you’ll discover third and fifth Century BC tombs, stays of the twelfth Century crypt of the Romanesque Cathedral, and publish holes utilized in fifteenth Century BC huts. Your go to ends within the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, the place you’ll be able to study extra about mummification and non secular rituals.
The museum is open Friday from 6:00-9:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM, and Sunday from 6:00-9:00 PM. Entrance prices 5 EUR ($5 USD) per individual.
![A hand holding up an ice cream with white buildings and blue boats in the background.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSCF3167-1-1024x677.jpg)
Have a gelato on the outdated harbor
My favourite factor to do in Monopoli is get a gelato at Bella Blu Gelateria and stroll right down to Porto Antico with my cone. There I can sit again and revel in my gelato whereas watching the boats float within the small harbor. It’s a kind of experiences that makes you assume, Wow, there’s nothing higher than being in Italy.
Remember the fact that Bella Blu is just open seasonally, from March to November. Should you’re visiting within the off season, attempt Il Capriccio Gelateria simply throughout the road. And loads of bars have gelato, although it received’t be fairly pretty much as good.
![A bike standing alone on a dirt path in the countryside in Italy, next to a gnarled olive tree.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Puglia-Bike-Countryside-1024x683.jpg)
Discover the realm by bike
An effective way to discover Monopoli and the larger Puglia area is by bike. It’s a enjoyable method to discover the countryside!
Bike by way of Monopoli’s outdated city after which onto the close by countryside on this guided three-hour bike tour. You’ll go to a thousand 12 months outdated church and finish your tour with gelato!
Should you favor to e-bike (which I personally love as a result of it helps you stand up the harder hills), you’ll be able to be a part of this 30 km (18 mile) guided e-bike tour alongside Monopoli’s coast. Bike by seashores and farmhouses whereas making stops to take pleasure in native produce, akin to panini, wine, and gelato.
Or cycle from Monopoli to the traditional rock village of St. Andrew on this three-hour guided e-bike tour. You’ll discover the traditional village, listening to legends from Monopoli’s previous, and finish your tour with a swim within the ocean.
![A woman's hands rolling out a long skinny tube of pasta dough with her knife ready to cut it into ear-shaped pieces.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Handmade-Orechiette-Bari-Italy-1024x686.jpg)
Study to make pasta
You might know that the Puglia area is legendary for its handmade ear-shaped pasta, orecchiette. Orecchiette might be served so some ways. So why not attempt your hand at creating the Pugliese specialty?
Simply 20 minutes from Monopoli is Castellana Grotte, an attractive city well-known for its caves, the place an expert home chef will teach you how to make orecchiette. After studying about Puglian gastronomy and making your personal pasta, you’ll sit again and revel in it alongside native produce and wine.
Finish your expertise with a certificates, apron and recipe e-book so you’ll be able to recreate your bowl of pasta if you get again residence! (And consider me, mates from residence LOVE it if you prepare dinner one thing particular out of your travels for them!)
![Kate and Charlie taking a smiling selfie with aperol spritzes.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kate-and-Charlie-Aperitivo-in-Monopol-Italy-769x1024.jpg)
Stroll and revel in an aperitivo at sundown
Aperitivo is Italy’s model of blissful hour, and one in every of my favourite traditions: earlier than dinner, individuals collect at bars to have drinks and complimentary snacks served. The meals is usually easy, but it surely’s a pleasant bonus deal with. A lot of the bars in Monopoli supply aperitivo, many with an ocean view.
Take pleasure in friselle pugliese, a double baked bread from Puglia, topped with recent tomatoes and paired with a glass of native wine. My favourite wine from Puglia is Primitivo — a deep however approachable crimson that I feel goes with all the things!
Should you come on the proper time of day, you’ll be able to take pleasure in your aperitivo whereas watching the solar set over the ocean. That is one in every of my favourite Italian traditions to partake in!
![Stones laid out in circles in archaeological ruins under purple sunset light.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Egazia-Archaeological-Park-Puglia-Italy-1024x683.jpg)
Go to Egnazia Archeological Park
Egnazia was a thirteenth Century BC Greek-Messapian city and is likely one of the most necessary archeological websites in Puglia in the present day. Right here you’ll be able to uncover the ruins of the previous city and go to the adjoining museum to study extra about its historical past.
Uncover basis stones for historical roads and homes, see the impression of Roman rule and the baths they left behind, study Puglia’s ceramic traditions within the museum, and go to a cemetery embellished in frescoes.
The opening hours for the park are 8:30 AM-1:30 PM each day. Mixed entrance to the park and museum prices 7 EUR ($8 USD) per individual.
![The city of Polignano a Mare, with a sandy white beach leading to clear teal water, with two cliffs on each side, one cliff topped with whitewashed buildings.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Polignano-a-Mare-1024x588.jpg)
Go to Polignano a Mare
One of many issues I like most about Monopoli is how handy it’s as a base for day journeys round Puglia. Polignano a Mare is a simple practice journey or drive from Monopoli — each take underneath quarter-hour.
Whereas just like Monopoli, Polignano a Mare is way more in style with worldwide vacationers, so put together for the crowds. Spend your time right here wandering by way of the outdated city, strolling alongside an historical Roman bridge, and enjoyable on that well-known seashore between two cliffs.
Polignano can be residence to probably the most well-known restaurant in Puglia: Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant inside a collapse entrance of the ocean that has turn into Instagram-famous in the previous few years.
Should you didn’t go on a ship journey from Monopoli, you may additionally go on one from Polignano a Mare to see the famous sea caves close by.
![Colorful flags hanging along a narrow alleyway in Old Town Bari, Puglia, Italy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bari-1024x720.jpg)
Go to Bari
Bari is Puglia’s largest metropolis, greatest transport hub, and one other straightforward journey by automobile or practice from Monopoli. It’s solely a 25-minute journey by practice from metropolis heart to metropolis heart.
Whereas in Bari, spend your time wandering by way of the Outdated City (Bari Vecchia) and testing the historic basilicas, piazzas, museums, and theaters. Hold a watch out for the women on the street rolling orecchiette by hand, with fast, environment friendly actions from a lifetime of observe.
Additionally, you’ll be able to stroll across the port, discover Bari Citadel (aka Castello Normanno-Svevo) and see Santa Claus at Basilica di San Nicola the place Saint Nicholas’s stays are buried.
Learn Extra: 17 Fun Things to Do in Bari, Italy
![Conical white and gray "trulli" homes with a pointy roof.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0991.jpg)
Go to Alberobello and the Val d’Itria
One in all my favourite day journeys from Monopoli is to the Val d’Itria (Itria Valley), the place you’ll discover groves of olive bushes, limestone caves, trulli houses, and wildflowers in full bloom. I like to recommend visiting this space by automobile as the general public transportation isn’t the best.
Among the best locations to go to is Alberobello, which gained UNESCO World Heritage standing for its trulli homes in 1996 and is just half-hour from Monopoli by automobile. These white stone homes with conical roofs are undoubtedly price visiting and getting misplaced amongst.
There’s additionally the city of Locorotondo, which is only a 10-minute drive from Alberobello (and half-hour again to Monopoli). Locorotondo is a hilltop city with meandering white alleys and exquisite views over the valley under. There’s not a ton to do there, however I feel it’s one of many prettiest small cities in all of Italy. That’s excessive reward coming from me.
Learn Extra: The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
![Kate wears a red dress with an asymmetrical hemline and poses in front of the city of Matera: stone towers and homes built on top of a row of sassi (caves).](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Kate-in-Matera-1024x738.jpg)
Go to Matera
Whereas Matera is technically within the Italian area of Basilicata, it’s a stone’s throw from the Puglia border, and only a 90-minute drive from Monopoli. This is likely one of the most visually beautiful cities in Italy, carved from stone. Films like No Time to Die and The Ardour of the Christ have been filmed right here.
A UNESCO World Heritage metropolis, Matera is understood for its neighborhoods which can be carved into rocks and caves, known as sassi. Folks truly lived in these caves as late because the Nineteen Fifties, with out working water or electrical energy, which was known as “Italy’s nice disgrace.” Right this moment, nevertheless, these caves have been refurbished into museums and luxurious lodges!
Matera is likely one of the hottest locations in Southern Italy, so count on it to be busy.
In your means again to Monopoli, I like to recommend stopping within the city of Altamura. This small Puglian city is a bit off the overwhelmed path for vacationers, however an attention-grabbing place to walk round. No matter you do, cease at Antico Forno Santa Caterina for some focaccia — it’s the perfect I’ve ever had.
Learn Extra: 17 Cool Things to Do in Matera, Italy
![Kate crouches in front of a giant food platter filled with various small plates in Monopoli, Italy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/A4ABA8D4-5454-4EF9-9716-490812833DDA-37324-0000103BB52130EA.jpg)
How A lot Time to Spend in Monopoli
As a result of Monopoli is a small city, you’ll be able to see the highest locations in simply in the future. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t be right here simply to verify sights off your record — you need to be right here to soak it up! I consider the true appeal of Monopoli is present in slowing down, staying a number of days, and attending to benefit from the rhythms of the city.
I like to remain in Monopoli for a number of days at a time, taking it straightforward within the metropolis and utilizing Monopoli as my base for day journeys.
So whether or not you’d prefer to spend a number of days in Monopoli, or per week or longer, I feel you’re going to have an exquisite time.
![A small beach leading to turquoise water next to a stone city wall in Monopoli.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Monopoli-Italy-Beach-1024x673.jpg)
How one can Get to Monopoli
Bari is the closest massive metropolis to Monopoli and sure the place you’ll arrive to begin your time in Puglia. Bari Airport is the primary air hub within the area, with direct flights throughout Europe. From the airport it’s an hour’s drive to Monopoli, or a 15-minute practice journey to Bari adopted by a 25-minute practice journey to Monopoli.
Should you’re coming from Bari metropolis heart, one of the simplest ways to get to Monopoli is by practice. It’s solely a 25-minute practice journey from Bari’s central practice station to Monopoli. Remember the fact that Monopoli’s practice station is within the new city, not the outdated city. From there it’s a couple of 12-minute stroll to the outdated city’s entrance.
Should you’re staying for per week and planning on doing day journeys, I like to recommend having a automobile in Monopoli. Regardless that Monopoli is on the practice line, among the higher locations to go to like Matera and Alberobello don’t have trains.
Monopoli’s outdated city is a part of the ZTL (zona traffico limitato, or restricted to solely resident vehicles) — and there are paid parking heaps on the sting of the outdated city. You may learn extra about ZTLs in my guide to driving in Italy.
![The streets of old town Monopoli, with tall white washed buildings with green shutters, and cacti planted on the ground.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Old-Town-Monopoli-Italy-700x1024.jpg)
The place to Keep in Monopoli
The perfect place to remain in Monopoli is the outdated city (centro storico) the place many of the major sights are situated and the place you’ll discover probably the most picturesque city views. Once more, understand that you’ll want to search out parking exterior the outdated city in case you have a automobile.
High-Rated Motels in Monopoli, Italy:
- High-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Monopoli — Hotel Don Ferrante boasts world-class service, elegant stone wall rooms and loads of terraces with panoramic views of the city and ocean.
- High-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Monopoli — Palazzo Indelli is only a few steps from the harbor and provides air-conditioned en-suite rooms with a restaurant on website.
- High-Rated Price range Lodge in Monopoli — B&B Villa il Sughero, whereas exterior of the Outdated City, options massive rooms, scrumptious breakfast and free parking, making it a great worth possibility for funds vacationers.
Find deals on places to stay in Monopoli here.
![A hand holding a cup of Gelato in the middle of an Italian old town.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Gelato-in-Monopoli-Italy-1024x683.jpg)
Finest Time to Go to Monopoli
My favourite time to go to the white metropolis of Monopoli and discover the encircling Puglia area is through the shoulder season: late Might/early June or late September/early October. That means, you get to take pleasure in good climate with out the utmost crowds or the excessive costs of peak season journey in July and August. Anytime in spring or fall is ideal for exploring Puglia.
Monopoli may be very quiet within the low season, so put together for many locations within the outdated city to be closed if you happen to go to through the winter. Nevertheless, the newer elements of Monopoli have year-round residents and can have loads of stuff open.
Monopoli hosts a variety of spiritual and cultural occasions all year long. Their most necessary celebration is the Feast of the Madonna della Madia (the identical Madonna who their cathedral is called for) which occurs on December sixteenth and once more on August fifteenth. Should you’re on the town on these days, you’ll be able to be a part of the crowds down on the outdated port to pay homage to Monopoli’s patron saint.
![Kate wears a brightly colored and patterned one-piece bathing suit and throws her hands in the air in joy. She's standing on a rocky formation with the bright blue ocean behind her. In Monopoli, Puglia.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/8E606BB6-9B0F-4E7D-9C87-E509D20CC2FB.jpg)
Is Monopoli Price It?
You’re not going to be stunned by my response — Monopoli is my favourite place in Puglia, and for that cause of COURSE it’s price it! It’s price it for a day, for a number of days, or perhaps a base for per week or longer in Puglia.
I genuinely hope you fall in love with Monopoli as a lot as I’ve.
Extra on Puglia, Italy:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Cool Locations in Southern Italy:
Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
Have you ever been to Monopoli? What would you recommend? Share away!
[ad_2]