Monopoli Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Monopoli, Italy. Read our guide now and plan your next trip.


Introduction to Monopoli

Monopoli is a charming seaside town located in the province of Bari in Apulia, Southern Italy. It’s known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world. As you explore this picturesque town, you’ll find a perfect blend of history, art, culture, and natural beauty.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the must-see attractions, things to do, and tips for travelers visiting Monopoli.

List of Places to Visit in Monopoli

When it comes to places to visit in Monopoli, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castle of Charles V - This 16th-century castle was built by the Spanish Emperor Charles V and is located in the heart of Monopoli. Here you’ll find a museum showcasing the history of Monopoli and its links to Byzantine, Saracen, and Norman history.

  • Church of the Purgatory - A 17th-century church with beautiful baroque architecture and a stunning interior that is richly decorated with frescoes and gold leaf.

  • Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia - One of the most beautiful landmarks of Monopoli, this cathedral was built in the 12th century and has stunning Romanesque architecture.

  • Historic City Center and Walls - Explore the narrow streets, white-washed houses, and alleys of the historic center of Monopoli, and visit its ancient walls, which date back to the Roman era.

Natural Attractions of Monopoli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Beaches - Monopoli is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy shores. The top three beaches to visit are Porto Bianco, Cala Paradiso, and Torre Egnazia.

  • Polignano a Mare - A neighboring town of Monopoli that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Explore the dazzling cliffside town and enjoy the panoramic views that the famous Grotta Palazzese restaurant offers.

  • Caves of Castellana - A network of underground caves that stretches for over 3 kilometers presenting dazzling cave networks and stunning formations. Experience an unforgettable adventure exploring this labyrinth of underground tunnels and rock formations.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Monopoli

Monopoli offers a multitude of scenic routes that are perfect for hiking or biking. Here are a few popular routes:

  • Puglia Bike Tours - Offers an award-winning guided tour around Puglia that includes Monopoli, where you’ll ride through stunning countryside scenery and olive groves.

  • Monopoli Green Trail - A walk that takes you through the countryside scenery of Apulia and Monopoli. This path runs from the beautiful beach of San Vito, through forests of oak trees and olive groves.

Best Things to Do in Monopoli: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tours - Take a boat tour along the coast of Monopoli to discover hidden coves, natural caves, and the impressive rock formations of the coastline.

  • Cooking Classes - Learn how to cook traditional Apulian dishes with a local chef and enjoy the best flavors of Italian cuisine.

  • Wine and Olive Oil Tasting - Monopoli is known for its excellent wine and olive oils. Visit one of the many wineries or olive oil mills in the region to taste the best of what Monopoli has to offer.

Week-Long Itinerary for Monopoli

Here’s a suggested itinerary if you plan to spend a week in Monopoli:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the city center and the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia.
Day 2 Visit Polignano a Mare, enjoy the stunning views and delicious seafood.
Day 3 Take a boat tour and explore the rugged coastline.
Day 4 Go wine tasting in the countryside and taste the best of Italian wines.
Day 5 Visit the Castellana Caves, an unforgettable adventure in the underground world of Apulia.
Day 6 Relax on Torre Egnazia Beach and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water.
Day 7 Take a cooking class and learn how to cook traditional Apulian dishes with a local chef.

Food and Drink Scene of Monopoli

Monopoli’s food and drink scene is not to be missed. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Orecchiette alle cime di rapa - A delicious pasta dish, made with traditional “little ears” pasta, accompanied by broccoli rabe and anchovies.

  • Polpo alla luciana - A dish of baked or sautéed octopus served with tomato sauce, potatoes, and olives.

  • Bruschetta al pomodoro - A popular Italian appetizer consisting of grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Local Beverages

  • Primitivo - A red wine that is one of the most famous wines of Puglia, known for its fruity, rich flavor.

  • Negroamaro - A popular grape variety that is used to make red wines with intense and rustic flavors.

  • Limoncello - A sweet liqueur made from lemons, that is often served as an after-dinner drink.

Where to Stay in Monopoli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Monopoli offers a variety of lodging options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Masseria Don Luigi - A beautiful country estate, surrounded by olive trees, with a pool and a restaurant.

  • Porta Vecchia Hotel - A boutique hotel located in an ancient palace in the heart of Monopoli’s historic center.

  • B&B Terrazze Sul Mare - Located just a short walk from the beach, this charming bed and breakfast offer ocean views, and a rooftop terrace.

What to Buy in Monopoli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Monopoli, you’ll want to bring home some of its unique and traditional products. Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy:

  • Ceramic crafts - Monopoli is known for its beautifully crafted ceramic plates, tiles, and other objects that feature traditional Apulian motifs.

  • Olive oil - Monopoli produces some of the best olive oil in Italy, a perfect souvenir to take home and try.

  • Almond paste - A traditional dessert of Monopoli, made with ground almonds, sugar, and eggs.

Local Culture and Customs of Monopoli

In Monopoli, locals are proud of their traditions and love sharing them with visitors. To show respect to the locals, try to learn some basic phrases in Italian and dress modestly. During the day, it’s common to take a siesta, and many shops and businesses close during this time.

Best Time to Visit Monopoli

The best time to visit Monopoli is during the mild weather seasons of April to June or September to October. During these months, you’ll find fewer crowds, lower prices, and milder weather conditions, making it an ideal time to explore the town and enjoy its attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Monopoli

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and traditional dishes.

  • Take a boat tour and explore the rugged coastline.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Wear skimpy clothing in public places or churches.

  • Be too loud or disruptive in residential areas.

  • Take photographs of locals without asking for permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Monopoli

Monopoli is a safe town to visit, but like any other tourist destination, you should keep your valuables and money safe. It’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night, stick to well-lit streets, and stay in tourist-friendly areas.

Health in Monopoli

As far as health goes, Monopoli has good medical facilities, and there are pharmacies throughout the town. EU nationals should have a valid EHIC card, but it’s recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

Getting to Monopoli: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Monopoli

The nearest airport to Monopoli is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport. It is located 50 kilometers away from Monopoli and has connections to major cities across Europe. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to Monopoli.

Bus Stations Near Monopoli

If you’re traveling around Apulia region, the city of Bari has bus connections to many other towns, including Monopoli. The central bus station “Piazza Moro” is the main hub in Bari.

Other Options

If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest train station is in Monopoli. The town is well-connected to the regional rail network.

How to Get Around in Monopoli

The best way to get around Monopoli is on foot. The historic center is quite compact and easy to navigate. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, the best way is to rent a car or take a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Monopoli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of great destinations to visit from Monopoli. Here are some of the nearby towns and attractions you can visit:

  • Alberobello - A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique trulli houses, white-washed cone-shaped buildings that are unique to this part of Italy.

  • Matera - Known for its fascinating cave dwellings, Matera is another UNESCO World Heritage site that’s worth a visit.

  • Castel del Monte - This stunning medieval castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located just a short drive from Monopoli.

Conclusion

Monopoli is a town that has so much to offer visitors. From its stunning beaches and natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage and charming old town, there’s always something to explore. Use our comprehensive guide to plan your visit and make the most of this picturesque seaside town.

Old port of Monopoli Old port of Monopoli