{"id":7402,"date":"2022-01-05T15:50:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T14:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/monopoli-puglia-its-white-streets-its-port-and-its-beaches\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T16:15:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:15:09","slug":"visiter-monopoli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in Monopoli Discover its white streets, port and beaches"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli is one of the towns we enjoyed most during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/pouilles-italie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4462\">our stay in Puglia<\/a>. Less spectacular at first glance than <strong>Polignano a Mare<\/strong>, it struck us as gentler, more pleasant to live in and, above all, more practical for spending a few nights on the coast. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its historic center is easy to visit on foot, with its white alleyways, lively little squares, Baroque cathedral, old port and waterfront. But in our opinion, Monopoli is more than just a stroll through the old town. Its real appeal lies in the fact that you can enjoy the beaches to the south, go out in the evening without having to take the car, and easily reach Polignano a Mare, Alberobello or the other villages in the Itria Valley.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, there&#8217;s no need to do everything. Some places are worth visiting more for the atmosphere outside, the views or the walk, than for an in-depth visit. In this article, we share with you <strong>our itinerary for visiting Monopoli<\/strong>, our favorite beaches, our parking tips, our addresses, but also what we find less indispensable on site.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"8e8b89\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #8e8b89;\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp-1200x568.webp\" alt=\"Ancient port of Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-4201 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp-1200x568.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp-400x189.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp-512x243.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp-768x364.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp-1536x728.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-1-scaled-jpg-webp.webp 1598w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Sommaire d\u00e9taill\u00e9<\/span>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#How_long_does_it_take_to_visit_Monopoli\" >How long does it take to visit Monopoli?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#A_half-day_tour_of_Monopoli\" >A half-day tour of Monopoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#A_day_trip_to_Monopoli\" >A day trip to Monopoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#1_or_2_nights_in_Monopoli\" >1 or 2 nights in Monopoli<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#What_to_do_in_Monopoli_Puglia\" >What to do in Monopoli, Puglia<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Our_itinerary_for_visiting_the_historic_center_of_Monopoli\" >Our itinerary for visiting the historic center of Monopoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#1_Getting_lost_in_Monopolis_historic_center\" >1. Getting lost in Monopoli&#8217;s historic center<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#2_Discover_the_Maria_Santissima_della_Madia_cathedral\" >2. Discover the Maria Santissima della Madia cathedral<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#3_Reaching_Cala_Porta_Vecchia_from_the_old_town\" >3. Reaching Cala Porta Vecchia from the old town<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#4_Along_the_ramparts_to_Charles_V_castle\" >4. Along the ramparts to Charles V castle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#5_Porto_Antico_and_its_blue_boats\" >5. Porto Antico and its blue boats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#6_Take_a_break_in_Piazza_Giuseppe_Garibaldi\" >6. Take a break in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Book_a_guided_tour_of_Monopoli\" >Book a guided tour of Monopoli<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Practical_information_for_visiting_Monopoli\" >Practical information for visiting Monopoli<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Where_to_sleep_in_Monopoli\" >Where to sleep in Monopoli?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Where_to_eat_in_Monopoli_Our_tried_and_tested_addresses\" >Where to eat in Monopoli Our tried and tested addresses<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#The_King_Street_Food\" >The King Street Food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Magnapulia\" >Magnapulia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Bella_Blu_Gelateria\" >Bella Blu Gelateria<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#How_to_get_to_Monopoli\" >How to get to Monopoli<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#From_Bari\" >From Bari<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#From_Alberobello\" >From Alberobello<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Do_I_need_to_hire_a_car_to_visit_Monopoli\" >Do I need to hire a car to visit Monopoli?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Where_can_I_park_for_free_in_Monopoli\" >Where can I park for free in Monopoli?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#What_to_do_around_Monopoli\" >What to do around Monopoli<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Enjoy_the_beaches_around_Monopoli\" >Enjoy the beaches around Monopoli<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#1_Cala_Porta_Vecchia_the_beach_at_the_foot_of_the_historic_center\" >1. Cala Porta Vecchia, the beach at the foot of the historic center<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#2_La_Scaletta_our_favorite_beach_around_Monopoli\" >2. La Scaletta, our favorite beach around Monopoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#3_Porto_Marzano_a_pleasant_beach_south_of_Monopoli\" >3. Porto Marzano, a pleasant beach south of Monopoli<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#4_Cala_Paradiso_convenient_if_youre_looking_for_more_services\" >4. Cala Paradiso, convenient if you&#8217;re looking for more services<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Explore_the_sea_caves_by_boat\" >Explore the sea caves by boat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Discover_Polignano_a_Mare\" >Discover Polignano a Mare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Visit_Alberobello\" >Visit Alberobello<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#A_trip_to_Locorotondo\" >A trip to Locorotondo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Reaching_Ostuni_the_white_city\" >Reaching Ostuni, the white city<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Explore_the_Castellana_caves\" >Explore the Castellana caves<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-monopoli\/#Our_opinion_of_Monopoli_in_Apulia\" >Our opinion of Monopoli in Apulia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_it_take_to_visit_Monopoli\"><\/span>How long does it take to visit Monopoli?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, you should allow at least half a day to visit Monopoli. The historic center is fairly compact and can easily be explored on foot in 2-3 hours, taking in the cathedral, Cala Porta Vecchia, Charles V&#8217;s castle, the old port and the narrow white streets of the old town. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if you really want to enjoy Monopoli without running around, we recommend a full day. You&#8217;ll be able to visit the city center in the morning, have lunch there and then head off to the beaches south of town in the afternoon. In our opinion, this is the best compromise if you&#8217;re on a road trip in Puglia.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For our part, we stayed 2 nights in Monopoli and found it a very pleasant choice. The town is lively in the evenings, gentler than some of Puglia&#8217;s most touristy destinations, and well-situated for trips to Polignano a Mare, Alberobello or the coastal beaches. On the other hand, if your itinerary is very tight, it&#8217;s not essential to stay here for several days: one day is enough to get a good idea.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_half-day_tour_of_Monopoli\"><\/span>A half-day tour of Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Half a day is enough if you simply want to explore Monopoli&#8217;s historic center. In this case, concentrate on the white streets, the cathedral, Cala Porta Vecchia, the ramparts, Charles V&#8217;s castle and the Porto Antico. This is a good option if you&#8217;re staying in Polignano a Mare, Bari or the Itria Valley.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, this time is a little short if you want to enjoy the beaches or take your time in the city. Monopoli can be visited quickly, but it&#8217;s best enjoyed unhurriedly. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_day_trip_to_Monopoli\"><\/span>A day trip to Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, a full day is the ideal length of time for a first discovery. You can visit the old town in the morning, have lunch in the center, then head for the beaches south of Monopoli in the afternoon. At the end of the day, return to the historic center to enjoy the evening atmosphere around the old port and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the format we would recommend to most travelers discovering Puglia for the first time.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_or_2_nights_in_Monopoli\"><\/span>1 or 2 nights in Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sleeping in Monopoli is a very good idea if you&#8217;re looking for a pleasant base on the coast. The town is lively enough to go out in the evening, but is still easier to live in than Polignano a Mare, which is often busier and more expensive in high season. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 1 or 2 nights on site, you can alternate between visits, beaches and excursions around Monopoli. It&#8217;s also a good option if you&#8217;re traveling with your family, or if you prefer to limit changes of accommodation during your stay in Puglia. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_in_Monopoli_Puglia\"><\/span>What to do in Monopoli, Puglia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli is not a city where you have to visit one thing after another. Its appeal lies mainly in its atmosphere: the white streets of the historic center, the little squares, the flower-filled facades, the old port, the views of the sea and the beaches, all accessible on foot or in a few minutes by car. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, it&#8217;s best to visit Monopoli at a leisurely pace, without too heavy a schedule. The historic center is quite small, but it&#8217;s worth taking the time to get lost, retrace your steps and come back at the end of the day, when the light becomes softer and the terraces start to fill up. <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_itinerary_for_visiting_the_historic_center_of_Monopoli\"><\/span>Our itinerary for visiting the historic center of Monopoli  <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We stayed <strong>two nights in Monopoli<\/strong> to take a breather and enjoy the city to the full. We&#8217;d rather take our time and enjoy the atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explore <strong>the old town on arrival mid-afternoon<\/strong>, returning the next morning after a good night&#8217;s sleep. Then it&#8217;s on to <strong>the coast<\/strong> to discover the <strong>beaches south of Monopoli<\/strong>, ideal for a lazy day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s set off for a stroll: into the historic center and lose ourselves in <strong>Monopoli&#8217;s<\/strong> <strong>narrow<\/strong>, <strong>colorful<\/strong> <strong>streets<\/strong>, between flower-filled balconies and local life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow around <strong>2 hours to walk through the old town<\/strong>, along the waterfront and around the picturesque port. If you like photography, allow a little more + 2 hours if you&#8217;d like to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/monopoli-l98256\/monopoli-tour-en-bateau-de-25-heures-vers-les-grottes-de-polignano-a-mare-t564574\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=monopoli\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/monopoli-l98256\/monopoli-tour-en-bateau-de-25-heures-vers-les-grottes-de-polignano-a-mare-t564574\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=monopoli\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">take a cruise<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start with the <strong>Maria Santissima della Madia Cathedral<\/strong>. The fa\u00e7ade is sober, but the<strong>Baroque<\/strong> marble<strong>interior<\/strong> is superb. In summer, come early or late to avoid the crowds.  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Then head down to <strong>Cala Porta Vecchia<\/strong>, the town&#8217;s integrated beach. It&#8217;s <strong>very popular in summer<\/strong>: sunrise or late afternoon are perfect for a leisurely swim. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Then follow the <strong>waterfront<\/strong> to <strong>Charles V&#8217;s castle<\/strong>. Temporary exhibitions are held here on a regular basis: if it&#8217;s open, take a look, as the grounds offer some lovely views. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finish off at <strong>Porto Antico<\/strong>, a charming little port with <strong>blue and white boats<\/strong>. The atmosphere of the fishermen in the early morning is well worth the detour. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a break in <strong>Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi<\/strong>: caf\u00e9s, restaurants and pretty terraces. Ideal for a spritz or gelato before the suite. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/2\/embed?mid=1F2T8Fhn4hU7FbezROwrKAoPIxi-9bJkk\" width=\"100%\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Getting_lost_in_Monopolis_historic_center\"><\/span>1. Getting lost in Monopoli&#8217;s historic center<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli&#8217;s historic center is probably the most beautiful part of the city. Here you&#8217;ll find everything you love about Puglia: narrow streets, white houses, colorful shutters, flower-filled balconies, little churches and squares where you can stop for a drink or an ice cream. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise you not to try too hard to follow a precise itinerary at first. The old town is best discovered on foot, as you wander from one alley to the next. This is also how you come across the most beautiful details: a decorated fa\u00e7ade, an archway, a small courtyard, a view of the sea between two buildings.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The center isn&#8217;t very big, so you don&#8217;t really risk getting lost. In just 1 or 2 hours, you can get a good idea of what&#8217;s on offer. But if you&#8217;re staying overnight, try to come back in the evening: the atmosphere is livelier, more local, and in our opinion much more pleasant than during the day.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1365\" height=\"2048\" data-id=\"81478\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-rue-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Typical Monopoli street\" class=\"wp-image-81478\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-rue-scaled.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-rue-400x600.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1365px) 100vw, 1365px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1365\" height=\"2048\" data-id=\"81480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-balcon-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Balcony house in Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-81480\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1365\" height=\"2048\" data-id=\"81479\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-rue-mer-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Monopoli House\" class=\"wp-image-81479\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-rue-mer-scaled.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/monopoli-rue-mer-400x600.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1365px) 100vw, 1365px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Discover_the_Maria_Santissima_della_Madia_cathedral\"><\/span>2. Discover the Maria Santissima della Madia cathedral<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maria Santissima della Madia Cathedral<\/strong> is one of Monopoli&#8217;s most important monuments. It lies in the heart of the historic center and is well worth a stop on your stroll. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you&#8217;re not particularly fond of churches, we recommend you take a few minutes to enter. The richly decorated interior contrasts with the simplicity of the surrounding white streets. It&#8217;s a quick visit, but an interesting one for understanding the historical and religious importance of the city.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, this is not a visit to be planned as a highlight of the day, but rather a natural stopover during your discovery of the historic center.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"9e9792\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9e9792;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4197\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_114411-3-jpg-webp.webp\" alt=\"Facade of Maria Santissima della Madia Cathedral, Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-4197 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_114411-3-jpg-webp.webp 819w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_114411-3-jpg-webp-400x500.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_114411-3-jpg-webp-410x512.webp 410w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_114411-3-jpg-webp-768x960.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"888078\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #888078;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"1600\" data-id=\"10112\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-1067x1600.webp\" alt=\"Interior of the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia in Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-10112 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-1067x1600.webp 1067w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-400x600.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-200x300.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-341x512.webp 341w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-800x1200.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-768x1152.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211111_093635-2-scaled-scaled.webp 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Reaching_Cala_Porta_Vecchia_from_the_old_town\"><\/span>3. Reaching Cala Porta Vecchia from the old town<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cala Porta Vecchia is <strong>Monopoli&#8217;s best-known beach<\/strong>, not least because it lies at the foot of the historic center. It&#8217;s one of the city&#8217;s most photogenic spots, with ramparts, white houses and the sea just below. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"9eb2b9\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9eb2b9;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Cala-Porta-Vecchia-monopoli-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"Monopoli&#039;s Cala Porta Vecchia\" class=\"wp-image-81481 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Cala-Porta-Vecchia-monopoli-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Cala-Porta-Vecchia-monopoli-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Cala-Porta-Vecchia-monopoli-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s clearly a must-see for the view and the atmosphere. On the other hand, it&#8217;s not necessarily the beach we&#8217;d recommend for spending several hours swimming, especially in high season. It can quickly become very crowded and space is limited.  <\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Come back in the evening to enjoy a magnificent sunset over the Adriatic.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, Cala Porta Vecchia is perfect for a quick break, a few photos, or a swim if you&#8217;re already in the center. For a real beach afternoon, we preferred the coves further south of Monopoli. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Along_the_ramparts_to_Charles_V_castle\"><\/span>4. Along the ramparts to Charles V castle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Cala Porta Vecchia, you can walk along the seafront to Castello Carlo V, or Charles V Castle. It&#8217;s a short but pleasant stroll, with several viewpoints overlooking the sea and the facades of the historic center.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The castle is one of Monopoli&#8217;s most emblematic monuments.  <strong>In our view, however, its appeal lies mainly in the outside world.<\/strong>  Our advice is to walk past it, enjoy the view and continue towards the old port. Unless you have a particular interest in local history or an interesting temporary exhibition at the time of your visit, it&#8217;s not necessarily essential to plan a lengthy tour of the interior. <\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is typically the kind of place that should be incorporated into a walk, rather than treated as an unmissable visit in its own right.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"597c97\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #597c97;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"81482\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chateau-monopoli-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"Charles V castle in Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-81482 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chateau-monopoli-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chateau-monopoli-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chateau-monopoli.jpg 1360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"8c9292\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #8c9292;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"81489\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/promenade-chateau-monopoli-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"Charles V Monopoli Castle\" class=\"wp-image-81489 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/promenade-chateau-monopoli-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/promenade-chateau-monopoli-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/promenade-chateau-monopoli.jpg 1360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Porto_Antico_and_its_blue_boats\"><\/span>5. Porto Antico and its blue boats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Porto Antico is one of our favorite spots in Monopoli. This small, ancient port, with its traditional blue boats, offers a very typical image of Puglia. It&#8217;s a simple place, but really charming, especially in the early morning or at the end of the day.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"657d98\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #657d98;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"1600\" data-id=\"81487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/port-monopoli-1067x1600.jpg\" alt=\"Port of Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-81487 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/port-monopoli-1067x1600.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/port-monopoli-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/port-monopoli-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/port-monopoli-scaled.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"6c7f97\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #6c7f97;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" data-id=\"4200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp-1200x568.webp\" alt=\"Boats in the port of Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-4200 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp-1200x568.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp-400x189.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp-512x242.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp-768x363.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp-1536x727.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121926-2-scaled-jpg-webp.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also a good place to take a break while visiting the center. Here you can feel more of Monopoli&#8217;s maritime identity, beyond its white streets and beaches. The port isn&#8217;t large, but it&#8217;s one of the places that give the town its character.  <\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t miss the little stone passageway linking the port to the old town: postcard guaranteed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If we had to choose, we found the old port more interesting than some of the monuments to visit. It doesn&#8217;t require a lot of time, but it leaves a real impression. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Take_a_break_in_Piazza_Giuseppe_Garibaldi\"><\/span>6. Take a break in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the most pleasant squares in the historic center. It is surrounded by restaurants, caf\u00e9s and terraces, making it a good landmark during your visit. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s a convenient place to take a break, have a drink or simply observe the city&#8217;s atmosphere. In the evening, the square becomes more animated, allowing you to enjoy Monopoli without necessarily having a precise program. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As is often the case in Apulian towns, it&#8217;s not just the monuments that make a visit worthwhile, but also those simpler moments: sitting on a terrace, walking aimlessly, returning to the same spot at different times of the day.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"728994\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #728994;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1020\" data-id=\"81485\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi3.jpg\" alt=\"Restaurant Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-81485 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi3.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi3-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi3-120x120.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"6e6b61\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #6e6b61;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"1020\" data-id=\"81484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi2.jpg\" alt=\"Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi\" class=\"wp-image-81484 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi2.jpg 765w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi2-400x533.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"777971\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #777971;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"575\" data-id=\"81486\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi-1200x575.jpg\" alt=\"Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-81486 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi-1200x575.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi-400x192.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Piazza-Giuseppe-Garibaldi.jpg 1360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Book_a_guided_tour_of_Monopoli\"><\/span>Book a guided tour of Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;d like to book a <strong>guided bike tour of Monopoli<\/strong>, to learn more about <strong>its history and get to know all the local anecdotes and good addresses<\/strong>, we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitatis.com\/fr\/monopoli\/balade-velo-monopoli\/?aid=10040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this excursion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-bouton-Z1WOnza wp-block-lazyblock-bouton\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitatis.com\/fr\/monopoli\/balade-velo-monopoli\/?aid=10040\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\"><button>Book a guided tour of Monopoli<\/button><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"a68b77\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #a68b77;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp-1200x568.webp\" alt=\"Terrace restaurant Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-4208 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp-1200x568.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp-400x189.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp-512x242.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp-768x363.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp-1536x727.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_125712-3-scaled-jpg-webp.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_information_for_visiting_Monopoli\"><\/span>Practical information for visiting Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_sleep_in_Monopoli\"><\/span>Where to sleep in Monopoli?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend <strong>staying in<\/strong> or near <strong>the historic center of Monopoli<\/strong>. In our opinion, this is the best way to enjoy the city without taking the car, especially in the evening, when the alleys, squares and terraces become busier. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also what we preferred during our stay: leave the car behind, do everything on foot, and emerge calmly after the day&#8217;s sightseeing or beach activities. Monopoli is a good base if you&#8217;re looking for a lively town that&#8217;s pleasant on foot and well placed for exploring the coast. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Demand picks up quite early, especially for July, August and spring weekends. If you want to stay in the center of town or in charming accommodation, we advise you to book in advance. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>&#x27a1;&#xfe0f;Notre Our favorite<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/palazzo-indelli.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Palazzo Indelli<\/a>, a beautiful establishment right in the center, on a pretty square. Everything is done on foot. Comfortable bedding and impeccable cleanliness during our stay.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/palazzo-indelli.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Info and booking for Palazzo Indelli<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/dimora-minelli-suites.fr.html??aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/dimora-minelli-suites.fr.html??aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">budget option &#8211; <strong><strong><strong>Dimora Minelli Suites:<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/a> pretty rooms in the center of Monopoli.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/dimora-minelli-suites.fr.html??aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/dimora-minelli-suites.fr.html??aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f;<\/em> Info and booking for the Dimora Minelli Suites hotel<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/dimora-minelli-suites.fr.html??aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/it\/dimora-minelli-suites.fr.html??aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> <\/a>(from \u20ac115 per night)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you looking for <strong>a place to stay during your stay in Puglia<\/strong> <strong>?<\/strong>  Find our tips and addresses in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/where-sleep-puglia\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"52540\">Where to stay in Puglia<\/a><\/strong> Italy: hotels, small hotels and <strong>unusual accommodation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"a29284\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #a29284;\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_140640-2-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"rue de Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-4202 not-transparent\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_eat_in_Monopoli_Our_tried_and_tested_addresses\"><\/span>Where to eat in Monopoli Our tried and tested addresses <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli is a great place to go out in the evening. The historic center is lively, the terraces fill up quickly and the atmosphere is really pleasant after a day of sightseeing or a day on the beach. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We tried out a few addresses during our stay. Here are the ones we can share with you, with our opinion, including when we were less convinced by the experience. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_King_Street_Food\"><\/span>The King Street Food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/HqLbgRdrk5wc9RteA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The King Street Food<\/a> is a good address if you&#8217;re looking for a quick and easy option in the center of Monopoli. It&#8217;s convenient for eating on the go, without having to spend a long time in a restaurant. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend this address if you want an easy break during your visit, or if you&#8217;re looking for something more casual than a full restaurant meal.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"918050\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #918050;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4247\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_130506-2-jpg-webp.webp\" alt=\"monopoli italy pouilles food\" class=\"wp-image-4247 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_130506-2-jpg-webp.webp 819w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_130506-2-jpg-webp-400x500.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_130506-2-jpg-webp-410x512.webp 410w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_130506-2-jpg-webp-768x960.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"a39785\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #a39785;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4210\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_124909-2-jpg-webp.webp\" alt=\"monopoli italy pouilles\" class=\"wp-image-4210 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_124909-2-jpg-webp.webp 819w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_124909-2-jpg-webp-400x500.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_124909-2-jpg-webp-410x512.webp 410w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_124909-2-jpg-webp-768x960.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magnapulia\"><\/span>Magnapulia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/NojV5d24VM9Uutwd6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Magnapulia<\/a> is another address we tried out in Monopoli. It&#8217;s in the historic center, which makes it very convenient if you want to stay in the old town for dinner or lunch. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s a simple, well-located address, which we found pleasant for enjoying the atmosphere of Monopoli without straying too far from the narrow streets and lively squares.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bella_Blu_Gelateria\"><\/span>Bella Blu Gelateria<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also tried <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/vxYi9csJiXZAe7ULA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bella Blu Gelateria<\/a>, but it&#8217;s not an address we&#8217;d particularly recommend. The experience didn&#8217;t really convince us, especially for a gelato in Italy, where one often expects better. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This feedback is personal, but we&#8217;d like to make it clear. In Monopoli, as in many tourist towns, not all well-placed addresses are equal. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_to_Monopoli\"><\/span>How to get to Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_Bari\"><\/span>From Bari<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Monopoli<\/strong> is located on the <strong>Adriatic coast south of<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/bari-pouilles-italie\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4823\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bari<\/a>, just over 40 km away. Allow around 45 minutes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/go\/voiture\/location-voiture-bari\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">by car<\/a>, depending on traffic. Regional trains also run frequently on this route.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_Alberobello\"><\/span>From Alberobello<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We spend the night before in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/alberobello-et-ses-trulli-notre-guide-complet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alberobello<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/polignano-a-mare\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Polignano a Mare<\/a> is reached in ~30 minutes, then <strong>Monopoli<\/strong> in a further ~15 minutes. It&#8217;s a fast and pleasant connection.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_to_hire_a_car_to_visit_Monopoli\"><\/span>Do I need to hire a car to visit Monopoli?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don <strong>&#8216;t need a car to visit Monopoli&#8217;s historic center<\/strong>. Once parked, you can do everything on foot: the narrow streets, the cathedral, Cala Porta Vecchia, the castle, the old port and the restaurants in the center. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/pouilles-italie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4462\">if you want to visit Puglia<\/a> more widely, we think the car is still the best option (we&#8217;ve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/rent-a-car-in-bari-to-explore-puglia-our-tips-and-advice\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"78419\">written a dedicated article<\/a>). You can easily reach the beaches south of Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/alberobello-trulli\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4218\">Alberobello<\/a>, Locorotondo, Ostuni or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-lecce\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4275\">Lecce<\/a>, without having to depend on bus or train timetables. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We simply advise you to be vigilant about driving, which can be quite sporty in Italy, and especially in the ZTLs. As in many Italian cities, the historic center of Monopoli has a limited traffic zone reserved for local residents and authorized vehicles. If you enter without authorization, you risk a fine.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, our advice is simple: park outside the historic center, then walk into the old town. This avoids the stress of narrow streets, complicated maneuvers and the risk of mistakenly entering a ZTL. <\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To compare car rental offers, we use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/fr\/italy-mainland\/bari\/bri?a_aid=PourquoiPasNous\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DiscoverCars<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The comparator is easy to use and often finds good prices from Bari airport. During our search, we found a car at around 30 euros per day for pick-up in Bari. Don&#8217;t forget to compare insurances: those offered via the comparator are often less expensive than those added directly at the rental counter.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_can_I_park_for_free_in_Monopoli\"><\/span>Where can I park for free in Monopoli?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The easiest way to visit Monopoli is to <strong>park outside the historic center<\/strong>. This allows you to<strong>avoid the ZTL<\/strong> and reach the old town on foot. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our map shows a <strong>free parking lot<\/strong> about 15 minutes&#8217; walk from the historic center<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/CZysUyRmryU11xSp6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(Parcheggio gratuito &#8211; Via Nazario Sauro, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy<\/a>). This is a good option if you&#8217;re arriving by car to visit Monopoli for a day, or if your accommodation doesn&#8217;t offer parking. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In high season, it can be more difficult to find a place, especially in the late morning or late afternoon. In this case, try to arrive early, or ask your accommodation directly for advice. Some hotels and apartments know which parking lots are most convenient, depending on the period, and some addresses may offer parking solutions or partnerships.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our advice remains the same as in many Puglian towns: it&#8217;s better to walk for 10 to 15 minutes than to park as close to the center as possible. In Monopoli, it&#8217;s often simpler, quicker and much less stressful. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_around_Monopoli\"><\/span>What to do around Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli is also interesting for its location. It&#8217;s not only easy to get to the coast, but also to many of Puglia&#8217;s must-see places in a very short time. If you spend 1 or 2 nights here, you can alternate between visiting the historic center, the beaches and excursions to the surrounding villages.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enjoy_the_beaches_around_Monopoli\"><\/span>Enjoy the beaches around Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli is a good base if you want to alternate between sightseeing and swimming. Although the historic center is very pleasant, one of the real advantages of this stopover is that you can easily reach several beaches and coves around the city. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, Cala Porta Vecchia is perfect for completing a visit to the historic center, but not necessarily for a real beach afternoon. If you want to spend more time by the water, it&#8217;s best to allow a little more time and head for the beaches south of Monopoli. <\/p>\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/2\/embed?mid=1mnw7lCB0GkJEBHRqrWDMEl-g-I0Ga31v\" width=\"100%\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Cala_Porta_Vecchia_the_beach_at_the_foot_of_the_historic_center\"><\/span>1. Cala Porta Vecchia, the beach at the foot of the historic center<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cala Porta Vecchia is Monopoli&#8217;s best-known beach, and above all the easiest to get to. It&#8217;s right at the foot of the old town, making it easy to integrate into a walking itinerary through the historic center. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The setting is superb, with ramparts, white houses and the sea just below. It&#8217;s clearly one of Monopoli&#8217;s most photogenic spots. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, it&#8217;s not necessarily the beach we&#8217;d recommend for spending several hours on, especially in high season. It&#8217;s small, central and therefore quickly crowded. For us, Cala Porta Vecchia is worth a visit for the view, a quick break or a swim at the end of your walk.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_La_Scaletta_our_favorite_beach_around_Monopoli\"><\/span>2. La Scaletta, our favorite beach around Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"76a4c5\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #76a4c5;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"792\" src=\"http:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plage-1024x792.jpg\" alt=\"Scalletta beach south of Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-5176 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plage-1024x792.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plage-jpg-webp-400x309.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plage-jpg-webp-512x396.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plage-jpg-webp-768x594.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plage-jpg-webp.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">La Scaletta is one of our favorite beaches around Monopoli. It lies to the south of the town and offers a less urban atmosphere than Cala Porta Vecchia. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a good option if you&#8217;re looking for a more pleasant beach where you can relax, enjoy the water and spend some real time by the sea. It does require a little more organization, especially if you don&#8217;t have a car, but that&#8217;s also what makes it more interesting in our opinion. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a car during your stay in Puglia, we advise you to add it to your program, especially if you have planned a full day in Monopoli.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Porto_Marzano_a_pleasant_beach_south_of_Monopoli\"><\/span>3. Porto Marzano, a pleasant beach south of Monopoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Porto Marzano is another interesting beach to the south of Monopoli. It&#8217;s a sheltered sandy cove with crystal-clear water, perfect for a more leisurely afternoon by the sea. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be a good alternative if you want to swim outside the historic center, in a setting more suited to a real beach break. It&#8217;s also an interesting option in high season, although, as is often the case in Puglia, it&#8217;s best to arrive fairly early. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On site, you&#8217;ll find deckchairs, parasols, a bar\/restaurant and paid parking. At the time of our visit, parking cost around \u20ac3. So it&#8217;s a slightly more convenient beach than La Scaletta if you want a few services nearby.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Cala_Paradiso_convenient_if_youre_looking_for_more_services\"><\/span>4. Cala Paradiso, convenient if you&#8217;re looking for more services<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"679b99\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #679b99;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"981\" height=\"604\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plages-2-jpg-webp.webp\" alt=\"Cala Paradiso beach in Monopoli\" class=\"wp-image-5177 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plages-2-jpg-webp.webp 981w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plages-2-jpg-webp-400x246.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plages-2-jpg-webp-512x315.webp 512w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plages-2-jpg-webp-768x473.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 981px) 100vw, 981px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cala Paradiso may be of interest if you&#8217;re looking for a more developed beach, with more on-site services. It&#8217;s closer to the center than La Scaletta or Porto Marzano, which makes it convenient, but also very busy in summer. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The beach is pretty, with sand, a few rocks and clear water. In high season, we advise you to arrive early. If you don&#8217;t, you may find that you have to settle on the rocks or that the place is already full.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On site, you&#8217;ll find deckchairs, parasols, a bar\/restaurant and paid parking. At the time of our visit, parking cost around \u20ac5. Not necessarily the wildest option in our opinion, but suitable if you want to spend several hours in one place with a minimum of comfort.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To sum up, we&#8217;d choose Cala Porta Vecchia for a quick break while visiting the center, La Scaletta for a more pleasant real swim, Porto Marzano as a good alternative with a few services, and Cala Paradiso if you&#8217;re looking for a more convenient, serviced beach.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_the_sea_caves_by_boat\"><\/span>Explore the sea caves by boat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re staying in Monopoli for at least a full day, we recommend a boat trip to discover the Apulian coast from the sea. It&#8217;s a great way to explore small sea caves, coves sometimes only accessible by boat, turquoise waters and coastal vistas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the highlights of the trip is the area around Polignano a Mare, famous for its cliffs and rock caves. It&#8217;s quite a different experience from visiting the historic center or the beaches around Monopoli, and a good option for a relaxing break during a road trip in Puglia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We wouldn&#8217;t necessarily recommend this activity if you&#8217;re only spending a few hours in Monopoli. In that case, you&#8217;d be better off visiting the old town, Cala Porta Vecchia and the old port. On the other hand, if you&#8217;re staying overnight or have a full day in the area, the boat trip can really round off your discovery of the coast.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2764;&#xfe0f; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/monopoli-l98256\/monopoli-tour-en-bateau-de-25-heures-vers-les-grottes-de-polignano-a-mare-t564574\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=monopoli\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/monopoli-l98256\/monopoli-tour-en-bateau-de-25-heures-vers-les-grottes-de-polignano-a-mare-t564574\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=monopoli\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Information and booking for the Polignano a Mare sea caves<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div data-gyg-href=\"https:\/\/widget.getyourguide.com\/default\/availability.frame\" data-gyg-tour-id=\"564574\" data-gyg-locale-code=\"fr-FR\" data-gyg-currency=\"EUR\" data-gyg-widget=\"availability\" data-gyg-variant=\"horizontal\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"0LXQSML\" data-gyg-cmp=\"monopoli\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Discover_Polignano_a_Mare\"><\/span>Discover Polignano a Mare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Polignano a Mare is just a few kilometers from Monopoli. It&#8217;s one of Puglia&#8217;s best-known towns, not least for its cliff-framed beach, spectacular views and historic center suspended above the sea. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise you to go early in the morning or late in the day, especially in high season. The town is beautiful, but can quickly become very crowded. If you have to choose, Polignano is more spectacular than Monopoli, but we found Monopoli a more pleasant place to sleep and enjoy the evening.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_Alberobello\"><\/span>Visit Alberobello<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Monopoli, you can easily reach Alberobello, famous for its trulli, the white houses with conical roofs typical of Puglia. It&#8217;s a very touristy stopover, but definitely worth a visit on your first trip to the region. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here again, it&#8217;s best to arrive early or at the end of the day to avoid the busiest hours. Alberobello can be visited fairly quickly, but it&#8217;s worth taking the time to get away from the more touristy streets. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_trip_to_Locorotondo\"><\/span>A trip to Locorotondo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful villages in the Itria Valley. Its historic center is smaller and quieter than Alberobello&#8217;s, but it has plenty of charm, with its white alleyways, flower-filled balconies and views over the countryside. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s a great idea for an excursion from Monopoli if you want to discover a different, gentler and less seaside-oriented Puglia.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reaching_Ostuni_the_white_city\"><\/span>Reaching Ostuni, the white city<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ostuni lies a little further south, but is still easily accessible by car from Monopoli. Nicknamed the &#8220;white city&#8221;, it&#8217;s famous for its hilltop historic center, sloping streets and whitewashed facades. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s a beautiful stopover, but requires a little more time than Polignano or the beaches near Monopoli. We advise you to include it if you have at least two days in the area, or if you&#8217;re continuing on to southern Puglia. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_the_Castellana_caves\"><\/span>Explore the Castellana caves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Castellana caves may be a good option if you&#8217;re looking for a different visit around Monopoli, especially in hot or less favorable weather. Located inland, they are one of the region&#8217;s best-known natural sites. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s not necessarily the excursion we&#8217;d prioritize for a very short first visit to Monopoli, but it can complement a longer stay in northern Apulia.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_opinion_of_Monopoli_in_Apulia\"><\/span>Our opinion of Monopoli in Apulia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monopoli is one of the stops we really enjoyed during our stay in Puglia. It&#8217;s not necessarily the town that impresses most at first glance, especially if you arrive after Polignano a Mare or Alberobello, but it has a real charm and a very pleasant gentle way of life. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, Monopoli is especially worth a visit if you take the time to discover it without running. Half a day is enough to visit the historic center, see the Cathedral, Cala Porta Vecchia, Charles V Castle and Porto Antico. But if you really want to take in the atmosphere, we recommend spending a full day here, or even a night or two.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also a great base for exploring northern Apulia. You can visit the old town in the morning, reach the beaches to the south in the afternoon, go out in the evening in the historic center, and then easily set off for Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Locorotondo or other villages in the Itria Valley. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So for us, Monopoli is a must on any road trip in Puglia, especially if you&#8217;re looking for a pleasant, lively, well-placed town that&#8217;s easier to live in than some of the region&#8217;s more touristy destinations.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you leave and to <strong>build your itinerary with the right steps<\/strong>, you can complete your visit with our articles:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/pouilles-italie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4462\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Itinerary of our Puglia road trip<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/rent-a-car-in-bari-to-explore-puglia-our-tips-and-advice\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"78419\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Our tips for renting a car to explore Puglia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/where-sleep-puglia\/\">Our best hotels in Puglia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-matera\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3983\">Visit Matera<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visiter-lecce\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4275\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to do in Lecce<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/polignano-a-mare\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4152\">Visit Polignano a Mare<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/plus-belles-plages-pouilles-italie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Puglia&#8217;s most beautiful beaches<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enjoy your trip to Puglia! And if you&#8217;re planning a trip to Monopoli, don&#8217;t hesitate to leave us a comment or write to us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pourquoipasnous_voyage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>, we&#8217;re always happy to reply. <\/p>\n<div style='text-align:right' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Monopoli is one of the towns we enjoyed most during our stay in Puglia. Less spectacular at first glance than Polignano a Mare, it struck us as gentler, more pleasant to live in and, above all, more practical for spending a few nights on the coast. Its historic center is easy to visit on foot, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[79,82,72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-italy","category-puglia","category-travel-guides"],"acf":[],"_wp_attached_file":null,"_wp_attachment_image_alt":null,"rank_math_primary_category":null,"rank_math_title":"Visit Monopoli in Puglia: what to do, beaches and tips","rank_math_description":"What to do in Monopoli, Apulia? Historic center, beaches, parking, hotels, restaurants and practical tips for organizing your visit. ","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Monopoli","yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":3,"sum_votes":15},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20211110_121806_LI-2-2-scaled-jpg-webp-webp.webp","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7402"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81582,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7402\/revisions\/81582"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}