Monopoli is a beautiful coastal metropolis located within the Puglia area of southern Italy. This charming place is full of character and historical past, and it’s simply one in all my favourite cities within the area.
That will help you plan your journey, I’ve compiled an inventory of the very best issues to do in Monopoli. There’s a lot to see and do right here, from discovering picturesque seashores to having fun with the scrumptious native delicacies and taking lengthy night walks alongside the traditional harbor and waterfront.
I spent a number of weeks in Monopoli earlier this 12 months and actually beloved it. Town receives a good variety of vacationers, however on the identical time feels very actual and genuine. I’m positive you should have a incredible time there.
Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli
Listed below are a number of the prime issues to do in Monopoli, Puglia based mostly on my firsthand expertise within the metropolis.
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Previous City
Monopoli’s outdated city is a surprising, atmospheric labyrinth of cobbled backstreets, tiny piazzas, and outdated whitewashed buildings with green-painted shutters and window bins full of colourful flowers.
I spent hours aimlessly wandering round this magical place and loved each minute of it. The easiest way to be taught in regards to the metropolis, its tradition, and traditions is to take a strolling tour of the outdated city.
On this non-public guided tour, you’ll be launched to the entire metropolis’s foremost sights, together with Plebiscito Sq., the waterfront promenade, Porta Vecchia, the Cathedral, and the historic metropolis partitions. And on the finish, you’ll get to style some conventional Puglian treats.
2. Savor the Native Delicacies
Monopoli is thought for its scrumptious seafood. Nonetheless, even in the event you don’t really feel like seafood, there are many different conventional dishes to strive as effectively.
I like the meals in Puglia. There’s one thing in regards to the simplicity of the dishes, along with the freshness of every ingredient, that makes Puglian delicacies actually scrumptious.
For a singular and social introduction to typical Puglian meals, think about becoming a member of gastronomic-historical tour of Masseria Spina, a fortified advanced close to Monopoli that’s now a resort. You’ll pattern Puglian chosen meals whereas exploring the attention-grabbing website.
3. Go to the Castello Carlo V
Guarding the doorway to Monopoli’s historic harbor, the Sixteenth-century Castello Carlo V is a powerful sight. It’s one of the vital iconic locations to go to in Monopoli and affords unbelievable views of the outdated metropolis and out to sea.
For hundreds of years, the fortress was used as a jail and a defensive fortress, however immediately it’s open to the general public and serves as a museum.
Visiting the Castello Carlo V is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Monopoli for households. Inside, you possibly can discover its varied rooms and think about the fascinating assortment of artifacts that inform the story of its lengthy historical past.
4. Chill out on the Seaside
Monopoli is blessed with an exquisite shoreline and there are many pretty seashores to select from. With calm, crystal-clear waters and year-round sunshine, it’s an excellent place for taking a dip within the sea or simply enjoyable within the solar.
My favourite seashore in Monopoli itself is Cala Pora Vecchia, on the southern fringe of the outdated city. It’s sheltered inside a small bay and has a surprising backdrop with iconic views of town partitions and the whitewashed outdated city.
Different nice seashores in Monopoli embrace Cala di Porto Verde, Porto Rosso, Porto Nero, Porto Bianco, and Cala Cozze. All of those are appropriate for swimming and are positioned inside straightforward strolling distance of the historic middle.
5. Be Awed by the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia
One of many prime locations to go to in Monopoli, the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia dates again to the twelfth century. It was constructed close to the location of an historic Roman temple and took over 300 years to construct from begin to end.
The principle motive for this was a scarcity of wooden for the development of the roof. Nonetheless, in 1117 a raft drifted into the harbor supposedly carrying a picture of the Virgin Mary. This was seen as a miracle and wooden from the raft was used to complete the roof.
From the skin, the Romanesque cathedral appears pretty plain. However the inside is nothing in need of breathtaking. It’s huge, with elaborately-carved colourful marble in every single place, imposing statues, and an intricately-painted ceiling that options angels and biblical scenes.
That is positively one of the vital spectacular issues to see in Monopoli, Italy.
6. Gorge on Unimaginable Gelato
The gelato in Monopoli is famous. Throughout my time within the metropolis, I ate extra of the stuff than I care to consider.
In my view, Gasperini serves the very best gelato in Monopoli. They’ve been round since 1936 and their gelatos and sorbets are out of this world. My favorites had been their pistachio crunch and darkish chocolate sorbet, however truthfully, each taste is unbelievable.
Ensure you have a scoop (or two) of this wonderful gelato whereas sightseeing in Monopoli – you received’t remorse it!
7. Discover Polignano a Mare
The picturesque coastal city of Polignano a Mare is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Puglia. The city is finest recognized for its dramatic cliffs and white pebble seashores, and its gorgeous Lama Monachile is without doubt one of the most photographed seashores in Italy.
Polignano a Mare is positioned a mere 8 kilometers from Monopoli and there are frequent trains between the 2 locations which might take you there in as little as 12 minutes.
It’s top-of-the-line and best locations to go to close to Monopoli, and I extremely advocate taking a day journey there in case you have time. This budget-friendly boat journey is a superb choice for exploring the Polignano a Mare coast, plus it contains an aperitif and Prosecco.
Resulting from its recognition, Polignano a Mare can get fairly busy within the peak summer time seasons (June-August). It’s nonetheless stunning however be ready for crowds on the city’s extra well-known sights, comparable to Lama Monachile and the Roman bridge. I used to be there in late September this 12 months, and it was splendidly crowd-free.
8. Verify Out Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is without doubt one of the largest city squares in Italy. Surrounded by timber, outlets, cafes, and bars, it’s one in all Monopoli’s main focal factors.
Within the middle of the piazza, you’ll discover a pretty fountain and a big monument honoring town’s residents who died combating in World Conflict I.
At night time, this monumental sq. involves life, with households and mates of all ages coming right here to benefit from the heat night time air. The environment is festive most evenings, and it’s an excellent place to return with a chilly beer or two and immerse your self in genuine native life.
9. Be taught Concerning the Secrets and techniques and Legends of Monopoli
Monopoli is an historic metropolis, steeped in historical past and legends. From the story of the Madonna rising from the ocean to the secrets and techniques locked contained in the partitions of the fortress, it’s a singular and engaging place.
Be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s various and dramatic previous along with some native secrets and techniques and legends on this incredible tour. It’s led by an skilled information who will take you across the metropolis’s outdated streets and present you a few of its extra mysterious corners.
You’ll additionally uncover a number of the finest locations within the metropolis for avenue meals, espresso, and ice cream, beloved by locals.
10. Folks-Watch in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
Italy is without doubt one of the finest international locations on this planet for people-watching, and there’s nowhere higher for this in Monopoli than the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – an intimate sq. within the coronary heart of the outdated city.
There are various cute cafes across the fringe of the sq., making this the right place to tug up a chair, order a spritz or a espresso, and watch the locals going about their days. For me, this is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Monopoli, Italy.
11. Discover the Native Space by Bike
The world round Monopoli is a patchwork of historic villages, fortified farmhouses, rock church buildings, historic mills, and olive groves. It’s additionally pretty flat, making it an ideal place to discover by bike.
You possibly can both rent bikes and make a journey out by your self or be part of this highly-reviewed bicycle tour which departs from near the middle of the outdated city of Monopoli.
Your information will present you the best way alongside quiet nation roads and mild filth tracks to find some really memorable sights, together with a cave church with frescoes from the Center Ages, groves of almond and olive timber over 1,000 years outdated, and an underground oil mill.
12. Pattern Conventional Puglian Wine
Puglian wine is great and visiting a conventional vineyard is without doubt one of the finest issues to do round Monopoli. Many wineries within the area welcome visitors and provide tastings. You possibly can both arrange this your self or go to as a part of a guided tour.
This tour takes place in Masseria Spina, a fortified advanced close to Monopoli that’s now a resort. In the course of the tour, you’ll pattern three Puglian wines whilst you discover the fascinating website.
It’s an effective way to find out about historical past whilst you strive some incredible wines.
13. Take a Boat Journey Alongside the Coast
The shoreline round Monopoli is gorgeous, and taking a ship journey to understand it correctly is without doubt one of the finest issues to do close to Monopoli.
There are a number of totally different tour operators to select from, providing all the things from brief sightseeing excursions to multi-day crusing cruises.
This Personal Catamaran Tour from Polignano a Mare is great worth and offers you a singular perspective of the dramatic cliffs and idyllic seashores that the world is legendary for. You’ll additionally swim within the Adriatic Sea and luxuriate in a refreshing drink with native appetizers.
14. Take pleasure in a Stroll Alongside the Promenade (One of many Finest Free Issues to Do in Monopoli at Evening)
Monopoli has one of the vital stunning harbors in Italy and a pretty seafront promenade hyperlinks this to the seashores simply south of the outdated city.
It is a great place for a stroll at any time of day however is especially magical at sundown. Be a part of the locals who collect right here to fish or meet mates, and watch the sundown paint town partitions and the whitewashed outdated city a sequence of vivid colours.
There’s one thing about this place that’s simply so romantic. Having fun with the sundown right here is one in all my top-recommended issues to do in Monopoli for {couples}.
15. Go on a Guided Day Journey to Bari, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello
For those who’re brief on time and wish to see as many various locations within the area as attainable, with all transport included, this tour is likely to be excellent for you.
First, you’ll go to Bari, the capital of Puglia, the place you’ll be proven round the primary sights of the well-known Bari Vecchia historic district. Subsequent, you’ll head to Alberobello, which is legendary for its distinctive conical “trulli” homes.
Lastly, the tour takes you to see the gorgeous city of Polignano a Mare, well-known for its cliffs and picturesque seashores.
Word, the tour begins in Bari, however you possibly can choose to be picked up from varied places, together with from a number of locations in Monopoli. Make sure you choose the pickup level that’s most handy for you on the time of reserving.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Monopoli
Nonetheless lengthy you must spend in Monopoli, listed below are a number of instructed journey itineraries that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to.
1 Day in Monopoli Itinerary
You possibly can go to a lot of the prime locations to see in Monopoli in someday.
Begin by exploring the outdated city and absorb a few of Monopoli’s gorgeous structure. Head right down to the harbor to observe the colourful fishing boats, then spend an hour or two on the seashore.
Take a stroll alongside the promenade to observe the sundown and end the day by having fun with dinner in one of many metropolis’s many wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Monopoli Itinerary
Day 1: As above.
Day 2: Take a day journey to Polignano al Mare for some gorgeous coastal views, and go on a ship journey to see the shoreline from the water.
Day 3: Spend the day exploring the world by bicycle and/or go to one or two of the area’s wonderful vineyards.
1 Week in Monopoli Itinerary
With every week in Monopoli, you possibly can comfortably do the entire actions and see the entire locations talked about on this information.
You’ll have the ability to take your time, actually stopping to savor every expertise. You received’t be pressed for time in any respect, and will probably be as much as you as to the way you wish to schedule your time right here.
The place to Keep in Monopoli
These are a number of of the very best neighborhoods in Monopoli for vacationers.
Previous City – Finest for First-Time Guests
The outdated city is the place you’ll discover a lot of the prime vacationer sights in Monopoli, Italy. The streets are slender, winding, and really picturesque. Vista Cattedrale is a superb mid-range house proper reverse the Cathedral.
Harbor Space – Finest for Eating places
There are such a lot of wonderful eating places subsequent to the traditional harbor, you’ll be spoilt for selection. To this present day, it stays a working fishing port and could be very atmospheric. Albergo Diffuso Monopoli is a incredible mid-range guesthouse on this space.
Cala Porta Vecchia – Finest for Seaside Lovers
This seashore is positioned simply south of the outdated city and is a superb spot for sunbathing and swimming. Staying right here can be a very good guess for these in search of someplace a bit of quieter, away from the bustle of central Monopoli, however inside straightforward strolling distance of all of the motion.
Try B&B A C-Caste – one of the vital highly-rated locations to remain on this a part of city.
Finest Eating places in Monopoli
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Monopoli.
Angolocinque Restaurant
This wonderful upmarket restaurant is positioned subsequent to the attractively landscaped Largo Fontanelle park. You possibly can count on to pay round €40-50 per particular person, so it’s positively not the most cost effective restaurant on the town, however the high quality is actually very good and I’d say it’s really excellent worth for what you get.
Attempt the combined antipasti choice and the orecchiette pasta with pistachio sauce. Heavenly.
Trattoria La Locanda dei Mercanti
This conventional mid-priced seafood restaurant is positioned within the coronary heart of the outdated city, near the fishing harbor. They serve a spread of fantastic pasta and recent fish, cooked to perfection. Their grilled tuna steak is excellent.
They’re often tremendous busy within the evenings, although you’re extra prone to get a desk at lunchtime with out having to guide or wait.
Cime Di Tapas
Italian meals is scrumptious, however with so many wonderful dishes on provide, it may typically be arduous to decide on what to order. Because of this I like Cime Di Tapas, a tremendous mid-priced Italian tapas restaurant within the middle of the brand new city, near the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Their menu is seasonal and adjustments the entire time. However in the event you see pasta with asparagus and shrimp, order it!
Pop Burgers
Typically you simply want a very good burger. If this occurs to be whenever you’re in Monopoli, head to Pop Burgers, the very best burger joint on the town. Their burgers and fried hen are top-notch, and all the things could be very inexpensive.
Mare Chef
It’s not a restaurant, however this tiny meals truck served me the very best fritto misto (combined fried seafood) I’ve ever eaten. It’s solely €11 for half a kilogram of the stuff.
Additionally they provide grilled panini sandwiches with octopus, tuna, or swordfish, collectively along with your selection of selfmade sauces. I selected the swordfish sandwich and it was divine.
Attending to Monopoli
For those who don’t have a automobile, the best technique to get to Monopoli is to take the practice. Monopoli has a station with frequent direct trains to Bari, which in flip has connections to most different main Italian cities, together with Rome and Naples.
The closest main worldwide airport is Bari, with flights to numerous places all through Europe. From Bari, the practice to Monopoli takes round half-hour.
When you have your individual automobile, attending to Monopoli is even simpler. It’s positioned on the primary southern Adriatic freeway (SS16) and the drive from central Bari takes about 40 minutes.
Parking within the middle of Monopoli might be difficult at occasions, however I discovered that in the event you drive round for lengthy sufficient the possibilities are you’ll discover a free house someplace. Preserve an eye fixed out for parking restriction indicators although.
When you arrive in Monopoli, one of the best ways to get across the metropolis is on foot. A lot of the stuff to do in Monopoli itself is inside straightforward strolling distance of the middle.
Issues to Do in Monopoli: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Monopoli.
Monopoli is thought for its stunning shoreline, quaint environment, and scrumptious seafood. It’s additionally near a number of the most gorgeous seashores in Italy, with crystal-clear water that’s excellent for swimming.
The most effective time to go to Monopoli is within the spring and early summer time, or early fall, when issues are comparatively quiet however most locations are nonetheless open. That is additionally a good time of 12 months for sightseeing and exploring Monopoli’s many sights. In July and August, issues can get fairly busy, so in the event you’re in search of a quieter journey it’s finest to keep away from this era.
Completely! Monopoli is a gorgeous metropolis with a lot to supply guests. From its gorgeous shoreline to its vibrant tradition and scrumptious meals, there’s one thing right here for everybody. Whether or not you’re in search of a romantic getaway or an action-packed trip, you received’t be dissatisfied.
You possibly can see a lot of the foremost sights within the metropolis itself in a day. Nonetheless, that might really feel fairly rushed and also you wouldn’t have a lot time to chill out and take all the things in. I like to recommend spending at the very least 2-3 days right here to get an actual sense of the place. If you wish to do any day journeys (and it is best to!), permit further days for these.
Sure, Monopoli, Puglia is a protected place to go to general. That mentioned, it’s all the time clever to take the same old precautions when touring, no matter the vacation spot. Pay attention to your environment, don’t depart any valuables in plain sight, and persist with areas which might be lit at night time.
The most well-liked issues to do in Monopoli are exploring the outdated city, enjoyable on the seashore, sampling typical native dishes within the many great eating places, and taking boat journeys out alongside the gorgeous coast.
The most effective seashore in Monopoli is Cala Porta Vecchia. It’s a gorgeous bay positioned close to the outdated city, with crystal-clear waters and several other wonderful cafes and bars close by.
Being a port metropolis on the Adriatic, recent seafood is the meals that Monopoli is finest recognized for. Different dishes to strive embrace orecchiette (the everyday handmade pasta of Puglia that appears like little ears), and the standard regional focaccia. There are additionally a number of wonderful gelaterias within the outdated city, serving up scrumptious Italian ice cream.
Now You Know What to Do in Monopoli
I hope this text gave you a good suggestion of what to see and do in Monopoli. It’s a gorgeous metropolis with loads to supply. Regardless of being a reasonably small place, there are sufficient issues to do and locations to go to in Monopoli to simply justify together with it on any Puglia journey itinerary.
And in the event you, like me, favor smaller cities over large sprawling ones, you’ll most likely discover this to be the right place to base your self whereas exploring extra of this excellent area.
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