Things to Do in Monopoli, Puglia – Our Travel Experience & Guide

At the end of October, we took a spontaneous short trip from Dubrovnik to Monopoli, a picturesque town on Italy’s Adriatic coast in Puglia. Wandering through its sun-dappled streets and seaside promenades, we quickly fell in love with the town’s charm.

In this guide, we’re sharing our own experiences, top things to do in Monopoli, favourite spots, and tips for making the most of a visit to Monopoli.

Why visit Monopoli

Monopoli is a charming coastal town in Puglia, southern Italy, located about 40 km southeast of Bari and close to Polignano a Mare. It's the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of Italy.

We instantly fell in love with Monopoli’s charm. The old town is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and lively piazzas, while the seaside promenade offers stunning views of fishing boats and the Adriatic horizon.

The town also has a rich culinary scene, from fresh seafood to traditional Puglian dishes, making it a delight for food lovers. Whether strolling along the coast, exploring historic churches, or simply soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, Monopoli is a hidden gem that captures the true essence of southern Italy.

How to Get to Monopoli

The closest airport is Bari Airport, making it easy to reach from other parts of Italy or Europe.

We took the Ryanair flight from Dubrovnik, Croatia — and honestly, we couldn’t believe how quick it was. Less than 30 minutes in the air and you’re already over the Adriatic, landing in beautiful Puglia.

From Bari Airport to Bari Centrale

Once we landed at Karol Wojtyła Airport, we went through arrivals, collected our luggage, and stepped outside into the main area with car rental offices, cafés, small eateries, and an information desk right in the middle. The staff there were super friendly and happy to help with directions.

To catch the train into the city, we left the terminal and crossed over to the building just across. There’s a set of escalators going down, and at the bottom, you’ll find ticket machines. Buying tickets was very straightforward — we selected Bari Centrale as our destination, chose the number of tickets, paid by card, and our tickets printed out instantly.

After that, we followed the signs through a short tunnel (2–3 minutes) to reach the platform, where you scan your ticket before boarding.

The trains running from Bari Airport to Bari Centrale aren’t airport shuttles — they’re regular local trains, so you’ll likely be riding with commuters and locals. It can get a bit crowded, but it’s part of the experience. The trip is short — just 15–20 minutes — and trains run roughly every 20–25 minutes, so you never have to wait long.

From Bari Centrale to Monopoli

When we arrived at Bari Centrale, we had to leave the main station building and head to the one directly across, which handles trains to other cities in Puglia and beyond.

We didn’t have tickets to Monopoli yet, so we stopped by the Trenitalia ticket office — there are several counters, and the staff helped us get our tickets easily (no need to validate them). The platforms are right on the same level, which makes everything super convenient.

With a bit of time to spare before our train, we popped into a nearby café for a quick espresso and a pastry — because honestly, that’s just how you do it in Italy. ☕🥐

If you prefer to plan ahead, you can also buy train tickets online through Trenitalia or Omio — perfect for a smoother travel day.

Monopoli’s train station is small and unmanned, so we recommend arranging a taxi in advance through your hotel or apartment, especially if you’re staying in the Centro Storico, which is about a 10–15 minute walk away. Taxis here can be a bit pricey—our short 3–4 minute ride cost around 20 euros—but it’s a convenient way to get to your accommodation without any hassle.

Best time to visit Monopoli

The best time for swimming and sunbathing in Monopoli is from May through late September, when the sea is warm and the days are long. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly magical, with golden light shimmering across the water and fewer crowds. If visiting from June through August, be prepared for larger crowds and higher temperatures.

We visited Monopoli in late October 2025, and to our surprise, there were still plenty of tourists around—but the weather was absolutely perfect, sunny and warm, hovering around 22–24°C.

On the other hand, if your goal is to explore the city, enjoy the food, and soak up the history, the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the town is much less crowded.

Top Things to Do in Monopoli

Explore Monopoli’s Old Town (Centro Storico)

Exploring Monopoli’s centro storico was a delight, especially since it was just around the corner from our apartment, Casa Mia, near the Cathedral.

Wandering through the narrow, criss-crossing streets felt like stepping into a labyrinth, full of charming cafes, local restaurants, and souvenir shops.

The area is magical at any time of day, whether in the soft morning light or during a relaxed evening stroll. Don’t miss a walk along the promenade by Porto Vecchio, where small blue fishing boats bob gently in the water, adding to the town’s seaside charm.



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