Things to Do in Monopoli: What We Loved About Our Visit

After exploring Monopoli recently, we made this guide to share our favourite things to do in Monopoli, where we ate, and what you should know about getting there.

We loved Monopoli’s old port, dotted with traditional “gozzi” boats still used by local fishermen

Visiting Puglia in southern Italy had been on our wish list for years, especially since it’s just across the Adriatic from our hometown of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

We finally made it happen in October 2025, and here’s our diary of the trip, along with some useful tips we picked up along the way.

We wandered through the centro storico, sipped cocktails at outdoor cafés, ate our fill of seafood, shopped for foodie souvenirs, and took a day trip around Puglia.

Our Monopoli travel guide includes information on:

• Best time to visit Monopoli
• Top things to do in Monopoli
  
• Where to eat in Monopoli
• One-day itinerary in Monopoli
• Exploring Puglia from Monopoli
• Where we stayed (+ nearby stays)
• Getting from Bari to Monopoli

Chiesa di San Domenico is one of the more interesting historic churches in Monopoli

Does Monopoli make a good base for exploring Puglia? Yes!

When we were deciding where to stay in Puglia, Alberobello was our first thought.

But the more we researched, the more Monopoli caught our eye—especially thanks to its handy location on the train line. 🚆

From this charming seaside town, you can easily hop on a train north to Polignano a Mare, Bari, or even Trani, or head south to Ostuni, Fasano, Brindisi, and Lecce.

And that’s not all!

Monopoli also makes a great base for exploring the beautiful Itria Valley, with its postcard-perfect towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca.

You can get there by local bus, car, or organised tour—so plenty of options for exploring! 😊

👍 You may love these day trips from Monopoli

Best time to visit Monopoli, Italy

The best time to visit Monopoli, Italy, really depends on what kind of trip you’re after:

Monopoli in late October, still buzzing with tourists exploring the old town

• May to June – Probably the sweet spot. Warm weather, fewer crowds, and everything is open.
• September to early October – Another great choice. The sea is still warm, but it’s much less busy than in peak summer.
• July and August – Peak season. Perfect for beach days and nightlife, but expect hot weather, crowds, and higher prices.
• April and late October – Quieter and more budget-friendly, but the weather can be unpredictable and it’s not ideal for swimming. We were lucky during our visit, enjoying warm, sunny days of 22–24°C in the last few days of October.

If you want a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, aim for late spring or early fall.

Things to do in Monopoli, Italy: From our visit

1. Discovering Monopoli’s Centro Storico

Exploring Monopoli historic centre was a delight, especially since it was just around the corner from our apartment, Casa Mia.

Wandering through the narrow, crisscrossing streets feels like stepping into a labyrinth, with charming little churches, flower-decorated houses, cosy cafés, local restaurants (Al Vicoletto is our favourite!), and cute souvenir shops (La Finestra Sul Mare is a must).

The area is magical at any time of day, from the soft morning light to a relaxed evening stroll. Don’t miss the promenade by Porto Vecchio, where small blue fishing boats bob gently in the water.

Every corner is incredibly picturesque, so don’t forget your camera!

👍 Learn history of Monopoli (and more) on a guided tour with Valeria!

2. A stroll along Lungomare Santa Maria (seafront promenade)

Walking along the sea promenade was among our favourite things to do in Monopoli, Italy.

Starting on Via Papacenere and Via San Vito, we could smell the salty breeze and hear the waves crashing against the rocks.

Our daily ritual in Monopoli? Strolling along Lungomare Santa Maria

Lungomare Santa Maria is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the sea views, and stop for a drink at one of the cafés along the way.

As you walk towards the sea, look left for Chiesa di San Salvatore, one of Monopoli’s oldest and most charming churches.

Keep going and you’ll reach Bastione Santa Maria, one of the best viewpoints in Monopoli.

At the end of the promenade, Castello Carlo V overlooks the harbour — a lovely spot to pause and take in the views.

This became our daily ritual during our stay in Monopoli.

3. Visiting the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia

Stepping out of Casa Mia apartment and turning right onto Vico Cattedrale, we were met with an amazing surprise — the stunning Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia.

It completely blew us away!

The Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia at dusk — its Baroque façade glows softly as the sun sets over Monopoli’s old town

But the story behind it is even more fascinating. In 1117, construction was held up because they were missing the beams needed for the roof.

Then, as legend has it, a raft carrying an icon of the Virgin Mary drifted into the harbor — and its wooden beams were exactly what they needed to finish the roof. Talk about perfect timing!

The old wooden church is long gone, but its Baroque replacement is a must-see in Monopoli.

The interior of Monopoli Cathedral left us speechless — so much detail and light

The old wooden church isn’t there anymore, but the Baroque cathedral that replaced it is absolutely worth a visit.

We popped inside this Monopoli attraction (it’s free to enter!) and were instantly wowed by how beautiful it was — the incredible details, the beautiful light, and the peaceful atmosphere.

Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful churches we’ve ever seen.

4. Taking boat tours from Monopoli

When we walked along Monopoli’s old port, we saw people boarding boats to explore the nearby coast. We didn’t join a tour this time, but next time we definitely will—it’s super easy to book one here!

To discover the hidden coastal caves around Monopoli and Polignano, try this shared 2.5-hour boat tour. If you prefer a more exclusive experience, you can book a private boat tour from Monopoli instead.

5. Exploring Monopoli’s food scene

Eating our way through Monopoli was one of our favourite things to do there.

We couldn’t get enough of the orecchiette al ragù pugliese at Al Vicoletto Trattoria in Monopoli

The cuisine here may be simple, relying on fresh fish, seafood, and seasonal vegetables, but everything is so delicious — from a plate of orecchiette to freshly fried panzerotti and delicious pastries.

Did we mention that we are avid lovers of fish and seafood? We were in heaven in Puglia!

Here are the restaurants, eateries, and pasticcerias we loved in Monopoli and would happily return to anytime.

Al Vicoletto (Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 60)

The restaurant has since moved from its former location on Via Orazio Comes — we assume because the old space had only around 10 tables.

The food was excellent, and we loved the small menu — always a good sign. We tried the parmigiana di melanzane, rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked. It was heavenly!

The orecchiette al ragù pugliese disappeared in the blink of an eye! The little ear-shaped pasta came with a delicious tomato sauce and tender pieces of meat.

We also tried the spaghetti all’assassina, an unusual Puglian dish cooked directly in tomato sauce and topped with stracciatella.

Unfortunately, it was too spicy for us, so we couldn’t finish it. Skip this one if you don’t like spicy food!

Prices are very reasonable, with most traditional dishes around €13–15.

If you’re looking for authentic Apulian food in Monopoli, this is definitely worth a try. Just be sure to book ahead!

Cala & Fuci (Via Roma 247)

This place is not in the old town but in the newer part of the city, on one of the main roads.

We noticed it on our way to our apartment when we had just arrived in Monopoli — its modern, inviting look immediately caught our attention.

We have to admit, this is a great place if you want to eat well without spending much.

We wanted to find out what all the fuss was about with pucce — soft flatbreads filled with all kinds of delicious ingredients.

We chose a puccia with grilled octopus and zucchini. Our verdict? Absolutely delicious and generously filled, making it more than enough for a full lunch — all for just €9.

We finished with a classic tiramisù, which was so good!

No reservation is needed for lunch — we simply showed up and got a table.

Our generously filled puccia with grilled octopus and zucchini — so yummy!

Carlo Quinto (Via Santa Maria 52)

A small seaside restaurant known for its incredibly fresh seafood and warm, friendly service. Right by the water, it has that lovely combination of sea breeze, beautiful views, and authentic local charm.

We’re looking forward to trying some of their seafood pasta dishes and, of course, the fritto misto — crispy, golden, and freshly prepared. We can’t wait to go back and try it all!

Il Punto Cardinale Trattoria al Borgo (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 39)

This trattoria serves truly delicious local food and came highly recommended to us. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to try it as it was fully booked during our stay. Be sure to book well in advance — ideally before you even arrive in Monopoli!

Fritto misto (a mix of lightly fried seafood) is a sure sign you’re near the sea

Martinucci Laboratory - Monopoli (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 69)

A perfect spot in Monopoli to grab something sweet 🍰 any time of day — they’re open all day long!

It was just a short stroll from Casa Mia, where we stayed.

The pastry selection is huge, and our attention was immediately caught by pasticciotti, traditional oval-shaped pastries from Lecce that we hadn’t tried before.

We grabbed a few in different flavours — pastry cream, lemon & almond, pistachio & ricotta, and gianduja.

Picking a favourite was impossible — they were all delicious! The crumbly pastry and creamy fillings are simply made for each other. 😋

At just €2 each, they’re an absolute bargain! You can also grab them to go while exploring the town.

Luckily, we also found Martinucci in Bari, so the sweet treat didn’t have to end in Monopoli!

We simply couldn’t get enough of pasticciotti leccesi from Martinucci — one was never enough!

Bella Blu Gelateria (Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 7/8)

We absolutely loved this gelateria in the heart of the Centro Storico. With so many gelato flavours to choose from, picking just two was no easy task! 😋 The staff were super friendly and patient while we decided.

A medium cup with two flavours costs just €3, and there’s a small seating area where you can enjoy it. There’s usually a queue outside — always a good sign when it comes to gelato! 🍦

6. Beach hopping around Monopoli

With so many charming beaches along the coast, visiting them is one of the best things to do in Monopoli in summer.

We visited at the end of October, so we didn’t get to experience them, but we’ll definitely come back in summer next time!

Porto Bianco – a lovely sandy beach just a short walk from Monopoli’s historic center

Cala Porta Vecchia, located right by the old town, is a favourite for its easy access and postcard-worthy views of ancient stone walls rising above the sea.

The shallow waters here make it ideal for families or a quick dip after exploring the historic centre.

If rocks aren’t your thing, Porto Bianco is the best beach in Monopoli for you. With a large sandy stretch, crystal-clear water, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a central location, it’s a popular free beach on summer weekends.

A short walk south leads you to Cala Paradiso and Lido Santo Stefano, where soft sand and calm, clear water invite longer swims and lazy afternoons on rented loungers.

For a more secluded experience, head to Cala Corvino or Cala Susca, where rocky coves and hidden swimming spots reward those willing to wander a little further.

Sunbathing in Monopoli is more than just lying on the beach — it’s a full sensory experience. The scent of salt and sunscreen mixes with the sound of gentle waves and distant laughter.

Local beach bars, or lidi, serve refreshing Aperol Spritz and freshly made focaccia, so you can soak up the sun without ever leaving your spot.

👌 Top things to do in Monopoli in summer

7. Searching for unique Apuglian souvenirs

One of the best things to do in Monopoli, Puglia, for us was hunting for unique Apulian souvenirs.

Wandering through the old town, you’ll find something tempting around every corner — from colourful handmade ceramics and bags of handmade orecchiette to crispy tarallini and bottles of extra virgin olive oil.

And you don’t have to spend a fortune; Monopoli has plenty of affordable, good-quality souvenirs too.

Here are some of the places where we loved shopping for souvenirs in Monopoli — and, of course, a few things for ourselves too! 👇

Apuglia – La Finestra sul Mare (Via Porto 8)

A few steps from L’Arco del Porto, we found this precious store. It’s packed with quality Puglian products, so choosing what to buy was not easy — we ended up coming back several times!

This beautiful ceramic "orcio", filled with local olive oil, made such a lovely (and tasty) souvenir to bring home from Puglia

The shelves are filled with beautiful handmade ceramics — plates, bowls, cups, and more. Our favourite? The traditional Apulian orci, ceramic bottles filled with their own extra virgin olive oil. They also sell olive oil in regular bottles and tins.

You’ll also find a great selection of Italian pestos, jams, and pasta. We stocked up on a bunch of Zio Pasquale taralli (so yummy!) and, of course, some olive oil.

Basically, we came in to browse and left with bags full of Puglia. 😋

Crunchy Zio Pasquale taralli — we couldn’t resist buying several packs! One of the best foodie souvenirs from Puglia.

Numeri Primi (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 25-26)

We came across this food store by chance and were pleasantly surprised.

It’s neat, well-stocked, and packed with Italian favourites—from fresh bread, salami, and cheeses to cakes, chocolates, spreads, wine, and spirits.

We picked up some Venchi chocolates as gifts and Bronte pistachios (Gusto Etna) for ourselves. A great spot for picking up some Italian treats in Monopoli!

Annese (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 57)

This small store sells its own products, made in the countryside around Monopoli.

It’s a great place to pick up gifts like orecchiette and cavatelli pasta, taralli, local olive oil, and other jarred goodies to take home.

Che Buono di Tota Anna (Piazza XX Settembre)

Our favourite place to buy fresh and authentic Italian food products, just a 2-minute walk from Casa Mia.

We loved the thinly sliced fennel salami, as well as the delicious cooked ham. Both pair perfectly with their soft, fresh bread rolls (panini).

Don’t miss their pesto and fresh orecchiette from the fridge, which make for a simple, tasty, and affordable meal.

We also loved their thinly sliced salmon, which we paired with a fresh panino—so yummy!

The store also has a great selection of everyday essentials, including milk, butter, yogurts, juices, Italian sweets, chocolates, and more.

Whether you want to cook something at home or grab a quick sandwich, this place has you covered.

8. Quick getaway from Monopoli to Polignano a Mare

During our stay in Monopoli, we couldn’t resist visiting nearby Polignano a Mare, just a five-minute train ride away.

We caught a late-morning train around 11 AM (buy tickets in both directions online - see here why) and spent a few wonderful hours exploring this postcard-perfect seaside town.

From the Polignano train station, it’s an easy walk straight down Viale delle Rimembranze to the Old Town. (If you need directions or a map, the tourist office is right at the beginning on the left.)

Our favourite postcard-perfect view of Polignano a Mare — where the cliffs meet the sea in timeless Italian charm

Polignano’s Old Town is a maze of whitewashed lanes lined with cosy cafés, pizzerias, souvenir shops, and tempting gelaterias. We wandered aimlessly, taking photos and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.

Our sweetest stop was Lucarelli Gelateria on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where we couldn’t resist a cup of rich gelato (€3.50 for a generous medium). The chocolate and salted caramel combo was pure perfection — worth every minute of waiting in the busy shop!

The best part of Polignano is its dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea. Just keep walking toward the water and you’ll find several viewpoints overlooking the cliffs and coastline — each one more breathtaking than the last.

Oro della Terra, a lovely spot in Polignano to pick up authentic Apulian treats

We took a short break at Aquamarea Café, sipping cappuccinos and enjoying a pasticciotto while admiring the view of Cala Monachile, a small cove nestled between limestone cliffs.

Even in late October, the beach was buzzing — visitors were dipping their feet in the sea, and a few brave souls were still swimming!

A bit further along, we reached the statue of Domenico Modugno, the beloved Italian singer of “Volare”. The lively square around his monument is filled with music, cafés, and happy tourists. Nearby, another scenic viewpoint offered postcard-perfect photos of Polignano’s famous sea caves (grotte in Italian).

👍 Best rainy-day activities in Monopoli

One-day itinerary in Monopoli, Puglia

A Bright Monopoli Morning

Start your morning in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Monopoli’s lively squares.

Stop at Martinucci Café for a cappuccino and a warm pasticciotto while watching the locals go about their day.

After breakfast, explore Monopoli’s Centro Storico, with its whitewashed streets, charming courtyards, and historic buildings.

Visit Piazza Garibaldi, the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia, and Piazza Palmieri before walking towards the Old Port.

At the harbour, you’ll see colourful fishing boats, Palazzo Martinelli, and Castle Carlo V overlooking the sea.

For lunch, stop at Il Vicoletto for a relaxed and delicious meal before continuing your walk along the coast.

Lazy Afternoon Vibes

Spend your afternoon by the water at Porto Bianco or Porto Rosso, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

For an easy beach close to town, try Cala Porta Vecchia, or head to Cala Paradiso for a beach club experience.

On your way back, browse the artisan shops and pick up a few local souvenirs.

Sunset and Evening Strolls

As evening falls, head back to Monopoli’s historic center, where the warm lights and sea breeze create a magical atmosphere.

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Carlo Quinto, then take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets. Finish the evening with a gelato while soaking up the beauty of Monopoli at night.

One of the must-see sights in Monopoli? This stunning cathedral!

Where to stay in Monopoli: Beachfront stays, hidden courtyards, and rustic masserias

Whatever your travel style, there’s something in Monopoli for everyone.

You can choose from those overlooking the old port with stunning sea views, hidden within the charming Centro Storico, set in quiet residential areas, or just steps from the beach.

You can also stay in a masseria — a traditional countryside house surrounded by olive groves, perfect for a peaceful escape.

We stayed at Casa Mia, a lovely and comfortable two-storey apartment tucked right next to the entrance of Monopoli’s old town, just a short stroll from the Cathedral.

The location couldn’t have been better — close enough to feel the buzz of the historic center, yet peaceful enough for a good night’s sleep.

We truly enjoyed our stay at Casa Mia, right at the doorstep of Monopoli’s charming old town

We instantly felt at home.

The small kitchen was perfect for preparing breakfast or even a proper meal — we loved fresh orecchiette with pesto, or focaccia with salami.

The cosy living room, with its TV, quickly became our favourite evening spot for watching Italian game and cooking shows — a fun way to pick up a few Italian phrases along the way.

Upstairs, a charming stone staircase leads to the spacious, airy bedroom and bathroom.

Another little iron staircase takes you up to the terrace, the perfect spot for enjoying your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. ☕🍷

The location is ideal, within easy reach of both the old town and the newer part of the city, where you’ll find grocery stores, bakeries, and everyday shops.

👍 Host can arrange anything you like — from taxis and organised trips around Puglia to boat tours or even a relaxing massage!

Casa Mia is perfect for couples, while families and groups can choose from nearby apartments, including Palazzo Manzoni, Dimora Palestro, and Casa Ricasoli.

For a more luxurious stay, Dimora Madina offers elegant accommodation with a terrace in the heart of the old town.

Our Monopoli accommodation picks:

Staying at a Masseria in Puglia

If you’re craving a taste of the Puglian countryside while staying close to Monopoli, there’s nothing quite like a masseria.

These traditional farmhouse or country estate, unique to southern Italy, offer guests an authentic taste of rural Puglia life - surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and the quiet countryside. 

They combine rustic charm with modern comfort, making them a signature experience of the region.

👉 If you’re staying at a masseria, it’s best to have a car, perfect for exploring nearby towns and beaches.

You'll love staying at these masserias:

• Masseria Il Melograno
• Masseria - Trulli Genius Loci Dimore
• Masseria Mammella
• Masseria Torre Coccaro

From Bari Airport to Monopoli – How we made our way there

The closest airport to Monopoli is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), about 57 km north.

We flew Ryanair from Dubrovnik and were surprised by how quick it was — less than 30 minutes in the air!

👉 See our insider’s guide to getting from Bari Airport to Monopoli by train!

Getting from Bari Airport into the city is easy

After collecting your luggage, leave the terminal and cross the road to the train station opposite.

1. Take the escalators down to the ticket area.
2. Buy a ticket to Bari Centrale — around €5.30 one way.
3. Follow the signs through the short tunnel to the platform.
4. Scan your ticket at the entrance and board the train.

Check the next train from Bari Aeroporto to Bari Centrale at the electronic departure board

🚆 Journey: about 15 minutes
⏱️ Frequency: every 20–25 minutes
🕔 Operating hours: roughly 5:26 AM–11:38 PM

These are regular local trains rather than a dedicated airport express, but they’re one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reach Bari.

Taking the train from Bari Centrale to Monopoli

At Bari Centrale, leave the main hall and cross to the building opposite, where trains to other cities in Puglia depart.

We didn’t have our Monopoli tickets yet, so we stopped at the Trenitalia ticket office. The friendly staff helped us quickly.

You can choose between Intercity and regional trains. We took the Intercity (€9), with reserved seats and no validation required. The regional train is cheaper (€3.90), but tickets must be validated before boarding.

The platforms are on the same level, making the station easy to navigate. With some time before our train, we grabbed a quick espresso and pastry at a nearby café — the perfect Italian start! ☕🥐

👍 You can also buy train tickets online through Trainline — you’ll receive digital tickets directly on your mobile

Trains between Bari Centrale and Monopoli are comfortable, affordable, and take less than 30 minutes

What to expect at Monopoli Train Station

Monopoli’s small, unmanned train station is about a 10–15-minute walk from the Centro Storico.

We recommend arranging a taxi in advance through your host, especially if you have lots of luggage or are arriving late.

If you’re travelling by train from Monopoli, we recommend buying your tickets online in advance.

When we travelled to Polignano a Mare, we had issues both on the way there and back.

The first ticket machine we used failed to print our paid tickets, while several others were out of order. There was nobody there to ask for assistance.

So, to avoid problems, book your tickets online and have them ready on your phone.

👉 Validate paper tickets at the white-and-green machines on the platform before boarding the train!

Private car transfers from Bari Airport to Monopoli

👉 Prefer to skip the train? A private transfer from Bari Airport to Monopoli costs around €110–€120 per car. We recommend booking with Welcome Pickups for a convenient, reliable transfer.

Renting a car at Bari Airport

If you’re planning to explore Puglia by car, renting at Bari Airport is a convenient option.

Monopoli is about a 45-minute drive via the SS16 coastal highway south toward Brindisi/Lecce.

⚠️ Important: Monopoli’s Centro Storico is a ZTL (limited traffic zone). Avoid driving into it unless you have permission, as cameras can issue fines.

👉 Tip: Choose a small, compact car rather than an SUV. Puglia’s old towns and country lanes can be surprisingly narrow, making smaller cars much easier to drive and park.

Getting back from Monopoli to Bari

Our flight from Bari was in the evening, so we spent the afternoon exploring Bari. We left our apartment in Monopoli around 11 AM and took the 11:30 train.

👍 We booked our train tickets online—easy and hassle-free! 🚆

After arriving at Bari Centrale, we dropped our luggage at Stow Your Bags (Piazza Aldo Moro 29), just a few minutes from the station.

Booking a locker online is recommended, and a large locker comfortably fit our two medium suitcases. We paid around €19 for 5 hours.

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