Last Updated on: 21st September 2024, 10:01 am
Located on Italy’s Adriatic coast, roughly 30 kilometres south of Bari, Monopoli is a picturesque coastal town in the Puglia region. Two days in Monopoli offer the perfect chance to enjoy its historical charm, relax on beautiful beaches, indulge in delicious cuisine, and visit its neighbouring beach town, Polignano a Mare.
It was the perfect base for the last two days of my two weeks in Puglia.
Day One
Morning: Explore the Old Town
Begin your day with coffee in one of the many cafes on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. It’s a lovely place for people-watching. But I wouldn’t recommend having a meal here; the best food is found away from the square.
The tourist office is located on the square, although it was somewhat hidden by trees when I visited. But if you’re like me and prefer an old-fashioned paper map, this is a great place to stop.
And then just aimlessly wander the streets of the old town. To really experience the historic centre, don’t just stick to the main roads with all the shops and restaurants. Wander down the side streets, where each narrow alley seems to lead to another hidden square, church or gelateria.
You can also join a free walking tour . I did this one, which was great and a lot of fun. This tour takes place at 6 pm, but as I arrived the afternoon before from Locorotondo, a 6 pm tour fitted in perfectly with my plans.
Monopoli Cathedral (Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia)
You can’t visit an Italian city and not pop into the cathedral, right?
Monopoli Cathedral, also known as the Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, is a Roman Catholic cathedral.
The cathedral’s roof has an interesting story tied to a miraculous event. According to local legend, in 1117, the cathedral’s construction was halted due to a lack of timber for the roof.
However, one night, a raft carrying an icon of the Virgin Mary, known as the Madonna della Madia, floated into the harbour. The raft provided the necessary timber to complete the roof and was hailed as a miracle, and the icon has since been venerated in the cathedral. You will see pictures of the Virgin Mary all over the town. This event is commemorated annually with a procession and festival.
The cathedral is free to enter and is open daily from 7:30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8:30 pm.
See the Unusual Church of Purgatory
Just next door to the cathedral is the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio o del Purgatorio, which isn’t your typical church. The doors are adorned with skeletons, the marble interior features skulls and crossbones, and you’ll even find mummies of former priests on the left side inside!
Lunch
Pick up a panino for lunch. Salumeria Gustavo is a fantastic sandwich shop just off Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. It’s easy to spot, as there will undoubtedly be a long line, but it’s worth the wait. There’s no seating, but you are just a few steps away from the Old Port, which is a nice place to relax.
Afternoon: Continue Exploring
Old Port (Porto Antico): Walk around the charming old port, where colourful fishing boats float next to historic buildings. Porto Antico is a small harbour in the centre of the old town and one of Monopoli’s most beautiful spots.
Little blue fishing boats gently bob on the clear blue water, standing out against the white buildings of the old town. You can even see fish swimming in the crystal-clear water and watch the fisherman at work.
Castello Carlo V: Visit this historic castle by the sea, which offers excellent views and a look into the town’s history.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
Take An Evening Stroll Along The Lungomare Santa Maria
Take a walk along the beautiful seafront promenade and enjoy the sunset. The locals love strolling along this path from Porto Antico to Porto Rosso, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
You’ll pass along the waterfront’s old city walls, bastions, and beaches.
You’ll also pass several places on your stroll where you can stop and enjoy an aperitivo. It’s a tradition in Italy to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, typically something like wine, prosecco, or a cocktail, often accompanied by small bites like olives, cheese, or bruschetta.
Dinner
Try local specialities like orecchiette pasta or fresh Adriatic fish, and make dinner reservations in advance. I thought I’d be fine on a Monday night, but I was wrong. I eventually found somewhere, but it catered to tourists more than I would have liked. Yes, I know I’m a tourist, but I want authentic Italian food.
Restaurant recommendations:
I recommend La Locanda sul Porto for a lovely fish meal. I managed to get a reservation here the second night of my stay, which was also the last night of my two-week adventure around Puglia, so it was a great end to a great trip.
My guesthouse owner recommended Trattoria San Domenico to me, but alas, there was no room at the inn.
Day Two: A More Relaxing Day
Morning: Polignano a Mare
Take a trip to nearby Polignano a Mare. It’s a beautiful town known for its cliffs and beaches, and it’s only a five-minute train ride away.
Once you’ve finished exploring, head back to Monopoli for relaxing beach time or souvenir shopping.
Afternoon: Beach Time
Cala Porta Vecchia: Monopoli’s most popular beach is close to the historic centre. Enjoy swimming in the clear waters and soaking up the sun.
Other beaches within walking distance of the old town include:
Cala Porto Rosso: A small sandy beach just a 10-minute walk from the old town.
Porto Verde: A bit further east along the coast from Porto Rosso, you’ll find this golden sand cove, which even has a sea cave! Nearby is the beach bar “Maritimo Urban Sun,” where you can rent lounge chairs.
Cala Paradiso: A more extensive beach with a beach club, though it also has a free section.
Time For An Aperitivo
Finish your day with an aperitivo at a local bar. I liked the ones on the Lungomare, but as you explore the town, you’ll discover many lovely places with views to enjoy a sundowner.
Dinner
There are so many beautiful restaurants around the town, but I highly recommend booking in advance. As mentioned above, I had a wonderful meal at La Locanda sul Porto on my last night in Puglia.
Top Tips For Exploring Monopoli
Getting Around: Monopoli is best explored on foot, especially within the historic centre. For trips to nearby towns such as Polignano a Mare, the train service is convenient.
How To Get To Monopoli
By Plane
Closest Airports: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is approximately 60 km from the town, while Brindisi Papola Casale Airport is about 70 km away.
By Train
Monopoli is just a 30-40 minute train ride from Bari and a ten-minute walk from the train station to the old town.
Numerous trains arrive and depart from Monopoli from April to October. However, during autumn and winter, it is recommended to check the Trenitalia app or website for up-to-date schedules, as train services may be less frequent and subject to changes outside of the peak season.
By Bus
Bus companies serving Monopoli include Flixbus and Ferrovie del Sud Est.
During my two-week trip around Puglia, I frequently used Ferrovie del Sud Est for bus travel, which can be conveniently booked via the Trainline app.
Note: You cannot buy your tickets on the bus. If you have trouble purchasing tickets online, head to the nearest ‘tabaccheria’. Just look for a sign with a large T.
By Car
Reaching Monopoli by rental car is straightforward, though finding parking can be challenging, especially during thesummer months.
Thinking of Staying in Monopoli?
While Monopoli is an easy day trip from Bari or Polignano a Mare, the town offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Check here for prices and availability.
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