Monopoli is a beautiful coastal metropolis located within the Puglia region of southern Italy. This charming place is full of character and historical past, and it’s simply considered one of my favourite cities within the area.
That will help you plan your journey, I’ve compiled a listing of the perfect issues to do in Monopoli. There’s loads 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 while in Monopoli earlier this yr and actually cherished it. The town receives a good variety of vacationers, however on the similar time feels very actual and genuine. I’m certain you’ll have a incredible time there.
Greatest Issues To Do in Monopoli
Listed here are a few of the prime issues to do in Monopoli, Puglia.
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City
Monopoli’s outdated city is a shocking, atmospheric labyrinth of cobbled backstreets, tiny piazzas, and outdated whitewashed buildings with green-painted shutters and window bins full of colourful flowers.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 cherished each minute of it. One of the simplest ways to study in regards to the metropolis, its tradition, and traditions is to take a strolling tour of the outdated city.
On this private guided tour, you’ll be launched to all the metropolis’s fundamental 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. Nevertheless, even for those who don’t really feel like seafood, there are many different conventional dishes to attempt as nicely.
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 novel and social introduction to typical Puglian meals, contemplate becoming a member of this Airbnb experience run by knowledgeable chef. Over the course of an extended and leisurely dinner, you’ll pattern a number of beautiful native dishes, expertly ready with seasonal merchandise and paired with some wonderful native wine.
3. Go to the Castello Carlo V
Guarding the doorway to Monopoli’s historical harbor, the Sixteenth-century Castello Carlo V is a formidable sight. It’s probably the most iconic locations to go to in Monopoli and presents unimaginable views of the outdated metropolis and out to sea.
For hundreds of years, the citadel was used as a jail and a defensive fortress, however as we speak it’s open to the general public and serves as a museum.
Visiting the Castello Carlo V is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Monopoli for households. Inside, you may discover its numerous rooms and examine the fascinating assortment of artifacts that inform the story of its lengthy historical past.
4. Loosen up on the Seashore
Monopoli is blessed with an exquisite shoreline and there are many beautiful seashores to select from. With calm, crystal-clear waters and year-round sunshine, it’s an incredible place for taking a dip within the sea or simply enjoyable within the solar.
My favourite seaside 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 shocking backdrop with iconic views of the 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 positioning of an historical Roman temple and took over 300 years to construct from begin to end.
The principle cause for this was an absence of wooden for the development of the roof. Nevertheless, 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 surface, the Romanesque cathedral appears pretty plain. However the inside is nothing in need of breathtaking. It’s large, with elaborately-carved colourful marble in all places, imposing statues, and an intricately-painted ceiling that options angels and biblical scenes.
That is positively probably the most 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.
For my part, Gasperini serves the perfect gelato in Monopoli. They’ve been round since 1936 and their gelatos and sorbets are out of this world. My favorites have been their pistachio crunch and darkish chocolate sorbet, however truthfully, each taste is unimaginable.
Be sure you have a scoop (or two) of this wonderful stuff whereas sightseeing in Monopoli – you received’t remorse it!
7. Discover Polignano a Mare
The picturesque coastal city of Polignano a Mare is likely one of the hottest places to visit in Puglia. The city is greatest identified for its dramatic cliffs and white pebble seashores, and its beautiful Lama Monachile is likely 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 may take you there in as little as 12 minutes.
It’s among the best and best locations to go to close to Monopoli, and I extremely advocate taking a day journey there when you’ve got time.
As a consequence of its recognition, Polignano a Mare can get fairly busy within the peak summer season seasons (June-August). It’s nonetheless stunning however be ready for crowds on the city’s extra well-known sights, akin to Lama Monachile and the Roman bridge.
I used to be there in late September this yr, and it was splendidly crowd-free.
8. Examine Out Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is likely one of the largest city squares in Italy. Surrounded by timber, retailers, cafes, and bars, it’s considered one of Monopoli’s main focal factors.
Within the middle of the piazza, you’ll discover a gorgeous fountain and a big monument honoring the town’s residents who died preventing in World Warfare I.
At evening, this huge sq. involves life, with households and associates of all ages coming right here to benefit from the heat evening air. The ambiance is festive most evenings, and it’s an incredible place to come back 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 historical 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 citadel, it’s a novel and interesting place.
Be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s different and dramatic previous along with some native secrets and techniques and legends on this fantastic 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 few of the greatest locations within the metropolis for road meals, espresso, and ice cream, cherished by locals.
10. Folks-Watch in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
Italy is likely one of the greatest nations on the earth 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 numerous cute cafes across the fringe of the sq., making this the proper place to tug up a chair, order a spritz or a espresso, and watch the locals going about their days. For me, this is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Monopoli, Italy.
11. Discover the Native Space by Bike
The realm round Monopoli is a patchwork of historical 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 a 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 way in which alongside quiet nation roads and delicate 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. Go to a Conventional Puglian Winery
Puglian wine is great and visiting a conventional winery is likely one of the greatest issues to do round Monopoli. Many wineries within the area welcome visitors and supply tastings. You possibly can both arrange this your self or go to as a part of a guided tour.
This tour picks you up from Fasano practice station. There are a number of trains per hour from Monopoli, and the journey takes simply 7 minutes.
You’ll go to a family-owned winery the place you’ll study in regards to the totally different levels and strategies of wine manufacturing, in addition to the assorted grape varieties and the distinctive terroir of the area.
Then, you’ll style a number of totally different wines, completely paired with a set of selfmade appetizers.
13. Take a Boat Journey Alongside the Coast
The shoreline round Monopoli is beautiful, and taking a ship journey to understand it correctly is likely one of the greatest issues to do close to Monopoli.
There are a number of totally different tour operators to select from, providing all the pieces from quick sightseeing excursions to multi-day crusing cruises.
This 60-minute boat trip from Polignano a Mare is great worth and provides you a novel perspective of the dramatic cliffs and idyllic seashores that the realm is known for. You’ll additionally go to a sequence of sea caves and tiny islands.
14. Get pleasure from a Stroll Alongside the Promenade (One of many Greatest Free Issues to Do in Monopoli at Evening)
Monopoli has probably the most stunning harbors in Italy and a gorgeous 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 part of the locals who collect right here to fish or meet associates, and watch the sundown paint the 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 considered one of my top-recommended issues to do in Monopoli for {couples}.
15. Go on a Guided Day Journey to Bari, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello
Should you’re quick on time and wish to see as many various locations within the area as potential, with all transport included, this tour is likely to be good for you.
First, you’ll go to Bari, the capital of Puglia, the place you’ll be proven round the principle sights of the well-known Bari Vecchia historic district. Subsequent, you’ll head to Alberobello, which is known for its distinctive conical “trulli” homes.
Lastly, the tour takes you to see the attractive city of Polignano a Mare, well-known for its cliffs and picturesque seashores.
Be aware, the tour begins in Bari, however you may choose to be picked up from numerous places, together with from a number of locations in Monopoli. Make sure to choose the pickup level that’s most handy for you on the time of reserving.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Monopoli
Nevertheless lengthy you need to spend in Monopoli, listed below are a number of urged journey itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to.
1 Day in Monopoli Itinerary
You possibly can go to many of the prime locations to see in Monopoli in in the future.
Begin by exploring the outdated city and soak up a few of Monopoli’s beautiful structure. Head all the way down to the harbor to look at the colourful fishing boats, then spend an hour or two on the seaside.
Take a stroll alongside the promenade to look at 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 beautiful coastal views, and go on a ship journey to see the shoreline from the water.
Day 3: Spend the day exploring the realm 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 may comfortably do all the actions and see all the locations talked about on this information.
You’ll be capable to take your time, actually stopping to savor every expertise. You received’t be pressed for time in any respect, and it is going to 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 perfect neighborhoods in Monopoli for vacationers.
Outdated City – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The outdated city is the place you’ll discover many of the prime vacationer points of interest in Monopoli, Italy. The streets are slim, winding, and really picturesque. Vista Cattedrale is a superb mid-range condominium proper reverse the Cathedral.
Harbor Space – Greatest for Eating places
There are such a lot of wonderful eating places subsequent to the traditional harbor, you’ll be spoilt for selection. To today, 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 – Greatest for Seashore Lovers
This seaside is positioned simply south of the outdated city and is a good spot for sunbathing and swimming. Staying right here can be an excellent 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 – probably the most highly-rated locations to remain on this a part of city.
Greatest Eating places in Monopoli
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Monopoli.
Angolocinque Restaurant
This excellent upmarket restaurant is positioned subsequent to the attractively landscaped Largo Fontanelle park. You possibly can anticipate to pay round €40-50 per particular person, so it’s positively not the most affordable restaurant on the town, however the high quality is actually very good and I’d say it’s truly excellent worth for what you get.
Strive the combined antipasti choice and the orecchiette pasta with pistachio sauce. Heavenly.
Trattoria La Locanda dei Mercanti
This traditional mid-priced seafood restaurant is positioned within the coronary heart of the outdated city, near the fishing harbor. They serve a variety of wonderful pasta and contemporary fish, cooked to perfection. Their grilled tuna steak is great.
They’re normally 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 supply, it may possibly typically be onerous to decide on what to order. That is why 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 all the time. However for those who see pasta with asparagus and shrimp, order it!
Pop Burgers
Generally you simply want a extremely good burger. If this occurs to be once you’re in Monopoli, head to Pop Burgers, the perfect burger joint on the town. Their burgers and fried rooster are top-notch, and all the pieces could be very inexpensive.
Mare Chef
It’s not a restaurant, however this tiny food truck served me the perfect fritto misto (combined fried seafood) I’ve ever eaten. It’s solely €11 for half a kilogram of the stuff.
Additionally they supply grilled panini sandwiches with octopus, tuna, or swordfish, collectively together with your selection of selfmade sauces. I selected the swordfish sandwich and it was divine.
Getting To Monopoli
Should you don’t have a automotive, the best method 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 varied places all through Europe. From Bari, the practice to Monopoli takes round half-hour.
You probably have your personal automotive, attending to Monopoli is even simpler. It’s positioned on the principle southern Adriatic freeway (SS16) and the drive from central Bari takes about 40 minutes.
Parking within the middle of Monopoli could be difficult at instances, however I discovered that for those who drive round for lengthy sufficient the probabilities are you’ll discover a free area someplace. Hold a watch out for parking restriction indicators although.
When you arrive in Monopoli, one of the simplest 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Monopoli.
Monopoli is thought for its stunning shoreline, quaint ambiance, and scrumptious seafood. It’s additionally near a few of the most beautiful seashores in Italy, with crystal-clear water that’s good for swimming.
The most effective time to go to Monopoli is within the spring and early summer season, or early fall, when issues are comparatively quiet however most locations are nonetheless open. That is additionally a good time of yr for sightseeing and exploring Monopoli’s many points of interest.
In July and August, issues can get fairly busy, so for those who’re in search of a quieter journey it’s greatest to keep away from this era.
Completely! Monopoli is a stupendous metropolis with loads to supply guests. From its beautiful 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 disenchanted.
You could possibly see many of the fundamental sights within the metropolis itself in a day. Nevertheless, that might really feel fairly rushed and also you wouldn’t have a lot time to calm down and take all the pieces in. I like to recommend spending a minimum of 2-3 days right here to get an actual sense of the place.
If you wish to do any day journeys (and you must!), permit further days for these.
Sure, Monopoli, Puglia is a safe place to go to general.
That stated, it’s all the time clever to take the same old precautions when touring, no matter the vacation spot. Concentrate on your environment, don’t depart any valuables in plain sight, and follow areas which might be lit at evening.
The most well-liked issues to do in Monopoli are exploring the outdated city, enjoyable on the seaside, sampling typical native dishes within the many great eating places, and taking boat journeys out alongside the beautiful coast.
The most effective seaside in Monopoli is Cala Porta Vecchia. It’s a stupendous bay positioned close to the outdated city, with crystal-clear waters and a number of other wonderful cafes and bars close by.
Being a port metropolis on the Adriatic, contemporary seafood is the meals that Monopoli is greatest identified for. Different dishes to attempt embrace orecchiette (the standard handmade pasta of Puglia that appears like little ears), and the normal regional focaccia.
There are additionally a number of wonderful gelaterias within the outdated city, serving up scrumptious Italian ice cream.
In Closing
Now you already know what to see and do in Monopoli. It’s a stupendous 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 travel itinerary.
And for those who, like me, choose smaller cities over large sprawling ones, you’ll most likely discover this to be the proper place to base your self whereas exploring extra of this glorious area.
Like This Article? Pin it!
The publish 15 Best Things To Do in Monopoli, Italy appeared first on Goats On The Road.
