14 Things to Do in Monopoli (Italy's Most Underrated City!) (original) (raw)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Monopoli, Italy for an upcoming trip? Keep reading if so! This Italian city is one of my favorite places, and I am so excited to share some of my top places with you!

I have to say, I love Monopoli. My first trip there (yes, I have gone multiple times because I love it that much) was in 2019, and even though I ventured there in the off-season and the city’s spirit was a bit chilled out, I loved it nonetheless.

Puglia was the first place I visited after the pandemic, and Monopoli was a must. It was summer then, and the high season was in full swing!

But seeing the city at different times of the year has assured me that there is so much to do there and that travelers should put it on their itinerary!

Looking for the best things to do in Monopoli? Keep scrolling!

In this guide, you will find some of the top places to visit in Monopoli, including beaches (and they are beautiful!), restaurants, and more.

If you have any suggestions for what to do in Monopoli, one of the best hidden gems in Italy, please drop them in the comments!

In this post...

• Best Things to Do in Monopoli, Italy
• Best Things to Do in Monopoli, Italy
• Where to Eat in Monopoli
• How to Get to Monopoli from Bari
• Things to Do in Monopoli (On a Map!)
• Where to Stay in Monopoli
• More Puglia Guides You Might Like

In the Puglia (Apulia) region of Italy, you will find many beautiful coastal towns and cities dotted along the cliffs that stretch southeast below the main city of the region, Bari.

One of the most amazing places I visited during my recent trek through the region was Monopoli (despite the similar name, the town has nothing to do with the famous board game Monopoly).

It was the perfect stop for my European tour of the famed region!

The small town is located 47 minutes southeast of Bari and is known for its aesthetically pleasing whitewashed houses that contrast perfectly with the turquoise waters that crash along the coast.

There are also many things to do in Monopoli, making it a hit with both tourists and locals. This guide will contain some of my favorite Monopoli attractions, landmarks, and places to eat.

Best Things to Do in Monopoli, Italy

1. Explore the Beauty of the Monopoli Old Town

Every time I step foot inside an ‘old town’ in Italy, I automatically declare it the ‘most charming place I’ve ever been’ in the most basic of manners.

Monopoli’s Old Town is no exception. Spend time wandering the delightful little winding streets and discovering the history of this Puglia gem.

The narrow alleyways and passages give way to historical little squares as they maze between the beautiful, whitewashed buildings.

Perusing the old town of Monopoli, Italy

As you stroll the city, you will stumble across hidden churches that are seemingly piled on top of each other, given their proximity to one another. Take a relaxing break in one of the many quintessential Italian coffee bars or cafes for a coffee or a glass of wine.

If you are looking to learn more about Monopoli’s adorable Old Town, I advise taking a private walking tour of the city. The tour is perfect for those traveling to the town in small groups.

>> Click here to take a walking tour of Monopoli

2. Visit the Iconic Monopoli Cathedral

In the center of Monopoli sits the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, a large Roman Catholic cathedral. Construction of the cathedral started in the 12th century; however, it had to be halted when they ran out of beams to support the roof.

A few years later, by miracle, a raft with an icon of the Madonna floated into the small harbor, and the wood from the raft was used to complete the Monopoli Cathedral.

Sadly, during more turbulent times in the city’s history, the building sustained a lot of damage, with partial collapses killing many people.

It was decided in the mid-1700s to demolish the original building and build a new, baroque-style cathedral. This cathedral still stands today and is a must-visit while in Monopoli.

The Monopoli Cathedral stands tall

The interior of the religious building is mind-blowing, with plenty of frescoes adorning the walls, some of which depict the raft that floated into the harbor.

You will also find the Icon of Madonna on the raft in the cathedral. Twice a year, there is a festival celebrating the icon, which the locals carry through the streets in a small wooden boat.

The building is open every day and can be visited by the general public, although during mass times, you will not be able to enter the building just to have a look around.

The Monopoli Cathedral can be found at Largo Cattedrale in Monopoli.

Address: Largo Cattedrale, 70043 Monopoli BA

3. Take in the Views at Castello di Carlo

The Castle of Charles V is a wonderful example of an Italian coastal fortress. Sitting on top of a piece of land that juts out away from the main town, the castle in Italy provides a perfect view of the sea and the city’s small harbor.

Originally built to defend Monopoli against various pirate boats and the advancing Spanish army, the castle was eventually taken over by the Spanish along with the rest of the town.

Castello di Carlo is one of the most iconic Monopoli landmarks

The Spanish extended the castle to accommodate their soldiers and their families. In subsequent years, the castle was turned into a prison that was still in use until the 1990s.

However, now the buildings are used as a conference and exhibition center.

As a tourist, you can visit Castello di Carlo and enjoy the breathtaking views over the old port and out to the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.

Alternatively, you can take a look at the art on display at the exhibition center.

Address: Largo Castello, 5, 70043 Monopoli BA

4. Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches of Monopoli

Dotted along Monopoli’s coast are some of the most perfect beaches, tucked between large cliffs. The beaches in Monopoli are idyllic, with crystal-clear water lightly breaking on the shore.

In the town center, you will find Cala Porta Vecchia, a small stretch of beach that lies just below the old town.

Cala Porta Vecchia is relatively popular but doesn’t experience crowds like many other European beaches.

Famous (and busy!) Cala Porta Vecchia

Alternatively, if you have a car, you can head south of Monopoli, where many of the region’s best beaches are located.

Just a five-minute drive outside of the city (an easy walk or bike ride too), you will discover the quaint Lido Colonia, a small beach sheltered by a quiet cove where you can sit on the sand or rent a sun lounger for a small fee.

Next to many of the beaches, you will find fun bars where you can enjoy a beachside drink or taverns where you can grab a bite to eat. Hitting the beach is one of the best things to do in Monopoli, especially in the scorching summer months.

5. See the Il Bastione del Molino Ruins

In the center of Monopoli, you will find the ruins of a historic fort that was used to protect the old town.

Walk up Via Luigi Cadorna from the coast, and on the right-hand side, there will be a brilliant viewpoint where you can see the old defensive walls of the city.

Il Bastione del Molino is a must-see in Monopoli

Il Bastione del Molino is set slightly lower than the more modern part of the city and includes several canons from the time that would have been used to fire upon any advancing troops or pirates.

If you enter the fort from the old town, you can walk among the canons that defended the city.

Even though the site is relatively small and will only take a few minutes, it provides a fascinating insight into just how much old Monopoli needed to protect itself.

You can find Il Bastione del Molino at Via Mulini in Monopoli.

6. Go Back In Time At Chiesa di San Salvatore

On the edge of the old town where Monopoli meets the sea is a beautiful, old church. The Chiesa di San Salvatore is one of the oldest churches in Monopoli, and it is believed to date back to around 313 AD.

They say the church is facing the sea because it was built by pirates who survived their ship being wrecked.

During the 1960s, the church was abandoned, and some of the items contained within were stolen, although much of the artwork was restored and moved to other churches in the town.

Thankfully, the church has been restored and found its purpose in modern Monopoli, hosting cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts.

As much of the artwork was removed from the church, the interior has a much understated and minimalistic beauty which is not often found in Italian churches.

If you’re a history lover or simply love visiting churches, visiting Chiesa di San Salvatore is one of the best things to see in Monopoli.

You can find it at Largo S. Salvatore in Monopoli.

Address: Largo S. Salvatore, 70043 Monopoli BA

7. Devour Fresh Seafood at Komera, Cucina Nostra

If you’re nestled right on the Southern Italy coast, it would be completely remiss of you to not devour all the local delights, including seafood.

Thankfully, Monopoli is teeming with amazing restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, octopus, mussels, and much more.

As someone who grew up near the beach, I class myself as a bit of a seafood snob and prefer to eat in season.

Luckily, the restaurants in Monopoli mostly focus on what is available that day and do not disappoint when it comes to portion sizes.

One of my favorite Puglia food experiences was when I had lunch at Komera, Cucina Nostra.

Komera, Cucina Nostra lunch break

The interior is modern and airy and the staff was very attentive and didn’t rush me while I savored every moment of my tasty lunch despite the establishment closing for a long afternoon break.

This was definitely a can’t-miss Monopoli restaurant.

Address: Via Barbacana, 79, 70043 Monopoli BA

8. Drink a Delicious Beer from Birra Del Console

Italy makes fantastic wines and everyone knows this, but I find the beer scene struggles to get the recognition that it deserves. When I visit Italian towns and cities, I try and hunt out a local craft brewery to check out the scene and provide some much-needed support.

Birra del Console is a great craft brewery in Monopoli that’s brewing fantastic beers.

At the moment, they only have a few beers in production, but they have managed to perfect those that they brew regularly.

They also work in collaboration with a local restaurant called Vini & Panini to produce some bespoke beers for them.

You can also stop by the craft beer bar called Illuppolati and check out their offerings. I highly recommend trying out one of their IPAs and supporting these local entrepreneurs.

Address: Via Trieste, 24, 70043 Monopoli BA

9. Take a Day Trip to Polignano a Mare

One of my favorite seaside towns in Puglia is Polignano a Mare.

While this is essentially a guide to what to do in Monopoli, if you have an extra day and Polignano a Mare is not on your Puglia itinerary, ADD IT!

Polignano a Mare is small but stunning and worthy of visiting. It sits between Bari and Monopoli and getting to Polignano a Mare is extremely easy by train (and cheap!)

Once there, you will find charming alleyways, many beaches, and more restaurants than you could ever imagine.

Polignano a Mare is one of the best day trips from Monopoli

Click here to see what to do in Polignano a Mare, one of my favorite places in Italy.

If you’re keen to stay in the city, check out our hotels in Polignano a Mare guide but if you’re just spending one day in Polignano a Mare, we have something for you too!

Do be aware that the off-season in Polignano a Mare makes it a rather sleepy place and several cafes and restaurants are closed.

But, the astounding views and town are still accessible and worth visiting… trust me.

10. Discover the Egnazia Archaeological Park

Located south of Monopoli is the awe-inspiring Egnazia Archaeological Park.

Dating back to around the 13th century BC, the settlement was constantly populated until around the 10th century when it was finally abandoned.

The site includes fantastic ruins from the Messapians and Roman eras.

The town of Egnazia grew to prominence during the Roman era when the Traiana Road was built and trade flourished thanks to the road providing a direct connection between its port and Rome.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Egnazia was often subjected to acts from various invaders, and eventually, the townspeople decided to leave to find a safer more prosperous place to live.

Following the abandonment of the town, many people looted the town and the graves, taking pretty much anything valuable that they could find.

Today, the area has been preserved as an archaeological park, and excavations of the area are still taking place and uncovering many artifacts from this forgotten town’s history.

To reach the park, you will need a car as it is located a little outside of Monopoli.

Address: Via degli Scavi, 86, 72015 Fasano BR

11. Watch the Sunrise at the Old Harbor

Monopoli is a town that is good at being beautiful and it just cannot seem to get it wrong no matter what it does.

On the seafront below the old town is the old harbor of Monopoli and it is about as picturesque as harbors get.

Little blue fishing boats bob gently in the calm and clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, perfectly contrasting against the whitewashed buildings of the old town.

As you look out of the harbor towards the sea, you can see a lovely lighthouse that lights the way in for the boats and protects them from mishaps.

I loved watching the sunrise by the harbor!

It is here in this port where the Icon of Madonna drifted on the raft that allowed them to complete the original Monopoli Cathedral.

Take a walk around the harbor’s defensive walls or wake up early and watch the first sunlight douse the almost perfect-looking harbor. I missed the sunrise but made it there shortly after.

12. Admire the Palmieri Palace

Built in the 18th century by the Palmieri family, the Palmieri Palace long served as the family’s main residence, being passed down through the generations until the 1920s when the family bloodline ended and the palace was left to a charity.

After being handed over to the charity, part of the building was formed into an arts and crafts society. Sadly today, this stunning example of Baroque architecture has fallen into a state of disrepair and much of the building is off-limits.

However, in the area, you can visit you will see grand frescos along with incredible archways and marble floors.

Palmieri Palace lurking in the background

The Palace is located slightly off of the main streets of the old town, so while standing in the magnificent courtyard, you feel a sense of peace and tranquility.

Palmieri Palace isn’t always open and you may not be allowed inside on the day you visit depending on levels of renovation. However, it is still worth visiting just to marvel at the historic exterior.

You can find the Palmieri Palace at Largo Palmieri in Monopoli.

Address: Largo Palmieri, 70043 Monopoli BA

13. Have a Coffee at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

Having an espresso while sitting in one of Italy’s many grand piazzas is probably the most stereotypically Italian thing you can do and I fully recommend doing it in Monopoli.

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is an adorable square in the heart of the old town, lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars.

A little cafe at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

One of the best things to do is to take a break from sightseeing and simply sit with a coffee or a glass of wine and people-watch. The piazza is a busy hub with people passing through all day, making it the perfect place to observe the quirks of daily Italian life.

During the heat of summer, you will also find that there are plenty of shaded areas to take a break from the sun beating down on you and are great spots to cool down with gelato.

14. Take a Journey Down to the Museo e Sito Archeologico Cripta Romanica

Underneath the Monopoli Cathedral is an impressive museum and archeological site. It was well-known that the original cathedral was built on top of an old Roman temple that was crumbling into the ground.

Archeologists decided to excavate the area under the Cathedral to unearth the temple and the treasures it contained. In addition to finding the temple, they found further ruins dating back to the bronze age.

In the small museum and archeological site, you can experience 4,000 years’ worth of history, with an impressive range of stunning artifacts that have been uncovered and are now on display for everyone to see.

It is highly unlikely that you’ll find a place in the world with so much tangible history in one minuscule place.

The opening hours are pretty random as the museum only opens Sundays from 11 AM-1 PM and 4 PM-7 PM, and Tuesdays from 11 AM-1 PM. You can find the Museo e Sito Archeologico Cripia Romanica at Via Argento 3 in Monopoli.

Address: Via Argento, 3, 70043 Monopoli BA

Where to Eat in Monopoli

• Rosso Granato Monopoli: This restaurant has nearly 5 stars and has been highly rated for its exemplary service, fresh food, and a perfect introduction to Italian cuisine!
• Trattoria La Locanda dei Mercanti: This restaurant is often busy, and for good reason- the food is delicious and includes everything from fresh seafood to authentic Italian pasta dishes. People have rated it highly for the service and excellent meals.
• Ristorante Piazza Palmieri: A nice stop for a quick lunch, this restaurant also offers everything from pasta dishes to appetizers, fish, seafood, and more. You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere as you tuck into an Italian lunch.
• Al Maré: Located close to the sea, it’s no surprise that many people flock to Al Mare to try out the amazing seafood and catch stunning views of the blue waters.

How to Get to Monopoli from Bari

Reaching Monopoli is best done from the main city in Puglia, Bari, where there is an airport and good connections to the rest of Italy.

Located around 29 miles southeast of Bari, there are a couple of ways to reach the city easily and quickly.

By Car

If you are renting a car during your stay, Monopoli is a 47-minute drive away from Bari. From Bari, work your way onto the SS16 and head in the direction of Brindisi/Lecce.

Take the exit for Monopoli North and follow the signs/sat nav to your hotel. Along the way, appreciate the gorgeous views as the road hugs the coastline.

If you have time on your hands, there are plenty of beautiful little towns you can visit along the way, such as Polignano a Mare.

By Train

There are direct trains that run from Bari Centrale to Monopoli fairly regularly and cost as little as €3.60.

The journey takes between 25-55 minutes depending on the type of train you take although the standard ticket costs the same no matter which train you take.

Monopoli, Italy train station

Strangely between around 1000 – 1200, there is a large gap of around an hour and a half between trains so you will need to plan your journey accordingly.

For more information check out my guide to getting to Monopoli from Bari by train.

Things to Do in Monopoli (On a Map!)

🗺️ HOW TO USE THIS MAP: You can use your fingers/mouse to zoom in and out. To get more info about a place, simply touch/click the icons. Want to save this map for later use? Click the ‘⭐’ by the map title and it will add it to your Google Maps account (Saved > Maps or ‘Your Places’).

Where to Stay in Monopoli

There are several places where you can stay in Monopoli. I stayed at a place that was in between the budget and mid-range category called B&B Borgo San Martino and I absolutely loved it.

It was in the heart of the Old Town and on a quiet street and the flat was absolutely gorgeous.

My room at B&B Borgo San Martino

B&B Borgo San Martino was run by an exceptionally friendly host who accommodated my weird hours of coming there and needing to leave my bags for a while as I perused the city before check-in.

There was a small kitchenette in my room. This ended up being my favorite accommodation on my Puglia trip, actually.

>> Click here to see rates and availability

If you’re looking for things to do in Monopoli, I hope this guide will help you get your trip to the southern city sorted.

If you know of places to visit in Monopoli or what to do there, please drop them in the comments or send me an email with recommendations!

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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.