Monopoli

Travel Guide
Monopoli showing rocky coastline and a pebble beach as well as a large group of people
Embark on guided tours of old churches, inspect artifacts on display in the museums and climb to the castle summit.

Monopoli is a stunning town recognizable from its historic white and brown structures and seafront walls overlooking the scenic Adriatic Coast. Castles and palaces adorn the Old Town area, while the spectacular Monte San Nicola Faunal Reserve straddles the municipality. Get a sense of the local culture with a trip to the various museums and churches.

Among the highlights within the walled Old Town is the Cathedral Basilica of S.S. Mary of Madia. Admire its neoclassical façade, with pillars flanking the main portal. Enter this holy site to see the polychrome décor of the altar and marvel at the acclaimed works of art that decorate the church interior.

Continue on the ecclesiastical theme with a trip to the Cathedral of Romualdo Museum. Explore its fascinating archeological artifacts and tombs dating back thousands of years. Nearby is the 18th-century Salviamo San Salvatore. Take a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the church, its history and its reputable art.

Stroll along the defensive walls that run parallel to the coast. Lay down a blanket on the sandy beach for a picnic and cool down with a swim in the Adriatic Sea. Here, you will find the 16th-century Charles V Castle, which has a wonderful viewing platform at its summit. Enjoy the thrill of a soccer game at the Stadio Vito Simone Veneziani, where local team S.S. Monopoli 1966 plays.

For a change of scenery, head to the western outskirts of the town and relax in the green and spacious Parco Belvedere Lama. This vast urban park is home to many wild donkeys.

Find the town in the region of Puglia in the southeastern part of Italy’s Adriatic Coast. It is at the northern end of the Salento heel at the bottom of the country’s topographical boot. Arrive via train to Monopoli Railway Station or get here by car from Bari in about 30 minutes.

Monopoli is a preserved gem with a scenic coastline and intriguing historic center.

Where to stay in Monopoli

This photo was taken in Monopoli, Italy, during its photography festival, which features exhibits in the steets, abandoned churches and all over town. An amazing unknown destination in Puglia.

Centro Storico

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Historic sites, waterfront views, and seaside views are some highlights of Centro Storico. Make a stop by Cathedral Basilica of SS. Mary of Madia or Cathedral of Romualdo Museum while you're exploring.

Centro Storico
Torre Cintola Greenblu Sea Emotions
Torre Cintola Greenblu Sea Emotions
4 out of 5
Località Capitolo, Monopoli, Bari
The price is CA $193 per night from May 5 to May 6
CA $193
CA $219 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Monopoli. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Zoosafari and Cala Verde are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (167 reviews)
relaxing and peaceful place
"We had a great time as a family with friends. Great surrounding, lots of space, friendly staff and good food. we were there early April which means it was quite but we could make the most of the fantastic swimming pools"

Reviewed on Apr. 8, 2024

Torre Cintola Greenblu Sea Emotions
Palazzo Indelli
Palazzo Indelli
4 out of 5
Piazza Garibaldi 27, Monopoli, BA
The price is CA $243 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $243
CA $274 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Monopoli. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (192 reviews)
Great night for family in monopoli old town
"We had a lovely night. It is in a really good position in the old town in the best square for food and drinks, but was not noisy (in April). We had pizza in the hotel restaurant which was good. Staff were lovely. Family room was very nice and big enough for two adults and two large teenagers."

Reviewed on Apr. 12, 2024

Palazzo Indelli
Masseria Torrepietra
Masseria Torrepietra
4 out of 5
c.da Grotta dell'acqua 338/a, SS 16 uscita per Castellana Grotte, Monopoli, BA
The price is CA $216 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $216
CA $238 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Monopoli. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Parco Belvedere Lama and Lido Bianco ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Spa-like hotel
"Wonderful spa-like feel hotel. Really enjoyed our room! Glad we stayed there for 3 nights. Highly recommended. It would be even better if dinner menu expended."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Masseria Torrepietra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Santa Maria 24 - Luxury Apartments
Santa Maria 24 - Luxury Apartments
Via Santa Maria, 24, Monopoli, Bari
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Monopoli. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
Wonderful
"Fantastic hotel! Wonderful breakfast, great communication before and during, very helpful and supportive staff and lovely apartments that have every need you could want. Could not recommend Santa Maria 24 enough. Fantastic."

Reviewed on Sep. 20, 2023

Santa Maria 24 - Luxury Apartments
MONOPOLI: "MEST PEPP" VILLA with PRIVATE POOL
MONOPOLI: "MEST PEPP" VILLA with PRIVATE POOL
MONOPOLI(BA)
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Monopoli. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Parco Belvedere Lama and Lido Bianco are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
BEST PLACE EVER
"We had the most incredible experience at the villa! Such an amazing host, he made sure we were talented care of. We even had a flat tire and he fixed it for us while we were sleeping and brought us croissants. Also, we didn’t have to worry about dinner reservations, he booked them all for us. I cannot ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 12, 2024

MONOPOLI: "MEST PEPP" VILLA with PRIVATE POOL
THE TRULLI DELLE FATE FUFFE
THE TRULLI DELLE FATE FUFFE
Monopoli (Ba)
Stay at this vacation home in Monopoli. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Cathedral of Romualdo Museum and Cathedral Basilica of ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Fantastic experience in a lovely Trulli
"Great charming property, unique experience to stay in an ancient building. Lovely decorated, lots of character. A fantastic rural setting to enjoy peace and tranquility. Located relatively closed to most major attactions, but note that a car is required to move around. Easy check in process and communication ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2023

THE TRULLI DELLE FATE FUFFE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Monopoli

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jul. 14, 2019

Rental car needed. Taxi are very limited

5/5 - Excellent

Mira
Oct. 2, 2018

Would come back again if it was not so far from toronto

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