Monopoli
A white old town on the Adriatic, sandy coves, lively markets and a renovated trullo to come home to.
Monopoli has it all: a whitewashed old town wrapped in sea walls, an old harbour full of bright blue fishing boats, and a coastline dotted with coves and beaches. It is a real working town, which makes it a joy to explore. And if you are staying at Trullo M, it is only a 20-minute drive away.
Why Monopoli is worth the visit
A town that lives with the sea. The old town rises straight from the water, protected by 16th-century walls and bastions. Wander its lanes and you keep catching glimpses of the Adriatic at the end of the street.
Beaches for every taste. Monopoli’s coastline stretches for about 15 km, with sandy beaches, small coves and stretches of rocky shore. Some are free and wild, others have fully equipped lidos.
Excellent bathing water. Monopoli’s waters are classified as excellent for bathing, so a swim here is always a treat.
History suggestions: discover the past for yourself
• Visit the Castello di Carlo V – explore the castle on the harbour and look out for the cannon embrasures facing the city. It was used as a prison until 1969 and is now owned by the town.
• See the Basilica della Madonna della Madia – admire the baroque interior, the chapel of the Madonna and a series of paintings from 1732 telling the story of the miracle of the raft.
• Walk the walls and the Bastione Santa Maria – follow the sea walls from the castle past the bastion and its old cannons, with wonderful views of the coast.
• Explore the rock churches – the area around Monopoli has medieval rock-cut churches, such as the rock church of San Giorgio.
• Follow the Via Traiana – visit the archaeological park built around the ancient Roman road.
• See the Abbey of Santo Stefano – a medieval castle-abbey by the sea, visible from Porto Ghiacciolo.
• Celebrate with the locals – on 16 December, the town honours its patron saint, the Madonna della Madia.
The old harbour: the heart of Monopoli
If there is one place that captures Monopoli’s soul, it is the Porto Vecchio, the old harbour. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, when it was an important trading post and a safe haven for sailors on the Adriatic. Over the centuries it has changed many times, but it has always remained the centre of the town’s identity.
Home of the gozzi. The harbour is the true home of the gozzi – vozz in the local dialect – the traditional wooden fishing boats of Monopoli. They are small rowing boats of about 3.5 to 5 metres, usually painted a striking blue or red, and often named after fishermen, saints or the Madonna. Some still carry the old lampara lanterns once used for night fishing. In winter you will see them pulled up and covered, sometimes with old blankets and duvets.
What to do there. Come in the morning to watch the fishermen at work, mending nets and bringing in the catch. In the evening, grab a seat at one of the cafés or bars overlooking the boats for an aperitivo as the light softens over the old town. It is one of the most photographed spots in Monopoli – and easy to see why.
The seaside: public beaches and lidos
In Italy you can choose between a spiaggia libera – a free public beach, where you bring your own towel and umbrella – and a lido or stabilimento balneare, a beach club where you rent sunbeds and umbrellas and can use the bar, showers and other facilities. Monopoli has plenty of both.
Free public beaches
• Porto Ghiacciolo – north of the centre, below the medieval Abbey of Santo Stefano. A freshwater spring makes the water here especially cool and refreshing, and its sandy beach and shallow water make it a good choice for families.
• Spiaggia delle Dune at Capitolo – about 8 km south of the centre, where natural sand dunes covered in Mediterranean vegetation separate the sea from the road. A lovely spot for nature and peace.
Lidos and beach clubs
For a full day at the beach with every comfort, head south towards Capitolo, about 6–7 km from the centre. This stretch of coast has the largest concentration of lidos, and there is a style for everyone:
• Family lidos – relaxed beach clubs on sandy beaches with shallow water, where you rent a sunbed and umbrella for the day and can use the bar, showers and changing cabins. Many have lifeguards on duty.
• Lidos on the rocks – platforms and decks built on the flat limestone rocks, with ladders straight into the clear, deeper water. Ideal for strong swimmers and snorkellers.
• Beach clubs with music and cocktails – more lively, stylish venues with a restaurant or cocktail bar, background music and a sunset aperitivo atmosphere.
Tip: in July and August, and especially at weekends, book your sunbeds in advance.
Why Trullo M is the perfect base
Monopoli within easy reach. At about 21 km – a 20-minute drive – Monopoli is close enough for a morning at the market, a day at the beach or an evening stroll by the harbour.