Free walking tours in Monopoli and what to see

Must-sees

Monopoli is a coastal town south of Bari, between Polignano a Mare and Fasano, with an old town of pale stone overlooking the sea. In the centre is the cathedral of the Madonna della Madia, with a baroque façade and a Romanesque crypt, and close by, on the water, the castle of Charles V guards the harbour entrance. You can walk along the sea walls, passing small churches and squares on the way.

The old harbour, with its blue fishing boats, is one of the town's classic sights. Inside the walls is Cala Porta Vecchia, a little town beach for a swim without leaving the centre, and to the south the coast is full of rocky and sandy coves. The surrounding countryside has fortified masserie, ancient olive groves and rock-cut churches. Very close, in Fasano, is the archaeological park of Egnazia.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours are hard to find in Monopoli. There are guided walks of the old town, in groups or private, and bike routes around the town and coast. Boat trips along the shore leave from the harbour, including trips in a gozzo, the traditional boat, to the caves of Polignano a Mare.

How long to spend

The old town, cathedral, castle and harbour can be seen well in half a day. With a full day you can add a swim in the coves and a boat trip. Monopoli is a very practical base for two or three days or more, as it has trains to Bari and Polignano and is close to Alberobello, Ostuni and the Itria Valley.

Where to stay

The old town has guesthouses and apartments in restored buildings, with the harbour and restaurants close at hand. The modern part, around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in the Borgo, offers larger hotels near the station. If you are after the beach, the Capitolo area to the south has coves and summer accommodation, and in the countryside there are masserie with pools for those travelling by car.