Puglia has become one of the hottest regions to visit in Italy in recent years, with good reason. Both novice and seasoned travelers are heading to the country’s southeast to explore the coastal towns that cling to its craggy cliffs. Like much of Italy, a visit to Puglia is like waking up in a dream; rich in history, wrapped in the captivating Adriatic blue water, serving up mouthwatering local cuisine and offering visitors a slower pace than the traditional tourist stomping grounds over on the busy west coast. I discovered some of the many unique things to do in Monopoli Puglia – where postcard moments are set against spectacular backdrops, in a place like no other in Italy.
Pat Russo | Updated 2023
The very popular Puglia stop Polignano a Mare. | © Pat Russo
15 of the Best Things to Do in Monopoli
Contents
Here is our complete list of the best things to do in Monopoli including local tips and unique Monopoli activities.
1. Explore the Monopoli Port
One of the best places to start, we began with a guided tour of the old fishing village that is in the center of Puglia.
Rich with history I learned about the legendary Madonna della Madia, the Virgin painted on a Byzantine icon which according to the legend was tied to a raft that washed up on the shore of Monopoli on the night of December 16, 1117.
It just so happened to have the exact amount of wood needed to finish the repair of Monopoli’s Cathedral roof.
The town of Monopoli Puglia is a charming port town built almost entirely out of white stone.
It’s dotted with other white-washed buildings of a similar façade which contrasts beautifully with the spotless Italian blue skies.
The charming port town of Monopoli Puglia and its brilliant blue Gozzo. | © Pat Bailey
2. See the Monopoli Cathedral
There were a few highlights on my tour which you must see when you visit Monopoli, the Cathedral (nestled in the middle of many other churches which seem to be around every corner and on every street in Monopoli).
Construction of the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia began in 1107. The roof was finished after the legendary raft was discovered in 1117. The Baroque cathedral now sits in the exact same spot as the original cathedral that was built in 1772.
You can also still find a piece of wood from the original raft in the front of the church along with the story of the legend and a beautiful altar of the Madonna that this town worships.
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The breathtakingly intricate work inside the Monopoli Cathedral. | © Pat Bailey
3. Take in the View at the Porta Vecchia
The second spot high on my list is the Porta Vecchia, this scenic old harbor is full of traditional and iconic blue and red boats known as Gozzo and is the ideal place to take some photographs.
It is a famed Puglia viewpoint, serving up an iconic scene of Monopoli.
It is from these Gozzo that you can see local fishermen fishing daily, and from where the most delicious locally caught octopus and other local fish come from and are served in town daily.
I watched the catch of one day arriving in awe while I visited, the sea is abundant and the locals reap the benefits – be sure to taste the local fish when you visit.
Another must-visit spot for taking the best photographs in Monopoli is the Porto Antico di Monopoli (the old port).
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Walking bridges in Polignano a Mare, Puglia. | © Pat Bailey
A cute, curated wall in Puglia. | © Pat Bailey
4. Visit Polignano a Mare by Boat
It was also from this port that I jumped on a boat for the boat trip between Monopoli and Polignano a Mare to see the coast and surroundings from the water.
It was a spectacular afternoon and sunset was the best time to see Monopoli from the water. I highly recommend it.
The boat is chartered especially for the tour and slips along the coast for a different perspective of the coastline.
We enjoyed an aperitif by sunset on our way back to Monopoli and my camera was full of postcard-worthy photos.
Make sure you ask to stop in at the stunning caves of Polignano along the way.
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The Porta Vecchia is a must-stop spot on a Monopoli bike tour. | © Pat Bailey
5. Take a Monopoli Bike Tour
There are plenty of things to do in Monopoli for active travelers.
We chose from four different Monopoli bike tours, catering to all fitness levels.
Each tour includes a fitted mountain bike, helmet, water, and guide for the day along with stops that include feasting and absorbing an authentic experience.
The perfect place for a leisurely bike ride, I found myself winding my way through grotto churches, fortified large farms, and thousand-old olive trees – it was an absolute dream.
The tour lasted just shy of five hours and was an easy 18-kilometer (11 mile) ride.
The stops included Porto Ghiacciolo, the picturesque Monopoli beach near Saint Stephen castle (an iconic part of the coastline), churches, old olive mills which have been thoughtfully excavated and refurbished, XIII-century authentic farms, and my very favorite: a ride straight through an orchard of more than two thousand olive trees, some dating more than one thousand years old.
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Polignano a Mare as seen from the water. | © Pat Bailey