The historic center of Monopoli is filled with narrow streets lined with white-washed buildings, artisan workshops, seafood restaurants, and traditional taverns. Overlooking the Old Port and the Adriatic Sea is the 1600s Castle of Carlo V, which features a rock church and armory. The baroque Monopoli Cathedral boasts paintings from the 1800s while nearby Museo Diocesano displays ancient icons.
The Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia is a Roman Catholic cathedral featuring an architectural dome, bell tower and crypt, alongside a collection of archaeological artifacts. Located within the narrow streets of the old town, this hidden gem boasts a stunning interior with red marble stone covering. The tabernacle is situated behind and above the altar accessible via a staircase.
This Cathedral was built from 1740 to 1770 on a site which had been previously used by man for at least 4000 years. In fact, in
the Bronze Age, some huts were built in this same place. Then, 2500 years ago, the first tombs of the Necropolis of a Messapian*
town were built. From that time this place became sacred and stayed sacred even
when the main religion changed, from Paganism to Christianity. Originally, a Pagan temple was located on the site; in 256 A.D. a
Christian church was built instead. In 1107, Bishop Romualdo started the construction of a Romanesque church. According to the tradition, the church could not come to completation because there was not enough
wood to build the roof. In 1117 the wooden beams arrived at the seaport in the form of
a raft which carried the Byzantine Icon of Our Lady with Child. In 1742 the Romanesque church was demolished because it was unsafe and too small for the increasing population. Therefore, the new Baroque church was built. it preserves the Byzantine Icon that arrived to the seaport, in 1117, on a raft. The altar was built with precious marbles that came from different quarries. The Neapolitan Andrea de Blasio made the silver frame and the silver imperial crown in 1720 and 1724. Around the chapel you can see six paintings made by Michele del Pezzo in 1798. The pictorial series called "The Virgin's Stories" includes "The Purifying of the Virgin", "The Visitation", "The Introduction to the Temple" and the ovals "The Nativity of the Virgin" and "The Nativity of Jesus". On the sides of the chapel there are two other paintings made by The Neapolitan Pietro Bardellino in 1788: "The
Iconoclast campaign" on the right (*) and "The Arrival at the Seaport" on the left. The two statues on the sides of the altar represent the Archangel Michael and St. Joseph; they were made in 1752 by Giuseppe Sammartino, better known for his "Veiled Christ" (Sansevero Chapel, Naples). The little organ was built in 1762 by Pietro de Simone (junior).
Law Office — Google review
This Cathedral is considered one of the most holy in Italy. It’s so beautifully decorated and grand, it is worthy of Milan or Paris. You can see many saints relics here. Not crowded and they let you go all the way to the centre of the alter. The museum next to it is a bit small and charge 5 euros for admission. The grand cathedral is free.
Chung-yan Chow — Google review
Beautiful massive cathedral for a smaller town in Puglia Italy. Very plain architecture on the outside, mostly yellow stone work, with a slight fancy facade.
Once inside, the cathedral is breathtakingly massive, multiple colors of marble with ornate chapels lining the side aisles.
There are stairs on both sides of the altar that allow visitors to walk up and behind the altar giving you a different view of the cathedral.
Worth a short visit if visiting Monopoli.
Jamie Wojciechowski — Google review
Amazing surprise, a majestic cathedral hidden in the tiny streets of the old town. Beautiful interior with red marble stone cover. Special place of the tabernacle is located behind and above the altar where you can approach with a staircase. A true hidden gem.
Korn?l MAGYAR — Google review
One of the most astonishingly beautiful cathedrals I've ever been into. Definitely the highlight of my visit in Monopoly.
Stoyan Levakov — Google review
Super amazing great vibe and energy beautiful views and sculpted and paintings
Silke “SilkeGlobal” Wettergren — Google review
The Cathedral of Monopoli is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, and we have visited quite a few. The colours of the marble are incredible. Don't miss this great example of fine art and you'll be charmed as well.
Vladimir Nikolov — Google review
Gorgeous, the amount of work that has been put into these marbles demands respect and shows us how little we are in the face of such perfection. God bless every soul who put an effort for this beauty.
Ilir Vezvesja — Google review
Very reach church. Recomend to visit. They have a copy of Maria Królowa Polski from Jasna Góra. Some small police accent in Puglia.
A R — Google review
Very beautiful
Sza — Google review
Definitely worth a visit. Really beautiful interior and very peaceful place
Lido Tamerici Spiaggia is a charming beach club located in Puglia, offering a romantic retreat on its crystalline shores. The gleaming white stone terraces, fragrant tamarisk trees, and shady bamboo cabanas create an idyllic setting for couples. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of amenities such as beach beds, towels, and hot showers for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. The club's friendly staff provides excellent service and ensures that guests feel welcome.
Peaceful and clean with reasonable price. Staff is friendly.
Recommend to people who’s looking for calm on this coast.
Different price range in different month, better to check it first if you travel with a budget.
Ivy Wang — Google review
Nice, breezy & quiet beach club. No loud music, good beds and lovely food. The staff is friendly, prices are fair!
Tettje — Google review
It is really long sandy beach and free. Nice place to sunbathing. On the other hand waves are so rough that swimming isn't good here.
Dt. Can oltulu — Google review
Good atmosphere and service. 2 sunbeds and umbrella are 85 euro on August 2023
anl cs — Google review
After trying some different beachclubs around here Lido Tamerici is by far the best price/quality you will get at the Puglia coast. All the staff is really friendly and welcoming. The spot is really cosy with in between some trees on the beach. They even make the sunbeds ready for you with fresh towels. Next to that, the food is really good and affordable too.
All in all if you want to visit a beach club in Puglia for a full day of relaxing, this is the place to be.
Kind regards,
Fleur & Mike
Mike van Dongen — Google review
Great food and very nice hang out environment. Not crowded as many other places nearby.
Spiaggia di Porto Ghiacciolo is a secluded and intimate beach that boasts a small shoreline, tranquil waters, as well as a restaurant and bar. This hidden treasure offers an incredible location with breathtaking views of the sunset during happy hour. Despite its petite size, this beach is exceptionally pleasant and one of the finest cala beaches in Monopoli. What sets it apart from other beaches in the area is an underground river that makes the water chilly but crystal clear.
Great beach with a decent amount of free beach space. Parking is €5.
Tom M — Google review
This is one of the sandy beaches you can find if you come from Monopoli or Polignano a Mare!
The sea is very close to that awesome light blue and the panorama is fantastic, mixing sand with rocks like in a postcard.
It is just a pity to find the sand not clean, with pieces of glasses and plastic around.
Plus, the entrance is far from being free. The only parking lot available is on payment...4 euros for cars and 2 euros for motos.. Come on. I also had to ask for the bill, otherwise they do not even pay taxes.
Noemi G. — Google review
Very small beach but extremly nice
Anistoroae Dragos — Google review
It's an outstanding piece of Idyll and joy for your eyeballs and stomach. Come outside the high season to find some space otherwise you might as well pick another beach. Eat Ricci! When you come in months with an R.
Lenard K. — Google review
Best cala beach in Monopoli with wonderful sunset happy hour.
Michele Pagone (McQueen) — Google review
Beach is extremely crowded. People are very rude to foreigners. Water is not that clean.
Nihat Mert Unal — Google review
Small but nice beach with lovely backdrop of the castle, nice beach bar for refreshments
Mindy Han — Google review
We made a special trip to this beach based on the positive reviews, however we would strongly not recommend if you have young children. Although we can see why the beach itself is beautiful, it was overcrowded with loud party music at full volume, and seemed to be more of a party beach rather than a family friendly beach. There was lots of broken glass on the sand, and also in the water, as well as people smoking weed. It did not feel clean at all and we were keen to leave asap.
Amrit Kang — Google review
Beautiful beach next to a castle. There’s a bar there too where you can buy snacks and drinks to have on the beach. Recommend getting there early as it packs out with locals.
Megan Kelly — Google review
Gorgeous nature. It is a pity that the local private beach does not allow people to sunbathe on the rocks nearby. The infrastructure is a bit lacking, and the terrain is a bit rough.
Federica Lucia Vinella — Google review
Lovely beach with parking, lots of sand, large Sandy water area for swimming. 10 min drive from Monopoli. We paid 3 euros for parking, 6 euros per chair, no umbrellas for rent close to the water.
Erica L — Google review
This hidden gem will leave you speachless!
There’s an underwater river that makes the water super cold but also crystal clean :) the location is amazing
Gianluca A. — Google review
Beautiful view and cool restaurant. Good prices. 3 nastro azzurro, 6 capirinha cocktail 👍
Plus 5 for parking in June, Friday.
A purgatory church is constructed as a place for people to pray for the souls trapped in limbo between heaven and hell. in this case reason for building the church was a churchbell that killed 40 people in 1686.
The church has a sinister and macaber look and feel. On many places in the church there are skeletons and skulls found and several Black Madonnas. Top this of with some real clerk mummies and you have another weird church with skulls (like the one in Otranto).
Ila Farshad — Google review
Baroque church with special atmosphere
S H — Google review
Unfortunately closed since November 1st 2021
Simon Wiedemann — Google review
There are mummies in the church and the church itself is beautiful barocco
A beautiful place in Monopoly.
One should definitely come here for some nice clicks
Suraj Naskar — Google review
Mooie authentieke haven met leuke gekleurde vissersbootjes. De straatjes rondom zijn super om in te verdwalen. Gezellige bars en restaurants. Vergeet ook geen gratis bezoekje aan de kathedraal.
(Translated by Google)
Beautiful authentic harbor with nice colored fishing boats. The streets around are great to get lost in. Cozy bars and restaurants. Don't forget a free visit to the cathedral.
Kristof Perneel — Google review
Beautiful not busy today. Boat were in and nothing going on but very lovely. 🥰
Michelle Armanini — Google review
Nice old port in Monopoly. It is located in the part of the city and on the Historical path of monopoly.
A R — Google review
Beautiful place to spend an afternoon or morning. You also can take a swim.
Vladimir Mirkin — Google review
Looking 10 times better on the internet, maybe because of the sun.
However, few boats in it.
Paul T — Google review
The new port area of Monopoli, Italy. Nestled adjacent to the 'old town' district, it is very attractive and not overrun with tourist coaches... yet. Great delis and small restaurants, prices are great. Puglia is THE food area of Italy!
Wayne Rockall — Google review
Porto Antico in Monopoli, Italy, presents a spectacular feast for the eyes of any historian or even a tourist seeking grandeur. Stepping into this ancient harbor feels like stepping back in time, as the echoes of centuries past resonate in its cobblestone streets and fortified walls. The sight of the majestic medieval castle, towering above the crystal-clear waters, is simply breathtaking. Its well-preserved architecture and strategic position remind us of the city's historical significance as a maritime stronghold. The narrow alleys and charming buildings within the port area evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting visitors to a bygone era. For any person seeking a truly remarkable experience, Porto Antico in Monopoli is an absolute must-visit.
Florin B — Google review
Cute fishermans harbour, full of history and old habits. Pretty photo place, perfect on sunny days. Blue boats are really telling their own stories
Petra Labura — Google review
A view over the water of the beautiful row of houses which in turn look out on the old harbor (Porto Antico) To visit very early in the morning during the high season. I visit Puglia twice: once in winter and the next time in spring. Excepcional photogenic place.
Philippe Versailles Photography — Google review
Nice place to view the port or harbour. You get to see scores of boats lined up, quite busy area. Best place to take photography of the port area.
Karthik — Google review
Lovely little harbour filled with picturesque blue and red boats. Currently there's an excellent exhibition with photographs of local science and manufacturing advances which was well presented with engaging descriptions.
Celeste — Google review
Cute little portsetting with working fishing boats on a backdrop of blue waters and beautiful old buildings, a mix of old and new
23.October, Beach has free access and it's empty, few persons took sunbath and swim, of-course it's off season, water is 22C, air is 23C, sun is shining. You can park your car free 100m from beach, beside to circle road. Bar is closed.
Mart Rosin — Google review
Most Paradise-like I've visited in the area, it's a must in Puglia. There's little to no fish but they might peel off your dead foot skin. Beware! hahaha. Water is warm at least in July, and car parking costs €3.
Alejandro Flavián — Google review
Ideal place for a sun and sea bath.
The beach and the sea shore is totally public, one of the most beautiful of the coast of Monopoli, the area is a natural bay protected from high waves almost all around the year.
There is an extremely large parking for only 3 euro per day.
Monica Mottola — Google review
Great experience with clear sea and beautiful beach.
antimo musone — Google review
They bought the beach and won't let you in unless you booked. Nasty!
Ufficio Stampa Stefano Matteucci — Google review
Great place with sand beach, delicious ice coffe in the beach bar.
Aleksandra Witoszek — Google review
Need to pay entrance fee to the beach. No sign for it from the main road. So we walked all the way in and was told to pay. So bad.
A Niki — Google review
Quiet beach, very nice. Problematic and paid parking
Lido Colonia is a beachside establishment located in a picturesque cove with steep cliffs. The venue offers seafood dining, a bar, and sun-lounger rental services to its guests. The beach boasts of pristine sand and crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming or soaking up the sun's rays. Although the rental charges for an umbrella and chairs may seem steep at 10 Euros each, visitors believe it's worth it for such an idyllic day by the sea.
A very nice lido. The actual beach is little and you access to it via stairs, tho. But the view that it presents to you is stunning! Also, this place has a lot of parking spots (price is 5€), a good bar where you ca pay by credit cards, and a picnic area!
Leonardo Di Donato — Google review
We came on september 18 2020 and there was no umbrella, chair rental or food.
The beach was empty, so we had it for ourselves. It is a small lovely beach.
The sand was dirty with seaweed and cigarette butts (damn dirty smokers).
The water had red seaweed near the shore, but 4 meters away it was clean.
If you dive, it is advised to use water shoes as it is FULL of stones. BIG stones. After 1 meter in the water, there is no sand and only rocks.
Juan Pablo Carro — Google review
It was lovely.. good sandy beach.. clear clean water.. a bit pricey at 10 Euros each and 10 each for the umbrella and chairs.. but in the end worth it for such a beautiful day.
Theresa Marie Palmer — Google review
Just south of Monopoli, this beach is conveniently located. It's lovely to look at with loads of chairs, umbrellas and nice sand. The water area isn't huge and there are lots of medium and large rocks in the water. It was 5 euros to park and 20 euros for 2 chairs and an umbrella, which I found price for what it is.
Erica L — Google review
Really nice lido. We had our beds right on the beach and that was perfect choice. 2 beds with umbrella cost 20 euro.
Kamila Leska — Google review
Never again. It’s far away from the famous Puglia hospitality. You pay the sun beds and the umbrella full price even if you stay for just 1 hour. Additionally you can not put your towel on the sand under the umbrella you just paid. More other you can not sit on the sun bed more than one person at the time.. well u can’t do much here.. The owners are rude and continuously observing how you move ...
Vasile Bacal — Google review
Disgusting! There is no sand, only mess.
Lucie Jetelinová — Google review
Small beach, half private with sunbeds 20 euros, half free. Beautiful caves, however the sea is not the cleanest, the toilette is few hundred meters walking. Theres a restaurant however you can not take the food away.
Sandor Magyari — Google review
Beautiful resort on the shores of Adriatic sea in Lecce. Perfect place to spend an afternoon swimming or floating casually on the blue-green waters of the lovely Adriatic sea. There are showers and a restaurant and you can get an umbrella and two beds for €25 for a full day during summers. Shower and changing room complimentary.
Cala Porta Vecchia is a public beach in the Old Town of Monopoli with various access points to reach either the sand or rocks. The beach is backed by 16th-century defence walls and a whitewashed town, giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also smaller beaches nearby that can be accessed through a few entryways. Visitors can find restaurants and bars in close proximity to the beach.
unfortunately in this period, as you can see from the photo, it has been invaded by poseidonia
it will be cleaned up with the next storm
it will return to its splendor ❤️❤️❤️
Alfredo Indiveri — Google review
The beach is beautiful, the sea is clean. The beach is clean in the morning, very dirty in the afternoon. Italians are a very loud people, so you won't have peace. There is no shade until 3-4 in the afternoon. Buy an umbrella. Towels will be dirty after 15 minutes. There are no cabins on the beach to change clothes. No wc. There are no outside showers to take a shower.
City beach, full of people, but beautiful 🥰
Tina — Google review
Large public beach in the Old Town of Monopoli. Many access points to get to the sand or the rocks if you prefer. Totally within walking distance of the Old Town.
Some smaller beaches a short walk from the main beach with a few access points.
Restaurants and bars close by, huge plus.
Jamie Wojciechowski — Google review
Amazing beach. Perfect water with a view to the old buildings.
Vasilena Gyulemetova — Google review
Today several people were stung by jellyfish so be careful. Water is not so clean and it is a bit crowded for such small city beach.
Nikola Arsic — Google review
Lovely little beach right by the old town. The water is clearest in the morning in summer and a swim here is the perfect way to start your day if staying nearby. Park up and be a rock lobster if you want to catch some rays later on. Old mate selling fruit by the stairs is an honest vendor so make sure you give him a visit. The lady around the corner selling T/A aperol spritzes is a legend.
Mark Whittaker — Google review
Water is perfect, view is perfect, a bit rocky but if you come early you can find your spot. Pure breath of fresh air, loved it.
Alexandru Dragan — Google review
Fly infested due to dead and rotting seaweed. Really bad infestation. Like a cloud hanging low over the rotted seaweed.
It is very close to main streets of Old Town. Some nice bars and restaurants within a few steps.
Difficult to enter water from the rocks but there is a very small stretch of sand where you can walk straight in. Gets to shoulder height quickly but there are no waves and easy to walk in/out.
Sandy stretch is only available at low tide and is exactly where the seaweed is piled up and left to rot. So simply not comfortable to walk past or sit there.
High tide washes seaweed back into the water
Car parking is available nearby less than 2 minutes walk away.
Nicer beaches are just a little further out and worth the walk.
bernadette mccluskey — Google review
We didn’t think it will be so warm so we didn’t have our bikinis for beach - the biggest failure ever! It looks amazing, dreamy sandy beach with walls above it. Magnificent!
Petra Labura — Google review
Cute beach but I prefer other ones
Borja Hughes — Google review
Beach located at city center doesn't have lengthy shore but quite lot of people throng this place because of it's close proximity. It's quite walking distance from Monopoli railway station Or bus stop near to it.
Apart from beach you have ports nearby, there is also a museum. There is no facility for shower etc. Water color is turquoise with almost less or dead waves.
The Purple Beach Lido is a stunning beach club situated on a secluded cove that offers guests the perfect place to relax and unwind. The venue boasts well-manicured lawns with comfortable sun loungers, and an impressive cocktail menu that will satisfy any thirsty patron. Additionally, outdoor concerts are regularly hosted at the Lido, providing an enjoyable atmosphere for all visitors. Furthermore, the bar is beautifully decorated and has great potential as a party destination for those seeking fun in the sun.
Nice beach bar, well decorated and seem to have a great potential for beach parties
Guy Wasserman — Google review
After phoning they say that it is possible to book only through the website or in person. Being that we are not really close, I opted for online booking, but once I enter the site, the notification arrives that the connection to their portal is not secure, rightly advising against entering sensitive data such as credit cards etc. ... sin update!
Tyler Durden — Google review
Bloody 2 mile walk and it's closed... says open!!!
amanda chapman — Google review
(Translated by Google) All "purple style". Very youthful and not suitable for families. Two environments between sand and lawn. Significant distance from the sea and with difficult access. You have to do small but annoying slaloms between the private beach and the free beach.
Great for presentations and Happy hour.
(Original)
Tutto "purple style". Molto giovanile e non adatto a famiglie. Due ambienti tra sabbia e prato. Distanza dal mare importante e con accesso non facile. Bisogna fare piccoli ma fastidiosi slalom tra spiaggia privata e spiaggia libera.
Ottimo per presentata and Happy hour.
Antonio Daddato — Google review
(Translated by Google) Handsome! We attended a live show and had a great time. The formula of the place based on the menu is excellent and the prices are very low. The property is beautiful and well maintained
(Original)
Bello! Abbiamo assistito ad un live e siamo stati benissimo. La formula del posto in base al menu è ottima ed i prezzi molto contenuti. La struttura è bella e ben tenuta
Luisa Boccardo — Google review
(Translated by Google) Nice beach but with terrible management. At the entrance no one warned us that the beach would be closed at 7pm and around 6.45pm a bald, plump gentleman arrived shouting that we had to leave because the lifeguards had to go to work the next day. We ate there, we weren't expecting anything and in fact I don't recommend eating there. But the funniest thing was when we asked for 4 crowns of salt and lemon, they delivered the beers with the salt sachets separately, something never seen even in the third world. The bottom line is, I don't recommend you pull up to this establishment at all.
(Original)
Lido carino ma con una gestione pessima. All'ingresso nessuno ci avvisa che alle ore 19 il lido sarebbe stato chiuso e verso le ore 18:45 arriva un signore calvo in carne gridando che dovevamo andare via perché i bagnini dovevano scendere a lavoro l'indomani. Abbiamo mangiato lì, non ci aspettavamo chissà cosa e infatti non vi consiglio di mangiare lì. Ma la cosa più buffa è stata quando abbiamo chiesto 4 corona sale e limone, ci consegnano le birre con le bustine di sale a parte, cose mai viste manco nel terzo mondo. Il succo di tutto questo, non vi consiglio affatto di accostare in questo stabilimento.
ado lam — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful cove and sea. More spacious beach than others in the area. The first rows of umbrellas are not close to the sea. Free showers. 40 euros for an umbrella and two sunbeds plus 3 parking spaces. Bar/restaurant nothing exceptional, with high prices.
(Original)
Cala e mare bellissimi. Lido più spazioso rispetto ad altri della zona. Le prime file di ombrelloni non sono vicine al mare. Docce gratuite. 40 euro per un ombrellone e due lettini più 3 di parcheggio. Bar/ristorante niente di eccezionale, con prezzi alti.
Zv76 Aiv — Google review
(Translated by Google) The place is beautiful, but the owner was going two an hour today.
A hamburger is 8.00 euros, I used to go to Mac Donald before, 8 euros for two crowns and maybe I can understand them, ok that I started later because of Covid but that's not the case.
Don't let in the mini bar, food or drinks, at least you don't raise the prices so much.
Dissatisfied.
(Original)
Il posto è bellissimo, ma il proprietario oggi andava a due all'ora.
Un hamburger 8.00 euro, facevo prima al Mac Donald, 8 euro due corona e forse li posso capire, ok che avere iniziato dopo per colpa del Covid ma cosi non va.
Non fate entrare, frigo bar, cibi, bevande almeno i prezzi non li alzate così tanto.
Insoddisfatto.