View of Monopoli harbor with fishing boats, Apulia, Italy. photo via Depositphotos
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Top 15 Things to do in Monopoli, Italy

What are the top tourist spots in Monopoli?

Bucket List: Best Activities and Amazing Places in Monopoli, Italy

Monopoli remains historical and functional for tourists and citizens of Italy. Just like a painting, Monopoli is a beautiful port town whose prime feature is its medieval churches and castles jutting above the Adriatic, along with the whitewashed harbor walls you’ll have to gawk at upon entry.

Take a trip to Centro Storico di Monopoli

Porto di Monopoli by Nzakmok via Wikipedia CC
Porto di Monopoli By User: Nzakmok at wikivoyage shared, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

As a whitewashed town, walking around the Old Town would make you feel like you’re sucked into a painting.

You’ll be able to see the seafront while walking around and reach the light-colored walls as you move in deeper. One of the best things to do in Monopoli is to just aimlessly walk around the old town and discover interesting spots in the area.

Check Out Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia

Basilica Cattedrale in Monopoli by Monopoli91 via Wikipedia CC
Basilica Cattedrale in Monopoli Di Monopoli91 di Wikipedia in italiano, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

This jaw-dropping Romanesque church is dedicated to the Madonna Della Maria, the Virgin Mary. It has a history of wonders and miracles from supposedly being halted in its construction until a raft carried an icon of the Virgin Mary into the beach’s harbor. You’ll drop to your knees the moment you see its interior.

Be inspired by Castello di Lecce

Castle of Charles V by Velvet via Wikipedia CC
Castle of Charles V By Velvet – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

This castle has traveled down history since 1539 and was used as a theatre and a military district. At present, lies here is the Cultural Affairs. You can get a lot of inspiration from taking a look at their culture. Get charmed by the interior and delicate ornaments plastered upon the humungous rooms.

There’s a fascinating legend of a family that once owned this castle and kept a white bear, which led to this castle’s sacred powers. Who knows, you might see its spirit if you visit the fortress.

Listen to the Fishermen’s Tales on Porto Antico di Monopoli

View of Monopoli harbor with fishing boats, Apulia, Italy. photo via Depositphotos
View of Monopoli harbor with fishing boats, Apulia, Italy. photo via Depositphotos

Despite its oldness, this port is a picturesque art where you can see fishermen unloading their daily catch. Just look at the vibrant blue hue of the water and listen to the tales of the fishermen. There are also light shows during events at night, reflecting on the white walls of the town.

Look into a piece of history by Going to Museo e Sito Archeologico Cripta Romanica.

Cripta e museo di Sant'Anastasio by Incola via Wikipedia CC
Cripta e museo di Sant’Anastasio Di Incola – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

This is an archeological place that’s just amazing, and you can touch on history from 4,500 years ago. You’ll be able to see the different ages of the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods in just one place. Ancient tombs won’t just be in your textbooks, but you can see them in person.

Take a Splash on Sabbiadoro Beach

 Lignano Sabbiadoro Lighthouse photo via Depositphotos
Lignano Sabbiadoro Lighthouse photo via Depositphotos

This beach will give you a sight of the beauty that extends to Bari’s south-eastern coastline, the Capitolo. If you want to take a chill, this is perfect during summer.

Step into the Waters of Porto Ghiacciolo Beach

Porto Giardino - CDSHotels, Monopoli, Italy
Porto Giardino – CDSHotels, Monopoli, Italy

Take a photo of the sun reflecting off the water, magnificent architecture to amaze you, along with wonderful happy music played at the whole port. You’ll feel like you’re part of a festival and you can celebrate with good food while relaxing on the sand.

Enoy an Opera at Teatro Petruzzelli

Teatro Petruzzelli by Vob85 via Wikipedia CC
Teatro Petruzzelli By Vob85 at Italian Wikipedia – Transferred from it.wikipedia to Commons by Fale using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, CC

Take a listen to an opera performance at the marvelous Teatro Petruzzelli, the fourth opera house in Italy. You can pick from various performances on schedule.

Make sure to sit comfortably on your chair before the curtain of this marvelous performance opens. You don’t want to miss a thing.

Have a Sip of Wine in La Bottega del Vino Wine Shop

Sip different wines in this shop if you want to try their local beers that offer high-quality value. You can have a taste of their famous craft beers and wines, which you can buy at a low price per liter.

All you have to do is bring your bottle. You can also target your visit when they offer tastings on select evenings.

Take a Picture in Faro Monopoli

Faro Monopoli by Carlo Pelagalli via Wikipedia CC
Faro Monopoli By Carlo Pelagalli, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

Visit this stunning lighthouse situated in the perfect spot along the seaside. You will see the waters’ natural beauty when you tread this place, especially during sunset.

It’s going to be you in a picture along with the beautiful sky painted in the shades of yellow and orange. It will surely calm and soothe your mind.

Taste the Authentic Food in Panificio Fortunato

Panificio Fortunato photo via FB Page
Panificio Fortunato photo via FB Page

Panificio Fortunato is a recommended authentic restaurant in Monopoli, Italy, famous for Focaccia Barese, mashed potatoes with a very tender texture, and a subtle and delicious taste.

Get a Taste of Authentic Premium Pasta in Primo Pasta Bar.

Primo Pasta Bar photo via Fb page
Primo Pasta Bar photo via Fb page

Primo Pasta Bar is the ideal place for all pasta lovers. Every day at Primo, you can taste different pasta dishes prepared with homemade Apulian pasta.

They offer Meditteranean recipes cooked directly in front of you to offer everyone a refreshing and genuine break.

Get more Sunshine at Porto Marzano beach.

Porto Marzano Beach Bar photo via FB Page
Porto Marzano Beach Bar photo via FB Page

You’ll have a nice view of the Adriatic sea with this “Holiday House” just meters away from other beaches and hotels for comfortable accommodation and fun.

The crystal blue water and the surrounding greens would make your vacation refreshing.

Take a Look at Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio

If you think it’s just another church, you’re not going to get bored. In front of the door of this landmark, there are bodies of priests in a glass box side by side.

They’ve been there for centuries, along with all their clothes and accessories still intact and preserved. It’s a rare find!

Shop at Scopri Monopoli

Scopri Monopoli photo via Fb Page
Scopri Monopoli photo via Fb Page

Shopping is a must in touring places. The best place for local products and stylish souvenirs when you want to shop is located ad Scopri Monopoli.

Around them is a good selection of bike rentals so you can navigate better. Be sure to stop by!

Monopoli Travel and Tour Packages

Best Things to do in Monopoli, Italy
Best Things to do in Monopoli, Italy

To help you plan out your vacation to Monopoli, we listed places to visit and other amazing activities in Monopoli, Italy. We also listed some of the best travel deals and tour packages and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Monopoli hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Monopoli, Italy? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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