Photo of Monopoli

About Monopoli

Monopoli is on a beautiful stretch of Puglian Adriatic coast, between Bari and Brindisi. The stunning white stone castle, built in the 16th century, is probably the town's most impressive piece of real estate, that and the fortified stone walls. Though our Gurus like the promenade with its white houses too, and the Neapolitan Palazzo of Palmieri with its art collection. When it comes to the best places to stay in Monopoli, we have discovered an ancient fort conversion, a charming B&B converted from a 14th century villa, and the first masseria conversion in Puglia.

Monopoli’s quintessential Italian seaside holiday charms run from watching fisherman bring their catch into the harbour and market, to sampling gelato with a sea view, visiting the local cathedral — very impressive, built in the 17th century — enjoying boat trip out to the local sea caves or cocktails and jazz at the Lido, and the beach! 

The best places to stay in Monopoli are also popular with foodies, who come here to relax and enjoy the seafood with a view. However don't forget that this is a very popular destination in the peak summer months. If you want to guarantee a room, book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Monopoli

For a Beach Break

  • Il Melograno is a piece of history: this was the first of Puglia’s masseria to be converted into a luxury hotel, and 20+ years later it’s still being successfully run by the same family. The farmhouse building dates from the 16th century, with Moorish out-buildings and flower-filled courtyards, sunny terraces, indoor and outdoor pools, and a tennis court. The charming rooms are decorated in florals, with traditional tiled floors and open fireplaces. There’s also an excellent spa, and a private beach club.

For Romantics

  • Don Ferrante is a beautifully converted ancient fort, overlooking the Adriatic from its many terraces and rooftop plunge pool. It has just ten rooms and suites, in which the original vaulted ceilings and stonework have been retained, but all the contemporary comforts you could wish for have been added. Seriously romantic too.

Best B&Bs

  • The Bellavista B&B is a gorgeous collection of suites within a 14th century building overlooking the sea. This is a romantic choice, with soft lighting, creamy furnishings to match the white stone walls, and romantic, vaulted ceilings. Each suite has an impressive marble bathroom, and a private spa pool! Breakfast is served on the sunny terrace. Romantic and peaceful, with ocean views.

For a private apartment or villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Monopoli’s closest international airport is Bari Airport, just along the coastline to the north, about 45 minutes away by car or taxi, or an hour and half by train. Brindisi Airport is the next closest, just a tiny bit further away along the coastline to the south. 
  • If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Monopoli’s Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters means there’s not really a bad time to visit, weather wise, though, of course, the ocean-side location means summer is the most popular time to visit. However, if you’re not restricted about when you travel you may want to consider September and October, because the water is still warm, the sun still shining, and there are far few visitors around. Spring in Puglia is ideal if you want to explore the region’s inland charms too.

Still not sure which to book?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Monopoli

Best Hotels in Monopoli

  • Bellavista B&B Monopoli from AU$212

    Romantic Break  -  Original stone wall suites, with private hot tubs overlook the Adriatic Sea
    Swimming Pool  -  Situated on the seaview terrace you'll find a small infinity hydromassage pool with stunning views
    Great walks  -  Walk along the coast to Polignano a Mare
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolNo pets

    Gorgeous suites within 14th century building overlooking the sea. Creamy stone walls are complimented by white furnishings in the guestrooms, with marble bathrooms sinks and soft lighting. Each suite has a private spa pool, and breakfast is served on the sunny terrace. Romantic and peaceful. See More

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  • Il Melograno Monopoli 38 rooms from AU$293

    Beach Life  -  This chic hotel offers access to their own private beach with white sands and blue waters and a seafood restaurant and bar.
    Spa breaks  -  Refresh and revive with the spa's extensive therapy list, sauna, frigidarium, turkish bath and hammam.
    Tennis  -  Enjoy the hotels two floodlit tennis courts and catch a game when the sun cools off.
    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to the UNESCO-protected Trulli of Alberobello.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    A five star family-run hotel with a delightful down-to-earth atmosphere. Renovated 16th century farmhouse with sprawling Moorish outbuildings and flower-filled courtyards, terraces, big pool and tennis courts. Charming rooms in florals, tiled floors and fireplaces. Excellent spa and beach club too. See More

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  • Don Ferrante Monopoli 10 rooms from AU$456

    Sights nearby  -  You're right in the centre of historic Monopoli, but most of Puglia's attractions can be easily reached by car
    Restaurant  -  Serving Puglian specialities, Locanda Don Ferrante is an outdoor restaurant overlooking the sea.
    Views  -  Stunning views over the Adriatic Sea
    Swimming Pool  -  Small outdoor pool
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A seriously stylish conversion of an ancient fort overlooking the Adriatic. Individually designed rooms have travertine vaulted ceilings, and elegant furnishings. There's a little rooftop plunge pool for cooling off & a myriad of terraces for sitting and soaking up the stunning views. Total bliss! See More

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