Weekend in Monopoli

The main square, lined with palm trees and cafés, centred on a statue of the king. A good spot to people-watch and rest after walking the old town. Free to visit at any time.

Tip: Avoid the café tables that front the square (expensive). Instead, buy a takeaway coffee from a bar on the side streets near Via Giuseppe Garibaldi for a fraction of the price and sit on one of the stone benches.

A small sandy cove just south of the old port, with clear water and a few concrete platforms for sunbathing. Free public access; bring your own towel. Rocky edges are good for snor

Tip: Arrive before 9am to claim a spot on the sand or a flat rock. The water gets busy by 11am with local families. No public toilets nearby, so use a café before heading down.

A small art and archaeology museum housed in a restored 18th-century palazzo, featuring local ceramics, paintings, and Roman-era finds. Free entry (donation suggested).

Tip: Check the museum's Facebook page a day before, as hours are sometimes irregular. If closed, walk around the courtyard — it's also free and has a lovely well and lemon trees.

Wander the narrow, whitewashed alleyways of the historic centre, with its Baroque churches, fishing port, and limestone buildings. No entry fee, and the maze of streets changes character at every turn

Tip: Go early morning (around 7–8am) to see fishermen selling their catch directly off boats by the harbour. The light is also best for photos then, before crowds arrive.

A 16th-century seaside fortress built by Charles V, with thick walls, a moat, and views over the Adriatic. The exterior is free to see and photograph; inside is a small museum with a modest fee (aroun

Tip: Skip the paid interior unless you're keen on local history. Instead, walk around the base at sunset to watch the light hit the stonework from the promenade. The ticket office sometimes closes early in low season.