Monopoli, Italy: How Is It Offering The Ultimate Santorini Feel With A Quieter Ambiance? 

Jun 23, 2025

Last Updated on: Aug 25, 2025

Italy

Italy, like many other European countries, is fighting overtourism with increased taxes, visa rejections, and squirt guns.  

While Rome, Florence, and Venice continue to battle with this problem, off-beat locations such as Monopoli, Italy, can be a boost to Italian tourism, which contributed a whopping €223.1 billion to the economy of the country.  

Furthermore, thanks to the latest online buzz, Monopoli, Italy, or the #HEARTHOFPUGLIA, is now emerging as the “New Santorini.” With a much calmer vibe, of course! 

Also, along the Adriatic City, this Southern Italian city is a wonderful blend of natural beauty, culture, and history.  

In addition, this quaint borough of fishermen boasts noble palaces that will take you back to the 18th century.  

Moreover, it offers the ultimate Italian experience with relaxation.  

So, are you ready for a trip to this beautiful coastal town? This Tour and Travel Guide has everything you need to know.

Where Is Monopoli, Italy?

Where Is Monopoli, Italy_

Monopoli is in the Bari Province of the Puglia region in Italy. Also, it is on the Adriatic Sea, and it has the most beautiful coastal landscape with a pleasant Mediterranean climate.  

Furthermore, Monopoli is well connected to all the nearby cities through boats, trains, buses, and cars.  

Also, you can use Monopoli as the base for exploring nearby attractions such as Ostuni, Alberobello, and Matera.  

What Is The Best Time To Visit Monopoli, Italy? 

May, June, and September are the best months for a visit to Monopoli, Italy. These months bless you with pleasant weather conditions. Also, these months are ideal for bypassing the extreme crowd in July and August, which are the peak months.  

So, do you want to know about the weather conditions of Monopoli in detail? Have a look at the table below.  

Months Highest Temperature Lowest Temperature 
January 13 
February 14 
March 16 
April 20 10 
May 25 13 
June 31 19 
July  34 20 
August 33 20 
September 28 16 
October 23 14 
November 18 10 
December 15 

How Did Monopoli, Italy, Get Its Name? A Glimpse Of The History

How Did Monopoli, Italy, Get Its Name_ A Glimpse Of The History

Monopoli’s Greek connection is not limited to being dubbed as the new Santorini. It has got its name from Monos Polos, which in Greek meant a single harbor.  

Further, inhabited for thousands of years now, Monopoli, Italy, has a history dating back to the Roman and Greek periods. Also, it always has been strategically important as a port town since antiquity.  

However, the Romans called this town “Apulia,” and it grew as a critical trading post thanks to its closeness to the Mediterranean Sea.  

Also, being a port city and a part of Southern Italy, Monopoli had an encounter with various cultures, such as: 

  • Byzantines 
  • Normans 
  • Spanish 

So, each civilization left a deep mark on the city and contributed to developing its cultural and architectural richness.  

Even in the Middle Ages, especially, Monopoli, Italy, was a part of the Kingdom of Sicily. Also, many noble families used to govern the town, and they built many places, churches, and buildings.  

Again, the remnants of these architectural marvels are one of the best things to see in Monopoli, Italy.  

Moreover, as you take a walk along the narrow cobbled street of the Old Town of Monopoli, the ancient stone buildings stand as a telltale of the town’s past.  

Exploring the history of the town brings us to the best things to explore in Monopoli, Italy. Let’s take you on a tour of the Old Town and beaches. Also, it’s a delight to share the vibrant gastronomic and cultural scene of the town with you.  

Monopoli, Italy: Why We Love It And How It Has Become The New Santorini 

The beautiful beaches and the unique charm of the Old Town make the place exude the quintessential Santorini charm. 

1. Take A Walk Around The Old Town: Time For Some Time Travel

Take A Walk Around The Old Town_ Time For Some Time Travel
  • Beautiful squares! 
  • Ancient stone buildings! 
  • Charming and cobbled maze of alleys!  

These are the elements that make up the historical center of Monopoli, Italy. You must especially visit the “Centro Storico,” or the Old Town, as it is one of the most well-preserved historic towns in Puglia.  

Also, as you take a walk through the alleys, you will meet many churches, fortifications, plazas, and other iconic landmarks of the city. Let’s discuss briefly about them! 

Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Della Madia (Cathedral Of Santa Maria Della Madia) 

Do you want to know about the most beautiful Romanesque architecture of Monopoli? You must visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Madia (Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia).  

This 12th-century church is an enviable hub of religious art collection and artwork of the local artists.  

Furthermore, the elegant interior of the church complements the grand facade, and the frescos and altars will win over you.  

Castello Carlo V: A Spanish Defense Against Invaders  

Castello Carlo V dates back to the 16th-century. This fortress defended the city and its people from the invaders and pirates.  

Further, this Spanish fortress houses a museum that shows you the rich military history of the town. Also, the monumental towers and big walls of the fort show why it was strategically important during the Renaissance.  

Chiesa Di San Salvatore: A Modest Yet Beautiful Church 

Chiesa Di San Salvatore, a small church in the Monopoli Old Town, goes back to the 15th century.  

Further, the Old Town has many such beautiful churches that add to the historical significance and charm of Monopoli.  

2. Beaches And Natural Beauty: Making Monopoli The Ultimate Coastal Gateaway In Italy

Beaches And Natural Beauty_ Making Monopoli The Ultimate Coastal Gateaway In Italy

Soft sandy shores along the Adriatic Coast and turquoise water make Monopoli the ideal beach destination in Italy.  

Furthermore, the beaches here are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or indulging in the serenity of the surroundings.  

Have a look at the table below to learn about the best beaches here. 

Best Beaches In Monopoli Why We Love Them 
Lido Santo Stefano A fusion of private and public beach areas Beach bars and restaurants  
Cala Porta Vecchia Close to the Town Center Crystal clear waters Surrounded by dramatic cliffs Crystal clear water The ideal condition for swimming 
Spiaggia di Cala Paradiso A hidden gem Peaceful ambiance Natural beauty of the Adriatic Coast 

Moreover, the Monopoli coastline has many natural caves which you can explore by boat. For example, The Grotte di Monopoli is a series of cliff caves.  

These caves are ideal for knowing about the local geological history.

3. Take A Taste of Puglia At Monopoli, Italy

Take A Taste of Puglia At Monopoli, Italy

If you want to taste the quintessential taste of the Puglia region, you have to be in Monopoli. Traditional dishes of the Puglia region are full of flavors, and also they are made with local and fresh ingredients.  

Furthermore, you will see the abundant use of seafood, freshly baked bread, tomatoes, and olive oil.  

Do you love seafood? You have to be in Monopoli, Italy, to try shellfish and fresh fish. Also, don’t forget to try frittura di pesce, a friend’s seafood platter here with squid, anchovies, and shrimp.  

The light batter and the zing of the lemon do the magic here.  

Another signature element in the local dishes here is a variety of olive oils. You will find the use of the finest extra virgin olive oils and even fresh olives from the famous farms of Puglia.  

Are you a wine connoisseur? You will love Negroamaro and Primitivo, two famous red wine varieties in Monopoli, Italy.

4. Soak In The Cultural Vibe Of Monopoli: Cultural Tourism In Monopoli

Take A Taste of Puglia At Monopoli, Italy

You were wrong if you thought that Monopoli is just about seafood and beaches. This beach town houses various festivals throughout the year, and the Feast of Santa Maria della Madia is probably the most popular among them.  

This festival in December celebrates the patron saint of the town, and is celebrated with great pomp with processions, grand fireworks, and mass.

Furthermore, Monopoli has many open-air theaters and plazas where various performances and concerts are held during the summer season.  

So, enjoy food, history, beach, and culture at Monopoli, Italy.  

However, do you want to explore more of Monopoli? Then, visit the Byzantine churches and structures in the Old Town and plan a trip to the countryside.  

Furthermore, the Monopoli countryside has Trullis or stone made cylindrical houses with a conical roof.  

Moreover, the rural community in the countryside is very lively, making your time in the coastal town unforgettable.  

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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An Unforgettable Journey From Milan To Lake Como: How To Travel The Distance?  

BY  Sibashree Jun 26, 2025

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READ MORE Vacationing in Florence

Vacationing in Florence: A Brief Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz May 15, 2021

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READ MORE countries near Italy

What Are The Countries Near Italy? Know The Italian Neighbors And Why They Need To Be On Your Bucket List

BY  Sibashree Aug 18, 2025

The best pasta! Ruins that tell century-old stories! Winding cobble streets that exude the perfect dark academia vibe! The most luxurious villas and accommodations! And sprezzatura, or the quintessential Italian sophistication! All these things and more await you in Italy, and Italy never ceases to amaze you, as Mary Shelley said, “The Name of Italy has magic in its very syllables.”  So, it is no wonder that tourism in Italy is still going strong in 2025, and going by the predictions and data of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Italy is all set to host WTTC’s 25th Global Summit from 28th-30th September, 2025, and break all tourism records.  WTTC is confident that: Tourism in Italy will contribute € 237.4 billion to the Italian economy in 2025. 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UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Switzerland Aletsch Glacier Convent of St. John Müstair Bellinzona Bern Jungfrau, etc.  3. Austria: The Land Of History, Culture And Alpine Scenery Austria is one of the most peaceful countries in the world. It has Vienna and Salzburg and many other world-class cities, and at the same time, it is the homeland of Strauss and Mozart.  It is also the birthplace of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Even today, Austria remains one of the cultural hotspots of Europe, thanks to its distinct coffee culture and the Salzburg Festival.  Furthermore, the Baroque and Romanesque architectural marvels of Austria add a unique visual appeal. Once again being dominated by the Alps, Austria is a favorite destination for winter sports.  Why Visit Austria? Along with the tourism attractions and the cultural extravaganza, Austria impresses us with its quality of life. The signature Austrian cleanliness, a well-developed and reasonable public transportation system, a strong legal system, and a low crime rate make Austria a safe tourist destination, even for solo female travelers.  Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In Austria Visit Vienna’s grand Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy a classical concert. Explore the storybook town of Hallstatt. Ski in the Tyrol region. Hike through the Austrian Alps in summer. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Austria Welterbe Semmeringbahn (Info-Zentrum) Vienna Wachau Salzburg Schönbrunn Palace Graz, etc.  4. Slovenia: A Country With A Green Capital Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Further, it has iconic historical landmarks such as Ljubljana Castle.  Furthermore, Slovenia has Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia and one of the most popular tourist destinations.  Also, Slovenia promotes an active tourism culture with activities such as cycling, water sports, and hiking.  Why Visit Slovenia? Austrian cleanliness Croatian coastal vibes Italian warmth  Slovenia offers you all of these. Furthermore, Slovenia celebrates sustainable travel practices. The country has a national Green Scheme, and it is using technology to a great extent to make the travel scenario more eco-friendly and inclusive.  For example, the National Intelligence System for Tourism follows a data-driven approach to manage tourist inflow, avoid overtourism, and minimize the impact on the environment.  Furthermore, to balance visitor demands and environmental benefits, the hospitality sector in Austria follows eco-friendly practices. So, it is no wonder that Slovenia, one of the closest countries near Italy, is called the Green Country.  Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In Slovenia  Row across the emerald waters of Lake Bled and visit its fairytale island church. Wander around Ljubljana, one of Europe’s greenest capitals. Explore the Postojna or Škocjan caves — massive underground wonders. UNESCO World Heritage Site In Slovenia Škocjan Caves Heritage of Mercury Plitvice Lakes National Park The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design 5. Croatia – The Land Of Game of Thrones “The most amazing set where I've shot 'Game of Thrones' is definitely Croatia, in Dubrovnik. It's such a stunning country with lots of good watersports there as well. Just a beautiful, beautiful place.” - Natalie Dormer All GOT fans! Can we not agree with what Margaery Tyrell has to say?  Croatia is perfect not only for those seeking the Sun but also for those interested in history.  It’s where Roman ruins meet Game of Thrones locations and beach days flow easily into lively nights. Why Visit Croatia? Croatia may not make headlines for exceptional tourism booms this year. However, as a Balkan paradise, Croatia, one of the countries near Italy, stands strong with its smart adjustments in seasonal offerings.  Dubrovnik, especially, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a favorite cruising destination thanks to its medieval structures and city walls.  It is trying to avoid the curse of overtourism with a sustainable approach and by promoting active tourism with outdoor activities such as hiking, ATV adventures, and cycling.  Moreover, Dubrovnik does not allow more than 4000 tourists on cruise ships. So, you must visit Croatia to see the fusion of Adriatic charm and sustainable tourism practices.  Tour And Travel Bucket List Moments In Croatia Sail around the Dalmatian coast, stopping at islands like Hvar and Vis. Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its cascading waterfalls and scenic trails. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Croatia Diocletian's Palace Saint James’ Cathedral Euphrasian Basilica Trogir, etc.  6. San Marino: The Oldest Republic In The World San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics. Nestled entirely within Italy, tourists often skip this microstate, but it’s absolutely worth the detour. Why Visit San Marino? Besides bragging rights ("I visited a whole other country inside Italy!"), San Marino has medieval towers, and views from the mountaintops are stunning, with a pretty, unexpectedly vibrant cultural scene. Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In San Marino Climb to the top of the Guaita Tower for panoramic views. Stroll the cobbled streets and explore the State Museum. Time your visit with one of the many medieval festivals. UNESCO World Heritage Sites In San Marino The San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Marino.  7. Vatican City: The Home Of The Pope The Vatican is a country in its own right. While most people associate it with religion, the Vatican is also a cultural treasure chest. Why Visit Vatican City? Whether you’re spiritual or not, the Vatican holds some of the world’s most important art and architecture. And it’s an easy stop during any trip to Rome. Tour And Travel Blog Bucket List Moments In The Vatican City Marvel at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums for a deeper dive into history. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Countries Near Italy Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the countries near Italy.  1. Which Countries Near Italy Are The Most Beautiful? All the countries near Italy are beautiful. However, Switzerland is the most beautiful if you solely consider the scenic beauty, thanks to the Alpine grandeur. Furthermore, the Adriatic beauty, Croatia, has the most amazing coastline, and Slovenia looks serene with its lakes. 2. Which Countries Near Italy Have The Most Tourists? France, of course, is the Italian neighbor with the largest number of tourists. It is the most visited country in the world, and in 2024, it welcomed 1.4 billion international tourists. Croatia is another country that has a handsome tourist inflow, with the number of visitors reaching 21.3 million in 2024, according to Xinhua.  3. What Are The Most Peaceful And Less Crowded Coutries Near Italy? Austria and Slovenia are the most peaceful and least crowded countries near Italy. Despite a handsome tourist flow, the sustainable and technology-driven approach of these countries in tourism management helps them offer the most peaceful experience. San Marino is also quite peaceful, provided you avoid the peak seasons and plan a trip in the autumn or spring seasons.