Monopoli, Puglia

Monopoli is a large and busy fishing port located by the Adriatic sea. The town has a small historic centre, a recently restored castle and a lovely port. The town hides above defence walls in its dense labyrinth of houses, churches, monasteries and crypts spread around the port and the beautiful baroque cathedral, guarded by the stunning seafront Castle of Charles V. There are sandy beaches along the coastline surrounding Monopoli, making it perfect summer day out with a town visit in the morning followed by lunch and an afternoon on the beach. Monopoli is approximately 45 km south of Bari.