Port Guide | Italy | Dive Deep
Monopoli
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-02-28
Congratulations, you've just docked in Monopoli-no, not the board game, though negotiating the winding alleys of this southern Italian gem might feel like rolling dice in search of your hotel. Welcome to a city where charming chaos meets coastal chill, where each piazza has surely witnessed centuries of animated Italian debates-mostly about food. Slip immediately into your comfortable walking shoes (this is not the cobblestone debut for your Jimmy Choos), grab a shot of espresso strong enough to raise Julius Caesar himself, and set off into Old Town's labyrinthine network of narrow streets, each brimming with seafood aromas that would seduce even the most resistant pescatarian. While here, casually mention to locals how Monopoli bravely endured centuries of pirate attacks-partly because of its strategic location, but mostly (you suspect) due to those pirates' excellent taste in fresh anchovies. With 2-5 days ashore, spend your mornings soaking in history, afternoons savoring lazy lunches by the Adriatic, and evenings perfecting the subtle art of piazza loitering-you'll blend right in.
Italy has 7 Travel Advisories
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Notes from the Editor
Monopoli features beautiful coastline, historic architecture, and a charming old town with narrow streets and lively piazzas. Great for local seafood and traditional Italian cuisine.
Where do cruise ships dock in Monopoli?
Port Name Monopoli
Country Italy
Region Southern Italy
Ship Terminal Port of Monopoli
Port Type Dedicated Port
Accessibility The port is located approximately 1 km from the city center, easily accessible by foot or local transport services.
What's the weather like in Monopoli?
Best Season to Visit Spring and early summer (April to June)
Climate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Weather Notes April and May are ideal months as there are fewer tourists, and temperatures are comfortable for exploration. No severe weather patterns are typically noted during this time.
Temperature Range 60F to 75F (15C to 24C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 30F
Average Temp 62F
What do I need to know about Monopoli?
Language Italian
Currency Euro (€)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population about 50,000
Timezone Central European Time (CET)
How do I get around Monopoli?
Local buses, taxis, and walking paths are available for transport into the city and surrounding areas.
What are The Best Things to do in Monopoli?
Discover what you should do while you're in Monopoli.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Trabucco Fishing Experience
N/A
Learn traditional fishing methods on ancient fishing structures perched over the sea.
Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles
Olive Oil Tasting at Masseria Brancati
Contrada Brancati, Ostuni
Taste award-winning olive oils at an ancient farmhouse.
Distance from Terminal: 24 miles
Cozze Crude Experience
N/A
Try Monopoli's famous raw mussels paired with local wines.
Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles
Touring Vineyards of Terre di San Vito
Contrada Rascinuso, Polignano a Mare
Taste regional wines at this vineyard overlooking the Adriatic.
Distance from Terminal: 5.5 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Monopoli Historical Center Bike Tour
Via Porto 22, Monopoli
Explore the charming hidden streets of Monopoli on a guided bicycle tour.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Cala Porta Vecchia Beach
Via Porto, 32, 70043, Monopoli
Relax at this quaint city beach with crystal-clear waters beside ancient city walls.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Visit Polignano a Mare Cliff Diving Spot
N/A
Witness or try cliff diving at iconic cliffs in Polignano.
Distance from Terminal: 6.2 miles
Cycle the Itria Valley
N/A
Cycle through picturesque countryside dotted with trulli houses.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Attend the Festa della Madonna della Madia
N/A
Participate in this vibrant local festival with processions, fireworks, and maritime traditions.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Discover Museo della Cattedrale
Via Cattedrale, Monopoli
Explore local history exhibits beneath Monopoli's cathedral.
Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles
Visit Abbazia di San Vito
Abbazia di San Vito, Polignano a Mare
Explore this historic abbey located on the beautiful Adriatic coast.
Distance from Terminal: 6.8 miles
Overnight Trips
Ostuni White City Exploration
N/A
Take a day to explore this stunning hilltop whitewashed town.
Distance from Terminal: 22 miles
Alberobello Trulli Experience
Alberobello
Stay overnight in an authentic trullo residence, exclusive to Southern Italy.
Distance from Terminal: 14 miles
A Little Extra
Grotta Palazzese Unique Dining
Via Narciso, 59, Polignano a Mare
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime dinner in a limestone-cave-turned-restaurant overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Distance from Terminal: 6.5 miles
Taste Pasticciotti Leccesi
N/A
Sample this traditional rich cream-filled pastry known throughout Southern Italy.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Painting the Coastline Workshop
N/A
Participate in an outdoor painting class featuring stunning coastal landscapes.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Italy Regional Tip
Excessive quantities of alcohol or tobacco products. Limits set by Italian customs: typically 1 liter spirits, 200 cigarettes, or equivalent.