Monopoli, perched on Puglia’s Adriatic coast between Bari and Brindisi, blends medieval charm with sparkling sea views and a lively promenade. If you’re hunting for the perfect hotel, this town delivers: think sleek design stays overlooking the waterfront, boutique B&Bs tucked into centuries-old villas, and family-friendly boltholes near sandy coves. For romance and luxury, the historic centre is unbeatable, while countryside masserie conversions offer rustic-chic escapes just minutes from town.

Monopoli is the kind of seaside town that makes an Italian holiday feel timeless. You can watch fishermen unload their catch at the harbour before it shows up on your plate, stroll for gelato along the waterfront, or duck into the striking 17th-century cathedral. Days are easily filled with boat trips to the nearby sea caves, lazy hours on the beach, or evenings that stretch into cocktails and live jazz at the Lido. It’s also a haven for food lovers, especially those who like their seafood served with a sea view.

The Best Places to Stay in Monopoli

For a Beach Break

• Il Melograno, Puglia’s first masseria-turned-luxury hotel, is a 16th-century farmhouse with Moorish courtyards, sunny terraces, pools, and tennis. Still family-run after 20+ years, it offers floral-tiled rooms with fireplaces, an excellent spa, and a chic private beach club.

For Romantics

• Don Ferrante is a former seaside fort, gazing over the Adriatic from terraces and a rooftop plunge pool. With just ten rooms featuring vaulted ceilings, stonework, and modern luxuries, it’s an intimate, atmospheric stay—seriously romantic and utterly unique.

Best B&Bs

• Bellavista B&B occupies a 14th-century seafront building, its suites blending white stone walls, creamy furnishings, and vaulted ceilings. Each has a marble bathroom and private spa pool. With breakfast on the sunny terrace, it’s a peaceful, romantic escape with sweeping 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?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Puglia
• Include some of the best places to stay in nearby Nardò, Galatina, Bari or Lecce
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for and consider the the best beach hotels in Puglia, the most romantic hotels in Puglia or the best hotels in Puglia with a private beach
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.