If you have time after arriving in Bari, take the train to the center of Bari and start exploring the city's highlights, such as the historic center of Bari Vecchia or the imposing Castello Normanno-Svevo.

Bari is a city of contrasts. Besides the lively harbor and modern avenues, you'll also find winding streets in the old town. However, if you arrive in the evening or are tired, head straight to your accommodation in Monopoli and leave exploring Bari for another day.

Welcome to Monopoli! This city wins over most visitors within the first few minutes. The white houses, fishing boats in the harbor, and the peaceful atmosphere of the old town create an ideal place for slow exploration. Head to the Centro Storico di Monopoli, which is one of the most beautiful in all of Apulia. A labyrinth of narrow streets awaits you, where every corner hides something new: small chapels, blooming balconies, or old stone portals. Take your time and deliberately get a little lost. That's usually how you stumble upon the most beautiful spots. The alleys will naturally lead you to the small fishing port of Porto Antico di Monopoli, where the daily life of local fishermen unfolds among the colorful boats. On the way, it's worth stopping at the baroque cathedral Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, which stands in the very heart of the old town.

The midday heat in Apulia can be intense in the summer, especially between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. During this time, many shops and restaurants close. It's therefore a good idea to have lunch earlier, ideally around noon. Small local businesses in the old town or near the harbor are an excellent choice. In the evening, Monopoli comes alive again. Take a stroll along the old city walls towards the fortress Castello Carlo V, which offers beautiful views of the sea. The most beautiful part of the evening often comes around sunset, when the harbor and stone houses turn warm shades. You can end the day with dinner at one of the restaurants by the harbor, ideally with fresh fish, orecchiette pasta, or a glass of local Apulian wine.

Today belongs to one of the most photogenic towns in Apulia - Polignano a Mare. It is located just a few minutes by train from Monopoli and, thanks to its dramatic cliffs over the sea, it is one of the most beautiful places in the entire region. Wonderful streets, breathtaking views and swimming on the beach await you.

After a day full of excursions, it's ideal to slow down and enjoy what makes Monopoli such a pleasant place to stay: beautiful little beaches, turquoise sea, and great local food. Go explore the smaller beaches in the bays, magical places surrounded by rocks. You will find several of them around Monopoli, and each has a slightly different atmosphere.

You will go to one of the most iconic places in Apulia. Alberobello is a town known for its fairytale trulli houses with conical roofs. The entire historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This trip will take you to Lecce, a city nicknamed the Florence of the South. It is famous for its rich Baroque architecture made of local light-colored stone.

The train journey from Monopoli to Bari takes an hour and a half along the coast. If you have time before your flight, I recommend visiting Bari. Getting from Bari Centrale to the airport by train is then straightforward. You can buy your ticket online. Enter Bari Centrale as the departure station and Aeroporto Karol Wojtyla as the destination. You can also buy the ticket on the spot.