











Monopoli lies on the coast of Apulia, that long heel of the Italian boot that most tourists pass by on their way elsewhere. But those who stop will be glad they did. The city has an old Baroque center with a cathedral and fishing harbor, a Renaissance castle right by the sea, and streets so narrow that you're more likely to meet a cat than a car. Ten minutes by car away are beaches with turquoise water. Monopoli works great with children. Ice cream is not an add-on to the program here, it is a way of life. Gelato in the morning, gelato after lunch, gelato in the evening during a slow evening stroll along the waterfront, when the whole city comes out and doesn't rush anywhere. Children will enjoy themselves here and parents will finally relax.
This itinerary takes you through five days in southern Italy. One day you will spend among the fairytale houses with conical roofs in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another takes you to the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, where the town literally hangs over the sea. And one day we recommend doing absolutely nothing, just lying on the beach at Lido Bambù, ordering a cocktail to your sunbed, and letting time pass more slowly than you are used to. Monopoli is a great destination all year round. Thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, there are mild winters and long sunny days. While summer attracts to beaches and swimming, spring and autumn are also very pleasant times to visit, when temperatures are ideal for exploring the city, trips along the coast and swimming in the sea. In addition, the city comes alive throughout the year with a number of traditional festivals, markets and cultural events that can nicely spice up your stay and offer a more authentic view of local life in Apulia.
This is your vacation that you will remember. And you'll probably come back here.
Upon arrival in Bari, conveniently pick up your rental car at the airport (according to the instructions you will receive before departure), and then you can decide (depending on the time and mood) how to approach the day. Bari is a city of contrasts. It offers a lively harbor, modern avenues, and the winding streets of the old town. If you have time for a short stop, take a walk through the historic center of Bari Vecchia. Children will enjoy the narrow streets and local bustle, while adults will appreciate the atmosphere and the first espresso on Italian soil. The massive Castello Normanno-Svevo, which has guarded the city since the Middle Ages, is worth seeing. A pleasant conclusion can be a walk along the elegant Via Sparano da Bari.
However, if you land later or want to save the exploration for later days, head straight to Monopoli (approx. 50-minute drive). Check in and enjoy a peaceful evening. A short walk to the sea can spice it up.

Pay attention to parking - entry to the centro storico is prohibited in Monopoli. You can park without problems in the Cala Curatori parking lot, about a 10-minute walk from the city center.



Welcome to Monopoli! This city will capture your heart from the very first step. This morning belongs to the historical center. Put on comfortable shoes and head into the alleys, where children become little explorers. The Centro Storico is a labyrinth of narrow streets, where every corner brings surprises: hidden chapels, flowering balconies, and local nonnas hanging out laundry. Let yourself get a little lost on purpose. The reward can be delicious ice cream.
Tip: The midday heat (13:00–16:00) is an ideal time for a short rest. Most shops and local restaurants close. Be careful to secure lunch. In the evening, the city wakes up again and the waterfront and businesses come to life.

The cathedral is the heart of the city and the first stop. The magnificent Baroque cathedral houses a golden interior that amazes even the smallest visitors.

The old fishing port with colorful boats is the most photogenic place in Monopoli. A great time for a snack on a bench by the sea. You will be charmed by the Porta dell'Antico Porto, a medieval gate from the 15th century, through which people entered the fortified city from the sea for centuries.
Tip: Try to task the children with finding carved ornaments in the stone above the arch.

A small shop in the center where you can get snacks, including fresh ham or excellent mozzarella. Cookies or breadsticks for a snack.
A Renaissance fortress right on the cliffs above the sea, built in the 16th century to defend against Turkish raids. A walk around the walls with a view of the Adriatic is free and absolutely enchanting on a beautiful day.

A city beach near the historical center with an impressive view. It can be a place for a quick refreshment while exploring the city or a place to spend a few hours with children.

One of the best ice cream shops in Monopoli, located in a bustling little square where there is often an evening program for locals and tourists.

Monopoli hides several places where you can eat great without a reservation and a long wait. Look for bakeries and small pizzerias with takeaway service over the counter. Locals call them pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or pizza fritta (fried pizza). Piiza Store near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is one of them. Excellent dough, a wide selection of types, including pizza assembled exactly to your taste. In addition, panzerotti filled with tomato and mozzarella, crispy pucce or panini. Everything is made to order and ideal to eat on the go.



Alberobello is not a place to be missed. This small Apulian town looks like it was invented by a storyteller. Thousands of white houses with cone-shaped roofs, called trulli, huddle along narrow streets, and their silhouette is unlike anything else in the world. That's why they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Head out in the morning while other tourists are still asleep.
Rione Monti is the most famous district of Alberobello. Hundreds of trulli line the steep streets, each little house with a different symbol carved on the top of the roof.
Tip: Let the children guess what the symbols mean. Locals believe they protect against evil spirits.

If you have any energy left after the trip, an evening walk through the historic center and dinner on a terrace overlooking Piazza Palmieri might be a pleasant idea. One of the most elegant gardens in Monopoli is offered by Ristorante Piazza Palmieri. Fresh seafood, excellent pasta, and local wines. Alternatively, if the kids are craving pizza, Trattoria Re Umberto - Panzerotteria Pizzeria is right next door.
Tip: I recommend making a reservation.



If you drive south from Monopoli towards Capitolo, you'll discover several beautiful sandy beaches and beach clubs. In this area, the beaches are wide and sandy with a gentle entry into the water, which is safer for children than rocky coves. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can park directly at the beach club.
At Lido Bambù, you can reserve a spot on the beach, usually an umbrella and two sun loungers. A great advantage of the beach club is the comfort and amenities, which also include the possibility of renting beach equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers). For lunch, you can have light Mediterranean meals at the beach club's restaurant, such as salads, pasta, fresh fish, or burrata. It is pleasant to sit on the terrace overlooking the sea. If you want more comfort, some beach clubs also offer shaded lounge areas or cabanas.
Tip: If a day at the beach is not enough, Fasano Amusement Park offers a zoo plus attractions in one. You can drive through the animals by car and have the animals really close.

Best pucce, pizzas, and salads at the best prices in town.



Just a 15-minute drive along the coastal road from Monopoli lies a place that will take your breath away at first sight. Polignano a Mare is an ancient white city that doesn't grow out of a plain or a hill, but directly from the cliffs above the turquoise Adriatic Sea. The streets wind along the cliff, the houses hang over the abyss, and below, far below you, the sea crashes against the rocks. The town is famous as the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the singer and composer whose song Volare became one of the most famous Italian melodies of all time. His bronze statue stands on a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea with his arms outstretched, as if he were about to fly.
Polignano is not big. You can walk through the historical center in an hour, but that would be a shame. It's not worth rushing here. Every alley hides a different view, every arch opens into a new square, and every step brings you closer to the sea, which can be seen, heard, and felt from everywhere here. On the street, you can meet vendors of fruits and vegetables, excellent dried fruits, such as tomatoes, which you should definitely try.
Tip: Children will definitely appreciate a part of the day on the beach.

On the way to the center, you can stop for coffee, gelato, or dessert at the Crema Caffè on Piazza Aldo Moro.

The heart of Polignano is a rocky beach nestled between cliffs with crystal-clear water. You can walk through a rock cave. The more adventurous can jump from the lower cliffs.
Tip: Bring water shoes.

Upon returning to Monopoli, all that awaits you is a peaceful end to your trip. Treat yourself to the last moments by the sea and time for small joys such as buying souvenirs and a slow walk through the old town. Stroll through the historic center, where small family shops and artisan workshops are hidden in narrow white streets. This is where you will find the most beautiful souvenirs from Apulia. Popular are ceramic bowls and plates with typical blue-green motifs, local olive oil, limoncello, or sweet almond amaretti cookies.
Tip: Prefer small family shops to souvenir stalls. The quality and prices are different, and the money stays with the locals.
How about trying a wonderful wine bar with tapas called Baldovino? You can sip amazing wine on the steps of an ancient church while tasting delicious tapas.



Last day and transfer to the airport where you return the rental car. Leave a margin and maybe you'll have time for one more Italian espresso before departure. Don't forget to be at the airport well in advance.
Monopoli lies on the coast of Apulia, that long heel of the Italian boot that most tourists pass by on their way elsewhere. But those who stop will be glad they did. The city has an old Baroque center with a cathedral and fishing harbor, a Renaissance castle right by the sea, and streets so narrow that you're more likely to meet a cat than a car. Ten minutes by car away are beaches with turquoise water. Monopoli works great with children. Ice cream is not an add-on to the program here, it is a way of life. Gelato in the morning, gelato after lunch, gelato in the evening during a slow evening stroll along the waterfront, when the whole city comes out and doesn't rush anywhere. Children will enjoy themselves here and parents will finally relax.
This itinerary takes you through five days in southern Italy. One day you will spend among the fairytale houses with conical roofs in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another takes you to the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, where the town literally hangs over the sea. And one day we recommend doing absolutely nothing, just lying on the beach at Lido Bambù, ordering a cocktail to your sunbed, and letting time pass more slowly than you are used to. Monopoli is a great destination all year round. Thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, there are mild winters and long sunny days. While summer attracts to beaches and swimming, spring and autumn are also very pleasant times to visit, when temperatures are ideal for exploring the city, trips along the coast and swimming in the sea. In addition, the city comes alive throughout the year with a number of traditional festivals, markets and cultural events that can nicely spice up your stay and offer a more authentic view of local life in Apulia.
This is your vacation that you will remember. And you'll probably come back here.
Upon arrival in Bari, conveniently pick up your rental car at the airport (according to the instructions you will receive before departure), and then you can decide (depending on the time and mood) how to approach the day. Bari is a city of contrasts. It offers a lively harbor, modern avenues, and the winding streets of the old town. If you have time for a short stop, take a walk through the historic center of Bari Vecchia. Children will enjoy the narrow streets and local bustle, while adults will appreciate the atmosphere and the first espresso on Italian soil. The massive Castello Normanno-Svevo, which has guarded the city since the Middle Ages, is worth seeing. A pleasant conclusion can be a walk along the elegant Via Sparano da Bari.
However, if you land later or want to save the exploration for later days, head straight to Monopoli (approx. 50-minute drive). Check in and enjoy a peaceful evening. A short walk to the sea can spice it up.

Pay attention to parking - entry to the centro storico is prohibited in Monopoli. You can park without problems in the Cala Curatori parking lot, about a 10-minute walk from the city center.



Welcome to Monopoli! This city will capture your heart from the very first step. This morning belongs to the historical center. Put on comfortable shoes and head into the alleys, where children become little explorers. The Centro Storico is a labyrinth of narrow streets, where every corner brings surprises: hidden chapels, flowering balconies, and local nonnas hanging out laundry. Let yourself get a little lost on purpose. The reward can be delicious ice cream.
Tip: The midday heat (13:00–16:00) is an ideal time for a short rest. Most shops and local restaurants close. Be careful to secure lunch. In the evening, the city wakes up again and the waterfront and businesses come to life.

The cathedral is the heart of the city and the first stop. The magnificent Baroque cathedral houses a golden interior that amazes even the smallest visitors.

The old fishing port with colorful boats is the most photogenic place in Monopoli. A great time for a snack on a bench by the sea. You will be charmed by the Porta dell'Antico Porto, a medieval gate from the 15th century, through which people entered the fortified city from the sea for centuries.
Tip: Try to task the children with finding carved ornaments in the stone above the arch.

A small shop in the center where you can get snacks, including fresh ham or excellent mozzarella. Cookies or breadsticks for a snack.
A Renaissance fortress right on the cliffs above the sea, built in the 16th century to defend against Turkish raids. A walk around the walls with a view of the Adriatic is free and absolutely enchanting on a beautiful day.

A city beach near the historical center with an impressive view. It can be a place for a quick refreshment while exploring the city or a place to spend a few hours with children.

One of the best ice cream shops in Monopoli, located in a bustling little square where there is often an evening program for locals and tourists.

Monopoli hides several places where you can eat great without a reservation and a long wait. Look for bakeries and small pizzerias with takeaway service over the counter. Locals call them pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or pizza fritta (fried pizza). Piiza Store near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is one of them. Excellent dough, a wide selection of types, including pizza assembled exactly to your taste. In addition, panzerotti filled with tomato and mozzarella, crispy pucce or panini. Everything is made to order and ideal to eat on the go.



Alberobello is not a place to be missed. This small Apulian town looks like it was invented by a storyteller. Thousands of white houses with cone-shaped roofs, called trulli, huddle along narrow streets, and their silhouette is unlike anything else in the world. That's why they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Head out in the morning while other tourists are still asleep.
Rione Monti is the most famous district of Alberobello. Hundreds of trulli line the steep streets, each little house with a different symbol carved on the top of the roof.
Tip: Let the children guess what the symbols mean. Locals believe they protect against evil spirits.

If you have any energy left after the trip, an evening walk through the historic center and dinner on a terrace overlooking Piazza Palmieri might be a pleasant idea. One of the most elegant gardens in Monopoli is offered by Ristorante Piazza Palmieri. Fresh seafood, excellent pasta, and local wines. Alternatively, if the kids are craving pizza, Trattoria Re Umberto - Panzerotteria Pizzeria is right next door.
Tip: I recommend making a reservation.



If you drive south from Monopoli towards Capitolo, you'll discover several beautiful sandy beaches and beach clubs. In this area, the beaches are wide and sandy with a gentle entry into the water, which is safer for children than rocky coves. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can park directly at the beach club.
At Lido Bambù, you can reserve a spot on the beach, usually an umbrella and two sun loungers. A great advantage of the beach club is the comfort and amenities, which also include the possibility of renting beach equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers). For lunch, you can have light Mediterranean meals at the beach club's restaurant, such as salads, pasta, fresh fish, or burrata. It is pleasant to sit on the terrace overlooking the sea. If you want more comfort, some beach clubs also offer shaded lounge areas or cabanas.
Tip: If a day at the beach is not enough, Fasano Amusement Park offers a zoo plus attractions in one. You can drive through the animals by car and have the animals really close.

Best pucce, pizzas, and salads at the best prices in town.



Just a 15-minute drive along the coastal road from Monopoli lies a place that will take your breath away at first sight. Polignano a Mare is an ancient white city that doesn't grow out of a plain or a hill, but directly from the cliffs above the turquoise Adriatic Sea. The streets wind along the cliff, the houses hang over the abyss, and below, far below you, the sea crashes against the rocks. The town is famous as the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the singer and composer whose song Volare became one of the most famous Italian melodies of all time. His bronze statue stands on a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea with his arms outstretched, as if he were about to fly.
Polignano is not big. You can walk through the historical center in an hour, but that would be a shame. It's not worth rushing here. Every alley hides a different view, every arch opens into a new square, and every step brings you closer to the sea, which can be seen, heard, and felt from everywhere here. On the street, you can meet vendors of fruits and vegetables, excellent dried fruits, such as tomatoes, which you should definitely try.
Tip: Children will definitely appreciate a part of the day on the beach.

On the way to the center, you can stop for coffee, gelato, or dessert at the Crema Caffè on Piazza Aldo Moro.

The heart of Polignano is a rocky beach nestled between cliffs with crystal-clear water. You can walk through a rock cave. The more adventurous can jump from the lower cliffs.
Tip: Bring water shoes.

Upon returning to Monopoli, all that awaits you is a peaceful end to your trip. Treat yourself to the last moments by the sea and time for small joys such as buying souvenirs and a slow walk through the old town. Stroll through the historic center, where small family shops and artisan workshops are hidden in narrow white streets. This is where you will find the most beautiful souvenirs from Apulia. Popular are ceramic bowls and plates with typical blue-green motifs, local olive oil, limoncello, or sweet almond amaretti cookies.
Tip: Prefer small family shops to souvenir stalls. The quality and prices are different, and the money stays with the locals.
How about trying a wonderful wine bar with tapas called Baldovino? You can sip amazing wine on the steps of an ancient church while tasting delicious tapas.



Last day and transfer to the airport where you return the rental car. Leave a margin and maybe you'll have time for one more Italian espresso before departure. Don't forget to be at the airport well in advance.












Monopoli lies on the coast of Apulia, that long heel of the Italian boot that most tourists pass by on their way elsewhere. But those who stop will be glad they did. The city has an old Baroque center with a cathedral and fishing harbor, a Renaissance castle right by the sea, and streets so narrow that you're more likely to meet a cat than a car. Ten minutes by car away are beaches with turquoise water. Monopoli works great with children. Ice cream is not an add-on to the program here, it is a way of life. Gelato in the morning, gelato after lunch, gelato in the evening during a slow evening stroll along the waterfront, when the whole city comes out and doesn't rush anywhere. Children will enjoy themselves here and parents will finally relax.
This itinerary takes you through five days in southern Italy. One day you will spend among the fairytale houses with conical roofs in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another takes you to the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, where the town literally hangs over the sea. And one day we recommend doing absolutely nothing, just lying on the beach at Lido Bambù, ordering a cocktail to your sunbed, and letting time pass more slowly than you are used to. Monopoli is a great destination all year round. Thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, there are mild winters and long sunny days. While summer attracts to beaches and swimming, spring and autumn are also very pleasant times to visit, when temperatures are ideal for exploring the city, trips along the coast and swimming in the sea. In addition, the city comes alive throughout the year with a number of traditional festivals, markets and cultural events that can nicely spice up your stay and offer a more authentic view of local life in Apulia.
This is your vacation that you will remember. And you'll probably come back here.
Upon arrival in Bari, conveniently pick up your rental car at the airport (according to the instructions you will receive before departure), and then you can decide (depending on the time and mood) how to approach the day. Bari is a city of contrasts. It offers a lively harbor, modern avenues, and the winding streets of the old town. If you have time for a short stop, take a walk through the historic center of Bari Vecchia. Children will enjoy the narrow streets and local bustle, while adults will appreciate the atmosphere and the first espresso on Italian soil. The massive Castello Normanno-Svevo, which has guarded the city since the Middle Ages, is worth seeing. A pleasant conclusion can be a walk along the elegant Via Sparano da Bari.
However, if you land later or want to save the exploration for later days, head straight to Monopoli (approx. 50-minute drive). Check in and enjoy a peaceful evening. A short walk to the sea can spice it up.

Pay attention to parking - entry to the centro storico is prohibited in Monopoli. You can park without problems in the Cala Curatori parking lot, about a 10-minute walk from the city center.



Welcome to Monopoli! This city will capture your heart from the very first step. This morning belongs to the historical center. Put on comfortable shoes and head into the alleys, where children become little explorers. The Centro Storico is a labyrinth of narrow streets, where every corner brings surprises: hidden chapels, flowering balconies, and local nonnas hanging out laundry. Let yourself get a little lost on purpose. The reward can be delicious ice cream.
Tip: The midday heat (13:00–16:00) is an ideal time for a short rest. Most shops and local restaurants close. Be careful to secure lunch. In the evening, the city wakes up again and the waterfront and businesses come to life.

The cathedral is the heart of the city and the first stop. The magnificent Baroque cathedral houses a golden interior that amazes even the smallest visitors.

The old fishing port with colorful boats is the most photogenic place in Monopoli. A great time for a snack on a bench by the sea. You will be charmed by the Porta dell'Antico Porto, a medieval gate from the 15th century, through which people entered the fortified city from the sea for centuries.
Tip: Try to task the children with finding carved ornaments in the stone above the arch.

A small shop in the center where you can get snacks, including fresh ham or excellent mozzarella. Cookies or breadsticks for a snack.
A Renaissance fortress right on the cliffs above the sea, built in the 16th century to defend against Turkish raids. A walk around the walls with a view of the Adriatic is free and absolutely enchanting on a beautiful day.

A city beach near the historical center with an impressive view. It can be a place for a quick refreshment while exploring the city or a place to spend a few hours with children.

One of the best ice cream shops in Monopoli, located in a bustling little square where there is often an evening program for locals and tourists.

Monopoli hides several places where you can eat great without a reservation and a long wait. Look for bakeries and small pizzerias with takeaway service over the counter. Locals call them pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or pizza fritta (fried pizza). Piiza Store near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is one of them. Excellent dough, a wide selection of types, including pizza assembled exactly to your taste. In addition, panzerotti filled with tomato and mozzarella, crispy pucce or panini. Everything is made to order and ideal to eat on the go.



Alberobello is not a place to be missed. This small Apulian town looks like it was invented by a storyteller. Thousands of white houses with cone-shaped roofs, called trulli, huddle along narrow streets, and their silhouette is unlike anything else in the world. That's why they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Head out in the morning while other tourists are still asleep.
Rione Monti is the most famous district of Alberobello. Hundreds of trulli line the steep streets, each little house with a different symbol carved on the top of the roof.
Tip: Let the children guess what the symbols mean. Locals believe they protect against evil spirits.

If you have any energy left after the trip, an evening walk through the historic center and dinner on a terrace overlooking Piazza Palmieri might be a pleasant idea. One of the most elegant gardens in Monopoli is offered by Ristorante Piazza Palmieri. Fresh seafood, excellent pasta, and local wines. Alternatively, if the kids are craving pizza, Trattoria Re Umberto - Panzerotteria Pizzeria is right next door.
Tip: I recommend making a reservation.



If you drive south from Monopoli towards Capitolo, you'll discover several beautiful sandy beaches and beach clubs. In this area, the beaches are wide and sandy with a gentle entry into the water, which is safer for children than rocky coves. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can park directly at the beach club.
At Lido Bambù, you can reserve a spot on the beach, usually an umbrella and two sun loungers. A great advantage of the beach club is the comfort and amenities, which also include the possibility of renting beach equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers). For lunch, you can have light Mediterranean meals at the beach club's restaurant, such as salads, pasta, fresh fish, or burrata. It is pleasant to sit on the terrace overlooking the sea. If you want more comfort, some beach clubs also offer shaded lounge areas or cabanas.
Tip: If a day at the beach is not enough, Fasano Amusement Park offers a zoo plus attractions in one. You can drive through the animals by car and have the animals really close.

Best pucce, pizzas, and salads at the best prices in town.



Just a 15-minute drive along the coastal road from Monopoli lies a place that will take your breath away at first sight. Polignano a Mare is an ancient white city that doesn't grow out of a plain or a hill, but directly from the cliffs above the turquoise Adriatic Sea. The streets wind along the cliff, the houses hang over the abyss, and below, far below you, the sea crashes against the rocks. The town is famous as the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the singer and composer whose song Volare became one of the most famous Italian melodies of all time. His bronze statue stands on a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea with his arms outstretched, as if he were about to fly.
Polignano is not big. You can walk through the historical center in an hour, but that would be a shame. It's not worth rushing here. Every alley hides a different view, every arch opens into a new square, and every step brings you closer to the sea, which can be seen, heard, and felt from everywhere here. On the street, you can meet vendors of fruits and vegetables, excellent dried fruits, such as tomatoes, which you should definitely try.
Tip: Children will definitely appreciate a part of the day on the beach.

On the way to the center, you can stop for coffee, gelato, or dessert at the Crema Caffè on Piazza Aldo Moro.

The heart of Polignano is a rocky beach nestled between cliffs with crystal-clear water. You can walk through a rock cave. The more adventurous can jump from the lower cliffs.
Tip: Bring water shoes.

Upon returning to Monopoli, all that awaits you is a peaceful end to your trip. Treat yourself to the last moments by the sea and time for small joys such as buying souvenirs and a slow walk through the old town. Stroll through the historic center, where small family shops and artisan workshops are hidden in narrow white streets. This is where you will find the most beautiful souvenirs from Apulia. Popular are ceramic bowls and plates with typical blue-green motifs, local olive oil, limoncello, or sweet almond amaretti cookies.
Tip: Prefer small family shops to souvenir stalls. The quality and prices are different, and the money stays with the locals.
How about trying a wonderful wine bar with tapas called Baldovino? You can sip amazing wine on the steps of an ancient church while tasting delicious tapas.



Last day and transfer to the airport where you return the rental car. Leave a margin and maybe you'll have time for one more Italian espresso before departure. Don't forget to be at the airport well in advance.
Monopoli lies on the coast of Apulia, that long heel of the Italian boot that most tourists pass by on their way elsewhere. But those who stop will be glad they did. The city has an old Baroque center with a cathedral and fishing harbor, a Renaissance castle right by the sea, and streets so narrow that you're more likely to meet a cat than a car. Ten minutes by car away are beaches with turquoise water. Monopoli works great with children. Ice cream is not an add-on to the program here, it is a way of life. Gelato in the morning, gelato after lunch, gelato in the evening during a slow evening stroll along the waterfront, when the whole city comes out and doesn't rush anywhere. Children will enjoy themselves here and parents will finally relax.
This itinerary takes you through five days in southern Italy. One day you will spend among the fairytale houses with conical roofs in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another takes you to the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, where the town literally hangs over the sea. And one day we recommend doing absolutely nothing, just lying on the beach at Lido Bambù, ordering a cocktail to your sunbed, and letting time pass more slowly than you are used to. Monopoli is a great destination all year round. Thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, there are mild winters and long sunny days. While summer attracts to beaches and swimming, spring and autumn are also very pleasant times to visit, when temperatures are ideal for exploring the city, trips along the coast and swimming in the sea. In addition, the city comes alive throughout the year with a number of traditional festivals, markets and cultural events that can nicely spice up your stay and offer a more authentic view of local life in Apulia.
This is your vacation that you will remember. And you'll probably come back here.
Upon arrival in Bari, conveniently pick up your rental car at the airport (according to the instructions you will receive before departure), and then you can decide (depending on the time and mood) how to approach the day. Bari is a city of contrasts. It offers a lively harbor, modern avenues, and the winding streets of the old town. If you have time for a short stop, take a walk through the historic center of Bari Vecchia. Children will enjoy the narrow streets and local bustle, while adults will appreciate the atmosphere and the first espresso on Italian soil. The massive Castello Normanno-Svevo, which has guarded the city since the Middle Ages, is worth seeing. A pleasant conclusion can be a walk along the elegant Via Sparano da Bari.
However, if you land later or want to save the exploration for later days, head straight to Monopoli (approx. 50-minute drive). Check in and enjoy a peaceful evening. A short walk to the sea can spice it up.

Pay attention to parking - entry to the centro storico is prohibited in Monopoli. You can park without problems in the Cala Curatori parking lot, about a 10-minute walk from the city center.



Welcome to Monopoli! This city will capture your heart from the very first step. This morning belongs to the historical center. Put on comfortable shoes and head into the alleys, where children become little explorers. The Centro Storico is a labyrinth of narrow streets, where every corner brings surprises: hidden chapels, flowering balconies, and local nonnas hanging out laundry. Let yourself get a little lost on purpose. The reward can be delicious ice cream.
Tip: The midday heat (13:00–16:00) is an ideal time for a short rest. Most shops and local restaurants close. Be careful to secure lunch. In the evening, the city wakes up again and the waterfront and businesses come to life.

The cathedral is the heart of the city and the first stop. The magnificent Baroque cathedral houses a golden interior that amazes even the smallest visitors.

The old fishing port with colorful boats is the most photogenic place in Monopoli. A great time for a snack on a bench by the sea. You will be charmed by the Porta dell'Antico Porto, a medieval gate from the 15th century, through which people entered the fortified city from the sea for centuries.
Tip: Try to task the children with finding carved ornaments in the stone above the arch.

A small shop in the center where you can get snacks, including fresh ham or excellent mozzarella. Cookies or breadsticks for a snack.
A Renaissance fortress right on the cliffs above the sea, built in the 16th century to defend against Turkish raids. A walk around the walls with a view of the Adriatic is free and absolutely enchanting on a beautiful day.

A city beach near the historical center with an impressive view. It can be a place for a quick refreshment while exploring the city or a place to spend a few hours with children.

One of the best ice cream shops in Monopoli, located in a bustling little square where there is often an evening program for locals and tourists.

Monopoli hides several places where you can eat great without a reservation and a long wait. Look for bakeries and small pizzerias with takeaway service over the counter. Locals call them pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or pizza fritta (fried pizza). Piiza Store near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is one of them. Excellent dough, a wide selection of types, including pizza assembled exactly to your taste. In addition, panzerotti filled with tomato and mozzarella, crispy pucce or panini. Everything is made to order and ideal to eat on the go.



Alberobello is not a place to be missed. This small Apulian town looks like it was invented by a storyteller. Thousands of white houses with cone-shaped roofs, called trulli, huddle along narrow streets, and their silhouette is unlike anything else in the world. That's why they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Head out in the morning while other tourists are still asleep.
Rione Monti is the most famous district of Alberobello. Hundreds of trulli line the steep streets, each little house with a different symbol carved on the top of the roof.
Tip: Let the children guess what the symbols mean. Locals believe they protect against evil spirits.

If you have any energy left after the trip, an evening walk through the historic center and dinner on a terrace overlooking Piazza Palmieri might be a pleasant idea. One of the most elegant gardens in Monopoli is offered by Ristorante Piazza Palmieri. Fresh seafood, excellent pasta, and local wines. Alternatively, if the kids are craving pizza, Trattoria Re Umberto - Panzerotteria Pizzeria is right next door.
Tip: I recommend making a reservation.



If you drive south from Monopoli towards Capitolo, you'll discover several beautiful sandy beaches and beach clubs. In this area, the beaches are wide and sandy with a gentle entry into the water, which is safer for children than rocky coves. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can park directly at the beach club.
At Lido Bambù, you can reserve a spot on the beach, usually an umbrella and two sun loungers. A great advantage of the beach club is the comfort and amenities, which also include the possibility of renting beach equipment (kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers). For lunch, you can have light Mediterranean meals at the beach club's restaurant, such as salads, pasta, fresh fish, or burrata. It is pleasant to sit on the terrace overlooking the sea. If you want more comfort, some beach clubs also offer shaded lounge areas or cabanas.
Tip: If a day at the beach is not enough, Fasano Amusement Park offers a zoo plus attractions in one. You can drive through the animals by car and have the animals really close.

Best pucce, pizzas, and salads at the best prices in town.



Just a 15-minute drive along the coastal road from Monopoli lies a place that will take your breath away at first sight. Polignano a Mare is an ancient white city that doesn't grow out of a plain or a hill, but directly from the cliffs above the turquoise Adriatic Sea. The streets wind along the cliff, the houses hang over the abyss, and below, far below you, the sea crashes against the rocks. The town is famous as the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the singer and composer whose song Volare became one of the most famous Italian melodies of all time. His bronze statue stands on a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea with his arms outstretched, as if he were about to fly.
Polignano is not big. You can walk through the historical center in an hour, but that would be a shame. It's not worth rushing here. Every alley hides a different view, every arch opens into a new square, and every step brings you closer to the sea, which can be seen, heard, and felt from everywhere here. On the street, you can meet vendors of fruits and vegetables, excellent dried fruits, such as tomatoes, which you should definitely try.
Tip: Children will definitely appreciate a part of the day on the beach.

On the way to the center, you can stop for coffee, gelato, or dessert at the Crema Caffè on Piazza Aldo Moro.

The heart of Polignano is a rocky beach nestled between cliffs with crystal-clear water. You can walk through a rock cave. The more adventurous can jump from the lower cliffs.
Tip: Bring water shoes.

Upon returning to Monopoli, all that awaits you is a peaceful end to your trip. Treat yourself to the last moments by the sea and time for small joys such as buying souvenirs and a slow walk through the old town. Stroll through the historic center, where small family shops and artisan workshops are hidden in narrow white streets. This is where you will find the most beautiful souvenirs from Apulia. Popular are ceramic bowls and plates with typical blue-green motifs, local olive oil, limoncello, or sweet almond amaretti cookies.
Tip: Prefer small family shops to souvenir stalls. The quality and prices are different, and the money stays with the locals.
How about trying a wonderful wine bar with tapas called Baldovino? You can sip amazing wine on the steps of an ancient church while tasting delicious tapas.



Last day and transfer to the airport where you return the rental car. Leave a margin and maybe you'll have time for one more Italian espresso before departure. Don't forget to be at the airport well in advance.