Polignano a Mare or Monopoli Which Is Better To Visit?

ByMelissa Byron

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If you are planning a trip to the Puglia region, you may wonder which is better, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli?

The good news is that, given the distance between the coastal towns, you can likely visit both on the same trip.

But if you are looking for guidance on which is the better choice to stay or if you truly have time for only one, I will give you my honest opinion.

If you are short on time and can only visit one place, visit Polignano a Mare. The views and small city size make it a great choice.

But if you have more time, I and are looking for which place to stay, I would suggest Monopoli because it is a bit larger with more things to do.

Just be sure to save time to visit Poligano a Mare on a day trip.

A stunning view of the coastline in Polignano a Mare, with clear blue waters, cliffs, and whitewashed buildings perched along the edge. A sailboat is anchored near the shore under a bright blue sky.
Polignano a Mare
A picturesque harbor with boats docked alongside historic buildings. The buildings are a mix of white and stone, and the water is a clear blue under a bright sky.
Monopoli

Where Should You Go Based On Your Interests?

Contemplating between the 2 coastal towns? These are my suggestions based on your interests:

  • Most Romantic: Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a little more charming, upping that romantic factor. Those cliffside views and winding streets are the picturesque setting for a romantic night.

  • Best Food: Tie

Both Polignano a Mare and Monopoli have excellent choices for food. Seafood lovers like myself will go crazy for the Apulian dishes!

  • More Affordable: Tie

Both towns offer great value in terms of affordability. Accommodations, dining, and activities are reasonably priced.

  • More Things to Do: Monopoli

Monopoli has a larger old town and more historical sites to explore, such as its castle, cathedral, and numerous churches.

  • Best Beaches: Monopoli

While Polignano a Mare is famous for its dramatic cliffside beaches and crystal clear waters, Monopoli offers more extensive and accessible beaches.

The sandy shores and clear, shallow waters are better for a relaxing beach day.

Highlights of Polignano a Mare

The main attractions in the seaside town of Poligano a Mare all revolve around the sea itself!

Poliganano a Mare is famous for its pictures of beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Check out Cala Paguro and prepare to be amazed.

Another highlight of this town is cliffside views of the Adriatic Sea. You can enjoy breathtaking panoramas from various vantage points, including the historic Lama Monachile bridge and terraces around the town.

The dramatic cliffs, with their charming white buildings, look amazing against the turquoise waters below.

You can also explore the town’s unique sea caves by boat for an extra special visit.

A woman wearing a white shirt and beige skirt with a wide-brimmed hat, standing by a railing overlooking the clear blue sea in Polignano a Mare. The background includes historic buildings and a partly cloudy sky.
A charming house in Polignano a Mare with red and white exterior, brown wooden shutters, and a lace curtain. A small religious statue is displayed in a niche above the door.

Highlights of Monopoli

While Monopoli hasn’t the same elevation and stunning views as Polignano a Mare, highlights here still involve the sea and harbor.

The harbor area is perfect for people watching and enjoying the sea breeze.

A must-see in Monopoli is the Monopoli Cathedral, with its impressive baroque architecture and stunning interiors.

Another highlight is the Castello di Carlo V, a historic castle offering fantastic sea and town views.

Beach lovers will also be pleased with the many choices and swimming conditions in the clear blue waters. My favorite was Cala Porta Vecchia beach.

A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, white shirt, and light-colored skirt walking in front of a large wooden door set into a stone building. The ground is paved with cobblestones, and two potted plants and a bicycle are in the background.
A close-up of a religious icon depicting Madonna and Child set into a niche in an old stone wall. Below the icon are two small red candle holders with plants, and greenery grows around the stonework.

Where Are Polignano a Mare and Monopoli?

a picture of a map showing the distance between poligano a mare and monopoli

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Best Way to Reach Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

Getting to both Polignano a Mare and Monopoli is very easy from the capital of Puglia, Bari.

Polignano a Mare is only 35 minutes by car or a 40-minute train ride, and Monolpoi is only 45 minutes by car and a 50-minute train ride!

If you choose to stay in either Polignano a Mare or Monopoli, you might want to rent a car to explore Puglia at your own pace fully.

While I was happy with the public transit, it would have been nice if destinations like Alberobello were connected by train. Don’t forget to download the Trenitalia transit app before you arrive! Purchase train and bus tickets on the spot!

You Should Know

If you’re considering venturing inland, you might also be debating between Monopoli and Alberobello. While Monopoli offers a coastal experience with great beaches, Alberobello is a unique UNESCO-listed town famous for its trulli houses. If you have time, both are worth visiting, but if you’re choosing between them, your decision will depend on whether you prefer seaside charm or a cultural and architectural experience.

Best Things to Do in Polignano a Mare vs Monopoli

I fell in love with both these Italian coastal towns during my solo trip to Bari! Both have unique and fun things to do.

Below are the best things to do in both Monopoli and Polignano a Mare to help you decide which to visit.

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Polignano a Mare

One of the reasons I found Polignano a Mare worth visiting was for the views. There is no place like it in Puglia!

The old town is also very charming with its historic gate and cute little whitewashed houses.

A view of a pebble beach surrounded by rocky cliffs in Polignano a Mare, with clear green-blue water. People are sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the sea, and buildings are visible on the cliffs above.
View of the beach at Cala Paguro
A woman wearing a white shirt, beige skirt, and wide-brimmed hat walking through a picturesque street in Polignano a Mare, lined with potted flowers and plants. The buildings are made of light-colored stone with a blue door in the background.
Me exploring the old town streets

This area of Italy feels so much more authentic than other areas, such as the Almafi coast.

And it’s more affordable. While it is a little more expensive than Bari, it is still relatively cheap.

You will want to make sure you take a walk along the Lungomare. One kilometer stretch of viewpoints.

Of course, if the weather permits, you can take a dip in the sea below the Ponte Borbonico di Lama Monachile.

A scenic view of Polignano a Mare featuring a historic bridge with arches, leading to buildings with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. The sky is partly cloudy, and greenery is visible on the stone walls.
Ponte Borbonico di Lama Monachile.
A scenic pathway winding through the cliffs in Polignano a Mare, with lush greenery and historic buildings along the route. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the picturesque setting.
Walk way to the Cala Paguro Beach

And check out the Chiesa Madre di S. Maria Assunta, set in the center of Polignano a Mare.

  • A close-up of the entrance to a historic church in Polignano a Mare, featuring a large wooden door, detailed stone carvings, and statues. Potted plants with green foliage are in the foreground.
  • The interior of a church in Polignano a Mare, featuring wooden pews and a richly decorated altar. The altar has numerous candles, intricate carvings, and gold accents. A marble pulpit and chandeliers are also visible, and the ceiling is adorned with detailed frescoes.
  • A close-up of a marble holy water font attached to a column inside a church in Polignano a Mare. The font has an ornate, scalloped design, and decorative inlay work is visible on the column. The background shows part of the church interior with pews and the altar.
  • An ornate painted ceiling inside a church in Polignano a Mare, featuring intricate frescoes and detailed molding. The view includes arches and part of the elaborate altar.
  • An arched stone gate in Polignano a Mare with a fresco depicting a religious scene above the arch. The passageway leads to a street with historic buildings. A tabacchi (tobacco) shop with souvenirs is visible to the right.
  • A detailed tourist map of the historic center of Polignano a Mare, highlighting points of interest such as bridges, palaces, churches, and scenic viewpoints. The map includes illustrations of key landmarks and a "You are here" indicator.
  • A colorful display of ceramic pottery outside a shop in Polignano a Mare. The assortment includes large yellow and white vases, mugs, plates, and decorative items arranged on shelves and tables.

    • Finally, take a boat trip around and into the sea caves!

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    Monopoli

    In my opinion, Monopoli has a little more to offer in terms of things to see. It just lacks those dramatic cliff views.

    In Monopoli, you can explore the most impressive cathedral, also known as the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia.

    Steps leading up to an ornate stone cathedral with statues and decorative elements on the facade. The courtyard is empty, and an olive tree is visible in the foreground.

    The story goes that it was built near a Roman temple site. Construction began in 1107 but was halted due to a lack of roof beams.

    In 1117, a miracle occurred when a raft carrying an icon of the Madonna drifted into the harbor. The raft’s beams were used to finish the roof.

    Another main attraction is Castello di Carlo V, a 16th-century fortress castle offering exhibitions.

    A view of an old castle with a circular tower and banners promoting an art exhibition. The castle is made of light-colored stone, and the ground is paved with large stone tiles.
    Castello di Carlo V
    A vibrant scene of the port in Monopoli, featuring several small blue and red boats docked in the calm water. The historic buildings along the waterfront are made of light-colored stone, and the sky is clear and blue.
    Monopoli Harbor

    It is certainly not the most magnificent castle I have ever visited, but it adds to the city’s overall charm and feel.

    No visit to Monopoli would be complete without a visit to the Cala Porta Vecchia beach.

    Located just on the edge of the old town, you can enjoy a sandy beach and calm turquoise waters here.

    A closer view of the rocky beach in Monopoli, with people sunbathing and enjoying the clear, shallow water. The sky is partly cloudy, and the sea stretches to the horizon.
    Cala Porta Vecchia beach.
    A stone walkway along a historic fortress wall, with people relaxing and sunbathing on the rocks beside the clear blue sea. The sky is partly cloudy, and several trash bins are visible along the walkway.
    Another view of Cala Porta Vecchia beach.

    Where to Eat

    Polignano a Mare

    When it comes to traditional food in the Puglia region, you should try Octopus, Focaccia Barese, and Orecchiette alla barese.

    One of the best restaurants on my trip was Mint Cucina. You must make a reservation to eat here, so I suggest contacting them as soon as possible.

    Below, you can see that I tried the octopus, served it on fava beans, and ended the meal with cheesecake.

  • A detailed view of the decor at Mint Cucina Fresca, including framed art pieces, decorative plates, and a blue wall-mounted bunny head. The stone walls and arched seating area create a charming atmosphere.
  • The cozy interior of Mint Cucina Fresca, featuring stone walls, a bar area with various bottles, a mix of eclectic decor, and a striped red and white ceiling. Plants add a touch of greenery to the space.
  • A beautifully plated dish featuring grilled octopus with a garnish of fresh mint leaves, served with cherry tomatoes, black olives, and a creamy yellow sauce, drizzled with herb oil on a white plate.
  • A close-up view of a grilled octopus tentacle garnished with fresh mint leaves, accompanied by cherry tomatoes and black olives, served on a bed of creamy yellow sauce with herb oil drizzle.
  • A beautifully plated slice of cheesecake with strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries, and a mint garnish, dusted with powdered sugar, served at Mint Cucina Fresca. The plate has a scalloped edge and is placed on a woven mat.
  • A close-up of a restaurant check from Mint Cucina Fresca in Polignano a Mare, showing a total amount of 55 euros for various items, including an octopus dish, water, Spritz Pugliese, cheesecake, and cappuccino. Two wrapped candies are also visible.

    • Other notable restaurants are:

    If you love food, I highly recommend you join a street food tour!

    Monopoli

    There is no shortage of places to eat in Monopoli that offer seafood, pasta, and focaccia.

    A great place to sit seaside for some aperitifs and appetizers is

    Nightlife

    Polignano a Mare

    Of the two coastal towns, Polignano a Mare has fewer bars than Monopoli. Neither is really known for its nightlife.

    A couple of bars to have on your radar are:

    Monopoli

    If you are looking for nightlife in Monopoli you will find a couple of beach clubs and bars to visit.

    Save the following for your visit:

    Best Time To Visit

    Because both of these towns are coastal, you do want to plan your visit in the warmer months between May and October.

    While July and August are ideal for the beach, you may encounter many more people, plus higher prices.

    I loved visiting in June; it was very warm and not very crowded at all.

    Winter would not be an ideal time to visit, as Puglia experiences a lot of rain during this time.

    Lots of shops and restaurants could be closed for the season.

    Getting Around

    Polignano a Mare

    All the main sites are within walking distance from the main train station in under 10 minutes.

    The old town is also fairly accessible for those with mobility issues. There weren’t too many hills or includes, just some uneven surfaces.

    Monopoli

    Luckily, Monopoli is just as easy to get around as Polignano a Mare. You can see all the highlights on foot with a short walk to the main town square from the train station.

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    Best Places to Stay

    Polignano a Mare

    You won’t find any chain hotels or very large properties located right in the center of Polignano a Mare.

    In the heart of the old town, you will find boutique hotels and cute little guest houses.

    Among the best to stay in Polignano a Mare, check out:

    Monopoli

    Similar to Polignano a Mare, you will find more intimate and small hotels with only a few rooms. Below are some of the properties I recommend.

    Final Verdict

    I hope this information about what to expect in Polignano a Mare and Monopoli has helped you make your decision.

    Those who are short on time should quickly stop in Polignano a Mare for the views and charming old-town vibes.

    And if you have more time to stay and immerse, I would stay in Monopoli, where there is a bit more to see, and squeeze in a day trip to Polignano a Mare!

    Planning A Trip to Italy?

    You also might like…

    Alberobello

    Bari

    Bologna

    Milan

    Rome

    Sicily

    Sirmione

    Venice

    Verona

    Pin It For Later

    A view of Polignano a Mare's iconic beach surrounded by cliffs with people relaxing on the sandy shore and swimming in the clear blue water. The text overlay reads, "Should you visit Polignano a Mare? Or is Monopoli better?
    A split view image showing Polignano a Mare's beach on the top half, filled with people enjoying the sun and sea, and Monopoli's harbor on the bottom half, featuring boats docked along the waterfront and historic buildings.
    Melissa Byron

    Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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