Preparation for the Trip

Before embarking on our short trip with my partner, we spent time meticulously organizing our plans. It was not an easy task, especially since my wife could only take three days off work during the summer months. Additionally, I was scheduled to attend a week-long meditation retreat in Tuscany in August, so we aimed to combine both trips, making Italy our ultimate destination.

Logistical Arrangements

Next, we needed to coordinate our meeting point after my retreat. We decided on Rome, where I would arrive by train and my wife by flight. We intended to spend a night in Rome because my wife was eager to see the Colosseum. Unfortunately, we could not secure tickets as they were sold out well in advance, and the following day, we had a fast train ride booked to Bari, the capital of the Puglia region.

I almost overlooked the main point: we had chosen Monopoli as our vacation spot. After a lengthy train journey of over four hours, which was uncomfortable due to inadequate air conditioning in the summer heat, we immediately boarded a connecting train to Monopoli upon arriving in Bari. Public transportation in Italy, especially in Puglia, is excellent, including both trains and buses, and importantly, it is quite affordable and generally on time!

Activities in and Around Monopoli

Planning our itinerary was simple, thanks to the stunning beaches and bays easily accessible within the city and nearby. We aimed to incorporate some day trips into our schedule since we are active individuals who prefer not to spend all day lounging at the beach.

Fortunately, my spiritual teacher, who hails from Southern Italy, recommended several fantastic destinations reachable via public transport. Additionally, we planned to indulge in local cuisine, particularly delicious pizzas and pasta dishes.

The center of Monopoli is breathtaking, yet surprisingly, it sees very few tourists.

In summary, our planning was minimal since everything fell into place beautifully, allowing us to enjoy a perfect balance of relaxation and activity.

Day One - Arrival in Monopoli

On a warm August Wednesday, we arrived at the Monopoli train station, where our pre-booked accommodation was just a 12-minute walk away. Our host was welcoming, and the location was ideal, right next to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, providing easy access to all attractions.

Unfortunately, I booked our accommodation too late, not realizing that many Italians take their vacations in the latter half of August, causing the best places to fill up quickly and prices to soar.

Our host reached out to us via WhatsApp, greeting us warmly and showing us the spacious apartment with a private inner garden — perfect for intimate breakfasts and dinners. She also provided excellent recommendations for local dining, which is a significant aspect of Italian culture.

We found a pizzeria, but we were unaware that dinner typically begins around 9–10 PM in Southern Italy. Arriving late at Ai Portici restaurant, we were fortunate to secure the last available table and enjoyed a delightful meal.

Day Two - Exploring the Caves and Swimming

Following my teacher's suggestion, we visited the Castellana Caves, renowned as one of Italy's most beautiful cave systems discovered in 1938.

The caves were easily accessible from downtown Monopoli via a 25-minute bus ride. However, bus tickets must be purchased in advance at local tobacco shops or online. Our guided tour commenced shortly after our arrival, although it was conducted in Italian. The sights were extraordinary, but visitors should be cautious of slippery floors and consider wearing warmer clothing as the cave maintains a cool temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius.

After our cave exploration, we had a light lunch before heading to Porto Bianco, the nearest beach. Despite arriving close to 6 PM, we enjoyed a refreshing swim in the clear, warm waters as we admired the sunset.

That evening, we repeated our previous mistake by dining late, once again opting for pizza due to limited vegetarian options.

Day Three - Visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site

My teacher recommended Alberobello, a small town famous for its trulli and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

We reached Alberobello from Monopoli in about an hour by bus. The town was bustling with tourists, but we managed to find a quieter area to appreciate the unique architecture.

After returning to Monopoli, we decided to explore the beaches south of the city, getting off at the Monopoli Losciale — Contrada Capitolo bus stop. While the sandy beach was beautiful, it was overrun with beach clubs, not quite our scene.

We concluded the day with a long beach walk before catching the bus back to the city center. It's wise to check the local bus schedule ahead of time to avoid long waits.

Day Four - Discovering Hidden Coves

Unlike previous days, we decided to take a leisurely late breakfast and explore the smaller coves on the southern coast. These hidden gems were easily accessible on foot, and despite the summer heat, we discovered increasingly beautiful spots.

One highlight was Grotta Due Ingressi, a public beach renowned for its stunning waters.

Afterward, we visited a beach club for a refreshing salad before returning to our accommodation to change for our evening trip to Polignano a Mare, just a 15-minute train ride north of Monopoli.

We highly recommend the coastal and old town walk, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures are more pleasant.

Final Day - Relaxation and Departure

On our last day, we spent our time at the Maritimo Urban Sun beach club, securing two sunbeds and an umbrella for the day at a reasonable price. Our host graciously allowed us to store our luggage at the accommodation since our flight departed late in the evening, making our final day more enjoyable.

The train journey from Monopoli to Bari Airport, with one transfer, takes about one to one and a half hours, and the trains are reliable.