Things to Do in Monopoli with Kids
Things to Do in Monopoli with Kids – Monopoli is a beautiful coastal town in Puglia, but don’t let its old town charm make you think there’s nothing there for kids and families. I can also recommend a stunning hotel with a pool by the sea that was really reasonable. This wasn’t a press trip, just a family road trip.
Explore the Old Town – Things to Do in Monopoli with Kids
The old town itself has curiosities and quirks that interest all ages. An alleyway with a swing (we spent a good few minutes there), streets gaily decorated with colourful hats bobbing in the breeze, cacti, scooters, a little warren of interesting places and things to see.
Boat Trip to the Caves of Polignano – Things to Do in Monopoli
We loved this, and it was our big spend/indulgence on the trip. We’d popped into Monopoli’s Tourist Info on Piazza Garibaldi. They were really helpful, suggesting and booking our boat trip on our behalf (all in Italian), and didn’t even take payment, we just paid on the day. Two hours trip at €30 per adult, and €15 per child.
The voyage set off at 11am, taking a maximum of 8 passengers. We set sail for the larger of the 21 caves of Polignano. The water looked so beautiful. At each cave we sailed into, we were told its name and any story associated with it, such as Delle Monache (the Cave of Nuns) that the sisters used to swim in as it gave them privacy away from prying eyes. My kids LOVED it. After visiting the caves passengers can take a dip in the Adriatic. Jumping off an actual boat into the actual sea made this outing EPIC for my boys. Mummy stayed onboard. (Remember to pack swim costumes and towels.)
After a few glasses of Prosecco and the local snack of Taralli (like little swirls of cracker) it was time to head back to Monopoli’s port.
Hit the Beach – Things to Do in Monopoli
In the old town you’ll also find a beach used by locals and tourists alike. It’s a postage stamp sized beach with a small stretch of pebbles and sand, and then rocks where Italians sun themselves. Pack your day bag with the kids’ swimsuits and a towel, and make the beach an incentive. We promised an hour at the seaside after the exploring was done, just a wee carrot to dangle.
Collect Sea Glass – Things to Do in Monopoli
While the kids were in the water I collected sea glass on the beach for them to add to our collection from Durham in England. I’m now a sea glass fan.
Visit the Harbour and Castello Carlo V
I loved how we walked through an arch and the harbour was a big reveal moment. It felt like we’d stumbled on picturesque little boats, like pops of colour on the water. The children liked looked for the tiny fish in the water then trying, and failing, to catch them. Next to the small cute harbour is a more industrial port and the old Castello Carlo V.
Make a Splash at Acquapark Egnazia
As we visited in October in low season the waterpark was closed even though the temperatures were 22-26 degrees. It’s said to offer many water slides, a kids’ activity pool, a lazy river & a wave pool.
Eat! – Things to Do in Monopoli
Because Monopoli is quite a romantic and bonny place, a lot of the restaurants felt quite adult, quite pricey, and kids’ menus don’t seem to really be a thing in Italy. We were delighted to find Antiche Mura on Via Luigi Cadorna with its wide range of lunch fare at good prices. I wanted something fresh, as I can’t eat pasta/pizza twice a day, so the bruschetta was spot on. The kids opted for margheritas. Their gelato was fantastic, tasted so creamy, and only a couple of euro. When I saw a Campari and soda was only €2.50 I ordered one of those as well. Rather than watching the purse strings, here we could simply order more.
Monopoli Accommodation
We only booked ur accommodation once we’d arrived in Italy, discovering the Torre Cintola Natural Sea Emotions resort hotel on booking.com. It has two pools, just a few mins outside of Monopoli. The pools were the main attraction for our family but the sea is within reach too. The accommodation itself offers curious apartment pods (see pic below) or standard apartments. We booked the latter, featuring a double bed plus bunkbeds for the kids, modern shower room, plus a small outdoor seating area.
Our rate for.a family of 4, in low season, was around €100 per night B&B, which we couldn’t argue with. Evening meals can be booked there too, but it’s a set buffet menu including wine, but the buffet is all served by staff. Check prices and availability here. We found this place a little corner of relaxation after time spent in the centre of Monopoli.
Day Trips
I’d thoroughly recommend heading to the conical town of Alberobello (only 30 mins away) to see the very quirky landscape of coned roofs that wouldn’t be out of place in a Star Wars movie. A rainy day option, which I think is a teenage or adult option, is visiting the Castellana Grotte cave system for a tour. Alternatively head north to Polignano a Mare to explore the town and beach, or undertake some of the excursions below.
Getting There
At forty miles south from Bari airport, we hired a car and visited Monopoli as part of a ten day road trip. If you’re not keen on driving, Monopoli is also on the train line. We flew into Bari from Edinburgh with Ryanair (who don’t fly during the winter, roughly bookable May-October).
Our Visit
We visited Monopoli during the October holidays, meaning it was low season and we could book quality excursions and accommodation last minute. Yet the temperatures few 22-26 degrees. Perfect. Have a great time.
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