The 11 Best Free Beaches in Monopoli, Puglia

After visiting Puglia multiple times, we’ve confidently come to the conclusion that Monopoli is relatively underrated as a beach destination. Yes, it’s a popular place to visit for its historic centre but not as much for its beaches. More commonly, visitors flock to neighbouring Polignano a Mare or trek south along the Salento peninsula, therefore missing out on the Monopoli beaches hidden in plain sight.

With its notable supply of picturesque beaches, there is no bad Monopoli beach to visit. However, if you’re anything like us, free beaches always seem to put a bigger smile on our faces over paid sun beds and crowded shores.

In this guide, you’ll find the 11 best free beaches worth visiting near Monopoli in Puglia.

The Essentials for Visiting Monopoli Beaches

🚶🏻‍♀️There are a handful of free and beautiful beaches in Monopoli that are within walking distance of the town centre. You can plan a trip to Monopoli without having to rent a car if you don’t want to travel around.

⛵️ Monopoli is a fantastic base for activities, and you’ll find no shortage of boat tours and things to do.

🚙 Just outside of Monopoli, there are various beaches that are lesser-known and a bit more wild. To reach these, we recommend renting a car and driving to the hidden gems of the Monopoli coastline.

⛱ Free beaches in Monopoli do not offer any sun beds or umbrellas for rent. You must bring your own gear such as towels and an umbrella.

Where Is Monopoli in Italy?

Monopoli is a town in Italy’s southern region of Puglia. It is positioned just 44 km / 27 miles south of the bigger city of Bari and its international airport. Monopoli is a prominent holiday destination as it sits on Italy’s Adriatic Sea coastline. It is also located directly across from the Albanian city of Durrës, only separated by 185 km / 115 miles. For further context, Monopoli is 3 hours southeast of Naples and nearly 5 hours by car from Rome.

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Bari ←

Does Monopoli Have Good Beaches?

Geographically speaking, the city of Monopoli is blessed with an amazing section of coastline. A majority of the shore which makes up Monopoli and its neighbouring areas is comprised of coves. These narrow bays have created ideal beaches because they are largely sheltered from the wild sea. This means the water is calm, clear and nothing short of picture perfect.

On the west coast of Puglia and near Gallipoli, you’ll find endless stretches of long fine sand. Although those are widely considered some of the best beaches in all of Puglia, the ones in Monopoli are more charming and overall, more interesting.

🚤 Recommended Tour: Sightseeing Boat Ride of Monopoli Beaches

As with many beaches in Puglia, beachgoers are provided options in terms of where they prefer to lay out. Many Monopoli beaches are sandy but they will also almost always include flat rocks to lay on or jump from. Lastly, the number of free beaches in comparison to lidos and beach clubs provides a satisfying selection to any type of vacationer.

🏖 Read More: The Full List of the Best Beaches in Puglia

Know Before You Go: Visiting Monopoli Beaches

What Is the Difference Between Lido and Spiaggia Libera?

Common beach practice in Italy includes choosing between two types of beaches. As highlighted in this guide, there are free beaches which are known as a spiaggia libera (“libera” means “free” in Italian). As the name implies, there is no admission fee, they’re open to the public and free for anyone to pitch an umbrella.

Then, there are lidos which are operated by a private company who rent a portion of the coast from the state. A lido can be briefly defined as a beach club and typically operate with the same standard terms, no matter where you are in Italy. There will always be a fee to rent an umbrella with sun beds or loungers. Sometimes, a lido may advertise a fee for an umbrella rental which includes the cost of parking or even a drink from the bar. We’ve been to lidos in Italy where if you purchase a drink, you get to sit on a sun bed for free. The structure of the fee may differ but the point is, a lido is never free with the rare exception of visiting during off season.

It’s also very common for the same beach to include a lido area in addition to a spiaggia libera (free beach). It’s quite easy to spot the difference as you’ll notice the uniform umbrellas take up an entire section of the beach. On extremely famous beaches like in Positano, you are usually required to even make reservations for a seat at the lido.

→ 🛌 Find accommodation in Monopoli by the beach ←

Getting Around Monopoli

One of the leading characteristics of why Monopoli is a phenomenal summer destination is its walkability. If you’re the type who prefers a holiday without having to drive far (or at all for that matter), Monopoli will suit you well. Within walking distance, you’re able to access numerous beautiful beaches from the center of town. Furthermore, the city’s primary beach of Cala Porta Vecchia is situated right beneath the walls of the historic center. If you’re really not looking to leave your town center hotel or apartment for a stunning beach, you don’t have to!

🚲 Book an e-bike tour of Monopoli beaches with wine included 🍷

By opting for a rental car or even a scooter, one can experience some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia located just minutes from Monopoli. Public transportation is not the greatest in Monopoli, and for anyone looking to maximize their time on the beach, driving or scooting around is highly recommended. Driving to the beaches in Monopoli is also not as daunting as it may seem or sound for a beginner traveler. Most beaches in Puglia will have designated parking lots, which help make getting to the beaches very uncomplicated.

→ 🚙 Book an affordable rental car from Bari Airport ←

When to Visit Monopoli, Puglia

Since Puglia has grown in popularity, when you visit Monopoli makes a world of difference. Clearly, most people will amass in Monopoli during the summer in order to enjoy a true beach holiday. This means visiting Monopoli in June, July, or August will result in crowds. Ironically and from observation, most Italians don’t seem to mind crowds and will still pile up on a gorgeous beach even if it means being shoulder to shoulder with a fellow bather. If being among many other people doesn’t bother you, then by all means, head to Monopoli during peak season and enjoy the marvellous weather.

In our opinion, visiting Monopoli during shoulder months is vastly more enjoyable if you don’t necessarily love being in the company of other tourists. Spring may potentially be too wet and cold so the best time to experience Monopoli for beaches without a mob is September – October. Additionally, accommodation prices in Monopoli drastically drop after August and you’ll be able to save 10 – 20% on bookings.

→ 🛫 Search for cheap flights to Bari in the fall ←

Map of Free Monopoli Beaches

The Best Free Beaches to Visit in Monopoli

1. Cala Monaci

Getting There: Located north of Monopoli town, Cala Monaci sits just off the main road (Via Marina del Mondo). This allows for free street parking within steps of the beach or in a dirt lot just above the beach. There is even a ramp which leads from the street parking to the entrance.

Type of Beach: A sandy beach squished between two short cliffs. If you particularly arrive on a calm day, Cala Monaci is a hidden gem of Monopoli. The beach is clean and the water is clear with a greenish hue. Since it’s off the radar for most travellers, it’s frequented by local families and RV campers who are enjoying the privacy of the quiet area. For a breath of fresh air from packed beaches nearby, there’s no better find than Cala Monaci. There are no facilities or restaurants nearby.

2. Cala Susca

Getting THere: A 20- 30 minute walk from the center of Monopoli, Cala Susca is hidden in plain sight just off the main street. If you’re driving, the cove has ample free parking in the dirt lot just above it. To get to the beach, you will need to walk down a small set of stairs.

Type of Beach: At the entrance of the beach, you will find fine sand. If you walk further out, there are flat areas to lay on along the edges of the cliff. Although the seating area at the beach is sandy, the entrance into the sea is a bit rocky with just a petite path carved out for bathers. Due to this, it’s not the most friendly beach for young children. However, because of its geographical characteristics, Cala Susca is a magnificent spot for snorkelling.

→ 🤿 Top Rated Activity: Snorkelling Tour in Monopoli ←

3. Coves of Clio

Getting There: There are two “Clio” beaches within the same area. To reach Caletta grande del Clio, nearest car park is located here which is technically paid. If you are visiting Calette del Clio, there is abundant free public parking in multiple areas near the port. Both beaches are a short 1-2 minute walk from the parking areas to the beach.

Type of Beach: As a fair warning, Caletta grande del Clio is best enjoyed when there is calm weather and not after a recent storm. During ideal conditions, the beach here is wonderfully sandy, clear, and virtually without crowds. Just down the street, there is another petite beach named Calette del Clio. You will find pebbles and small rocks here which are still easy to walk on as you step into the water. Only Monopoli residents will know about this secluded spot, which makes it that much more enjoyable than a busy lido (at least in our opinion!). Both beaches lack any facilities or umbrellas for rent. During lunch hours, there are a handful of food trucks nearby which serve quick bites like fries and burgers.

4. Cala Porta Vecchia

Getting There: This beach is found in the very heart of Monopoli’s historic quarter. For those not interested in walking more than a couple of blocks from their town centre hotel, frequenting this beach is your best solution. Accessibility is a breeze with multiple entrances including a ramp and staircases. If you are driving, parking is a bit challenging during high season. You can either choose a paid lot such as this one or keep an eye out for paid street parking (blue lines).

Type of Beach: For such a centrally located beach, Cala Porta Vecchia is a delightful surprise and well maintained. Depending on what you prefer, there is ample room on the golden sand section of the beach in addition to rocky portions. The ancient fortress wall also provides shade during certain parts of the day and is ideal if you are not travelling with an umbrella. With its convenient location, it’s easy to briefly step away for a drink or snack at one of the many restaurants nearby.

5. Porto Rosso & Porto Bianco

Getting There: Porto Bianco and Porto Rosso are located right next to each other and even connected by a lovely pedestrian and bike path. The walkway runs along the sea and will even conveniently lead you to the town centre. To access both beaches, there is an extremely minor descend by stairs or ramp. In the summer, it will be difficult to find parking nearby but you can attempt to score a free street parking spot within the white lines.

Type of Beach: For travelers visiting Monopoli with young children, these two beaches are the top choices within walking distance of the town. Both beaches match the definition of paradise and boast crystal clear water, shallow entrances, and soft sand.

Not interested in staying put for an entire day? Along the cove perimeter are rock formations which make for some enjoyable snorkelling. Near Porto Bianco, there are a handful of restaurant and bar options within a few steps of the beach. Although these beaches are public, they do get cramped during summer months despite there not being umbrellas for rent.

→ 🐠 Top Rated Activity: Scuba Diving Tour in Monopoli ←

6. Beach La Scaletta

Getting There: It is not possible to drive and park directly near the beach entrance so be mindful of a 5 – 10 minute walk. From the main road of Via Procaccia, there are large and convenient parking lots which happen to be free. You will then find the dirt pedestrian path to reach the beach. It is a flat walk and manageable for anyone until you reach the short set of stairs that go down to the beach. 

Type of Beach: It’s advised to secure a spot early in the day or during lunch time since the seating space is limited. There is soft sand, easy access into the water and even a few caves nearby to explore. This is not a maintained beach so bring all of your own gear and snacks! For adventurers without children, it’s worth checking out the more secluded cove next door which is called Cala del Coriandolo.

7. Grotta della Cala Tre Buchi

Accessibility: Cala Tre Buchi can be reached by a 5 – 10 minute walk from two entrance points. You can either walk down the pedestrian road here from the north or enter through the same way as you would to reach Lido Colonia from the south. Both routes will require walking along an unpaved path and trails. There are a few rocks and a couple of small inclines/declines to tackle. Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, it’s still manageable to get to for a family with kids.

Type of Beach: This small beach is rather exclusive with only a handful of spots to share with fellow bathers. Squished between two small cliffs, Cala Tre Buchi is one of the most picture perfect beaches in Monopoli. It is fairly hidden in comparison to other options in the vicinity and delightfully wild, meaning it’s not serviced. Due to its positioning, the water often remains calm as the cove is sheltered from waves and high winds.

8. Cala Copacabana

Accessibility: From the many free parking lots and street parking options, expect a brief 5 – 10 minute walk to reach Cala Copacabana. It is not possible to drive right up to the beach. The first half of the journey is along a frequented unpaved walkway which is mostly shaded. After reaching Lido Colonia, you’ll head left and follow the trail down to Cala Copacabana’s beach head. If you’re feeling ambitious, the beach can be reached from the center of Monopoli town in 30 minutes on foot.

Type of Beach: Cala Copacabana is one of the most ideal beaches in Monopoli for a few reasons. Aside from being free and pretty uncomplicated to reach, it also boasts soft light sand, interesting snorkelling and a large enough seating area for crowds. Furthermore, it’s a quick walk to Lido Colonia for a snack or drink so you don’t have to bring everything with you for a beach day.

9. Cala Verde

Accessibility: Located just over 5 km from the center of Monopoli, it’s most convenient to reach Cala Verde by driving. With a regular car, it’s advised to park in this dirt lot or along the road just before it (if the lot is full). From the lot, it’s a short 5 minute walk to the beach head. The hike is not challenging but do expect some rocky terrain and uneven ground. If you have an off-road capable car, it’s possible to drive and park on the cliffs along the cove from either side. 

Type of Beach: Upon setting eyes on the beach from the short walk, it will comparatively feel like you are discovering a hidden gem. It is romantically situated between the rocks which creates the calm and sandy cove with waters of a blue-green hue. For fun seekers and swimmers, there are concealed caves and petite inlets to explore during your visit to Cala Verde. The shallow beach entrance also makes it a suitable choice for families with children. The beach is not serviced and you must bring your own beach gear and snacks.

10. Calette di Torre Cintola

Accessibility: Technically located in the small town of Capitolo, it’s still a part of the Monopoli municipality. Given it’s 6.5 km south of Monopoli, it makes the most sense to drive if you plan on visiting this beach. Accessing Calette di Torre Cintola by car is very easy as it’s situated just under the main road. After finding street parking, you’ll head down a few steps to reach the multiple beach areas. It is also possible to park near the restaurants on either end, in the dirt lots Torre Cafè or Baia Luna Beach.

Type of Beach: Unquestionably, the swimming area of Calette di Torre Cintola is one of the most unique places in all of Puglia, let alone near Monopoli. Although it’s not a classic beach, it’s still a wondrous site to spend an entire morning or afternoon immersed in the historic ruins. Throughout the ancient site, you’ll find small pools of shallow water in addition to pockets of sand and even a natural Roman pool. For anyone looking to escape the classic beaches of Monopoli for something divinely special, this beach should not be missed. Unlike many other archaeological sites found in Italy, this one is completely free to enjoy and remains unspoiled.  

11. Cala Cozze

Accessibility: From the favourable bike and pedestrian path of Lungomare Portavecchia, you’ll stumble upon Cala Cozze nestled below the promenade. It is likely the most quiet beach located directly in Monopoli and can effortlessly be walked to from town centre. If you are driving, there are only a handful of parking spots just above the beach in addition to lots throughout the neighbouring streets. If you are visiting during peak season or hours, it’s challenging to find free parking so give yourself a grace period.

Type of Beach: Often overshadowed by visitors seeking sandy beaches, Cala Cozze is instead a pebble beach. If you have a beach chair, thick towel, or are keen on taking a quick dip, this beach is suitable for anyone who simply desires a quieter spot. Given the tall rocks hugging the beach, there is also natural shade during parts of the day. The many rock formations within the cove also provide satisfaction to any snorkel enthusiast. There are no umbrellas to rent and no beach bar but there is often a food truck located within a few steps of the beach.

Where to Stay In Monopoli

Travel Resources for the Best Monopoli Beaches

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Agoda

CAR RENTALS: Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars

TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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