Monopoli.

Monopoli sits on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, its old town rising above a low rocky shoreline. The historic center is a maze of whitewashed alleys, arched passageways, and small courtyards that open unexpectedly onto the water. At its edge, the Cattedrale della Madia stands over the main square, while the Castello di Carlo V, a stone fortress, faces the marina where fishing boats and pleasure craft share the same stone quay.

The coastline breaks into small coves and rock pools, some reachable on foot from the center, others best seen from a rented boat. Along the shore, family-run trattorie serve orecchiette and the day's catch, often finished with olive oil pressed a short distance inland. Beyond the town, the surrounding countryside is dense with olive groves and dry-stone walls, crossed by paths that suit walking once the summer heat has passed.