There are 3 of us (60's-70's) we'll be driving, from 2 nights in Lecce and need to pick our next base for 2 nights. We would prefer to be within 45-50 minute drive to Bari Airport to drop off car by 11am on checkout day. We're looking for a base, but only 2 nights so that means visiting the town we stay in and maybe a nearby town. Monopoli and Polignano a Mare are close enough to each other so it's a matter of picking one. I'd love to hear about any great recommendations of places you've stayed in either place, or thoughts on staying outside the city centers vs inside, given we have a car and will need to park it overnight. I have found several places still available on booking.com, all very reasonable (>$400 total for 2 nights/3-4 people Nov1-3, 2025). There is a possibility of one more joining us, so I'll book for 4 people. Also, does anyone have suggestions for sites to see in the area? We'd like to do some walking but not too much climbing, one of us is a photography buff so great photo ops would be nice to hear about. Seeing the beach/seashore is nice but we're not looking to spend a lot of time at the beach.
Thank you.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3712 posts
Just stayed in Polignano a Mare last week in the old town and really enjoyed it. We found street parking near the pedestrianized center and only took our car out one day to visit Ostuni, Locorotondo and Alberobello.
On another day we just walked to the train station in 15 minutes and took the train for 6 minutes to Monopoli. Much easier than driving, searching for parking in Monopoli and then driving back.
We also had a flight out of Bari in the early morning so wanted to be in a town outside of Bari for the rental car return and a brief drive to the airport on flight day.
I really liked Polignano a Mare. It has a slow, small town vibe and, with just 17K residents, is much smaller than Monopoli with its 50K residents. Monopoli has a pleasant medieval center with a fortress and huge cathedral. Once you’re outside of the small, centro storico, however, it just felt like a big city that could have been anywhere in Italy. Both towns are essentially flat, without much altitude gain while walking.
Polignano a Mare’s historic center is entirely pedestrianized and its historic center on the waterfront is the main attraction. As a photographer, the oceanfront photography at Lama Monachile beach ( aka “Cala Porto”) in Polignano a Mare doesn’t disappoint. This is the iconic Polignano a Mare beach with turquoise water between two cliffs seen in every photo of the town.
We stayed at a small apartment just outside the centro storico that was suitable for two. I would try to find a place just outside the ZTL zone. A place that provides parking would be preferable, if you will have a larger car for your group.
On the final night, serendipity led us to a fantastic restaurant in Polignano a Mare called “Il Grottino”
Best meal during three weeks in Italy!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9001 posts
Hi, I’ve stayed in both cities. There’s no wrong choice between the two options. I would tend to choose Polignano a Mare for warm weather travel, but for November I might say Monopoli. The streets are more protected from wind (not sure of Winter conditions), and there’s more places to walk in Monopoli. There’s also a stunning church there! (I skipped the one with the mummies standing up after seeing them through a window- yuck!)
Posted by
OP
323 posts
Thank you both for replies, it sounds like they are both good choices. I think I'll make the final decision based on the best lodging I find between the two.
Kenko, thank you for mentioning the easy train access between the two. That sounds like the best way to go. I'm glad to hear you confirm that it's an easy drive to the airport in Bari.
Jean, thanks for the warning about the stand up mummies, I think I'll skip that!
Posted by
CA, USA
1383 posts
From either town you might want to consider a morning drive to Trani which is about an hour away by car. Trani has a nice harbor and a well preserved old town so might be of appeal for photography. You could go there in the morning, have lunch, then drive back.