Buongiorno fellow travelers! My husband and I will be staying in Ostuni in early October for 3 nights without a car and plan to take the train for a day trip to visit Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. Is it better to take a boat tour of the caves/coastline departing from Monopoli or PaM? Is it advised to pre-book tickets or join a boat tour when we arrive? We are looking forward to wandering the back lanes, soaking in the beautiful views, and relaxing in the piazzas but are there any "do not miss" sites you'd recommend in these 3 towns? We are beginning in Ostuni for 4 days then moving on to Bari for a 7 day tour that includes Matera, Alberobello, and Lecce. Any advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Grazie Mille!
Posted by
CA, USA
1345 posts
Keep in mind shops/churches/museums close about 1pm until around 5pm and restaurants close by 2pm for the riposo pomeridiano. Tourism mainly happens before lunch or in the evenings. If there are sites you want to see then check to make sure they'll be open when you want to visit. The best time for your boat tour might be the afternoon when most things are closed anyway.
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Thanks John! I had forgotten about the riposo.
Posted by
California
31 posts
I visited both in mid October 2024, staying in Monopoli and did Polignano as a day trip (very quick train ride). I did not take any boat tours so really cannot comment on when it would be "best" to book. Personally, given that it is not the more popular time period to travel, I would pre-book to make sure you have the booking rather than take by chance. Your call.
If you are in Monopoli on a Sunday, keep in mind that it might be busy with locals. I described Monopoli on a Sunday as akin to Disneyland during Spring break. Wall to wall people and every stroller there was, was there. I was surprised about how busy it was. A waiter at a restaurant explained that it was "family day" and often locals in the region would all hang out together for the day.
Both towns are fantastic just to wander - but not on a Sunday!
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Thank you both for your advice!