Not to be confused with the eponymous board game, Monopoli is a gorgeous town on Italy’s Adriatic Coast. Fortified sea-front walls, a 16th-century castle, cathedral, vibrant street market and a bastion with a canon provide plenty of points of interest, while the busy fishing harbour furnishes the local restaurants with the freshest of catches (do visit The Fisherman’s Quarter in the Old Town). This Puglian town was originally founded by the Greeks, before becoming a part of the Roman empire and experiencing Byzantine and Norman rule. It has some wonderful beaches, as well as a lot of history and some very special places to stay.
Locanda Don Ferrante
What was once a reef side fortress has been lovingly restored, to create a whitewashed ten-bedroomed boutique hotel right in Monopoli. Original features such as vaulted stone ceilings, fireplaces and limestone floors have been maintained, complimented by handicrafts, carved wood headboards and mod cons including hydro showers. The rooftop terrace is a romantic spot in which to savour some seasonal Puglian cuisine or take a dip in the little sea-view pool that’s sheltered by a rustic stone wall. Massages can be booked in-room or taken in a dedicated outdoor treatment area and breakfast is served in the 16th-century cellar.
