Cala Verde: Nature and Tranquility

South of Monopoli, Cala Verde lacks clear signs, walkways, or nearby bars. If you don't know it's there, you'll pass it by. You reach it via a short dirt road, then head down to the sea. Because of this, it's less crowded than other nearby coves, especially on weekdays or off-season.

The first thing to consider is practical: parking isn't organized and access is rough. It's better to park a bit earlier and avoid going all the way down, especially with low cars or after rain. The last meters are on foot on dirt: just a few minutes, but with bags and umbrellas, it feels longer.

If you have a B&B or apartment in Monopoli's historic center, moving your car to get to Cala Verde means finding parking again in town later... and that's not easy, especially in July/August. The center is a limited traffic zone, spots are few, tourists are everywhere, and you often circle for 15-20 minutes (or more) before finding a parking spot. Many locals know this and prefer to arrive early or use bikes/scooters. If possible, choose accommodation closer to the south coast - it saves a lot of stress!

If you're looking for wide sand and nearby services, this isn't the most convenient choice. Here, the point is different: the feeling of a simple sea, almost like twenty years ago, when a day at the beach didn't cost 50 euros per person, at least! The beach alternates between smooth rocks and small patches of golden sand. It's not big: there's space for a towel, but it fills up easily in high season, also because it's linked to a nearby campsite. We chose a weekday and late afternoon to avoid the crowd.

Getting into the water isn't easy or immediate: the bottom is uneven, with protruding rocks and slippery slabs. However, the seabed is perfect for snorkeling. Even close to the shore, you'll find cracks, small crevices, and fish moving among the rocks. If you love being in the water more than under the umbrella, it's wonderful.

The area is towards Capitolo. From Monopoli's center, on quiet days, you arrive in minutes. But in July and August, traffic and parking make it longer. The rule is simple: arrive by 9 AM or go later in the afternoon.

I took my first swim at Cala Verde in May. The water is cool, often below 20 degrees. But with the sun, you can enter easily. It's about the same temperature until November. So, you can swim most of the year.

Cala Verde is among the free beaches still in Monopoli. But near Capitolo, there are many resorts. Between these, small coves and rocky areas remain free to access. They aren't large equipped beaches, just cozy spots locals also enjoy.

If you're looking for real natural pools, check out the ones at Torre Cintola, towards Capitolo. Ancient tufa quarries filled by the sea create these pools. Access is free, but you need to navigate paths and rocks. So, wear suitable shoes and be a bit careful.

In many ways, these coves' sea resembles Savelletri's. The water is clear, and the seabed quickly turns rocky. Colors shift from green to deep blue, depending on the light. You won't find endless sand, just small inlets where rocks meet the sea, creating transparency effects. The atmosphere is similar too: less developed, more simple, with a lived-in coastal feel. The distance is minimal, so this Adriatic stretch shares similar features.