Free Beaches in Monopoli

This summer, I spent a few days in Monopoli without a set plan. I stayed in the historic center and moved around on a whim: morning at the beach, afternoon rest, evening stroll. Choosing where to dine gave me an excuse to walk a lot. I didn't check reviews but judged places in person.

Distances are short, that's true. In theory, many beaches are a 20-minute walk away. But with the heat, bags, water, kids' toys, and not wanting to arrive tired, I often used the car. However, parking in the center is a problem in high season: finding a spot isn't guaranteed. Using the car for the beach means returning and searching for parking again, often circling several times before finding a free space.

I chose Lido Bianco mostly for convenience. I knew what to expect: facilities, services, no surprises. It's an urban cove, right on the seafront, nestled between buildings and asphalt. Nothing wild about it. That day was mid-June, very hot, and I didn't feel like walking in the sun. I took the car and, luckily, parked without too much hassle.

Two sunbeds and an umbrella in the third row cost 20 euros. It seemed a fair price. The bar is just steps away: sandwiches, salads, cold drinks. No postcard atmosphere, but everything's simple. In the water, the seabed has sand in the center, rocks on the sides. The current was noticeable, and the water was cooler than I expected. It's not a place for isolation; it's where you go for comfort and to not think too much.

A couple of days later, I wanted something simpler. I ended up at Porto Rosso, on one of the free beaches. You could walk there in twenty minutes, but I had a cooler and a big towel, so I avoided it. Distances are short, but the sun makes them feel longer.

Here, everything changes: no orderly sunbeds, no showers. There's sand but less space. I found a spot and settled in. I swam for a long time; the water was clear. Then I just lay in the sun, not doing much else. In July and August, I imagine it's much more crowded; even now, space isn't endless. It's a good option if you don't mind a bit of chaos and plan for yourself. But I really appreciated the lifeguard. A swimmer felt unwell, and even though it's a free beach, he quickly helped!

La Scaletta was almost a must: with kids, you need sand and shallow water. It's further south, along Via Procaccia. You could walk here too, but with buckets, changes, and backpacks, I didn't feel like it. I drove for a few minutes and saved myself the hassle.

Access is via a small staircase in the rock, so be careful. The cove is small and cozy. The seabed slopes gently, and the sand is fine: perfect for kids. That day, the water wasn't very clear, maybe because of the wind, but they played for hours without noticing. We adults made do, with portable umbrellas and snacks in our backpacks. There aren't many services, and space is limited.