We had a wonderful three days at Mario’s place and wished it could have been longer. The apartment has a great position in a tiny square in the lovely old town of Monopoli close to the seafront, and if you’re driving in there’s limited access for cars but street parking and a paid parking zone is an easy five minute walk away. Communication with Mario was excellent and we were welcomed on arrival by Giarda who was friendly and efficient. The apartment is in a beautifully renovated old building and is a charming example of concise vertical living. There is a small basement lounge in case of an extra guest, then ground level hall and bathroom, followed by a bedroom level ( just one flight up to lug your cases 😊), then above that an open plan kitchen/dining/ living, and finally a rooftop terrace with a table and chairs, laundry facilities and an extra shower room with second toilet , and views to the church dome and a glimpse of the sea. While we enjoyed the spiral staircase that links the floors, it may be challenging for some as it’s narrow and steep. We got quite fit! The apartment was spotlessly clean, airy and very well appointed, and we were sorry not to have the chance to use the living area and terrace more but we weren’t there for long enough. The air conditioning was a godsend in the July heat. Great shower and selection of toiletries, fresh white bath towels, swimming towels a thoughtful addition. Some beautiful books about Puglia and its towns and beaches were available to browse. The decor was stylish and original with tasteful personal touches and some lovely retro pieces, and it felt very authentic. We felt connected to the town and all parts of the old and new town are reachable on foot, with a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Monopoli has the best ice cream we’ve ever tasted! At the height of the tourist season the town has a lively energy but felt less overwhelmed by tourism than some of the others in the area. We found it to be a good base for exploring the area. It was a great experience and we would highly recommend Mario’s place.