We wanted our first trip into Europe after a 30 month hiatus to be special and actually booked this very last minute. But wow! What a great apartment in the beautiful historic centre of Monopoli.
Communication with Vittoria was excellent, she replied promptly and accommodated an early check in for us via her friend Maria.
The apartment itself was perfect, with incredibly comfortable beds and, given the location, it was very well soundproofed. The rooftop terrace gave spectacular views over the port, Adriatic Sea and the tower of Chiesa Parrocchiale Santa Teresa d'Avila literally right next door.
In terms of Monopoli itself, the hospitality was exceptional from the moment we arrived. We'd highly recommend breakfast in the wonderful 'The King, Cafe Letterario' around 3 minutes walk away. For exceptional street food and friendly chat, 'Maninpasta' on Via Porto (about 2 minutes walk) will take some beating. Some of the tastiest Pizza and Panzerotti we've found anywhere in the world and the exceptionally friendly staff always provided a few free samples of other food to try.
In terms of dinner, our favourite restaurant was definitely 'In Piazzetta' in the main square Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi no more than 5 minutes from the apartment, where we had an exceptional dinner for four people including wine for around 80 Euros, with the most charming and wonderful staff.
All in all, Vittoria's apartment was exactly what we needed. It offered the perfect mix of historic city break, quite beach resort and traditional Italian family life. It really is a brilliant apartment in an idyllic location. The only thing worth being aware of is the 3 floors of steep stairs to the apartment and narrow, sprial staircase to the private roof terrace. But the views really are worth the climb.
Grazie Vittoria!