Erica & Ged
Things To Do
Porto Cesareo
Distance: ~24 minute drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: Ristorante Al Gambero, Le Dune, Vento Bar Restaurant & Fish Bars: Bar Mykonos Things to do: Walk the Porto Cesareo nature reserve, Take a boat to Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), Bathe in the Torre Lapillo beach
Lecce
Distance: ~36 minute drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: Doppiozero, La Cucina di Mamma Elvira, Classé La Dogana, Varius Osteria Moderna Bars: Doppiozero (also a bar), Pica Lecce, Galleria Lounge Bar, Absolut Lounge Bar Things to do: Admire the Baroque architecture at Basilica di Santa Croce, visit Piazza del Duomo, explore the Roman amphitheater, and enjoy local specialties like pasticciotto and caffè Leccese.
Gallipoli
Distance: ~48 minute drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: Gustavo, Osteria Sant’Angelo, Amu Fish Restaurant, Antica Trattoria, Baguetteria De Pace Bars: Laurus Terrace at Palazzo Presta (rooftop cocktails), Blanc Café Things to do: Explore the historic old town on the island, relax at Spiaggia della Purità, stroll along the sea wall, visit Gallipoli Castle, and enjoy the vibrant beach clubs at Baia Verde.
Taranto
Distance: ~1 hour drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: Trattoria del Pescatore, Nautilus, Ricci, Trattoria Gatto Rosso Bars: Ti Spillo, Baroné Things to do: Visit the Aragonese Castle, explore the National Archaeological Museum (MArTA), stroll along the seafront promenades of Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, and discover the Old Town's charm.
Otranto
Distance: ~1 hour 10 minute drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: Ristorante Fronte Mare, Masseria Bandino Ristorante, ViaPunta7 Tapas Restaurant, L’altro Baffo Bars: L’altro Baffo (also a bar), local seaside bars Things to do: Explore the historic old town, visit the Otranto Cathedral with its famous mosaic floor, walk along the ancient city walls, relax at the town's pristine beaches, and tour the Aragonese Castle.
Monopoli
Distance: ~1 hour 20 minute drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: Magnapulia, Metae, La Locanda dei Mercanti, La Locanda sul Porto Bars: CarloQuinto (cocktail bar), Caffè Letterario Things to do: Wander through the historic old town, relax on beaches like Cala Porta Vecchia and Cala Paradiso, visit the Cathedral of Madonna della Madia, explore the Castle of Charles V, and take a boat trip along the coast.
Alberobello
Distance: ~1 hour and 30 minute drive from Castello Monaci Restaurants: L'Aratro, Evo Ristorante, Trattoria Terra Madre, Ristorante Il Pinnacolo, Cico Osteria Bars: Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar, Bar Il Trulletto, Central Bar, Bar Gambrinus, My Land Things to do: Explore Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola to see the iconic trulli houses, visit Trullo Sovrano, admire the view from Belvedere Santa Lucia, discover the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua