When you get a travel essay that starts off with ‘A town that tingles all your senses’, you know you have to drop everything and soak it all in. This captivating and gorgeous travel log from photographer Hanna Kirstiina Amy has us dreaming of flying into Italy for a quick escape. Her description of her time in Monopoli, Puglia region of Italy and her beautiful travel photos makes it seem like a fairy tale – that idyllic lifestyle that is the perfect way to relax, rejuvenate and reset.

From Hanna,
I am a photography from living in Finland and my true passion is photography that tells a story, far stronger than words allowing life to stand still for a while. With a soft spot for Italy, I yearn to travel and have relentless wanderlust for discovering new hidden destinations, collecting moments that ultimately give me a new found lust for life. I have been traveling to Italy for over 9 years and love exploring this beautiful and picturesque country.

Monopoli Italy is a town that tingles all your senses.

You know you’re in Apulia, is when you naturally awake up in the mornings to the perfect blend of church bells and pigeons cooing on rooftops warming up in the deep sun rays. I open our aqua tinted double balcony doors to witness the soft hues of the old town and soak in the feels of this coastal town. The low sun flare causes my eyes to twitch and all I hear is the occasional vespa buzzing in the backdrop and the sound of wooden shutters sliding open. The little town slowly comes to life and its subtle charm makes it too easy to fall in love with Monopoli in Italy. Now it’s time for that perfect frothy cappuccino, I so deeply crave.

A charismatic town in the Adriatic coast in the province of Bari, Monopoli surrounds with turquoise clear waters that fulfills anyone’s visual and seafood cravings. There is a beautiful aura here, the mornings begin with a flock of fishermen mending their nets at shorefront in Porto Vecchio, while locals gather to sip coffee with newspaper at hand in the main piazza. Life is calm here, the salty sea breeze and harmonious white streets with the occasional cyan door passing you by creates, without a doubt, a photographic dream.Just like many other little towns in Puglia, Monopoli is filled with intertwining cobbled streets, shaded archways, limestone walls, flowerpot lined alleys and little corners that tingle all your senses, just the way they should. With a kaleidoscope of cobalt blue or ruby red geranium spilling over balconies, every façade is Pinterest worthy and the scents of freshly hung laundry mixed with authentic cooking lingers in the air as you pass numerous local Tavernas.

Here, you can find tranquility in the small port that still harbors traditional ‘u-vozz’ fishing boats as it did a hundred years ago, that are piercing blue and red in color made entirely of wood. They contrast against the golden walls of the castle and illuminate against the glistening sun that spreads over the shallow waters of the bay. Getting lost in the backstreets of the old town will feed your eyes and that chilled glass of dry prosecco will quench your thirst from the heat. Meanwhile, a slow mouth-watering lunch followed by a double shot of espresso in the presence of southern Italian hospitality will feed or actually fulfill your soul in a way that will keep you wanting more. The perfect Italian lifestyle waits here in Monopoli.Needless to say, my husband and I have been coming to Italy nine years in a row. This is our happy place.

Southern Italy is the epitome of slow living, good food, old cities, that captivating countryside and intriguing baroque architecture that creates a foundation for the alluring life in Puglia. There is a real appreciation for fresh-pressed olive oil, primitivo wines, old-fashioned pasta making, seafood and local organic food. Monopoli’s white softness comes to life when the sun reflects the winding streets and is most enjoyable when you can look out to sea while digging your fingers in the freshest of seafood. Ending the days in a cozy vino bar and take a stroll listening to the majestic waves and sneak a fior-di-latte gelato is the only way to make sure your diet doesn’t get the best of you!

Monopoli also has an interesting history. It was founded by the Greek, ruled by the Romans and attacked by several invaders. Once a thriving port town, fishermen inhabited the area and hence today the seafaring culture plays a significant and proud role reflecting authentic values of a Mediterranean and Eastern tradition. The name ‘Monos polis’ originates from Greek language meaning ‘unique city’ and it all makes sense, if you surrender to the richness of the town and get lost in the alluring culture.

Monopoli also sits in a great location as it makes exploring the surroundings ideal. Additionally, idyllic Polignano a Mare lies just up the coast and other picturesque towns such as Alberobello, Ostuni and Martina Franca are just a scenic drive away.

To make the best of your time in Monopoli, here are a few quick and easy tips!

• Eat antipasti all day
• Bring along a great boho dress to match the laid back lifestyle
• Carry a camera at all times
• Bring your appetite and get ready for that desired Apulian dream.

Monopoli will give you tranquility if you stop and let it capture your heart.

Here are a few recommendations to make the most of your visit to Monopoli

#1 Wander

Explore the neighboring coastal town, Polignano a Mare. Take a white-washed scenic route through the countryside to one of the great towns like Martina Franca, Ostuni or Loccorrotondo.

#2 Rest

For a luxurious experience, stay at Don Ferrante Dimore that overlooks the entire sea and you can enjoy the little pool on the rooftop terrace. For an equally as charming choice (and less hefty on the wallet), enjoy the charming Palazzo Bregante. It’s a small boutique hotel that has a divine healthy breakfast that is very instagram friendly. Their rooms have cute french balconies that overlooking the old town making the location splendid.

#3 Must dos

Walk around the maze like old town and stop for antipasti in one of the corner tavernas. Take a dip in the water in the little beach and walk along the outerline of the town to whitness the beautiful sea. Monopoli is filled with seafood restaurants, so enjoy all the delights it has to offer.Thank you Hanna for sharing this stunning town and all its charms with us. We have half a mind to drop everything and book our tickets to Italy. Monopoli seems like a dream!

Hanna is a photographer based out of Finland. With a Nordic mindset, her work is a visual sanctuary that combines the beauty of Scandinavian simplicity by exploring little delicious things in life that inspire her. Made with a touch of Nordic zest, dreamy travels and an ideology of self-improvement, the au natural site is a route to healthy living and finding joy in the ordinary. She says, “It is the small things in life and a great bouquet of peonies that create something extraordinary.”

 

{Photo and Words by Hanna Kirstiina Amy, Website: www.xoamys.com, Instagram: @xoamysnordic}

Travel Guide To Monopoli Southern Italy

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