La Porto Ghiacciolo beach, Monopoli, is one of the most charming coves on Apulia's Adriatic coast. Located at the foot of the imposing St Stephen's Abbey, this small inlet offers visitors an evocative landscape where history and nature come together harmoniously.
The sea here is surprisingly clear, with shades ranging from deep turquoise to emerald green. The sea bed is predominantly sandy with rocky stretches, ideal both for those who wish to swim in calm waters and for snorkelling enthusiasts, who can explore small corners rich in marine life. The cove is sheltered from the wind and this makes the water often calm and pleasant, also perfect for families with children.
The sand is light and fine, alternating with low cliffs that frame the beach and create a cosy, intimate atmosphere. The abbey, which dominates from above with its old-world charm, adds a unique scenic touch: at sunset, when the sun colours the stone with golden hues, the view becomes particularly evocative and romantic.
Porto Ghiacciolo offers both stretches of free beach and establishments equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and services, allowing each visitor to choose the experience they prefer. Nearby there are also bars and restaurants where one can enjoy Apulian specialities, perhaps after a day spent between sun and sea.
Easily accessible from centre of Monopoli, this cove is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover an authentic corner of Apulia: a place to relax, take a dip in crystal-clear waters and be captivated by the timeless beauty of the Monopoli coastline.
Why is it called that?
The Porto Ghiacciolo beach owes its name to a very interesting historical feature.
In the past, this small inlet was used as a landing and storage point for natural ice. Before the invention of refrigerators, ice was produced during the winter or stored in special “iceboxes”, underground stone chambers that kept it at low temperatures even in the warm months.
Right near the Abbey of Santo Stefano, which dominates the cove, there were structures used to store ice. Hence the name “Porto Ghiacciolo”, i.e. the small port where ice destined for the city and commercial activities was stored or transited.
The term “harbour” recalls the original function of the inlet as a natural harbour, while “icicle” has nothing to do with modern ice cream, but indicates precisely the preserved ice.
So, behind the beach's evocative name lies a piece of local history linked to the daily life and ingenuity of Apulia's coastal communities. Today it remains a place of crystal-clear sea and enchanting views, but with a fascinating past to tell.
If you are in Monopoli for the sea, in addition to the striking Porto Ghiacciolo beach there are many other wonderful beaches and coves worth exploring, all easily accessible by car, scooter or even on foot from the city centre.
🌊 Beaches and coves nearby
🌟 Cala Porta Vecchia - A small urban beach just below the ancient walls of the old town: clear waters and a sandy seabed make it perfect for a quick dip after a stroll through town.
🌿 Porto Verde Beach - Another sandy beach south of Monopoli, with calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub.
🏖️ Porto Rosso Beach - A quiet cove with sand and rocky stretches, ideal for swimming or simply relaxing. It is popular for its location and characteristic view.
🌅 Cala Susca - A small cove with a mix of sand and shallow rocks: perfect if you are looking for a more intimate and atmospheric spot.
🌴 Cala Paradiso - A picturesque bay surrounded by low cliffs, much loved thanks to its colours and the services offered by nearby lidos and establishments.
🏖️ Santo Stefano Beach - Located near Porto Ghiacciolo, this beach offers a very scenic setting with the medieval castle as a backdrop.
🏝️ Capitolo Beach - If you want a long, sandy beach with plenty of facilities, bars and establishments, Capitolo is the most popular in the area, perfect for full days on the beach.
🏖️ Porto Marzano Beach - A wilder and quieter beach with fine sand, where you can find free corners and a more natural atmosphere.
🌊 Calamarena - A small, “wilder” cove with clear water and perfect if you are looking for tranquillity away from the more crowded beaches.
These beaches form a succession of coves and stretches of sand that make the Monopoli coastline one of the most beautiful and varied in Puglia: from small rocky inlets to long sandy beaches, all with crystal-clear sea and unique Mediterranean landscapes.
If you want, I can also suggest beach itineraries for a day or several days so you can better organise your beach days! 🌞
ph https://visit.puglia.it/it/porto-ghiacciolo