Cala Porta Vecchia

Cala Porta Vecchia, also known as Spiaggia Porta Vecchia, is a picturesque beach located in the town of Monopoli in the province of Bari. Nestled at the base of the town's ancient defensive sea wall, this beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context.

The beach is characterized by a mix of sand and rocks, with the sandy patches stretching along the foot of the defensive sea wall and continuing around the rocks under the Bastione di Babula. Despite the rocky coastline predominant in Monopoli, Cala Porta Vecchia is known for its fine sandy areas. This blend of rocky and sandy terrains adds to the beach's overall appeal and provides a characteristic panorama of the Puglia region's landscape.

One of the most striking features of Cala Porta Vecchia is its crystal-clear water. The sea color at this beach varies from azure to blue, and the water is transparent, offering a clean and inviting environment for swimming. The sea is easily accessible due to the gently sloping seabed, making it suitable for all visitors, including children. However, the presence of jellyfish in the water is a potential concern, and visitors should be cautious.

Despite its natural charm, Cala Porta Vecchia is not equipped with facilities such as changing cabins or showers. Additionally, the beach lacks shade until late afternoon, so visitors are advised to bring an umbrella. The beach can become quite dirty in the afternoon, with seaweed sometimes piling up and rotting, potentially leading to a fly infestation.

Cala Porta Vecchia's location near the main streets of the old town makes it easily accessible. There is a car park conveniently located less than a two-minute walk from the beach. However, it's worth noting that the beach tends to fill up quickly and can become crowded, particularly during peak times. Despite these challenges, the beach's beautiful views, the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, and its proximity to the town make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.