Lido Santo Stefano

This place might be as amazing as the reviews suggest, but being charged €109 for just 2 sun beds and an umbrella in May is extremely expensive. Unfortunately for tourists, it's not feasible to carry a sun umbrella in their backpack while traveling, making it difficult to use the public beach and stay shaded from the sun.

This is a 5-star lido. If you take the time to read the reviews, you'll notice that most of the negative feedback centers around the higher price tag. However, if you've invested time and money to travel to Puglia, this is not the place to skimp on an extra 20 euros for a premium beach experience. A few highlights: The food. This is not your typical beach grub. The cuisine here is exceptionally crafted, showcasing truly remarkable Italian dishes. The chef clearly puts effort into creating a special menu. Be sure to try the pasta of the day – during our visit, it was spaghettone with chicory and clams. Phenomenal. The location. Compared to other lidos in the area, this one stands out with a Medieval Castello as its beach backdrop. That alone makes it worth the visit. The beach. They groom it daily, which means no seaweed or other unwanted debris. It’s a clean, powdery sand beach with reduced waves due to its unique angle. This place is top-notch, and I firmly believe it justifies the higher price tag. For reference: I spent 60 euros in late September for the 4th row, which included two sunbeds, parking, and an umbrella. I did not make a reservation, but I visited on a Thursday, so I can't speak to the necessity of reservations during other times of the year.

The private beach is very nice and clean, especially compared to some of the free beaches around Monopoli, which were not as well-maintained. The facilities are well-kept, including large, clean restrooms and a restaurant that serves delicious food at reasonable prices. While it can be a bit pricey (we paid 60 euros for an umbrella with two sunbeds in the back row in September), the pristine surroundings and high level of cleanliness make it worth the cost.

Fantastic lido with all the amenities you could ask for. The drinks and food are reasonably priced as well. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The beach and water are absolutely stunning, with really sandy shores and perfectly clear waters that extend far out while remaining shallow. It's ideal for families. It's not too crowded either and is reasonably priced. I also appreciate the different areas for sun loungers. We stayed above the beach in a grassy, very quiet, and secluded area. Loved the cove with its many little nooks and crannies. Would love to return here.

Stunning beach, but the service is lacking and the prices are steep. There are much better options nearby. I paid 60 euros on a Friday in May to be placed in the 7th row, even though the beach was empty, and the hospitality was poor. A complete waste of money!