Today's stage featured 30 km of spectacular scenery as we proceeded southwards along the rocky coast to Monopoli. The trail dipped down to secluded coves, then climbed to the top of the rocks again, proceeded over reddish rock studded with fossilised seashells and hollows filled with rainwater, passed caves and amazing rock formations, occasionally veering inland through the fields and vineyards for a few kilometres.
Coming into the town of Polignano, we were struck by a sight we hadn't seen since Rome: tourists!! With all the associated businesses catering to them. But we hurried on by as we had an appointment with representatives of the town authorities at the art museum by the sea, on the other side of the town. Here we took a break to enjoy a snack of foccaccia, Bari-style, which is thicker and less oily than Genoese foccaccia and has tomatoes on top.
After this break we proceeded on along the waterfront, only to be met by a barrier: at the far end of the town, a trail marker clearly showed that we ought to proceed onto the beach, but the way was barred by a robust metal barrier! Undeterred by the fence, or by the gentle rain beginning to fall, we clambered over and continued on our way.
At this point the threatening skies that had been holding off all day began to release their load of rain - the first the region has seen for many months. The scenery was spectacular even in this weather, though I was not able to take many photographs because of the wet.
We arrived in Monopoli just in time for the snack and brief tour of the city offered by the municipality, while the washer-dryer in the newly refurbished apartment four of us had rented right in the old town centre took care of our wet and muddy clothes!
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| View of the city tower from our apartment |
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| Monopoli cathedral |
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| Monopoli by night |
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