On this publish, I’ll share with you the 15 finest issues to do in Gallipoli. To not be confused with the Gallipoli in Turkey (of World Battle I fame), Gallipoli, Italy, is positioned within the southern Italian area of Puglia.
This stunning coastal city was based by the traditional Greeks. It retains a robust Greek affect right now and options beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. Though many individuals go to Gallipoli as a day journey, there’s sufficient to see and do right here to maintain you busy for a minimum of a couple of days.
From swimming and sunbathing on its pristine seashores to exploring historic websites, there’s no scarcity of locations to go to in Gallipoli. It’s one in every of my favourite cities in Puglia and is a superb place to base your self when exploring extra of the gorgeous Salento peninsula that kinds the “heel” of Italy.
Greatest Issues To Do in Gallipoli
Whether or not you’re a seashore lover, a tradition vulture, a foodie, a historical past buff, or a fan of watersports, it’s onerous to not fall for Gallipoli’s gorgeous pure setting and its rustic appeal.
Learn on for a complete information to one of the best issues to see and do in Gallipoli.
1. Discover the Centro Storico
The Centro Storico is the historic coronary heart of town. It’s positioned on an island that’s linked to the mainland by a Sixteenth-century bridge and is residence to most of the prime Gallipoli points of interest.
Surrounded on all sides by the glowing Ionian Sea, and residential to an historical fishing harbor, the Centro Storico is extraordinarily picturesque and atmospheric. It’s a maze-like community of slender cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and little squares and courtyards which might be good for exploring.
A good way to familiarize your self with the Previous City, and study extra about its extra vital sights, is to take a guided strolling tour. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Gallipoli whenever you first arrive that can assist you get your bearings. Click on right here to e-book a strolling tour of the Centro Storico.
2. See A number of the Different Church buildings
Whereas the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is essentially the most well-known, there are a number of different stunning church buildings in Gallipoli which might be effectively price visiting too. The Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità is whitewashed and plain on the skin, however the inside is solely unimaginable.
Just about each sq. inch of the within is roofed with elaborate stuccos, colourful eighteenth-century work of biblical scenes (together with Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and David and Goliath), frescoes, canvases, and carved wooden. It’s a tremendous sight.
There are many different enticing church buildings in Gallipoli. In actual fact, I’m unsure I’ve ever seen anyplace with fairly so many church buildings packed into such a small space. Two different church buildings I’d advocate visiting embrace the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and the Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto.
3. Admire the Greek Fountain
Gallipoli is residence to a good looking, historic Greek fountain that’s well-known for its detailed and complex carvings and sculptures. It’s about 5 meters tall and is positioned close to the bridge that connects the Centro Storico to the New City, not removed from the fortress.
This fountain was lengthy believed to be the oldest fountain in Italy, courting again to the third century BC. Nevertheless, current research have proven that it’s truly a lot youthful and was as a substitute almost definitely created in some unspecified time in the future through the Italian Renaissance interval.
Its precise age is unknown and is the topic of fierce debate amongst native residents and historians. Both means, it’s a good looking landmark and a tranquil spot to sit down and relaxation for some time throughout a busy day of sightseeing in Gallipoli. I really like people-watching right here!
Handle: Corso Roma, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
4. Take a look at the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata
The Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is likely one of the prime issues to see in Gallipoli. Situated within the coronary heart of the Centro Storico, this gorgeous cathedral dates again to the 1600s and is devoted to Saint Agatha of Sicily.
The outside is a Baroque masterpiece of ornately carved statues and decorations. Inside, it’s a mix of Renaissance and Byzantine architectural kinds, with massive columns, sculptures, frescoes, colorfully-painted ceilings, and many gold.
The cathedral’s predominant altar is fabricated from a slab of marble that dates again to historical Roman occasions. Whether or not you’re spiritual or not, this can be a stunning place to go to and also you shouldn’t miss it throughout your time in Gallipoli.
Handle: By way of Duomo, 1, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
5. Wander Round Castello Angioino-Aragonese
Nearly fully surrounded by the ocean, the Castello Angioino-Aragonese is an imposing medieval fortress. It guards the doorway to the Previous City and the traditional harbor and defended the city in opposition to assault for lots of of years.
Immediately, this spectacular construction is likely one of the prime sights in Gallipoli. It’s amongst the city’s most recognizable landmarks and dominates the skyline of the Centro Storico.
The fortress stands on the positioning of an historical Roman fortress and has been rebuilt and modified a number of occasions over the centuries. It’s amazingly effectively preserved and accommodates varied historic artifacts, together with a few of the unique cannons and catapults used to defend Gallipoli from its enemies.
Inside, you may discover most of the huge rooms and slender tunnels and passageways. There’s additionally a museum to browse with a sequence of reveals and different artifacts documenting the historical past of the fortress and of town it was constructed to defend.
Handle: Piazza Imbriani Ingresso dal mercato coperto, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Pattern the Native Delicacies
Gallipoli is a superb place to pattern some scrumptious, conventional Puglian meals. There are a lot of glorious eating places on the town, from small family-run trattorias to fancy fine-dining institutions. I’ve listed a couple of of my prime suggestions under.
Look out for traditional native dishes resembling orecchiette pasta, panzerotti (fried pastries full of mozzarella and tomato), frisella (a twice-baked bread loaf topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and capers), sfogliatelle (pastry full of candy ricotta cream), and after all focaccia and burrata.
Being a coastal city, Gallipoli can also be identified for its top-quality fish and seafood. You’ll be able to feast to your coronary heart’s content material on freshly caught grilled fish, stuffed mussels, clams, lobster, combined seafood pasta, and an entire host of different delicacies, straight from the ocean to your plate. It’s a foodies’ dream!
7. Spend an Afternoon at Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio
The Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio is a nature reserve discovered simply outdoors of Gallipoli. This gorgeous park is likely one of the finest locations to go to close to Gallipoli and is legendary for its crystal-clear waters, lush pine forest, and abundance of native wildlife.
Maintain a watch out for kingfishers, seabirds, lizards, freshwater turtles, and colourful fish. Discover one in every of many mountaineering trails, take a swim within the turquoise sea, or just calm down on the pristine pebbly seashores. Do because the locals do, convey a picnic and a bottle of native wine, and luxuriate in this stunning spot.
Porto Selvaggio is a paradise for outdoor lovers and makes an important day journey from Gallipoli. Getting there takes round an hour by bus (take the 104 bus) or is a 30-minute drive in case you have your personal automotive.
Handle: By way of Litoranea Sant’Isidoro – Santa Caterina, 73048 Nardò LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
8. Head to the Seashore (One of many Greatest Free Issues To Do in Gallipoli)
The world round Gallipoli is blessed with a number of stunning seashores, most of that are free to entry. In addition to being an important price range exercise, taking a visit to the seashore can also be top-of-the-line issues to do in Gallipoli for households.
Spiaggia della Purità is the most well-liked seashore within the city itself. It’s a clear sandy seashore positioned on the western fringe of the Previous City and has calm, shallow water that’s protected for swimming.
Nevertheless, my favourite one is Lovers’ Seashore (Spiaggia dei Foggi), which is positioned a couple of kilometers south of Gallipoli, within the gorgeous Baia Verde (Inexperienced Bay). The water right here is a tremendous turquoise colour, and the seashore is a mix of pebbles and sand.
Lovers’ Seashore is a well-liked spot with native households, however the sweeping bay is massive sufficient that it’s often straightforward to search out your personal quiet spot away from different individuals. There aren’t many services within the space, however that’s why I prefer it. The entire place feels pure and splendidly unspoiled.
Handle of Lovers’ Seashore: By way of Pavia, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Take a Day Journey to Lecce
The stunning metropolis of Lecce is usually described because the “Florence of the South” on account of its gorgeous Baroque structure. This metropolis is positioned lower than an hour away from Gallipoli, making it an important vacation spot for a day journey.
Lecce has many attention-grabbing sights to discover together with an historical Roman amphitheater, a stunning Baroque cathedral, a medieval fortress, and an extremely atmospheric Previous City. It’s additionally identified for its scrumptious road meals, glorious native wines, and the olive groves that encompass town.
Lecce is just 40 minutes away from Gallipoli by bus – take the 108 bus from the trendy city middle. You may as well take the prepare from Gallipoli to Lecce, though this takes nearly twice as lengthy. The prepare winds its means by way of quite a lot of smaller cities and villages alongside the best way although so it’s a way more scenic choice.
Handle: 73100 Lecce LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
10. Discover the Gallipoli Fish Market
The Gallipoli Fish Market is one other well-known place to go to in Lecce. It’s positioned near the fortress, on the fringe of the bridge that separates the Centro Storico from the New City.
Early within the morning, restaurant house owners and different locals collect right here for the day by day public sale to purchase freshly-caught fish and seafood direct from the fishermen. It’s noisy, hectic, and an important spectacle to look at and be part of.
Later within the day, distributors set out tables and chairs and you’ll take pleasure in extremely contemporary, tasty seafood, cooked to order. Take your choose from the stalls piled excessive with colourful fish, prawns, razor clams, oysters, and extra, then sit all the way down to take pleasure in your feast with a glass of crisp native white wine.
General, this place isn’t as low cost as I’d anticipated it to be, given the casual vibe of the place. Nevertheless, the standard actually couldn’t be higher, and it’s a improbable expertise. For those who’re a fan of seafood, coming here’s a should.
Handle: Riviera Cristoforo Colombo, 28, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
11. Rent a Non-public Yacht
An unforgettable option to see the gorgeous Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a very totally different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s quite a lot of enjoyable. There are a number of operators in and across the Previous City who’ll fortunately organize a ship journey for you, both as a non-public tour or as a part of a shared group journey.
For those who’re touring in a bunch, it would even make sense to rent a non-public yacht all to your self. It’s slightly expensive, however in case you have a bunch of individuals to separate the price with, this can be a actually superior factor to do. A personal yacht journey can take as much as 9 individuals and lasts all day.
You’ll take pleasure in actually breathtaking views, go to untouched islands and secluded bays, uncover some improbable native swimming spots, and will even spot a pod of dolphins when you’re fortunate! Click on right here to e-book now.
12. Be taught How one can Scuba Dive
For those who’ve ever needed to discover ways to scuba dive, Gallipoli is a superb place to do it. The city is surrounded by the calm, clear waters of the Ionian Sea, and there are lots of improbable dive websites shut by.
With crystal clear waters providing wonderful visibility, and an absence of currents and different hazards, the coast round Gallipoli is a perfect spot for an introduction to scuba. You’ll be able to discover reefs, sea caves, and shipwrecks, and spot quite a lot of colourful marine life.
There are a number of diving facilities within the city and the encircling space that supply programs for rookies and skilled divers alike. Click on right here to e-book a highly-reviewed introductory scuba diving lesson.
13. Go Snorkeling
In addition to scuba diving, snorkeling can also be a superb option to discover Gallipoli’s stunning shoreline. It’s a less expensive choice, you don’t want to rent any costly tools or have any classes to get began, and you are able to do all of it by your self.
For these seeking to preserve prices down as a lot as doable, you may hire a snorkel and masks for a couple of Euros per hour and head off straight from the seashore. Lovers’ Seashore (talked about above) is a superb spot to do that, however it’s also possible to snorkel off the city’s predominant seashore too.
For those who’re seeking to see as a lot as doable, you’re extra more likely to discover a better number of marine life and corals by becoming a member of a guided snorkeling journey. These usually take you out on a ship to snorkel in spots that might in any other case be inaccessible, and the information will have the ability to level issues out that you simply may in any other case miss.
Some journeys even embrace meals and drinks. This is likely one of the most stress-free, enjoyable issues to do close to Gallipoli and I’d extremely advocate it. Click on right here to e-book a guided snorkeling journey.
14. Take a Wine Tour
Puglia is thought for its scrumptious wines, and this space of Italy has been producing the stuff since historical occasions.
Gallipoli is positioned shut to a couple glorious wineries focusing on making Salice Salentino, a particular selection that’s made with Negroamaro grapes native to the area. A few of these wineries run excursions and tastings, which will be actually enjoyable issues to do in Gallipoli for {couples}.
On this full-day tour, you’ll go to a number of vineyards the place you’ll style and study a couple of totally different native varieties, together with Negroamaro, Primitivo, Bombino Bianco, Aglianico, and Sussumaniello.
You’ll have the chance to purchase wines you won’t discover anyplace else and study how every is made. You’ll additionally get to style some scrumptious native meals and benefit from the hospitality that this a part of the world is thought for. Click on right here for extra data and to e-book.
15. Catch the Sundown From the Porto Antico
Gallipoli’s Porto Antico is the city’s historic harbor. It’s the right spot for a stroll at any time of day or evening, with its picturesque fishing boats, timeless environment, and beautiful views of the fortress and the historic buildings of the Previous City.
In the course of the day, you’ll see fishermen fixing their nets, portray their boats, and unloading their catch. However the early night is after I suppose this place is most magical. Because the solar units, it paints the traditional harbor pink, orange, and gold.
Linger for some time to look at the colours fade away and the celebs come out to take their place. Then, benefit from the peace and tranquility earlier than heading out for a meal at one of many native eating places. It’s one in every of my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at evening and is an ideal option to finish the day of journey.
Handle: By way of della Cala, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Gallipoli
Whether or not you will have a day or every week to spend, listed below are some recommended journey itineraries that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Gallipoli:
1 Day in Gallipoli Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the predominant locations to go to in Gallipoli in someday. If that is the one time you will have, I’d advocate sticking to the points of interest positioned throughout the city itself.
Begin off by exploring the Centro Storico, stopping off to admire the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata and a few of the different church buildings talked about above alongside the best way. Then, try the Castello Angioino-Aragonese earlier than heading over to see the Greek Fountain.
Seize lunch from one of many distributors on the well-known fish market, and spend a while in town’s predominant seashore, Spiaggia della Purità within the afternoon. Head to the Porto Antico for sundown, after which end the day by having fun with dinner in one of many glorious eating places talked about under.
2-3 Days in Gallipoli Itinerary
With two or three days to take pleasure in, you may comfortably see all the predominant sights within the city, and also you’ll even have time to take a look at a few of the nice issues to do round Gallipoli too.
I like to recommend spending your first day exploring the city, as above. In your second day, you may both go scuba diving or snorkeling. Within the afternoon, be part of a wine tour and luxuriate in sampling a few of the area’s very good wines.
When you have a 3rd day, head over to Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio for a hike, presumably a swim, and to benefit from the pristine nature.
1 Week in Gallipoli Itinerary
In every week, you’ll have the ability to do all the issues really helpful on this publish and have a while to spare for chilling and simply absorbing the vibe of this beautiful little city. Don’t rush, one in every of my favourite issues about Puglia is the laid-back life-style and every week is ideal to get to know the world correctly.
The order you select to take pleasure in all of those enjoyable issues to do in Gallipoli and the encircling space is completely as much as you. However I’d undoubtedly advocate spending a full day at Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio, hitting up a couple of of the native seashores, and going each scuba diving and snorkeling.
Additionally, be sure you depart (a minimum of) someday completely unscheduled. That means, you may get up and do no matter you’re feeling like on the day – what a deal with!
The place to Keep in Gallipoli
On the subject of deciding the place to remain in Gallipoli, you will have two predominant choices:
Centro Storico (Previous City) – Greatest for First-Time Guests
Gallipoli isn’t a really huge place, and all the predominant sights within the city itself are inside straightforward strolling distance; whether or not you keep within the Centro Storico (i.e. the island) or the New City (the mainland). That mentioned, the Centro Storico is tremendous atmospheric and it’s a beautiful place to remain.
Take a look at this wonderful B&B Corte Casole within the coronary heart of the Previous City.
New City – Greatest for Households and Funds Vacationers
The New City is bigger, and there’s a better vary of flats and accommodations right here in contrast with the Centro Storico. You have a tendency to get extra on your cash within the New City, and lodging is usually bigger and cheaper, making this a superb space for households and price range vacationers.
The B&B Secret Suite is a superb price range place to remain on the sting of the New City and is only a 5-minute stroll from Gallipoli By way of Agrigento prepare station.
Greatest Eating places in Gallipoli
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Gallipoli:
Ristorante La French dressing
Ristorante La French dressing is a pleasant, relaxed restaurant within the Centro Storico. It’s one of the vital common locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve a good looking out of doors terrace that’s a beautiful spot to take pleasure in a leisurely lunch or dinner with an important ambiance.
Dolcevita Gourmand Restaurant
For those who’re celebrating an important day, or simply really feel like pushing the boat out slightly, I can extremely advocate Dolcevita. It’s a flowery gourmand seafood restaurant positioned on the roof backyard of the glitzy Palazzo del Corso lodge. The presentation is beautiful and every part is scrumptious.
KUMI Japanese Fusion Restaurant
Nearly all of restaurant menus in Gallipoli focus largely on seafood. Nevertheless, when you’re within the temper for one thing slightly totally different, try KUMI. This trendy restaurant serves a variety of basic Japanese and Asian-fusion dishes (in addition to sushi), all expertly ready and fantastically introduced. Click on right here for the situation.
Don Vincenzo Pizzeria Napoletana
You’ll be able to’t come to Italy and never eat pizza, proper? Don Vincenzo Pizzeria Napoletana is the true deal, serving genuine Naples-style pizza with good mild crusts and high quality toppings. Their Margherita pizza is likely one of the finest I’ve ever eaten, they usually additionally supply a variety of conventional Neapolitan appetizers.
Gallipoli Fish Market
I’ve already talked about this place above, however the Gallipoli Fish Market is indubitably one in every of my favourite locations to eat in Gallipoli. It’s an important spot to come back for an inexpensive, casual lunch or dinner, and the standard of contemporary fish and seafood on supply is superb. Strive the fritto misto (deep-fried combined seafood).
Attending to Gallipoli
The simplest means for many guests to get to Gallipoli is by airplane. You’ll be able to both fly into Brindisi or Bari, however I like to recommend making an attempt to get flights to Brindisi if doable because it’s a lot simpler and faster to journey to Gallipoli from there.
From Brindisi, you may attain Gallipoli by bus and/or prepare, which takes anyplace from 3-5 hours. The prepare is quicker however the bus is cheaper. You’ll must journey by way of Lecce, which is a serious transport hub for the area.
In case your price range permits, essentially the most handy choice is often to hire a automotive, though undoubtedly examine the choices for parking at your lodging – it’s famously tough to search out parking areas within the Centro Storico! You would additionally e-book a personal switch from Lecce, or from Bari.
For those who’re coming from one other main Italian metropolis, it is best to have the ability to attain Gallipoli utilizing Italy’s glorious high-speed railway community. As soon as in Gallipoli, most locations within the city are simply accessible on foot.
Issues To Do in Gallipoli: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Gallipoli:
Gallipoli is thought for its atmospheric Previous City, gorgeous seashores, laid-back environment, scrumptious native meals and wine, in addition to its historic significance.
I feel one of the best time to go to Gallipoli is both within the late spring (Could) or early autumn (September). You’ll be able to count on heat, sunny climate, however it received’t get too scorching, and better of all, you’ll keep away from the worst of the summer season crowds.
Sure, Gallipoli is certainly price visiting. As you may see from this publish, there are many nice locations to see in Gallipoli and plenty of glorious issues to do close to Gallipoli.
You would see all the predominant vacationer points of interest in Gallipoli in someday. Nevertheless, there’s sufficient stuff to do in Gallipoli and the encircling space that it’s undoubtedly price spending a minimum of two or three days there when you can.
Sure, Gallipoli is a really protected place to go to. In fact, it’s at all times a good suggestion to pay attention to your environment and take the standard precautions resembling not leaving valuables unattended, holding a watch out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which might be lit at evening.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the fortress, is the most well-liked factor to do in Gallipoli. Different prime issues to do in Gallipoli embrace tasting native wines, taking a ship journey alongside the coast, and sunbathing on one of many many gorgeous seashores.
Spiaggia della Purità is the most well-liked seashore in Gallipoli. Nevertheless, I feel one of the best one is Lovers’ Seashore (Spiaggia dei Foggi).
Gallipoli is thought for its scrumptious seafood, so I undoubtedly advocate making an attempt as a lot as doable throughout your keep. Different native dishes to strive embrace orecchiette alle cime di rapa (conventional Puglian pasta with turnip tops) and focaccia.
In Closing
Gallipoli is likely one of the prettiest cities in southern Italy, which is saying quite a bit! There are extra issues to do and locations to go to in Gallipoli than its small dimension may recommend.
I hope this publish has helped you propose your time sightseeing in Gallipoli. It’s someplace that I’d like to spend extra time sooner or later – when you go to you’ll perceive why.