On this submit, 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 powerful Greek affect right this moment and options attractive 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 at the very least 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 among my favourite towns in Puglia and is a superb place to base your self when exploring extra of the gorgeous Salento peninsula that varieties the “heel” of Italy.
Finest Issues To Do in Gallipoli
Whether or not you’re a seaside lover, a tradition vulture, a foodie, a historical past buff, or a fan of watersports, it’s laborious to not fall for Gallipoli’s gorgeous pure setting and its rustic attraction.
Learn on for a complete information to the very best issues to see and do in Gallipoli.
1. Discover the Centro Storico
The Centro Storico is the historic coronary heart of the town. It’s positioned on an island that’s linked to the mainland by a Sixteenth-century bridge and is house to lots of the high Gallipoli points of interest.
Surrounded on all sides by the glowing Ionian Sea, and residential to an historic fishing harbor, the Centro Storico is extraordinarily picturesque and atmospheric. It’s a maze-like community of slim cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and little squares and courtyards which might be excellent for exploring.
An effective way to familiarize your self with the Outdated City, and study extra about its extra vital sights, is to take a guided strolling tour.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 while you first arrive that will help you get your bearings. Click on here to book a walking tour of the Centro Storico.
2. See Among 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 nicely 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 an incredible sight.
There are many different enticing church buildings in Gallipoli. In actual fact, I’m undecided I’ve ever seen wherever with fairly so many church buildings packed into such a small space. Two different church buildings I’d advocate visiting embody the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and the Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto.
3. Admire the Greek Fountain
Gallipoli is house to a wonderful, 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 fort.
This fountain was lengthy believed to be the oldest fountain in Italy, courting again to the third century BC. Nonetheless, latest research have proven that it’s really a lot youthful and was as a substitute most probably created sooner or later throughout the Italian Renaissance interval.
Its actual age is unknown and is the topic of fierce debate amongst native residents and historians. Both method, it’s a wonderful landmark and a tranquil spot to sit down and relaxation for some time throughout a busy day of sightseeing in Gallipoli. I like people-watching right here!
Deal with: Corso Roma, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get directions here.
4. Take a look at the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata
The Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is likely one of the high issues to see in Gallipoli. Positioned 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 types, with massive columns, sculptures, frescoes, colorfully-painted ceilings, and plenty of gold.
The cathedral’s fundamental altar is manufactured from a slab of marble that dates again to historic Roman occasions. Whether or not you’re non secular or not, this can be a stunning place to go to and also you shouldn’t miss it throughout your time in Gallipoli.
Deal with: By way of Duomo, 1, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click here to see it on a map.
5. Wander Round Castello Angioino-Aragonese
Nearly completely surrounded by the ocean, the Castello Angioino-Aragonese is an imposing medieval fortress. It guards the doorway to the Outdated City and the traditional harbor and defended the city in opposition to assault for lots of of years.
At the moment, this spectacular construction is likely one of the high sights in Gallipoli. It’s amongst the city’s most recognizable landmarks and dominates the skyline of the Centro Storico.
The fort stands on the positioning of an historic Roman fortress and has been rebuilt and modified a number of occasions over the centuries. It’s amazingly nicely preserved and comprises numerous historic artifacts, together with a few of the unique cannons and catapults used to defend Gallipoli from its enemies.
Inside, you possibly can discover lots of the huge rooms and slim tunnels and passageways. There’s additionally a museum to browse with a collection of reveals and different artifacts documenting the historical past of the fort and of the town it was constructed to defend.
Deal with: Piazza Imbriani Ingresso dal mercato coperto, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click here for directions.
6. Pattern the Native Delicacies
Gallipoli is a superb place to pattern some scrumptious, conventional Puglian food. There are a lot of wonderful eating places on the town, from small family-run trattorias to fancy fine-dining institutions. I’ve listed a couple of of my high suggestions under.
Look out for traditional native dishes corresponding to 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 in fact focaccia and burrata.
Being a coastal city, Gallipoli can also be identified for its top-quality fish and seafood. You may feast to your coronary heart’s content material on freshly caught grilled fish, stuffed mussels, clams, lobster, blended 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 exterior of Gallipoli. This gorgeous park is likely one of the finest locations to go to close to Gallipoli and is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush pine forest, and abundance of native wildlife.
Maintain an eye fixed out for kingfishers, seabirds, lizards, freshwater turtles, and colourful fish. Discover one among many mountaineering trails, take a swim within the turquoise sea, or just loosen up on the pristine pebbly seashores. Do because the locals do, carry a picnic and a bottle of native wine, and luxuriate in this stunning spot.
Porto Selvaggio is a paradise for open air 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 automobile.
Deal with: By way of Litoranea Sant’Isidoro – Santa Caterina, 73048 Nardò LE, Italy. Click here to see it on a map.
8. Head to the Seashore (One of many Finest 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 funds exercise, taking a visit to the seaside can also be top-of-the-line issues to do in Gallipoli for households.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seaside within the city itself. It’s a clear sandy seaside positioned on the western fringe of the Outdated City and has calm, shallow water that’s secure for swimming.
Nonetheless, my favourite one is Lovers’ Beach (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 an incredible turquoise colour, and the seaside 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 simple to seek 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.
Deal with of Lovers’ Seashore: By way of Pavia, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click here for directions.
9. Take a Day Journey to Lecce
The beautiful city 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 fascinating sights to discover together with an historic Roman amphitheater, a beautiful Baroque cathedral, a medieval fort, and an extremely atmospheric Outdated City. It’s additionally identified for its scrumptious avenue meals, wonderful native wines, and the olive groves that encompass the town.
Lecce is just 40 minutes away from Gallipoli by bus – take the 108 bus from the trendy city heart. You can too take the prepare from Gallipoli to Lecce, though this takes virtually twice as lengthy. The prepare winds its method via plenty of smaller cities and villages alongside the best way although so it’s a way more scenic choice.
Deal with: 73100 Lecce LE, Italy. Get directions 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 fort, on the fringe of the bridge that separates the Centro Storico from the New City.
Early within the morning, restaurant homeowners 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 observe and be part of.
Later within the day, distributors set out tables and chairs and you may get pleasure from extremely recent, tasty seafood, cooked to order. Take your choose from the stalls piled excessive with colourful fish, prawns, razor clams, oysters, and extra, then sit right down to get pleasure from 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. Nonetheless, the standard actually couldn’t be higher, and it’s a unbelievable expertise. When you’re a fan of seafood, coming here’s a should.
Deal with: Riviera Cristoforo Colombo, 28, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click here to see it on a map.
11. Rent a Non-public Yacht
An unforgettable solution to see the gorgeous Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a completely totally different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s a whole lot of enjoyable. There are a number of operators in and across the Outdated City who’ll fortunately prepare a ship journey for you, both as a personal tour or as a part of a shared group journey.
When you’re touring in a bunch, it’d even make sense to rent a personal yacht all to your self. It’s just a little expensive, however in case you have a bunch of individuals to separate the associated fee with, this can be a actually superior factor to do. A private yacht trip can take as much as 9 individuals and lasts all day.
You’ll get pleasure from actually breathtaking views, go to untouched islands and secluded bays, uncover some unbelievable native swimming spots, and should even spot a pod of dolphins in the event you’re fortunate! Click on here to book now.
12. Be taught Easy methods to Scuba Dive
When you’ve ever needed to learn how 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 numerous unbelievable dive websites shut by.
With crystal clear waters providing wonderful visibility, and a scarcity of currents and different hazards, the coast round Gallipoli is a perfect spot for an introduction to scuba. You may 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 encompassing space that supply programs for rookies and skilled divers alike. Click on here to book a highly-reviewed introductory scuba diving lesson.
13. Go Snorkeling
In addition to scuba diving, snorkeling can also be a superb solution to discover Gallipoli’s stunning shoreline. It’s a less expensive choice, you don’t want to rent any costly gear or have any classes to get began, and you are able to do all of it by your self.
For these trying to preserve prices down as a lot as attainable, you possibly can hire a snorkel and masks for a couple of Euros per hour and head off straight from the seaside. Lovers’ Beach (talked about above) is a superb spot to do that, however you can too snorkel off the city’s fundamental seaside too.
When you’re trying to see as a lot as attainable, you’re extra prone to discover a higher number of marine life and corals by becoming a member of a guided snorkeling journey. These sometimes take you out on a ship to snorkel in spots that may in any other case be inaccessible, and the information will be capable to level issues out that you simply may in any other case miss.
Some journeys even embody 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 here to book a guided snorkeling trip.
14. Take a Wine Tour
Puglia is thought for its delicious wines, and this space of Italy has been producing the stuff since historic occasions.
Gallipoli is positioned shut to a couple wonderful 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 tours and tastings, which may 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 may not discover wherever 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 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 proper spot for a stroll at any time of day or evening, with its picturesque fishing boats, timeless ambiance, and beautiful views of the fort and the historic buildings of the Outdated City.
Throughout the day, you’ll see fishermen fixing their nets, portray their boats, and unloading their catch. However the early night is after I assume this place is most magical. Because the solar units, it paints the traditional harbor pink, orange, and gold.
Linger for some time to observe 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 among my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at evening and is an ideal solution to finish the day of journey.
Deal with: By way of della Cala, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get directions here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Gallipoli
Whether or not you have got a day or per week to spend, listed below are some prompt journey itineraries that will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Gallipoli:
1 Day in Gallipoli Itinerary
You may see a lot of the fundamental locations to go to in Gallipoli in someday. If that is the one time you have got, 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, take a look at 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 fundamental seaside, 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 wonderful eating places talked about under.
2-3 Days in Gallipoli Itinerary
With two or three days to get pleasure from, you possibly can comfortably see all the fundamental 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 possibly can both go scuba diving or snorkeling. Within the afternoon, be a part of a wine tour and luxuriate in sampling a few of the area’s excellent wines.
In case you have a 3rd day, head over to Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio for a hike, probably a swim, and to benefit from the pristine nature.
1 Week in Gallipoli Itinerary
In per week, you’ll be capable to do all the issues beneficial on this submit and have a while to spare for chilling and simply absorbing the vibe of this beautiful little city. Don’t rush, one among my favourite issues about Puglia is the laid-back life-style and per week is ideal to get to know the realm correctly.
The order you select to get pleasure from all of those enjoyable issues to do in Gallipoli and the encompassing 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, you should definitely depart (at the very least) someday completely unscheduled. That method, you possibly can get up and do no matter you’re feeling like on the day – what a deal with!
The place to Keep in Gallipoli
With regards to deciding the place to remain in Gallipoli, you have got two fundamental choices:
Centro Storico (Outdated City) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Gallipoli isn’t a really massive place, and all the fundamental sights within the city itself are inside simple 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 an exquisite place to remain.
Take a look at this wonderful B&B Corte Casole within the coronary heart of the Outdated City.
New City – Finest for Households and Finances Vacationers
The New City is bigger, and there’s a higher vary of residences and inns 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 great space for households and funds vacationers.
The B&B Secret Suite is a superb funds 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.
Finest Eating places in Gallipoli
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Gallipoli:
Ristorante La French dressing
Ristorante La Vinaigrette is a pleasant, relaxed restaurant within the Centro Storico. It’s one of the widespread locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve a wonderful outside terrace that’s an exquisite spot to get pleasure from a leisurely lunch or dinner with an important ambiance.
Dolcevita Gourmand Restaurant
When you’re celebrating an important day, or simply really feel like pushing the boat out just a little, I can extremely advocate Dolcevita. It’s a elaborate gourmand seafood restaurant positioned on the roof backyard of the glitzy Palazzo del Corso hotel. The presentation is beautiful and all the things is scrumptious.
KUMI Japanese Fusion Restaurant
Nearly all of restaurant menus in Gallipoli focus largely on seafood. Nonetheless, in the event you’re within the temper for one thing just a little totally different, take a look at KUMI. This fashionable restaurant serves a spread of traditional Japanese and Asian-fusion dishes (in addition to sushi), all expertly ready and fantastically introduced. Click here for the location.
Don Vincenzo Pizzeria Napoletana
You may’t come to Italy and never eat pizza, proper? Don Vincenzo Pizzeria Napoletana is the actual deal, serving genuine Naples-style pizza with excellent gentle crusts and high quality toppings. Their Margherita pizza is likely one of the finest I’ve ever eaten, they usually additionally provide a spread of conventional Neapolitan appetizers.
Gallipoli Fish Market
I’ve already talked about this place above, however the Gallipoli Fish Market is for sure one among 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 recent fish and seafood on provide is great. Attempt the fritto misto (deep-fried blended seafood).
Attending to Gallipoli
The best method for many guests to get to Gallipoli is by airplane. You may both fly into Brindisi or Bari, however I like to recommend attempting to get flights to Brindisi if attainable because it’s a lot simpler and faster to journey to Gallipoli from there.
From Brindisi, you possibly can attain Gallipoli by bus and/or prepare, which takes wherever from 3-5 hours. The prepare is quicker however the bus is cheaper. You’ll have to journey by way of Lecce, which is a serious transport hub for the area.
In case your funds permits, essentially the most handy choice is often to hire a automobile, though undoubtedly verify the choices for parking at your lodging – it’s famously tough to seek out parking areas within the Centro Storico! You may additionally e book a private transfer from Lecce, or from Bari.
When you’re coming from one other main Italian metropolis, you need to be capable to attain Gallipoli utilizing Italy’s wonderful 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Gallipoli:
Gallipoli is thought for its atmospheric Outdated City, gorgeous seashores, laid-back ambiance, scrumptious native meals and wine, in addition to its historic significance.
I believe the very best time to go to Gallipoli is both within the late spring (Might) or early autumn (September). You may anticipate heat, sunny climate, however it gained’t get too sizzling, and better of all, you’ll keep away from the worst of the summer time crowds.
Sure, Gallipoli is certainly price visiting. As you possibly can see from this submit, there are many nice locations to see in Gallipoli and lots of wonderful issues to do close to Gallipoli.
You may see all the fundamental vacationer points of interest in Gallipoli in someday. Nonetheless, there’s sufficient stuff to do in Gallipoli and the encompassing space that it’s undoubtedly price spending at the very least two or three days there in the event you can.
Sure, Gallipoli is a really safe place to visit. In fact, it’s all the time a good suggestion to pay attention to your environment and take the standard precautions corresponding to not leaving valuables unattended, protecting an eye fixed out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which might be lit at evening.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the fort, is the preferred factor to do in Gallipoli. Different high issues to do in Gallipoli embody tasting native wines, taking a ship journey alongside the coast, and sunbathing on one of many many gorgeous seashores.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seaside in Gallipoli. Nonetheless, I believe the very best one is Lovers’ Seashore (Spiaggia dei Foggi).
Gallipoli is thought for its scrumptious seafood, so I undoubtedly advocate attempting as a lot as attainable throughout your keep. Different native dishes to attempt embody 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 submit has helped you intend 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.
