On this publish, I’ll share with you the 15 greatest issues to do in Gallipoli. Positioned in Puglia, Italy this is among the greatest locations to go to within the area.
This lovely coastal city was based by the traditional Greeks. It retains a robust Greek affect right now 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 no less than a number 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 all my favourite cities in Puglia and is a good place to base your self when exploring extra of the beautiful Salento peninsula that types the “heel” of Italy.
Finest 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 exhausting to not fall for Gallipoli’s beautiful pure setting and its rustic allure.
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 situated on an island that’s linked to the mainland by a Sixteenth-century bridge and is residence to lots of the prime Gallipoli sights.
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 slim cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and little squares and courtyards which can be excellent for exploring.
An effective way to familiarize your self with the Previous City, and be taught extra about its extra vital sights, is to take a guided strolling tour. It’s the most effective issues to do in Gallipoli while you first arrive that can assist you get your bearings. Click on right here to guide a strolling 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 lovely church buildings in Gallipoli which can be nicely value visiting too. The Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità is whitewashed and plain on the surface, however the inside is solely unbelievable.
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 engaging church buildings in Gallipoli. The truth is, 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 suggest 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 phenomenal, historic Greek fountain that’s well-known for its detailed and complex carvings and sculptures. It’s about 5 meters tall and is situated 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 an alternative most certainly created sooner or later in the course of the Italian Renaissance interval.
Its actual age is unknown and is the topic of fierce debate amongst native residents and historians. Both means, it’s a phenomenal landmark and a tranquil spot to take a seat 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 instructions right here.
4. Take a look at the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata
The Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is among the prime issues to see in Gallipoli. Positioned within the coronary heart of the Centro Storico, this beautiful 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 many gold.
The cathedral’s foremost altar is made from a slab of marble that dates again to historical Roman instances. Whether or not you’re non secular or not, this can be a lovely place to go to and also you shouldn’t miss it throughout your time in Gallipoli.
Deal with: Through Duomo, 1, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
5. Wander Round Castello Angioino-Aragonese
Virtually completely 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 towards assault for a whole bunch of years.
Right this moment, this spectacular construction is among 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 location of an historical Roman fortress and has been rebuilt and modified a number of instances over the centuries. It’s amazingly nicely preserved and comprises varied historic artifacts, together with among the unique cannons and catapults used to defend Gallipoli from its enemies.
Inside, you may discover lots of the huge rooms and slim 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.
Deal with: Piazza Imbriani Ingresso dal mercato coperto, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Pattern the Native Delicacies
Gallipoli is a good place to pattern some scrumptious, conventional Puglian meals. 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 number of of my prime suggestions under.
Look out for traditional native dishes equivalent to orecchiette pasta, panzerotti (fried pastries filled with mozzarella and tomato), frisella (a twice-baked bread loaf topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and capers), sfogliatelle (pastry stuffed with 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 beautiful park is among the greatest 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 in all many mountaineering trails, take a swim within the turquoise sea, or just chill out on the pristine pebbly seashores. Do because the locals do, carry a picnic and a bottle of native wine, and revel in this lovely spot.
Porto Selvaggio is a paradise for outdoor lovers and makes an excellent 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.
Deal with: Through Litoranea Sant’Isidoro – Santa Caterina, 73048 Nardò LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
8. Head to the Seaside (One of many Finest Free Issues To Do in Gallipoli)
The realm round Gallipoli is blessed with a number of lovely seashores, most of that are free to entry. In addition to being an excellent price range exercise, taking a visit to the seashore can also be the most effective issues to do in Gallipoli for households.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seashore within the city itself. It’s a clear sandy seashore situated on the western fringe of the Previous City and has calm, shallow water that’s secure for swimming.
Nevertheless, my favourite one is Lovers’ Seaside (Spiaggia dei Foggi), which is situated a number of kilometers south of Gallipoli, within the beautiful Baia Verde (Inexperienced Bay). The water right here is a tremendous turquoise coloration, and the seashore is a mix of pebbles and sand.
Lovers’ Seaside is a well-liked spot with native households, however the sweeping bay is massive sufficient that it’s often simple 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.
Deal with of Lovers’ Seaside: Through Pavia, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Take a Day Journey to Lecce
The lovely metropolis of Lecce is commonly described because the “Florence of the South” on account of its beautiful Baroque structure. This metropolis is situated lower than an hour away from Gallipoli, making it an excellent vacation spot for a day journey.
Lecce has many fascinating 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 avenue meals, wonderful 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 heart. You may as well take the practice from Gallipoli to Lecce, though this takes nearly twice as lengthy. The practice winds its means by means of numerous smaller cities and villages alongside the best way although so it’s a way more scenic possibility.
Deal with: 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 situated near the fortress, 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 every day public sale to purchase freshly-caught fish and seafood direct from the fishermen. It’s noisy, hectic, and an excellent spectacle to observe 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 right 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 implausible expertise. In the event you’re a fan of seafood, coming here’s a should.
Deal with: 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 method to see the beautiful Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a very completely different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s a number 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.
In the event you’re touring in a gaggle, it would even make sense to rent a non-public yacht all to your self. It’s somewhat dear, however in case you have a gaggle of individuals to separate the associated fee 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 really breathtaking views, go to untouched islands and secluded bays, uncover some implausible native swimming spots, and should even spot a pod of dolphins in case you’re fortunate! Click on right here to guide now.
12. Be taught Find out how to Scuba Dive
In the event you’ve ever needed to discover ways to scuba dive, Gallipoli is a good place to do it. The city is surrounded by the calm, clear waters of the Ionian Sea, and there are various implausible 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’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 encompassing space that supply programs for newcomers and skilled divers alike. Click on right here to guide a highly-reviewed introductory scuba diving lesson.
13. Go Snorkeling
In addition to scuba diving, snorkeling can also be a wonderful method to discover Gallipoli’s lovely shoreline. It’s a less expensive possibility, 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 trying to preserve prices down as a lot as potential, you may hire a snorkel and masks for a number of Euros per hour and head off straight from the seashore. Lovers’ Seaside (talked about above) is a good spot to do that, however you may as well snorkel off the city’s foremost seashore too.
In the event you’re trying to see as a lot as potential, you’re extra prone to discover a larger 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 might in any other case be inaccessible, and the information will be capable of level issues out that you just may in any other case miss.
Some journeys even embrace meals and drinks. This is among the most stress-free, enjoyable issues to do close to Gallipoli and I’d extremely suggest it. Click on right here to guide a guided snorkeling journey.
14. Take a Wine Tour
Puglia is understood for its scrumptious wines, and this space of Italy has been producing the stuff since historical instances.
Gallipoli is situated shut to a couple wonderful wineries specializing in 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 could 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 find out about a number of completely different native varieties, together with Negroamaro, Primitivo, Bombino Bianco, Aglianico, and Sussumaniello.
You’ll have the chance to purchase wines you won’t discover wherever else and find out about 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 understood for. Click on right here for extra info and to guide.
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 ambiance, and lovely 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 observe the colours fade away and the celebrities 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 all my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at evening and is an ideal method to finish the day of journey.
Deal with: Through della Cala, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Gallipoli
Whether or not you may have a day or per week to spend, listed here are some instructed 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 a lot of the foremost locations to go to in Gallipoli in in the future. If that is the one time you may have, I’d suggest sticking to the sights situated inside the city itself.
Begin off by exploring the Centro Storico, stopping off to admire the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata and among 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 foremost 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 wonderful 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 foremost sights within the city, and also you’ll even have time to take a look at among 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 revel in sampling among the area’s excellent wines.
You probably 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 of do all the issues advisable on this publish and have a while to spare for chilling and simply absorbing the vibe of this gorgeous little city. Don’t rush, one in all my favourite issues about Puglia is the laid-back way of life and per 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 encompassing space is completely as much as you. However I’d positively suggest spending a full day at Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio, hitting up a number of of the native seashores, and going each scuba diving and snorkeling.
Additionally, be sure you go away (no less than) in the future completely unscheduled. That means, you may get up and do no matter you are feeling like on the day – what a deal with!
The place to Keep in Gallipoli
In relation to deciding the place to remain in Gallipoli, you may have two foremost choices:
Centro Storico (Previous City) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Gallipoli isn’t a really huge place, and all the foremost 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 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 – Finest for Households and Price range Vacationers
The New City is bigger, and there’s a larger vary of flats and motels right here in contrast with the Centro Storico. You have a tendency to get extra to your cash within the New City, and lodging is commonly bigger and cheaper, making this space for households and price range vacationers.
The B&B Secret Suite is a good price range place to remain on the sting of the New City and is only a 5-minute stroll from Gallipoli Through Agrigento practice station.
Finest 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 some of the widespread locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve a phenomenal out of doors terrace that’s a beautiful spot to take pleasure in a leisurely lunch or dinner with an excellent ambiance.
Dolcevita Gourmand Restaurant
In the event you’re celebrating an important day, or simply really feel like pushing the boat out somewhat, I can extremely suggest Dolcevita. It’s a elaborate gourmand seafood restaurant situated on the roof backyard of the glitzy Palazzo del Corso lodge. The presentation is beautiful and every thing is scrumptious.
KUMI Japanese Fusion Restaurant
Nearly all of restaurant menus in Gallipoli focus largely on seafood. Nevertheless, in case you’re within the temper for one thing somewhat completely different, try KUMI. This fashionable restaurant serves a variety of basic Japanese and Asian-fusion dishes (in addition to sushi), all expertly ready and fantastically offered. 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 actual deal, serving genuine Naples-style pizza with excellent mild crusts and high quality toppings. Their Margherita pizza is among the greatest I’ve ever eaten, and so they additionally provide a variety of conventional Neapolitan appetizers.
Gallipoli Fish Market
I’ve already talked about this place above, however the Gallipoli Fish Market is undoubtedly one in all my favourite locations to eat in Gallipoli. It’s an excellent spot to return for an inexpensive, casual lunch or dinner, and the standard of contemporary fish and seafood on provide 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 aircraft. You’ll be able to both fly into Brindisi or Bari, however I like to recommend attempting to get flights to Brindisi if potential because it’s a lot simpler and faster to journey to Gallipoli from there.
From Brindisi, you may attain Gallipoli by bus and/or practice, which takes wherever from 3-5 hours. The practice is quicker however the bus is cheaper. You’ll have to journey by way of Lecce, which is a significant transport hub for the area.
In case your price range permits, essentially the most handy possibility is often to hire a automotive, though positively test the choices for parking at your lodging – it’s famously difficult to search out parking areas within the Centro Storico! You may additionally guide a personal switch from Lecce, or from Bari.
In the event you’re coming from one other main Italian metropolis, it is best to be capable of 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Gallipoli:
Gallipoli is understood for its atmospheric Previous City, beautiful seashores, laid-back ambiance, 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, nevertheless it gained’t get too scorching, and better of all, you’ll keep away from the worst of the summer season crowds.
Sure, Gallipoli is certainly value visiting. As you may see from this publish, there are many nice locations to see in Gallipoli and lots of wonderful issues to do close to Gallipoli.
You may see all the foremost vacationer sights in Gallipoli in in the future. Nevertheless, there’s sufficient stuff to do in Gallipoli and the encompassing space that it’s positively value spending no less than two or three days there in case you can.
Sure, Gallipoli is a really secure place to go to. In fact, it’s all the time a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment and take the standard precautions equivalent to not leaving valuables unattended, preserving an eye fixed out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which can be lit at evening.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the fortress, is the preferred 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 beautiful seashores.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seashore in Gallipoli. Nevertheless, I feel one of the best one is Lovers’ Seaside (Spiaggia dei Foggi).
Gallipoli is understood for its scrumptious seafood, so I positively suggest attempting as a lot as potential throughout your keep. Different native dishes to attempt embrace orecchiette alle cime di rapa (conventional Puglian pasta with turnip tops) and focaccia.
In Closing
Gallipoli is among 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 counsel.
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.