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 Struggle I fame), Gallipoli, Italy, is situated within the southern Italian area of Puglia.
This stunning coastal city was based by the traditional Greeks. It retains a powerful Greek affect at present 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 at the least 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 considered one of my favourite cities in Puglia and is a good place to base your self when exploring extra of the beautiful Salento peninsula that kinds 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 onerous to not fall for Gallipoli’s beautiful pure setting and its rustic allure.
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 situated on an island that’s linked to the mainland by a Sixteenth-century bridge and is residence to lots of the high Gallipoli sights.
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 slender cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and little squares and courtyards which can be excellent for exploring.
An effective way to familiarize your self with the Outdated City, and be taught extra about its extra important sights, is to take a guided strolling tour. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Gallipoli if 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 probably the most well-known, there are a number of different stunning church buildings in Gallipoli which can be nicely price visiting too. The Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità is whitewashed and plain on the surface, however the inside is just 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 enticing church buildings in Gallipoli. In reality, 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 residence to an attractive, 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 citadel.
This fountain was lengthy believed to be the oldest fountain in Italy, courting again to the third century BC. Nevertheless, latest research have proven that it’s truly a lot youthful and was as an alternative more than likely created in some unspecified time in the future in the course of 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 an attractive 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. Try the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata
The Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is likely one of the high issues to see in Gallipoli. Situated 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 kinds, with giant columns, sculptures, frescoes, colorfully-painted ceilings, and many gold.
The cathedral’s primary altar is made from a slab of marble that dates again to historic 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.
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
Nearly fully 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 towards assault for a whole lot of years.
Right now, 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 citadel 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 authentic cannons and catapults used to defend Gallipoli from its enemies.
Inside, you may discover lots 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 citadel and of the 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 various wonderful eating places on the town, from small family-run trattorias to fancy fine-dining institutions. I’ve listed a number of of my high suggestions beneath.
Look out for traditional native dishes similar 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 crammed with 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’ll be able to 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 outdoors of Gallipoli. This beautiful 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.
Preserve a watch out for kingfishers, seabirds, lizards, freshwater turtles, and colourful fish. Discover considered one of many mountaineering trails, take a swim within the turquoise sea, or just loosen up on the pristine pebbly seashores. Do because the locals do, deliver a picnic and a bottle of native wine, and luxuriate in this stunning spot.
Porto Selvaggio is a paradise for outside lovers and makes an amazing 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 individual 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 stunning seashores, most of that are free to entry. In addition to being an amazing finances exercise, taking a visit to the seaside can also be probably the greatest issues to do in Gallipoli for households.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seaside within the city itself. It’s a clear sandy seaside situated on the western fringe of the Outdated 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 seaside is a combination of pebbles and sand.
Lovers’ Seaside is a well-liked spot with native households, however the sweeping bay is giant sufficient that it’s normally straightforward to search out your individual quiet spot away from different folks. There aren’t many amenities 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 stunning metropolis of Lecce is usually 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 amazing vacation spot for a day journey.
Lecce has many attention-grabbing sights to discover together with an historic Roman amphitheater, a stunning Baroque cathedral, a medieval citadel, 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 simply 40 minutes away from Gallipoli by bus – take the 108 bus from the trendy city middle. You can even take the practice from Gallipoli to Lecce, though this takes virtually twice as lengthy. The practice winds its means via a variety of smaller cities and villages alongside the way in which 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 citadel, 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 every day public sale to purchase freshly-caught fish and seafood direct from the fishermen. It’s noisy, hectic, and an amazing spectacle to observe and be part of.
Later within the day, distributors set out tables and chairs and you’ll get pleasure from extremely recent, tasty seafood, cooked to order. Take your decide 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. Nevertheless, the standard truthfully couldn’t be higher, and it’s a incredible expertise. For those who’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 Personal Yacht
An unforgettable strategy to see the beautiful Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a very totally different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s lots 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.
For those who’re touring in a bunch, it’d even make sense to rent a personal yacht all to your self. It’s a little bit 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 folks and lasts all day.
You’ll get pleasure from really breathtaking views, go to untouched islands and secluded bays, uncover some incredible native swimming spots, and will even spot a pod of dolphins should you’re fortunate! Click on right here to guide now.
12. Be taught Methods to Scuba Dive
For those who’ve ever wished to learn 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 numerous incredible 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 novices 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 superb strategy to discover Gallipoli’s stunning 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 seeking 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 seaside. Lovers’ Seaside (talked about above) is a good spot to do that, however you can too snorkel off the city’s primary seaside too.
For those who’re seeking to see as a lot as potential, you’re extra more likely to discover a higher 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 may in any other case be inaccessible, and the information will have the ability to level issues out that you just would possibly in any other case miss.
Some journeys even embody meals and drinks. This is likely one of the most enjoyable, enjoyable issues to do close to Gallipoli and I’d extremely advocate 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 historic occasions.
Gallipoli is situated shut to some 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 excursions and tastings, which might 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 number 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 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 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 environment, and beautiful views of the citadel 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 once 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 considered one of my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at evening and is an ideal strategy 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 might have a day or per week to spend, listed below are some instructed journey itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in Gallipoli:
1 Day in Gallipoli Itinerary
You’ll be able to see a lot of the primary locations to go to in Gallipoli in in the future. If that is the one time you might have, I’d advocate sticking to the sights situated 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 way in which. 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 primary 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 beneath.
2-3 Days in Gallipoli Itinerary
With two or three days to get pleasure from, you may comfortably see all the primary 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 a part of a wine tour and luxuriate in sampling a few of the area’s very good wines.
You probably 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 per week, you’ll have the ability 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, considered one of 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 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 number of of the native seashores, and going each scuba diving and snorkeling.
Additionally, you’ll want to go away (at the least) 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 terms of deciding the place to remain in Gallipoli, you might have two primary choices:
Centro Storico (Outdated City) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Gallipoli isn’t a really huge place, and all the primary 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.
Try 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 flats and motels right here in contrast with the Centro Storico. You tend 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 finances vacationers.
The B&B Secret Suite is a good finances 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 one of the widespread locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve an attractive out of doors terrace that’s a beautiful spot to get pleasure from a leisurely lunch or dinner with an amazing ambiance.
Dolcevita Connoisseur Restaurant
For those who’re celebrating a special day, or simply really feel like pushing the boat out a little bit, I can extremely advocate Dolcevita. It’s a flowery gourmand seafood restaurant situated on the roof backyard of the glitzy Palazzo del Corso resort. The presentation is beautiful and the whole lot is scrumptious.
KUMI Japanese Fusion Restaurant
The vast majority of restaurant menus in Gallipoli focus largely on seafood. Nevertheless, should you’re within the temper for one thing a little bit totally different, take a look at KUMI. This trendy restaurant serves a spread of basic Japanese and Asian-fusion dishes (in addition to sushi), all expertly ready and superbly 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 actual deal, serving genuine Naples-style pizza with excellent mild 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 no doubt considered one of my favourite locations to eat in Gallipoli. It’s an amazing spot to come back for an inexpensive, casual lunch or dinner, and the standard of recent fish and seafood on provide is superb. Strive the fritto misto (deep-fried blended seafood).
Attending to Gallipoli
The best 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 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 through Lecce, which is a serious transport hub for the area.
In case your finances permits, probably the most handy possibility is normally 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 guide a personal switch from Lecce, or from Bari.
For those who’re coming from one other main Italian metropolis, it’s best to have the ability 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 understood for its atmospheric Outdated City, beautiful seashores, laid-back environment, scrumptious native meals and wine, in addition to its historic significance.
I feel the very best time to go to Gallipoli is both within the late spring (Might) or early autumn (September). You’ll be able to anticipate heat, sunny climate, nevertheless 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 may see from this submit, there are many nice locations to see in Gallipoli and lots of wonderful issues to do close to Gallipoli.
You would see all the primary vacationer sights in Gallipoli in in the future. Nevertheless, there’s sufficient stuff to do in Gallipoli and the encircling space that it’s undoubtedly price spending at the least two or three days there should 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 similar to not leaving valuables unattended, maintaining a watch out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which can be lit at evening.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the citadel, 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 beautiful seashores.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seaside in Gallipoli. Nevertheless, I feel the very best one is Lovers’ Seaside (Spiaggia dei Foggi).
Gallipoli is understood for its scrumptious seafood, so I undoubtedly advocate attempting as a lot as potential throughout your keep. Different native dishes to strive 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 rather a lot! There are extra issues to do and locations to go to in Gallipoli than its small dimension would possibly recommend.
I hope this submit 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.