On this publish, I’ll share with you the 15 greatest issues to do in Gallipoli. To not be confused with the Gallipoli in Turkey (of World Struggle 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 at this time 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 no less than 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 good 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 seaside lover, a tradition vulture, a foodie, a historical past buff, or a fan of watersports, it’s exhausting to not fall for Gallipoli’s gorgeous 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 positioned 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 are good 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An effective way to familiarize your self with the Outdated City, and be taught extra about its extra important sights, is to take a guided strolling tour.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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Gallipoli once you first arrive that will help 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 are nicely value visiting too. The Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità is whitewashed and plain on the skin, however the inside is solely unimaginable.
Nearly 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 anyplace 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 lovely, historic Greek fountain that’s well-known for its detailed and complicated 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, relationship again to the third century BC. Nevertheless, latest research have proven that it’s truly a lot youthful and was as an alternative almost definitely created in some unspecified time in the future throughout the Italian Renaissance interval.
Its precise age is unknown and is the topic of fierce debate amongst native residents and historians. Both method, it’s a lovely landmark and a tranquil spot to take a seat and relaxation for some time throughout a busy day of sightseeing in Gallipoli. I really like people-watching right here!
Tackle: 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 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 foremost altar is product of a slab of marble that dates again to historical Roman occasions. Whether or not you’re non secular or not, it is a stunning place to go to and also you shouldn’t miss it throughout your time in Gallipoli.
Tackle: Through Duomo, 1, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
5. Wander Round Castello Angioino-Aragonese
Virtually totally 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 lots of of years.
At the 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 fort stands on the location of an historical Roman fortress and has been rebuilt and modified a number of occasions over the centuries. It’s amazingly nicely preserved and comprises varied historic artifacts, together with a number of the authentic 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 town it was constructed to defend.
Tackle: 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 lots 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 prime suggestions under.
Look out for traditional native dishes akin 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 stuffed with candy ricotta cream), and after all focaccia and burrata.
Being a coastal city, Gallipoli can also be recognized 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 exterior of Gallipoli. This gorgeous 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.
Hold an eye fixed out for kingfishers, seabirds, lizards, freshwater turtles, and colourful fish. Discover one in every of many climbing trails, take a swim within the turquoise sea, or just loosen up 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 open air lovers and makes an incredible day journey from Gallipoli. Getting there takes round an hour by bus (take the 104 bus) or is a 30-minute drive when you have your individual automotive.
Tackle: Through 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 incredible 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 most well-liked 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.
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 an incredible turquoise shade, and the seaside is a combination 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 search out your individual quiet spot away from different individuals. There aren’t many amenities within the space, however that’s why I prefer it. The entire place feels pure and splendidly unspoiled.
Tackle of Lovers’ Seashore: 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 gorgeous Baroque structure. This metropolis is positioned lower than an hour away from Gallipoli, making it an incredible 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 fort, and an extremely atmospheric Outdated City. It’s additionally recognized for its scrumptious road meals, wonderful native wines, and the olive groves that encompass town.
Lecce is simply 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 nearly twice as lengthy. The prepare winds its method by means of a variety of smaller cities and villages alongside the best way although so it’s a way more scenic possibility.
Tackle: 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 fort, 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 incredible spectacle to look at and be part of.
Later within the day, distributors set out tables and chairs and you may get pleasure from 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 get pleasure from your feast with a glass of crisp native white wine.
Total, 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. Should you’re a fan of seafood, coming here’s a should.
Tackle: 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 solution to see the gorgeous Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a completely completely different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s quite a lot of enjoyable. There are a number of operators in and across the Outdated 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.
Should you’re touring in a gaggle, it’d even make sense to rent a non-public yacht all to your self. It’s a little bit dear, however when you have a gaggle of individuals to separate the fee with, it is a actually superior factor to do. A non-public yacht journey can take as much as 9 individuals and lasts all day.
You’ll get pleasure from really 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 guide now.
12. Be taught Tips on how to Scuba Dive
Should you’ve ever wished 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 a lot of improbable dive websites shut by.
With crystal clear waters providing superb 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 encircling space that supply programs for learners 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 solution 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 trying to preserve prices down as a lot as doable, you possibly can lease a snorkel and masks for a couple of Euros per hour and head off straight from the seaside. Lovers’ Seashore (talked about above) is a good spot to do that, however you can even snorkel off the city’s foremost seaside too.
Should you’re trying to see as a lot as doable, you’re extra more likely 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 have the ability to level issues out that you just would possibly 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 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 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 couple of completely different native varieties, together with Negroamaro, Primitivo, Bombino Bianco, Aglianico, and Sussumaniello.
You’ll have the chance to purchase wines you may not 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 understood for. Click on right here for extra data 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 night time, with its picturesque fishing boats, timeless ambiance, and lovely 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 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 look at 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 every of my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at night time and is an ideal solution to finish the day of journey.
Tackle: Through della Cala, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Gallipoli
Whether or not you’ve got a day or per week to spend, listed below are some instructed journey itineraries that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Gallipoli:
1 Day in Gallipoli Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the foremost locations to go to in Gallipoli in at some point. If that is the one time you’ve got, I’d suggest sticking to the sights positioned throughout the city itself.
Begin off by exploring the Centro Storico, stopping off to admire the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata and a number 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 foremost 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 foremost sights within the city, and also you’ll even have time to take a look at a number 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 part of a wine tour and luxuriate in sampling a number of the area’s excellent wines.
When you’ve got 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 have the ability to do all the issues really useful 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 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 positively suggest 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, remember to depart (no less than) at some point completely unscheduled. That method, you possibly can get up and do no matter you are 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’ve got two foremost choices:
Centro Storico (Outdated City) – Greatest for First-Time Guests
Gallipoli isn’t a really massive 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 stated, the Centro Storico is tremendous atmospheric and it’s an exquisite place to remain.
Take a look at this superb B&B Corte Casole within the coronary heart of the Outdated City.
New City – Greatest for Households and Price range Vacationers
The New City is bigger, and there’s a larger vary of residences 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 space for households and funds vacationers.
The B&B Secret Suite is a good funds place to remain on the sting of the New City and is only a 5-minute stroll from Gallipoli Through 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 crucial in style locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve a lovely outside terrace that’s an exquisite spot to get pleasure from a leisurely lunch or dinner with an incredible ambiance.
Dolcevita Gourmand Restaurant
Should you’re celebrating an important day, or simply really feel like pushing the boat out a little bit, I can extremely suggest Dolcevita. It’s a flowery gourmand seafood restaurant positioned on the roof backyard of the glitzy Palazzo del Corso resort. 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. Nevertheless, when you’re within the temper for one thing a little bit completely different, try KUMI. This trendy restaurant serves a variety of basic Japanese and Asian-fusion dishes (in addition to sushi), all expertly ready and superbly 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 good mild crusts and high quality toppings. Their Margherita pizza is among the greatest I’ve ever eaten, and so they 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 indisputably one in every of my favourite locations to eat in Gallipoli. It’s an incredible spot to return for an inexpensive, casual lunch or dinner, and the standard of contemporary fish and seafood on supply is great. Strive the fritto misto (deep-fried combined seafood).
Attending to Gallipoli
The best method 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 possibly can 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 through Lecce, which is a significant transport hub for the area.
In case your funds permits, probably the most handy possibility is often to lease a automotive, though positively test the choices for parking at your lodging – it’s famously tough to search out parking areas within the Centro Storico! You can additionally guide a non-public switch from Lecce, or from Bari.
Should you’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, gorgeous 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 (Might) or early autumn (September). You’ll be able to count on heat, sunny climate, however it received’t get too sizzling, and better of all, you’ll keep away from the worst of the summer season crowds.
Sure, Gallipoli is certainly value visiting. As you possibly can see from this publish, there are many nice locations to see in Gallipoli and plenty of wonderful issues to do close to Gallipoli.
You can see all the foremost vacationer sights in Gallipoli in at some point. Nevertheless, there’s sufficient stuff to do in Gallipoli and the encircling space that it’s positively value spending no less than two or three days there when 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 same old precautions akin to not leaving valuables unattended, preserving an eye fixed out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which are lit at night time.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the fort, 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 seaside in Gallipoli. Nevertheless, I feel one of the best one is Lovers’ Seashore (Spiaggia dei Foggi).
Gallipoli is understood for its scrumptious seafood, so I positively suggest making an attempt as a lot as doable 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 would possibly 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.
