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 Conflict I fame), Gallipoli, Italy, is situated within the southern Italian area of Puglia.
This lovely 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 not 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 among my favourite cities in Puglia and is a superb place to base your self when exploring extra of the gorgeous Salento peninsula that kinds the “heel” of Italy.
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 gorgeous pure setting and its rustic attraction.
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 dwelling 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 are good for exploring.
A good way to familiarize your self with the Previous City, and study extra about its extra important sights, is to take a guided strolling tour. It’s the most effective issues to do in Gallipoli whenever 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 A few of 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 are properly price visiting too. The Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità is whitewashed and plain on the skin, however the inside is solely unimaginable.
Just about each sq. inch of the within is roofed with elaborate stuccos, colourful eighteenth-century work of biblical scenes (together with Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and David and Goliath), frescoes, canvases, and carved wooden. It’s a tremendous sight.
There are many different engaging church buildings in Gallipoli. Actually, I’m unsure I’ve ever seen anyplace with fairly so many church buildings packed into such a small space. Two different church buildings I’d suggest visiting embody the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and the Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto.
3. Admire the Greek Fountain
Gallipoli is dwelling to a good looking, historic Greek fountain that’s well-known for its detailed and complicated 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, relationship again to the third century BC. Nevertheless, current research have proven that it’s truly a lot youthful and was as an alternative almost definitely 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 means, it’s a good looking 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!
Handle: Corso Roma, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
4. Try the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata
The Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is among the high issues to see in Gallipoli. Situated within the coronary heart of the Centro Storico, this gorgeous cathedral dates again to the 1600s and is devoted to Saint Agatha of Sicily.
The outside is a Baroque masterpiece of ornately carved statues and decorations. Inside, it’s a mix of Renaissance and Byzantine architectural kinds, with massive columns, sculptures, frescoes, colorfully-painted ceilings, and plenty of gold.
The cathedral’s important altar is product of a slab of marble that dates again to historic Roman instances. Whether or not you’re spiritual or not, it is a lovely place to go to and also you shouldn’t miss it throughout your time in Gallipoli.
Handle: By way of Duomo, 1, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
5. Wander Round Castello Angioino-Aragonese
Nearly fully surrounded by the ocean, the Castello Angioino-Aragonese is an imposing medieval fortress. It guards the doorway to the Previous City and the traditional harbor and defended the city towards assault for lots of of years.
As we speak, this spectacular construction is among 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 location of an historic Roman fortress and has been rebuilt and modified a number of instances over the centuries. It’s amazingly properly preserved and accommodates numerous historic artifacts, together with a number of the unique cannons and catapults used to defend Gallipoli from its enemies.
Inside, you’ll be able to 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 citadel and of town it was constructed to defend.
Handle: Piazza Imbriani Ingresso dal mercato coperto, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Pattern the Native Delicacies
Gallipoli is a superb place to pattern some scrumptious, conventional Puglian meals. There are lots 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 high suggestions beneath.
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 full of candy ricotta cream), and after all focaccia and burrata.
Being a coastal city, Gallipoli can 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, blended seafood pasta, and a complete host of different delicacies, straight from the ocean to your plate. It’s a foodies’ dream!
7. Spend an Afternoon at Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio
The Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio is a nature reserve discovered simply outdoors of Gallipoli. This gorgeous park is 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 a watch out for kingfishers, seabirds, lizards, freshwater turtles, and colourful fish. Discover one among many mountain climbing trails, take a swim within the turquoise sea, or just chill out on the pristine pebbly seashores. Do because the locals do, convey a picnic and a bottle of native wine, and revel in this lovely 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’ve got your individual automotive.
Handle: By way of Litoranea Sant’Isidoro – Santa Caterina, 73048 Nardò LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
8. Head to the Seashore (One of many 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 incredible price range exercise, taking a visit to the seaside can be the most effective 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 Previous City and has calm, shallow water that’s secure for swimming.
Nevertheless, my favourite one is Lovers’ Seashore (Spiaggia dei Foggi), which is situated a number of kilometers south of Gallipoli, within the gorgeous Baia Verde (Inexperienced Bay). The water right here is a tremendous turquoise coloration, 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 normally simple to seek out your individual quiet spot away from different folks. There aren’t many services within the space, however that’s why I prefer it. The entire place feels pure and splendidly unspoiled.
Handle of Lovers’ Seashore: By way of Pavia, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Take a Day Journey to Lecce
The lovely metropolis of Lecce is usually described because the “Florence of the South” on account of its gorgeous Baroque structure. This metropolis is situated lower than an hour away from Gallipoli, making it an incredible vacation spot for a day journey.
Lecce has many fascinating sights to discover together with an historic Roman amphitheater, a stunning Baroque cathedral, a medieval citadel, and an extremely atmospheric Previous City. It’s additionally recognized for its scrumptious road meals, wonderful native wines, and the olive groves that encompass town.
Lecce is barely 40 minutes away from Gallipoli by bus – take the 108 bus from the fashionable city middle. It’s also possible to take the practice from Gallipoli to Lecce, though this takes nearly twice as lengthy. The practice winds its means by way of quite a lot of smaller cities and villages alongside the way in which although so it’s a way more scenic choice.
Handle: 73100 Lecce LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
10. Discover the Gallipoli Fish Market
The Gallipoli Fish Market is one other well-known place to go to in Lecce. It’s situated near the citadel, 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 each 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’ll 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 right 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 unbelievable expertise. In case you’re a fan of seafood, coming here’s a should.
Handle: Riviera Cristoforo Colombo, 28, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here to see it on a map.
11. Rent a Personal Yacht
An unforgettable solution to see the gorgeous Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a very completely different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s numerous 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 case you’re touring in a bunch, it’d even make sense to rent a non-public yacht all to your self. It’s a bit of expensive, however when you’ve got a bunch of individuals to separate the price with, it is a actually superior factor to do. A non-public yacht journey can take as much as 9 folks 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 case you’re fortunate! Click on right here to guide now.
12. Be taught Learn how to Scuba Dive
In case you’ve ever needed to discover ways to scuba dive, Gallipoli is a superb place to do it. The city is surrounded by the calm, clear waters of the Ionian Sea, and there are lots of unbelievable 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 provide 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 be a superb solution to discover Gallipoli’s lovely shoreline. It’s a less expensive choice, you don’t want to rent any costly tools or have any classes to get began, and you are able to do all of it by your self.
For these seeking to preserve prices down as a lot as doable, you’ll be able to hire a snorkel and masks for a number of Euros per hour and head off straight from the seaside. Lovers’ Seashore (talked about above) is a superb spot to do that, however you may as well snorkel off the city’s important seaside too.
In case you’re seeking to see as a lot as doable, 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 would possibly in any other case miss.
Some journeys even embody 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 thought for its scrumptious wines, and this space of Italy has been producing the stuff since historic 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 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 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 anyplace 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 thought 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 night time, with its picturesque fishing boats, timeless ambiance, and beautiful views of the citadel 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 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 among my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at night time and is an ideal solution to finish the day of journey.
Handle: By way of della Cala, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Get instructions right here.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Gallipoli
Whether or not you’ve a day or every week to spend, listed below are some steered journey itineraries that will help 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 important locations to go to in Gallipoli in in the future. If that is the one time you’ve, I’d suggest sticking to the points of interest situated inside 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 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 important 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’ll be able to comfortably see the entire important 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’ll be able to both go scuba diving or snorkeling. Within the afternoon, be a part of a wine tour and revel in sampling a number of the area’s very good 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 every week, you’ll be capable to do the entire issues really helpful 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 among my favourite issues about Puglia is the laid-back way of life and every week is ideal to get to know the world 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 number of of the native seashores, and going each scuba diving and snorkeling.
Additionally, you’ll want to depart (not less than) in the future completely unscheduled. That means, you’ll be able to 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’ve two important choices:
Centro Storico (Previous City) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Gallipoli isn’t a really large place, and the entire important 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.
Try this superb 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 higher vary of flats and accommodations right here in contrast with the Centro Storico. You tend to get extra to your cash within the New City, and lodging is usually bigger and cheaper, making this a very good space for households and price range vacationers.
The B&B Secret Suite is a superb price range place to remain on the sting of the New City and is only a 5-minute stroll from Gallipoli By way of Agrigento 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 crucial well-liked locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve a good looking outside terrace that’s an exquisite spot to get pleasure from a leisurely lunch or dinner with an incredible ambiance.
Dolcevita Gourmand Restaurant
In case you’re celebrating a special day, or simply really feel like pushing the boat out a bit of, I can extremely suggest Dolcevita. It’s a elaborate connoisseur 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
The vast majority of restaurant menus in Gallipoli focus largely on seafood. Nevertheless, in case you’re within the temper for one thing a bit of completely 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 offered. Click on right here for the placement.
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 gentle crusts and high quality toppings. Their Margherita pizza is among the greatest I’ve ever eaten, they usually additionally supply a spread of conventional Neapolitan appetizers.
Gallipoli Fish Market
I’ve already talked about this place above, however the Gallipoli Fish Market is indisputably one among 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 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 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’ll be able to attain Gallipoli by bus and/or practice, which takes anyplace 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 price range permits, essentially the most handy choice is normally to hire a automotive, though positively test the choices for parking at your lodging – it’s famously tough to seek out parking areas within the Centro Storico! You would additionally guide a non-public switch from Lecce, or from Bari.
In case 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Gallipoli:
Gallipoli is thought for its atmospheric Previous 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, but it surely gained’t get too scorching, and better of all, you’ll keep away from the worst of the summer time crowds.
Sure, Gallipoli is unquestionably price visiting. As you’ll be able to see from this publish, there are many nice locations to see in Gallipoli and plenty of wonderful issues to do close to Gallipoli.
You would see the entire important vacationer points of interest in Gallipoli in in the future. Nevertheless, there’s sufficient stuff to do in Gallipoli and the encircling space that it’s positively price spending not less than two or three days there in case you can.
Sure, Gallipoli is a really secure place to go to. After all, it’s all the time a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment and take the standard precautions equivalent to not leaving valuables unattended, conserving a watch out for pickpockets, and sticking to areas which are lit at night time.
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 gorgeous seashores.
Spiaggia della Purità is the preferred seaside in Gallipoli. Nevertheless, I feel one of the best one is Lovers’ Seashore (Spiaggia dei Foggi).
Gallipoli is thought for its scrumptious seafood, so I positively suggest making an attempt as a lot as doable 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 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 counsel.
I hope this publish 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.
