15 Finest Issues To Do in Gallipoli in 2023

On this put up, I’ll share with you the 15 greatest issues to do in Gallipoli. To not be confused with the Gallipoli in Turkey (of World Battle 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 robust Greek affect at present 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 a minimum of just a few 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 superb 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 seashore lover, a tradition vulture, a foodie, a historical past buff, or a fan of watersports, it’s laborious to not fall for Gallipoli’s beautiful pure setting and its rustic appeal.

Learn on for a complete information to the perfect 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 prime Gallipoli points of interest.

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 slender cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and little squares and courtyards which are excellent for exploring.

A good 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 probably the greatest issues to do in Gallipoli once you first arrive that will help you get your bearings. Click on right here to e book a strolling tour of the Centro Storico.

2. See A few of 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 price visiting too. The Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità is whitewashed and plain on the skin, however the inside is just 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. 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 embrace the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and the Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto.

3. Admire the Greek Fountain

Gallipoli is dwelling 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 fort.

This fountain was lengthy believed to be the oldest fountain in Italy, courting again to the third century BC. Nonetheless, current research have proven that it’s really a lot youthful and was as an alternative most certainly 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 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 really like people-watching right here!

Handle: 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 giant columns, sculptures, frescoes, colorfully-painted ceilings, and plenty of gold.

The cathedral’s predominant altar is fabricated from a slab of marble that dates again to historical Roman instances. Whether or not you’re spiritual or not, it is a stunning 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 solely 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 in opposition to assault for lots of of years.

Immediately, 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 positioning 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 numerous historic artifacts, together with among 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 collection of displays and different artifacts documenting the historical past of the fort 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 numerous glorious eating places on the town, from small family-run trattorias to fancy fine-dining institutions. I’ve listed just a few of my prime suggestions beneath.

Look out for traditional native dishes reminiscent of 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 identified for its top-quality fish and seafood. You possibly can 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 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.

Preserve an eye fixed out for kingfishers, seabirds, lizards, freshwater turtles, and colourful fish. Discover one in every of 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 luxuriate in this stunning spot.

Porto Selvaggio is a paradise for outside lovers and makes a terrific 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 personal automobile.

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 Seaside (One of many Finest Free Issues To Do in Gallipoli)

The world round Gallipoli is blessed with a number of stunning seashores, most of that are free to entry. In addition to being a terrific price range exercise, taking a visit to the seashore can also be probably the greatest issues to do in Gallipoli for households.

Spiaggia della Purità is the most well-liked 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.

Nonetheless, my favourite one is Lovers’ Seaside (Spiaggia dei Foggi), which is situated just a few kilometers south of Gallipoli, within the beautiful Baia Verde (Inexperienced Bay). The water right here is an incredible turquoise colour, and the seashore 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 personal 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’ Seaside: By way of Pavia, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy. Click on right here for instructions.

9. Take a Day Journey to Lecce

The stunning 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 a terrific 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 fort, and an extremely atmospheric Previous City. It’s additionally identified for its scrumptious avenue meals, glorious 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 middle. It’s also possible to take the prepare from Gallipoli to Lecce, though this takes virtually twice as lengthy. The prepare winds its means by way of plenty 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 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 each day public sale to purchase freshly-caught fish and seafood direct from the fishermen. It’s noisy, hectic, and a terrific 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 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. Nonetheless, the standard actually couldn’t be higher, and it’s a improbable expertise. If you happen to’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 beautiful Gallipoli coast is by boat. You’ll get a very completely different perspective of the shoreline, and it’s lots 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 personal tour or as a part of a shared group journey.

If you happen to’re touring in a gaggle, it would even make sense to rent a personal yacht all to your self. It’s a bit of expensive, however when you’ve got a gaggle of individuals to separate the price with, it is 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 improbable native swimming spots, and will even spot a pod of dolphins in the event you’re fortunate! Click on right here to e book now.

12. Be taught Tips on how to Scuba Dive

If you happen to’ve ever needed to learn 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 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 possibly can discover reefs, sea caves, and shipwrecks, and spot a wide range of colourful marine life.

There are a number of diving facilities within the city and the encompassing space that provide programs for inexperienced persons and skilled divers alike. Click on right here to e book a highly-reviewed introductory scuba diving lesson.

13. Go Snorkeling

In addition to scuba diving, snorkeling can also be a superb solution to discover Gallipoli’s stunning shoreline. It’s a less expensive choice, you don’t want to rent any costly tools or have any classes to get began, and you are able to do all of it by your self.

For these trying to maintain prices down as a lot as potential, you may lease a snorkel and masks for just a few Euros per hour and head off straight from the seashore. Lovers’ Seaside (talked about above) is a superb spot to do that, however you may as well snorkel off the city’s predominant seashore too.

If you happen to’re trying 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 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 enjoyable, enjoyable issues to do close to Gallipoli and I’d extremely suggest it. Click on right here to e book 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 some glorious 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 may be actually enjoyable issues to do in Gallipoli for {couples}.

On this full-day tour, you’ll go to a number of vineyards the place you’ll style and find out about just a few 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 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 data and to e book.

15. Catch the Sundown From the Porto Antico

Gallipoli’s Porto Antico is the city’s historic harbor. It’s the proper spot for a stroll at any time of day or evening, with its picturesque fishing boats, timeless ambiance, and lovely views of the fort and the historic buildings of the Previous 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 suppose 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 celebs come out to take their place. Then, benefit from the peace and tranquility earlier than heading out for a meal at one of many native eating places. It’s one in every of my favourite issues to do in Gallipoli at evening 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 may have a day or per week to spend, listed here are some urged journey itineraries that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Gallipoli:

1 Day in Gallipoli Itinerary

You possibly can see a lot of the predominant locations to go to in Gallipoli in at some point. If that is the one time you may have, I’d suggest sticking to the points of interest situated throughout 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 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 predominant 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 glorious eating places talked about beneath.

2-3 Days in Gallipoli Itinerary

With two or three days to get pleasure from, you may comfortably see the entire predominant 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 a part of a wine tour and luxuriate in sampling among 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 the entire issues beneficial on this put up and have a while to spare for chilling and simply absorbing the vibe of this gorgeous little city. Don’t rush, one in every of 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 get pleasure from all of those enjoyable issues to do in Gallipoli and the encompassing space is completely as much as you. However I’d positively suggest spending a full day at Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio, hitting up just a few of the native seashores, and going each scuba diving and snorkeling.

Additionally, remember to go away (a minimum of) at some point completely unscheduled. That means, you may get up and do no matter you’re feeling like on the day – what a deal with!

The place to Keep in Gallipoli

In the case of deciding the place to remain in Gallipoli, you may have two predominant choices:

Centro Storico (Previous City) – Finest for First-Time Guests

Gallipoli isn’t a really large place, and the entire predominant 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 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 Previous City.

New City – Finest for Households and Finances Vacationers

The New City is bigger, and there’s a higher vary of flats and resorts 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 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 prepare 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 standard locations on the town and is well-known for its top-quality seafood. They’ve an attractive outside terrace that’s an exquisite spot to get pleasure from a leisurely lunch or dinner with a terrific ambiance.

Dolcevita Connoisseur Restaurant

If you happen to’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 flowery connoisseur seafood restaurant situated on the roof backyard of the glitzy Palazzo del Corso lodge. The presentation is beautiful and all the things is scrumptious.

KUMI Japanese Fusion Restaurant

Nearly all of restaurant menus in Gallipoli focus largely on seafood. Nonetheless, in the event you’re within the temper for one thing a bit of completely different, take a look at KUMI. This fashionable 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 placement.

Don Vincenzo Pizzeria Napoletana

You possibly can’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, they usually 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 a terrific spot to come back for an inexpensive, casual lunch or dinner, and the standard of recent fish and seafood on supply is superb. Attempt the fritto misto (deep-fried blended seafood).

Attending to Gallipoli

The best means for many guests to get to Gallipoli is by aircraft. You possibly can 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 prepare, which takes anyplace from 3-5 hours. The prepare 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, probably the most handy choice is normally to lease a automobile, though positively examine the choices for parking at your lodging – it’s famously difficult to search out parking areas within the Centro Storico! You could possibly additionally e book a personal switch from Lecce, or from Bari.

If you happen to’re coming from one other main Italian metropolis, you must have the ability to attain Gallipoli utilizing Italy’s glorious 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:

In Closing

Gallipoli is among 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 put up 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.

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