The 12 things to do in Gallipoli

A holiday urge in southern Italy? Go to Gallipoli, bead of Salento and Puglia!

Visiting Gallipoli is discovering the beauty of the south of Italy ! One of the gems of the region is the one that is surnamed "the pearl of the Ionian Sea". Old town, or Città , is built on a small island and has a rich historical and architectural heritage.

In addition to this, the beauty of beaches and natural areas is added. Discover our selection of the must-see and do in Gallipoli!

1. The historic centre

What to do in Gallipoli first? Discover the old town! The visit can start with the Il Borgo area and Piazza Aldo Moro where the Fontana Greca is located, and where the Papa Giovanni Paolo II bridge joins the island of La Città .

Città is the old town, built around the Via Antonietta de Pace, with flat roofs and dazzling white facades. Several avenues encircling La Città , following the itinerary of old walls. The inhabitants come to walk there in the evening, along the Lungomare and its beach of Purità, on the Sauro Riviera or Armando Diaz.

In La Città museums, cathedrals, Castello and churches can be visited. You can also enjoy it to go see the fish market.

2. The port

Visiting Gallipoli is an opportunity to see its small fishing port. Indeed, fishing and tourism are the main activities of the city. Also, its port is the most charming, blotti at the foot of the walls of the old town and the castle.

It is an opportunity to photograph the small blue-colored wooden boats, admirably coordinated with the sky of Salento and the sea. It is also the pleasure of attending the sea return of the boats and watching the fishermen prepare their nets and ships for the next exit.

3. The castle

One of the city's symbols, to be visited absolutely in Gallipoli! At the time, the castle had the function of delimiting the entrance of the city, but also ensuring its protection. Its construction by the Angevins dates from the 15th century, on the remains of a medieval fortress. It was the Aragonese who enlarged the building in the 16th century.

Also, inside, there are temporary exhibitions. As for the imposing walls, they allow, by their privileged position, to admire the view on La Città , Il Borgo and on the port.

4. Sant’Agata Cathedral

The Cathedral of Sant’Agata is to be visited in Gallipoli without any hesitation, because it is the most important religious monument in the city. The construction of this building, dedicated to Sainte Agathe, began in 1629 on the site of an ancient Romanesque church. A cathedral that is Renaissance and baroque.

Moreover, the carparo façade (local sandstone) is difficult to take entirely in photo. As for the majestic interior, it is to be seen absolutely! Indeed, the decoration is opulent, from the floor to the ceiling. There are many paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as relics.

5. The Greek fountain

Admiring iconic monuments is one of the must-sees in Gallipoli. This is especially the case of the famous Fontana Greca. It is located in the Il Borgo area, in Piazza Alda Moro, close to the famous bridge that leads to La Città . It dates from the Greek era. It would even be the oldest in Italy, built in the third century BC.

Renovated in 1560, some historians think it would have been built in the Renaissance. You can admire the finesse of the details. Among the carved motifs, one can observe mythological scenes on the transformation of the fountain into nymphs. But also the city's coat of arms.

6. The churches

Many churches are to be visited in Gallipoli, part of the daily life of the inhabitants. Near the beach of La Purità, the Chiesa Santa Maria della Purit in the middle of the 17th century. Also, its interior is richly decorated, with paintings and scenes of Revelation.

As for the church of San Francesco d’Assisi, founded in the 13th century, and renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries, its baroque interior is of all beauty. The Chiesa di San Domenico al Rosario also has an interesting architecture.

On the Il Borgo side, the chiesa di Maria del Caneto, ochre color, from the seventeenth, faces the port. It is close to the Fontana Greca. Other churches are also to be admired.

7. Beaches and nautical activities

Enjoying beaches is one of the activities to be done in Gallipoli. The beach of La Purità is the historic beach of Gallipoli, emblematic of La Città and the city. It is also one of the most beautiful city beaches of Salento and Puglia.

Other beaches are located north of Gallipoli such as the Lido de Conghiglie and Rivabella. To the south, the beaches of fine sand extend to Punta Pizzo, along the pine forest, passing through the beaches of Baia Verde.

Many nautical activities are to be experimented: kitesurfing, snorkeling, diving, boat trips...

8. A boat ride

Once you’ve run the beaches of Gallipoli, a new must-have could be for you: the boat ride! Indeed, rent a boat in Gallipoli promises a day full of softness and sublime views.

You will face its beaches of white sand and ochre, and will be able to follow all the coasts of the Puglia region, to discover all the nature it offers. A treat!

9. Culinary specialties

What to do in Gallipoli to discover a part of the daily life of the inhabitants? Taste with culinary specialties! The meal begins with the Antipasti (entrance) and many times the restaurateurs offer “antipasto della casa”. The kitchen is made with olive oil. In addition to the “fettunta”, slice of olive-oiled bread can be served.

Gallipoli is a fishing port so we can consume many recipes based on fresh fish and seafood. Especially the bears of the Salento or the purple shrimp. Pasta dishes, of course, especially "orecchiette" or spaguettis with seafood.

10. Regional Natural Park Isola Sant’Andrea

What to do in Gallipoli to appreciate the beauty of nature? Take a trip around Isola Sant’Andrea or Punta Pizzo. The nature reserve of Isola Sant’Andrea is dominated by its 1866 lighthouse. On the island, 1 km from the Città , different species of birds have found refuge. Boats offer to make the tour of the island with notably snorkeling stops.

The exit is also to be completed with the protected area south of Gallipoli, to Punta Pizzo. A hike can be made that allows you to observe the rich botanical heritage which consists of maquis, pseudo Mediterranean steppe and wetlands. Torre Pizzo of 1569 dominates the park. It had a defensive function and now offers a nice view of the bay.

11. Museums

Several museums are to be visited in Gallipoli. The Museo Civico is interesting for its curiosities. One can see skeletons of marine animals, weapons or sarcophages. Also, a room is dedicated to medical pathologies. For example, fetus can be observed in bocals, with severe malformations.

Religious art lovers will visit the Museo Diocesano in the Palazzo del Seminario (XVIIIe). They will be able to contemplate many works from the churches of the region. Finally, the Frantoio Ipogoe di Palazzo Granafei (XVIIe) allows you to discover an underground olive oil mill. Moreover, the cellars we visit were dug into the rock of the basement of the palace.

12. The palaces

Visit Gallipoli is an opportunity to admire the palaces of La Città , these old houses of baroque or rococo style, formerly residences of the nobles of the city. Among these palaces, Palazzo Pirelli faces the Cathedral of Sant’Agatha, with Renaissance and baroque elements.

The Palazzo Tafuri of the eighteenth century has the peculiarity of having a ochre façade and working windows. In the basement of the Palazzo Granafei of the 16th century, visitors will discover the underground oil press (Frantoio Ipogeo). As for the Palazzo Balsamo, it dates from the 12th and 17th centuries.

How to get to Gallipoli?

Aircraft

The nearest airports in Gallipoli are those in Brindisi and Bari , and are reachable from many destinations. In order to find a ticket at the best price, we advise you to use a flight comparison as well Ulysses .

Train

The Gallipoli train station is located in the Il Borgo district, with a direct line for Nardò. Other lines exist but with train change for Lecce, Otranto, Manduria, Gagliano, Leuca, Bari...

From Bari Airport, several train lines will be available to reach the centre of Gallipoli, and you will need about an hour and a half drive.

Car

We easily reach Gallipoli by car via the highway, from the north, to Brindisi or Taranto . It is also possible to rent a car to visit the area. The most convenient way to reach Gallipoli from Paris will remain to take the highway A6 then the highway A14 .

Where to sleep in Gallipoli?

If you plan to visit Gallipoli, you will necessarily ask yourself the question of accommodation! Fortunately, accommodation options are not missing!

Thus to visit Gallipoli and appreciate all the charm of the old town, the ideal is to sleep on site in La Città . You can also find accommodation nearby, in the more modern Il Borgo area or along the beaches.

We find an interesting choice of hotels of different categories, campsites, villas or accommodation Airbnb . Also a hotel comparison will help you select the best value for money.