Gallipoli Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Gallipoli, Southern Italy. This guide includes hiking/biking routes, week-long itinerary, food and drink scene, local culture, and safety tips.


Introduction to Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a charming town located in the province of Lecce in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. The town sits on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. Gallipoli is comprised of an old and new town, with the old town retaining its historic charm.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the many attractions and experiences that make Gallipoli an excellent destination for travelers. From the must-see cultural landmarks and natural wonders to the best hiking and biking routes, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful Italian town.

List of Places to Visit in Gallipoli

Gallipoli has a wealth of attractions for visitors, from historic landmarks to natural scenery.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gallipoli is rich in history and cultural landmarks, including several museums of historical and cultural significance.

  • Gallipoli Castle, a 13th-century castle that once served as a focal point for the town’s defense.

  • The Cathedral of Saint Agatha, a beautiful Baroque-style church with stunning frescoes and ornate decorations.

  • The Diocesan Museum of Gallipoli, which houses numerous artworks and artifacts of historical and artistic importance.

Natural Attractions of Gallipoli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gallipoli’s coastal location also offers numerous natural attractions and opportunities for outdoor activities.

  • Baia Verde Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach with turquoise waters and pine forests surrounding it.

  • Parco Naturale Regionale Litorale di Ugento, a protected natural area with beaches, sand dunes, and bird-watching opportunities.

  • Punta Pizzo Nature Reserve, a scenic nature reserve with hiking trails, sandy beaches, and clear waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a great place to explore on foot or by bike, with several scenic routes to choose from.

  • The Gallipoli City Walk, a charming walking tour through the old town’s alleyways and streets.

  • The Punta Pizzo Circuit, a moderate hike through the Punta Pizzo Nature Reserve, with stunning seaside views.

  • The Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca Bike Tour, a long-distance cycling route that takes riders along the beautiful coastline.

Best Things to Do in Gallipoli: Activities and Tours

In addition to exploring Gallipoli’s cultural and natural attractions, there are a number of activities and tours to enjoy during your stay.

  • Boat Tours of Gallipoli’s Coastline: Take a leisurely boat tour along the coast, stopping at several scenic locations to swim and snorkel.

  • Wine Tasting Tours: Explore the vineyards and sample some of the region’s finest wines on a guided tour.

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare some traditional Pugliese dishes in a cooking class led by a local chef.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gallipoli

With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend at least a week exploring Gallipoli and the surrounding area. The following itinerary offers a suggested schedule for a week-long stay:

Day Activities
1 Arrival in Gallipoli, explore the Old Town and the Castle
2 Visit museums and Diocesan Museum
3 Hiking in Parco Naturale Regionale Litorale di Ugento
4 Beach day at Baia Verde Beach
5 Visit Punta Pizzo Nature Reserve and hiking
6 Boat tour along the coast and wine tasting tour
7 Cooking class and day trip to Lecce

Food and Drink Scene of Gallipoli

Italy is known for its great culinary traditions, and Gallipoli is no exception. The town offers many traditional dishes and local specialties, as well as a thriving food and drink scene.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Orecchiette con le cime di rapa, a traditional pasta dish with turnip greens and sausage.

  • Rustico Leccese, a type of savory pastry filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

  • Braciole, thin slices of beef or pork rolled and stuffed with cheese, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Negramaro, a red wine made from the Negramaro grape, which grows in the region.

  • Primitivo, a red wine made from the Primitivo grape, which is also grown in the region.

  • Pasticciotto, a sweet pastry filled with custard cream and tart cherry jam.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gallipoli offers a wide range of accommodations to suit any budget or preference, from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses and hostels.

Luxury Hotels

  • Palazzo del Corso, a luxury hotel in a renovated 18th-century palace in the heart of the Old Town.

  • Relais Corte Palmieri, a small boutique hotel housed in a historic building.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hotel 33 Baroni, a mid-range hotel located in a 19th-century building in the Old Town.

  • Hotel Al Pescatore, a mid-range hotel located in the New Town near Baia Verde Beach.

Hostels and Guesthouses

  • Ostello Salento, a hostel located in the Old Town with a rooftop terrace and sea views.

  • B&B Dimora San Vincenzo, a guesthouse located in the New Town with tastefully decorated rooms.

What to Buy in Gallipoli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gallipoli offers a range of local products and souvenirs that make perfect gifts or mementos of your trip. Some of the most popular items include:

  • Olive oil

  • Hand-painted ceramics

  • Taralli, a traditional salty snack made with olive oil and flour.

Local Culture and Customs of Gallipoli

Gallipoli has a rich and unique culture, with its own customs and traditions.

  • The Feast of Saint Agatha, celebrated in February each year, is one of the town’s most important events.

  • The Taranta music festival in August celebrates the region’s traditional music with concerts and performances.

  • The town’s fishing heritage is celebrated each year with a traditional fish festival.

Best Time to Visit Gallipoli

The best time to visit Gallipoli is in the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town is also a great destination during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when there are fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gallipoli

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Gallipoli:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine, which are among the best in Italy.

  • Take care of the natural surroundings and respect cultural heritage.

  • Learn some basic Italian phrases to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash on the beach.

  • Don’t ignore dress codes or cultural customs when visiting religious sites.

  • Don’t forget to use sunscreen or wear a hat to protect skin under the sun.

Safety and Health

Gallipoli is a safe destination for travelers, with very low crime rates. However, it’s always important to take basic precautions to ensure your safety.

Safety in Gallipoli

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist attractions.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

  • Follow local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites.

Health in Gallipoli

  • Make sure to pack and use sunscreen due to heat and direct sun exposure.

  • Drink plenty of water, and avoid tap water.

  • Check for any required vaccinations or medical precautions before traveling.

Getting to Gallipoli: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gallipoli is easy to reach by several modes of transportation, including plane, train, and bus.

Airports Near Gallipoli

  • Brindisi Airport is the closest major airport to Gallipoli, about 40 kilometers away.

  • Bari Airport is about 150 kilometers north of Gallipoli, with direct flights from several European cities.

Bus Stations Near Gallipoli

  • Lecce Bus Station connects Gallipoli to other destinations in the region.

  • Brindisi Bus Station also has frequent connections to Gallipoli.

Other Options

  • Train connections are available, with small stations in Gallipoli and Lecce.

  • Ferry services to the island of Ionian Sea is also available in summer seasons.

How to Get Around in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is small enough to explore on foot, and the old town is perfect for walking. But there are other options available, such as:

  • Bicycle rentals which are common and can be rented from many different places.

  • Car rentals are available and can be rented at the major airports.

  • Public transportation with buses run by several companies, which are cheap and convenient.

Where to Go Next from Gallipoli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gallipoli also serves as a great hub to explore the rest of Southern Italy.

  • Lecce, the baroque capital city, is only a 30-40 minutes train ride away.

  • Santa Maria di Leuca, a beautiful seaside town, is an hour’s drive south.

  • Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic trulli houses, is about 1.5 hours’ drive north.

Conclusion

Gallipoli serves as an excellent destination for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and nature. From the warm hospitality of the locals to the stunning coastal views and the mouth-watering cuisine, this charming town has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip and makes your visit to Gallipoli an unforgettable experience.

Sunset over the old town Sunset over the old town The island of the old city The island of the old city Ferrovie del Sud-Est bus in front of the railway station Ferrovie del Sud-Est bus in front of the railway station Approaching the historic centre Approaching the historic centre Baroque facade of the Cathedral Baroque facade of the Cathedral The Angevin castle The Angevin castle