Best Things to Do in Gallipoli: An Insider Travel Guide

Gallipoli, Italy is one of those places that surprises you. A fortified old town floating on the Ionian Sea, connected to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge, it feels like a world of its own—whitewashed alleys twisting toward the water, fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, and the kind of relaxed coastal energy that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.

Its name, from the Greek Kallipolis (meaning “beautiful city”), tells you everything you need to know.

As someone who lives in Puglia, I’ve visited Gallipoli and this stretch of the Salento coast more times than I can count—wandering its labyrinthine streets, watching fishermen unload the day’s catch at sunrise, and spending long afternoons on nearby beaches where the Ionian turns every imaginable shade of blue.

Despite its beauty, Gallipoli still flies somewhat under the radar compared to other towns in Puglia, making it one of the region’s most underrated destinations.

Whether you’re here for a day trip or a few nights, this guide covers the best things to do in Gallipoli Italy, where to stay, eat, and explore, with insights from someone who knows Puglia inside and out.

*This ‘things to do in Gallipoli Italy’ piece may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

As a Puglia local, I’ve spent years living in and exploring the area. For all of my local recommendations (too many for this post), check out the Puglia Map here for all the best insider recommendations at your fingertips. It’s the only guide you’ll need for Puglia, and it saves right to your phone.

Is It Worth Going to Gallipoli?

Spy Gallipoli on a map and you might think it’s far from anywhere else of interest in Puglia—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, you’re just 35 minutes from Lecce’s golden-stone grandeur, 50 minutes from Otranto’s Adriatic charm, and a short drive from some of the Ionian coast’s most spectacular beaches—Pescoluse, Porto Cesareo, Punta Prosciutto.

And yet, despite its enviable location, Gallipoli remains surprisingly underrated. A fortified island town linked to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge, it has an old-world beauty that feels completely different from anywhere else in Puglia.

It’s a place that still feels lived-in—where fishermen mend their nets at dawn and locals gather for aperitivo as the sun sets over the harbor.

If you’re after an atmospheric coastal town with history, character, and access to Puglia’s best beaches, Gallipoli is absolutely worth the trip. As a local, it’s one of my favorite places in Puglia.

Local Tip: The best way to experience Puglia is by renting a car and driving yourself. I always book through Discover Cars, making sure to choose full coverage insurance for peace of mind and stick to reputable companies. Gallipoli is best reached on a Puglia road trip so renting a car is vital. You can book your rental with Discover Cars here.

How to Get to Gallipoli

By Car

Driving is hands down the best way to get to Gallipoli, especially if you’re planning to explore more of Puglia’s Ionian coastline. From Bari, it’s about a 2-hour drive via the SS16 and SS101 highways, while from Lecce, it’s a quick 35-minute ride on a straight shot down the SS101.

Parking inside Gallipoli’s old town is limited to residents, so leave your car in one of the paid lots near the bridge and walk in. I recommend this part for free parking or this parking lot a little further long for paid parking.

Public Transportation

Gallipoli is well connected to Lecce by regional trains (Ferrovie del Sud Est), with a journey time of roughly 1.5 hours. The train is slow and a bit outdated, but it’s an option if you don’t have a car.

Buses run between Lecce and Gallipoli as well, but schedules can be sporadic, especially outside of summer. From Bari, you’ll need to take a Trenitalia train to Lecce first and then transfer to a local train or bus.

By Tour

If you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with logistics, a guided tour can be a stress-free way to visit Gallipoli. The best tours normally depart from Lecce (saving you on travel time) and often include other sights in the area such as beaches and wineries. My top recommended tours for Gallipoli are:

Gallipoli Full Day Private Tour: Coast, Beaches and Wineries

Private Tour: Gallipoli 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour

When to Visit Gallipoli

The best time to visit is April–June and September–October—warm weather, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed vibe. The end of spring (May–June) sees beach clubs reopening, perfect temperatures for exploring, and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere. Fall (September–October) offers warm seas, mild days, and a more local feel as the summer crowds fade.

Avoid July and August unless you’re after peak-season energy—expect packed beaches, high prices, and a buzzing nightlife scene.

Also note that siesta is taken quite seriously in Gallipoli where everything shuts down from about 1.30 pm-5 pm. If you’re heading for a day trip or a half-day trip, it’s better to arrive early in the morning to get the most out of your day. Otherwise, head over in the afternoon and stay for dinner.

Read more: Where to Stay in Puglia as a Base: Best Places to Stay

How Many Days Do You Need in Gallipoli

A day trip is enough to explore Gallipoli’s old town, wander its historic streets, and enjoy a seafood lunch by the harbor. But to truly soak in its charm, staying one or two nights is ideal—you’ll get to experience its sunset glow, relaxed evening atmosphere, and nearby beaches without rushing.

If you’re planning to explore more of the Ionian coast, Gallipoli also makes a great base for a few days.

Best Things to Do in Gallipoli

Walk Around the Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Gallipoli’s old town is the kind of place you need to wander without an agenda. Built on an island and connected to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge, it’s a maze of sun-bleached buildings, weathered shutters, and narrow streets that suddenly open up to views of the Ionian Sea.

I’ve been coming here for years, and I still manage to get lost, which is part of the fun. Walk past whitewashed palazzi and Baroque churches, watch fishermen mend their nets near the harbor, and stop for an espresso in a tiny piazza where old men sit and gossip.

A great starting point is to walk around the town, along the lungomare, and admire the sea views before then popping inwards to explore the maze of inner streets.

Unlike some of Puglia’s more polished towns, Gallipoli still feels lived-in, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

Visit the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata

Right in the heart of Gallipoli’s old town, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is one of the most striking Baroque churches in Puglia. Its elaborate façade, covered in sculpted saints and intricate carvings, rises dramatically from the narrow streets, almost too grand for the small piazza it dominates.

Step inside, and the opulence continues—ornate frescoes, gilded details, and towering columns create a space that feels both overwhelming and intimate. I remember walking in for the first time on a quiet afternoon, the air cool and heavy with incense, and being completely taken aback by the richness of the ceiling paintings.

Even if you’ve seen a dozen Baroque churches in Italy, this one is worth a stop.

Visit the Castello Angioino di Gallipoli

You can’t miss Gallipoli’s castle—it’s the first thing you see as you cross the bridge into the old town, a hulking fortress with thick stone walls that have guarded the city for centuries.

The best part? You can go inside. Climb the towers for views over the old town, explore underground passageways, and check out the rotating exhibitions inside.

It’s the kind of place that reminds you just how much history Gallipoli has—Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese—it’s all layered in the stones.

Have a Long Lunch

Gallipoli is one of the best places in Puglia to eat seafood, and the harbor is where you’ll find the freshest catch. Every morning, fishermen unload crates of just-caught shrimp, octopus, and sea urchins—if you’re an early riser, it’s worth stopping by the fish market to watch the action.

Later in the day, head to one of the no-frills trattorias or osterias near the port or per my recommendations below order a plate of spaghetti ai ricci di mare (sea urchin pasta) or a mixed fritto misto—with a glass of chilled white wine, obviously.

Relax on Spiaggia della Purità

Gallipoli must be one of the best towns in Puglia for a beach right in its midst, perhaps with the exception of the beaches of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.

Spiaggia della Purità sits just outside the city walls, a golden stretch of sand lapped by the kind of clear, shallow water you’d expect to find in the Caribbean. It’s small, it gets packed in summer, and yet it’s still worth it.

I’ve walked past it in the early morning when the light is soft, and it’s just a few locals taking their first swim of the day. If you’re here in high season, go early or late—or just embrace the chaos.

Pop into the Stunning Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità

Facing Spiaggia della Purità, this tiny church is easy to walk past, but if you happen to catch it open—especially on a Sunday—step inside without hesitation.

Chiesa Rettoria Santa Maria della Purità might be small, but its interior is breathtaking, covered in intricate frescoes, painted ceilings, and golden details that feel almost unexpected for such a modest-sized space.

Sometimes it’s open, sometimes it’s not—there’s no real schedule—but if you’re lucky enough to find the doors unlocked, take a moment to admire one of Gallipoli’s hidden gems.

While you’re at it, Gallipoli is full of wonderful little churches. Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi is also worth popping into—home to an unusual wooden sculpture of two eerie-looking “Maledetto” (damned) figures, it’s one of the town’s more unique churches.

Visit the Greek Fountain

You’ll pass Gallipoli’s Greek Fountain as soon as you cross the bridge into the old town, but don’t just walk by—take a second to look at one of the oldest fountains in Italy.

Carved from stone and covered in intricate bas-reliefs, it dates back to at least the Renaissance, though some claim it’s even older, possibly from the 3rd century BC.

The carvings depict mythological scenes—nymphs, gods, and sea creatures—and while its exact origins are debated, there’s no doubt it’s a fascinating piece of Gallipoli’s layered history. It’s not massive, and you won’t spend long here, but it’s a cool little reminder of the town’s ancient past.

Take a Boat Trip

Gallipoli is beautiful from the land, but it’s even better from the water. A boat trip here isn’t just about cruising—it’s about diving straight into the Ionian’s impossibly clear waters, exploring hidden coves, and seeing the old town from a whole new perspective.

Some tours from town take you to Isola di Sant’Andrea, an uninhabited island with a historic lighthouse, while others focus on secret swimming spots along the coast. I’ve done both, and there’s nothing quite like floating offshore, watching the sun hit Gallipoli’s golden walls as the town starts to glow.

If you’re here in summer, book ahead—these trips fill up fast. Book this private yacht for a day of sailing around Gallipoli and the rest of Salento.

Visit Porto Selvaggio

Just a 20-minute drive north of Gallipoli, Porto Selvaggio is one of Puglia’s most stunning natural spots—a rugged, pine-fringed coastline with crystal-clear swimming coves and hiking trails that wind through Mediterranean scrub.

The beach itself is small and pebbly, but the turquoise water is refreshingly cool, thanks to natural freshwater springs that flow into the sea. I’ve hiked down in the early morning when the air is still crisp, and the reward is always the same—diving straight into the clearest water imaginable, surrounded by nothing but cliffs and forest.

If you’re looking for a wild, unspoiled beach away from the crowds, this is it.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

Where you stay in Gallipoli depends on how you plan to experience it. If you’re here for just one night, it’s worth booking a stay in one of the town’s gorgeous converted palazzi.

But if you’re using Gallipoli as a base to explore more of the Salento region, a countryside masseria or estate nearby town might be the better choice—offering more space, a pool, and the kind of slow, relaxed atmosphere that makes Puglia so special.

Best Hotels in Gallipoli

Tenuta Negroamaro – Just outside Gallipoli, this estate is one of the most beautiful, design-forward countryside stays in Puglia—a modern take on a traditional farmhouse, where sleek, vaulted architecture meets olive groves and understated luxury. With an infinity pool, curated interiors, and an atmosphere of total serenity, it’s a must for those not on a budget looking for a refined retreat near the coast.

Palazzo Presta – For a stay in the heart of Gallipoli’s old town, Palazzo Presta is the best option—an effortlessly stylish boutique hotel set in a historic palazzo, where eclectic design, vintage furnishings, and a rooftop terrace with sea views make it as much an experience as a place to sleep.

Hotel Palazzo del Corso – a luxurious stay with modern comforts, Hotel Palazzo del Corso blends classic elegance with contemporary design, offering spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace with sea views, and a refined atmosphere just a short walk from Gallipoli’s old town.

Palazzo Doxi Fontana – a budget-conscious palazzo stay, Palazzo Doxi Fontana is a hidden gem—an atmospheric, history-filled residence in the heart of Gallipoli’s old town, where you can sleep under frescoed ceilings without the luxury price tag.

Find the rest of the recommendations for where to stay in Gallipoli and beyond on my download-only Puglia Map.

Where to Eat in Gallipoli

Gallipoli’s food scene is all about fresh seafood, simple Puglian flavors, and atmospheric old-town osterias where you can linger over long meals with a view of the sea or deep in the alleyways of town. Here are some of my tried and tested recommendations in town:

Osteria Briganti – One of the best seafood spots in town, serving ultra-fresh catches in a cozy, unfussy setting—get the grilled prawns or spaghetti ai frutti di mare. The grilled orata is lovely too.

Osteria del Vico – A stylish take on traditional Puglian cuisine, where dishes like slow-cooked octopus and handmade pastas are served in a rustic-chic dining room tucked into an old stone building.

La Puritate – A classic Gallipoli institution near the beach, famous for its sea urchin pasta and just-caught fish, perfect for a long, seafood-heavy lunch.

Il Faro – The go-to spot for sunset drinks (I’ve never tried the food here), where you can sip a Negroni or Spritz while watching the sky turn gold over the Ionian Sea.

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