The “Beautiful” City
Like many cities in Southern Italy, Gallipoli has been a part of many empires throughout its history, including the Greeks, the Romans, and the Byzantines. Its limestone island location along the Ionian Sea was seen as a strategic location for a regional fortress to help control the area.
We also found Gallipoli to be an incredible location, but for very different reasons. Always in search of beaches with excellent walkability, preferably near an urban center, we were thrilled when we drove across a 16th-century bridge to discover an absolute medieval gem of a city. You can walk the entire circumference of the island on the rim road in about 25 minutes. Along the way, you’ll encounter a lovely marina with space for boats of all shapes and sizes. Past the marina, you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water and a plethora of restaurants and bars offering fabulous sea views.
The Best of Both Worlds
Divided into two parts, the modern and the old city, Gallipoli offers the best of both worlds in an area of Southern Italy that remains relatively remote. Located on the western coast of the Ionian Sea in the province of Lecce, which is part of the Puglia (Apulia) region (the Salento Peninsula – think the inside portion of the heel of the boot), Gallipoli’s newer portion of town boasts modern buildings with apartments, shopping centers, and a long promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. The old town is situated on a protected island, linked to the mainland by the aforementioned bridge. Once you cross the bridge, you are immediately transported to a different world on the island, an experience that was truly captivating each time we traversed the water.
Summer Fun in the Sun
Given that Gallipoli was once part of ancient Greece, it makes sense that the name derives from the Greek Kallipolis, meaning “beautiful city.” And the Greeks were right. Gallipoli is an absolutely stunning city to explore, especially its historic portion on the island. Narrow alleys, carved out by vertical medieval stone buildings dripping with character and charm, lead eventually to breathtaking views of the Gulf of Taranto and its pristine waters. It’s truly awe-inspiring.
So much so that Italians flock to this area during the summer to bask on the beaches and savor the delicious seafood that the Ionian Sea provides. Every night, we would venture out from our apartment and discover one of the surrounding alleys transformed into a vibrant street dining scene. We would indulge in a generous portion of burrata, generously drizzled with Puglian olive oil, savor fresh fish from the Ionian Sea, and accompany it all with a glass of one of Puglia’s many exceptional wine varietals.
Which Way to Gallipoli?
The closest major airport to Gallipoli is Brindisi, located approximately an hour’s drive away. Brindisi Airport is a good size, perfectly suited for budget airlines like Ryanair. It’s easy to navigate and offers a quick and convenient process for renting a car. Notably, a circular city bus operates from Brindisi Airport to the train station in the city center, the port, and back again. This makes it convenient to take the train to Brindisi, rent a car, and then drive to Gallipoli.
While you can take the train to Gallipoli, it requires a transfer in Lecce to connect with the specific Ferrovia del Sud Est line. Importantly, this train line does not operate on Sundays.
FlixBus is another excellent option for reaching Gallipoli and other destinations in Italy. We have found FlixBus to be not only incredibly affordable but also surprisingly comfortable, making it a highly valuable travel option.
