Hotels in Gallipoli

Located in the province of Lecce, in Apulia, Gallipoli is a small fishing town and commune known for its beautiful architecture, great beaches, and overall rustic and warm atmosphere, drawing a steady and growing number of Italians and Europeans every year, respectively.

Meaning ‘beautiful city’ in greek, Gallipoli is divided into the modern and old city. While the former is home to a couple of skyscrapers, the latter, located on a limestone island is the heart of the alluring town. Other popular sites in the area include Castello Angioino di Gallipoli and Spiaggia della Purita.

How to Get There

The town can be accessed both by plane, train and bus. The Aeroporto del Salento is located 65 kilometres north of Gallipoli. From here, travellers can connect to Gallipoli via bus or car rental services, such as Autoeuropa, Autovia, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Locauto and Winrent.

By train, the Gallipoli railway station is connected to the province of Lecce by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE). Lastly, the town is linked to the rest of Italy and Europe (e.g. France, Germany and Switzerland) via private bus companies.

Getting Around

From there, visitors can get around by train. The Gallipoli Baia Verde station is located near the beach resort of Baia Verde in the southern area of the municipality. On the other hand, the Gallipoli Via Salento Station is situated near the southern suburb, where several B&B and holiday homes are located.

Lastly, as is the norm in a lot of central European cities, travelling by foot is pretty common in Gallipoli. In fact, some tourist destinations in the town, like the historic centre, can only be accessed by walking.

Top Things to Do

At first glance, Gallipoli may seem like a humble fishing town to most visitors. However, this unpretentious municipality has plenty of surprises. Gallipoli’s connection to the sea and island is experienced through almost everything - from its people, to its architecture, and even their cuisine. Fishermen setting their nets every morning is not an unusual sight on Spiaggia della Purita, and, unsurprisingly, seafood is a staple in most restaurants.

There are plenty of tourist destinations in Gallipoli, but the main attraction would have to be the centro storico, or ‘old quarter’ in Italian. It is not uncommon for visitors to lose themselves along the winding cobbled streets, nooks and alleyways. The allure is faint, but creeps in slowly as one gradually puts themselves in the shoes of a local.

Other tourist spots in Gallipoli include the Castello Angioino di Gallipoli. Built in the 13th century to ward off foreign attacks, the cultural centre is the most famous landmark in the municipality. The town is home to a number of beautiful churches. The most impressive of which is the Catedral Stant’Agata, with its ornate facade, made from a limestone local to the town.

For those interested in visiting museums, Museo Diocesano, Museo civico Emanuele Barba, Centro di cultura del mare are sure to impress. Lastly, a trip to Gallipoli would not be complete without visiting the Fontana Greca, considered to be the most ancient fountain in Italy.

Gallipoli is also located near breathtaking beaches, such as Spiaggia di Punta della Suina, Samsara Beach and Spiaggia di Pescoluse, perfect for day excursions.

Nightlife

Gallipoli is home to a couple of famous nightclubs. Located in Baia Verde, a few kilometres south of the centre, Le Cave, Praja, and Riobo offer lively atmosphere, dizzying cocktails, and quick music.

What to Eat

The appeal of the town hooks everyone in in the evening. The romantic Meditteranean sun is best enjoyed over al fresco dinner, sipping a glass of local wine or snacking on olives. Alla Putia offers local seafood specialties and is popular among locals. A trip to Martinucci for a scoop or two of gelato is imperative, while grabbing a neapolitan pizza from Don Vincenzo is life-changing. For a more romantic affair, dining at Ristorante Marechiaro is sure to set the mood.

Where to Stay

Gallipoli attracts plenty of Italians and neighboring Europeans each year. Given its popularity as a summer destination, the town is full of accommodation options. Via Salento is located near several B&B and holiday home selections. B&B Ghalà is a great option for its magical view of the Ionian Sea. For a more luxurious affair, hotels like Al Pescatore Hotel & Restaurant Corte Moline and Via Palmiere 11 provide amazing value for your money.

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