Best Things to Do in Gallipoli Italy: What You Can’t Miss

Gallipoli, the “beautiful city” of Puglia, is where golden beaches, historic streets, and unforgettable food come together on the Ionian coast. Just wander through its island old town, linked to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge, and you’ll find baroque churches, lively markets, and the buzz of daily life blending seamlessly with seaside charm. From fresh seafood feasts to sunsets over Spiaggia della Purità, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Gallipoli Italy. And if you love to pair culture with flavor, the surrounding Puglia wineries make every trip here as much about the glass in your hand as the view in front of you.

What are the best things to do in Gallipoli?

Walk to the center of the old town

Kick off your visit to Gallipoli by crossing the 17th-century bridge that links the mainland to the old town island, a short walk that instantly feels like stepping back in time. Once inside the walls, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets where whitewashed houses glow in the sun, balconies overflow with flowers, and locals chat outside cafés. Peek into artisan workshops or wander into hidden courtyards, and you’ll see why Gallipoli is often called one of the most atmospheric towns in Puglia.

Explore the Castello Angioino di Gallipoli

By the entrance to the old town, Castello di Gallipoli is an imposing coastal fortress partly surrounded by the sea. With Byzantine origins and later Angevin and Aragonese expansions, it layers centuries of defenses into stout towers and bastions. Head up to the terrace for sweeping views of the harbor and skyline, it’s easily one of the must-see things to do in Gallipoli Italy.

Have a beach day at Spiaggia della Purità

Right beside the walls of Gallipoli’s historic center, Spiaggia della Purità is a true local gem. This sandy beach offers calm Ionian waters framed by the backdrop of Baroque buildings, creating a scene that feels unmistakably Puglian. It’s a favorite spot to spend a laid-back afternoon under the southern sun.

Take in the beauty of the Greek Fountain

Standing at the entrance to Gallipoli’s old town, the Fontana Greca is considered the oldest fountain in Italy. Despite its name, it likely dates back to the 3rd century BC and was later reworked in the Renaissance, blending ancient Roman origins with later additions. Decorated with mythological reliefs, it remains one of the most distinctive landmarks to see in Gallipoli.

Marvel at the Gallipoli Cathedral

In the heart of Gallipoli’s old town, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata rises as a dazzling showcase of Baroque architecture. Its ornate façade stops you in your tracks, while inside, vivid ceiling frescoes and richly decorated altars tell stories of faith and artistry that have shaped Puglia for centuries.

Explore the vibrant fish market

Right by the harbor and the old bridge, Gallipoli’s fish market is where the town comes alive. Fishermen unload their daily catch, think glistening octopus, sea urchins, and whatever else the Ionian has to offer, while locals gather to haggle, taste, and chat. Grab a plate of the freshest seafood or a glass of local wine, and just soak in the buzz. It’s Gallipoli at its most authentic.

Admire Santa Maria del Canneto church

At the edge of Gallipoli’s old town, right by the harbor, stands the Church of Santa Maria del Canneto. Built in the 17th century, this small yet elegant church is dedicated to Gallipoli’s patron saint and is closely tied to the city’s seafaring traditions. Step inside to find a bright, welcoming interior and a sense of calm that offers a nice break from the buzz of the waterfront just outside.

Relax at Baia Verde beach

South of Gallipoli, Baia Verde is the beach everyone talks about. With soft sand and shallow, crystal-clear water, it’s perfect for swimming, lounging, or just soaking up the Salento sun. By day it’s a family-friendly stretch with plenty of cafés and loungers, and by evening the music bars kick in, turning it into one of the liveliest spots on the coast.

What are the best things to do around Gallipoli?

Taste centuries of tradition

Founded in 1870 in the heart of Salento, this family-run winery has been passed down for four generations, blending heritage with a modern touch. Strewn across sun-drenched vineyards, Apollonio 1870 nurtures native grapes like Negroamaro, Primitivo, Susumaniello, Malvasia Nera, and Bianco d’Alessano to craft expressive wines you can taste during their friendly, well-guided visits

Experience the heart of Salento

In the town of Leverano, this historic family-run winery has been making wine for centuries. Surrounded by vineyards of Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia, it’s the perfect place to discover the flavors that make Salento so special. Visitors can tour the cellars, learn about the winemaking tradition, and enjoy guided tastings that bring the region’s character straight to the glass.

Explore the Baroque side of Lecce

Lecce is an unmissable stop during your time in Puglia and one of the best day trips from Lecce itself. Just 40 minutes from Gallipoli by car or train on the Ferrovie del Sud Est line, the city dazzles with its ornate Baroque architecture and facades carved from golden limestone. Stroll through the historic center’s narrow streets, sip a coffee in Piazza del Duomo, and marvel at churches and palaces decorated with angels, animals, and flowers in stone. To top it off, you can pair sightseeing with a wine tasting in Lecce, blending culture and flavor most authentically.

Visit Santa Maria di Leuca

Head south of Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca, the point where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic. This charming coastal town is famous for its lighthouse, sparkling waters, and dramatic sea caves that are best explored by boat, don’t miss the Grotta del Drago. Between swims, grab a terrace table for lunch with a view and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. With its mix of history, nature, and quiet coves perfect for a beach escape, adding a trip to Santa Maria di Leuca is one of the most memorable things to do in Gallipoli Italy, showing just how much there is to explore beyond the old town.

Good to know before visiting Gallipoli