Visit Galatina Italy: Travel Tips and Best Places to See

Tucked away just south of Lecce, Galatina is one of those towns that surprises you at every turn. Known for its medieval frescoes, lively piazzas, and the invention of the pasticciotto (yes, the famous custard-filled pastry started here), it’s a place that mixes art, history, and irresistible food in equal measure. Beyond its historic center, vineyards and Puglia wineries stretch across the countryside, making it easy to pair sightseeing with a glass of local wine. Whether you come for a pastry break, a dose of art, or a taste of Apulian life, make sure to visit Galatina and see why this small town has such a big personality.

Visit Galatina: What are the best things to do?

Marvel at the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria

Built in the 1300s, it’s a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic design, but it’s what’s inside that really stuns, walls covered top to bottom in vivid frescoes that tell entire stories in color. Step through the rose window light and you’ll find every corner bursting with detail, from painted saints to delicate stone carvings. It’s the kind of place where you look up, get lost, and forget how long you’ve been standing there.

Wander the charming streets

The centro storico of Galatina is a maze of winding alleys, noble palaces, and baroque details that catch your eye at every turn. Balconies are carved like lace, façades show off centuries of craftsmanship, and courtyards hide behind archways waiting to be discovered. Walking here is less about ticking off landmarks and more about soaking in an atmosphere shaped by centuries of southern Italian history.

Admire Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Standing proudly in Galatina’s old town, the Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo is a striking example of southern Baroque at its finest. Built in 1633, its intricate façade and sculpted details show just how much care went into making this a true artistic landmark. You don’t need to be an architecture expert to appreciate it, just look up, and let the craftsmanship speak for itself.

Discover the clock tower

Right in the heart of Piazza San Pietro, Galatina’s clock tower stands tall as a proud reminder of Italy’s unification era. More than just a timepiece, it’s a piece of civic history framed by graceful arches and noble facades. Grab a seat nearby, soak up the sun, and enjoy the steady rhythm of local life unfolding around you.

Visit Galatina: Best things to do around

Raise a glass to Salento’s heritage

Founded in 1870 by Noè Apollonio, Apollonio 1870 is a four-generation family winery rooted deep in the Salento landscape. Covering around 120 hectares of sun-kissed vines, the family honors local grapes, like Negroamaro, Primitivo, Susumaniello, and Bianco d’Alessano, while blending tradition with modern care. Visit for a tasting and you’ll step into history, sample wines like the bold Mani del Sud Primitivo di Manduria, and learn how a legacy in a bottle keeps getting better with each generation.

Wander the splendor of Lecce

Just a quick 28-minute drive from Galatina, Lecce dazzles visitors with its golden Baroque architecture and buzzing southern soul. Nicknamed the “Florence of the South,” this sun-drenched city invites you to wander through its centro storico, where ornate churches like the Chiesa di Santa Croce and grand palazzi line every corner. Don’t forget to grab a warm pasticciotto from a local bakery, it’s a rite of passage here. And if you’re thirsty for more than architecture, indulge in a wine tasting Lecce experience; the city is home to elegant wine bars and tasting rooms that showcase Salento’s best reds and crisp whites.

Ready to discover more? Dive into our handpicked guide for the top things to do in Lecce and turn your city stroll into a full cultural adventure.

Discover the coastal stronghold of Gallipoli

Roughly 30 minutes from Galatina, Gallipoli is where turquoise Ionian waters meet layers of salty, sun-kissed history. This coastal stunner sits on a limestone island connected by a 17th-century bridge, and walking through its old town feels like entering a painting framed by sea spray and Baroque facades. Duck into the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, peek into palazzi with frescoed ceilings, or just follow the scent of grilled seafood down narrow alleys.

Ready to plan your southern escape? Discover all the best things to do in Gallipoli Italy with our ultimate guide.

Salento’s timeless vineyard legacy

Apollonio 1870 has been family-run for four generations, rooted in Salento’s soulful terroir, where sun, sea breeze, and local grapes shape every bottle. Their vineyards nurture Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello, and more, blending tradition with modern finesse. On a visit, expect a stroll through sun-drenched rows, a peek inside a modern cellar, and a tasting lined up with fresh wines that carry Salento in every sip.

Visit the coastal charm of Otranto

Just 30 minutes east of Galatina, Otranto awaits with sea-sprayed charm and centuries of maritime stories etched into its Romanesque walls. Hug the Adriatic coastline as you wander past watchtowers and whitewashed lanes, then step into the Otranto Cathedral to marvel at its legendary mosaic floor, one of the most iconic in southern Italy. After soaking up the history, grab a seat at a breezy café by the harbor and sip something local while the fishing boats bob nearby.

Craving more coastal magic? Dive into our full guide to the best things to do in Otranto.

Good to know before visiting Galatina