Holiday in Gallipoli

What makes Gallipoli special as a destination?

Gallipoli is one of the most fascinating coastal towns in Apulia and a gem on the Ionian Sea that still flies under the radar of most German vacationers. The name derives from the Greek "Kallipolis" – "beautiful city" – and this name is fitting: The historic old town sits on a limestone island connected to the modern district by a 17th-century bridge, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water and one of the most beautiful coastlines in Southern Italy. The old town of Gallipoli is a labyrinth of narrow streets, baroque churches, and whitewashed houses that seem to rise directly from the sea. The massive city wall encloses the entire island and forms a promenade from which one can overlook the Ionian Sea in all directions. The Cathedral of Sant'Agata impresses with its opulent baroque facade and 17th-century paintings. Beneath the city lies a network of oil presses – the Frantoio Ipogeo – that produced olive oil for all of Europe for centuries. The beaches around Gallipoli are among the most beautiful in Italy. The Baia Verde, with its powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water, resembles the Caribbean. In summer, the beach bars transform into clubs under the stars, and Gallipoli becomes the secret party capital of Apulia – an Italian Ibiza for young Italians. However, away from the party beaches, hidden coves like Punta della Suina and the nature park beaches of Porto Selvaggio offer unspoiled nature. The cuisine of Gallipoli is a celebration of the sea. Fresh fish and seafood are transformed into simple yet heavenly dishes in the trattorias by the harbor. Sea urchins (Ricci di Mare), eaten raw straight from the shell, are a delicacy that is hard to find so fresh elsewhere. The hinterland of the Salento region, with its ancient olive groves, dry stone walls, and masseria farms, offers a rural idyll that pairs excellently with a beach holiday. From Germany, one can fly to Brindisi or Bari in about two and a half hours, and from there, it takes another 1.5 to 2 hours by car to Gallipoli. The best travel time is from June to September, with June and September offering the best balance of warmth, swimming weather, and a relaxed atmosphere, while the peak summer months of July and August can be very hot and crowded in the old town.