Gallipoli Island

Gallipoli – a small island in the Ionian Sea (mar Ionio), part of the Apulia (Puglia) administrative region. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it is sometimes referred to as a peninsula. It is a favorite holiday destination for Italians who visit Gallipoli in August.

History

According to myth, Gallipoli was founded by the Greek hero Idomeni (Idomeni), and for a long time was part of Ancient Greece (Grecia Antica). During the rise of the Roman Empire (L’Impero Romano), it became part of that realm, and was later absorbed by the Byzantine Empire (L’impero bizantino). The Middle Ages saw the island change hands:

• The 11th century marked Norman rule;
• From 1268 to 1300, the city was governed by Charles I of Anjou (Carlo I D’Angiò), after which Gallipoli was incorporated into the Principality of Taranto (Taranto);
• In the 16th century, Spanish forces conquered the island, bringing it into the Kingdom of Naples (Il Regno Di Napoli).

The island became part of the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana) in 1860.

Attractions

The central quarters with narrow, winding alleyways showcase examples of Baroque architecture.

Here you can see historic buildings, cathedrals, and churches built between the 16th and 18th centuries:

• Church of Saint Francis of Assisi (San Francesco d’Assisi);
• Cathedral and Monastery of Saint Dominic (Di san Domenico al Rosario);
• Cathedral of Saint Mary (Santa Maria della Purità);
• 16th-century Palazzo Pirelli and others.

Most of these structures were built using local white limestone. A distinctive feature of the city’s architectural masterpieces is the majolica decoration, depicting scenes from sacred history.

Cathedral of Saint Agatha

Decorations by artists from Salento (Salento) and Naples (Napoli) adorn the Cathedral of Saint Agatha (Sant’Agata), which was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style on the foundations of an ancient temple. It is renowned for the sculptural representations of the city’s revered saints on its façade:

• Saint Agatha;
• Saints Faust and Sebastian (I santi Faust e Sebastian);
• Saints Marina and Teresa (I santi Marina e Teresa).

The cathedral features a three-nave cruciform layout.

Greek Fountain

On the mainland side, near the bridge connecting the island to Gallipoli’s mainland, stands a fountain constructed by ancient Greek artisans in the 3rd century B.C. The fountain is adorned with bas-reliefs inspired by Ovid’s famous “Metamorphoses” (Ovidio), complete with Latin inscriptions. In the 18th century, the city’s coat of arms was added to the fountain.

Angevin-Aragonese Castle

This well-preserved fortress, the Castello Aragonese e Angioino, was constructed in the 13th century during the Byzantine era. Its name reflects later rebuilding phases under the Aragonese and Angevin dynasties. Today, visitors can see one of the twelve formidable towers that stood in the 14th century.

Kitchen

The distinctive feature of Gallipoli’s cuisine is the variety of fish and other seafood dishes:

• Mediterranean-style pasta;
• Scapece – small fish marinated in a saffron-vinegar dressing, fried and coated in fresh breadcrumbs;
• Battered seafood and more.

Also read: best beaches in Italy

Hotels

Gallipoli offers a wide selection of accommodations—over 450 properties with positive reviews. Many lie in picturesque rural areas just minutes’ drive from the city’s central quarters and within walking distance of the coastline.

We recommend visiting Gallipoli from April through mid-July or in September–October.

3 Stars

The main advantage of three-star hotels in Gallipoli is their location just 328–984 ft (100–300 m) from the sea.

Miramare Hotel

The Miramare with a stunning sea view sits in the Gallipoli suburb of Lido Conchiglia, a 10-minute drive from the city center and a 3-minute walk from a private beach area. Quiet and cozy, the hotel offers fully equipped rooms with terraces, a pool, a sun deck, and private parking. It provides accessible facilities for guests with reduced mobility.

Masseria L’Antico Frantoio

The Masseria L’Antico Frantoio, located 1.2 miles (2 km) from the city’s central quarters, is an 18-minute walk to the shore. Housed in a 17th-century building amid olive groves and fragrant herbs, the hotel features country-style rooms, private courtyards for relaxation and picnics, in-room minibars, robes and slippers, plus an on-site pool, sauna, spa, and massage center. Guests enjoy a continental breakfast (fried eggs, bacon, coffee, and more) and dinners showcasing local dishes and wines. The property is accessible to guests with reduced mobility.

4 Stars

Four-star hotels offer comfortable accommodations and high service levels. Guests can choose properties on the waterfront or in the historic town center.

Grand Hotel Costa Brada

The Grand Hotel Costa Brada, set amid gardens 2.5 miles (4 km) from Gallipoli’s center and a one-minute walk from the sea, provides free parking, a pool, a fitness center, a table tennis room, and a children’s playground. Its cozy rooms feature air conditioning and balconies overlooking the water. The on-site restaurant serves European and Mediterranean cuisine.

Hotel Bianco

The Bianco sits in the Old Town, a 12-minute walk from the coast. Its rooftop terrace offers views of the town’s quarters and the Ionian Sea, and guests can enjoy spa services and a pool. Rooms come with air conditioning, satellite TV, and marble-faced bathrooms. Guests receive a discount at the neighboring beach, and the hotel arranges fishing excursions, diving, canoeing, horseback and bike tours, and guided trips.

5 Stars

The sole five-star property invites guests to indulge in luxury in a 19th-century historic building in Gallipoli’s center.

Palazzo del Corso – Boutique Hotel

The Palazzo del Corso sits in a fashionable shopping district, a 10-minute walk from the pristine white-sand shoreline. Its spacious rooms feature wood-beam ceilings, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Guests can unwind in the spa with Jacuzzi baths, use the fitness center, and enjoy pool access. The hotel is fully accessible.

Apartments & B&B

Apartments appeal to families, honeymooners, and older travelers seeking comfortable, self-catering stays within walking distance of the sea.

Palazzo Gallo Resort

The Palazzo Gallo Resort lies in the historic center, just a four-minute walk from the beach. Rooms feature antique furnishings and spacious terraces. The property is accessible, offers a buffet breakfast, and provides guests with discounts at a top-rated coastal restaurant and the on-site spa. Car rental and guided tour services are available.

Bed&Breakfast La Cornucopia

The La Cornucopia welcomes families with young children and pets in cozy, air-conditioned rooms. The property offers free parking and Wi-Fi throughout.

• For more tips and accommodation options in Gallipoli, see my article.

How to Get There

The regional train from Lecce to Gallipoli takes about an hour, and a ticket costs €4.60. Service is provided by the local company fseonline.it

In Lecce, you can board trains from Ancona, Rimini, Bologna, or Naples. Detailed schedules, connections, and ticket prices are available on the Trenitalia website.