Italy
Things to do in Gallipoli
Gallipoli's old town sits on a limestone island in the Ionian Sea, joined to the modern town by a bridge and ringed by walls, with the Angevin castle at the entrance. Inside are Baroque churches, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and underground olive oil mills from the time when the port shipped lamp oil across Europe. South of town run long sandy beaches, and inland the quiet Salento country roads between olive groves and vineyards make for easy, flat cycling.
- Walking tour of the old town and the underground oil mill
- Boat trip along the Ionian coast and Isola di Sant'Andrea
- Bike tour on Salento country roads through olive groves and vineyards
- Seafood tasting with Gallipoli red prawns
Experiences in Gallipoli
Top-rated experiences in Gallipoli
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Highlights
- Walking tour of the old town and the underground oil mill
- Boat trip along the Ionian coast and Isola di Sant'Andrea
- Bike tour on Salento country roads through olive groves and vineyards
- Seafood tasting with Gallipoli red prawns
- Negroamaro and Primitivo winery visit
- Porto Selvaggio nature park
Best time to visit
June and September have warm sea without the peak crowds. In August the town and the Baia Verde beach clubs are very busy, while from November to March the old town is quiet and many seasonal businesses close.
Getting around
The old town is walked in an hour along the sea walls. Ferrovie del Sud Est trains run from Lecce, and Brindisi airport is about 100 km away, so a car, scooter or bike helps for the beaches south of town.
Local tips
- Buy fresh fish or raw seafood at the stalls by the bridge to the old town, where locals eat it on the spot.
- Cycle early in the morning or late in the afternoon in summer, as Salento roads have little shade.
- Watch the sunset from the sea walls on the west side of the old town, which face directly over the Ionian.
Day trips from Gallipoli
- Lecce
- Porto Cesareo
- Santa Maria di Leuca
- Otranto
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Gallipoli?
The most booked experiences in Gallipoli are Walking tour of the old town and the underground oil mill, Boat trip along the Ionian coast and Isola di Sant'Andrea, Bike tour on Salento country roads through olive groves and vineyards and Seafood tasting with Gallipoli red prawns.
When is the best time to visit Gallipoli?
June and September have warm sea without the peak crowds. In August the town and the Baia Verde beach clubs are very busy, while from November to March the old town is quiet and many seasonal businesses close.
How do I get around Gallipoli?
The old town is walked in an hour along the sea walls. Ferrovie del Sud Est trains run from Lecce, and Brindisi airport is about 100 km away, so a car, scooter or bike helps for the beaches south of town.
Do I need to book tours in Gallipoli in advance?
For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How many days do I need in Gallipoli?
Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.