Gallipoli

Travel Guide

Lecce showing general coastal views as well as children
Lecce showing a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
Lecce which includes food
Baia Verde Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach
Lecce showing heritage architecture

A holiday in Gallipoli, with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, is a wonderful chance to discover one of the most interesting parts of Salento's natural environment. Viewed from the sea, Gallipoli displays its most exotic feature: the traditional white houses so reminiscent of towns in the Cyclades. Perched on an island, the old town is connected to the mainland by an arched bridge, while the walls, ramparts and towers that used to protect the city from invaders, now protect it against storm surges and give it a unique charm.

Among the attractions not to be missed are the Baroque cathedral dedicated to Saint Agatha and, near the bridge, the Hellenistic fountain decorated in bas-relief inspired by Greek mythology, as well as the shrine of the Madonna del Canneto. The cathedral, a symbol of Baroque Gallipoli, stands in the heart of the old town, between the island's two main roads, Via Antonietta de Pace and Via Duomo. Built using stone from Lecce, the church has a Latin cross floor-plan with three naves divided by broad arches supported by towering columns. Inside is a rich collection of paintings by Salentine artists from the 17th and 18th centuries, including paintings by Nicola and Carlo Malinconico and Andrea Coppola. The presbytery is home to a magnificent carved wood Baroque choir.

The natural beauty of the low-lying coast, with its long beaches of fine white sand, frequented above all by families and water sports enthusiasts, complements the cultural attractions of the town. Lido San Giovanni, heaven on earth for scuba divers and spear fishermen, is among the most popular bathing establishments in the area.

On the northern coast of Gallipoli is Lido Conchiglie, a small town with a partly rocky and partly sandy coastline, well-equipped and with many public beaches. Moving on you'll reach Rivabella, renowned for its beautiful beach alongside a pine forest. The road from Rivabella to Gallipoli runs along 3 kilometres of rocky coastline, with gorges and coves to explore and enjoy the wilder and authentic side of nature. Once in Gallipoli, in the oldest part of town, opposite Sant'Andrea island, there's the small Lido Seno della Purità, a traditional destination for locals.

The unique old town stands at the top of the island. Its labyrinth of alleys and narrow criss-crossing streets is completely surrounded by walls and towers, a perfect testimony to the town's glorious past. Near the bridge you can admire the Hellenistic fountain, once erroneously dated as the oldest fountain in Italy, decorated in bas-relief images inspired by Greek mythology. Opposite the fountain is the shrine of the Madonna del Canneto, with its fascinating ceiling.

A holiday in Gallipoli is also a wonderful opportunity to visit the nearby Pizzo Tower, an ancient coastal tower located at Punta Pizzo. This area, with its lush Mediterranean vegetation, is rich in aromatic plants like rosemary, thyme, broom and mastic. The beaches here retain their undisputed wild and unspoilt charm, ideal if you're looking for a few days of total relaxation. The sea is wonderful, with crystal-clear water, particularly transparent near the rocky shoreline. Gallipoli is the perfect destination to unwind and recharge your batteries far from the daily routine. Take a look at the holiday packages to Gallipoli and get ready for a new unforgettable adventure.

Where to stay in Gallipoli

Gallipoli Castle showing general coastal views, a castle and heritage architecture

Gallipoli Historic Center

5/5(6 area reviews)

Unique features of Gallipoli Historic Center include the historical sites and beaches. Make a stop by Gallipoli Fish Market or Gallipoli Castle while you're exploring the area.

Gallipoli Historic Center
Hotel Baia Verde Gallipoli

Hotel Baia Verde Gallipoli

3 out of 5
Via Gran Viale al Mare - Baia Verde, Gallipoli, LE
The price is RM1,267 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
RM1,267
RM1,409 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Gallipoli. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Baia Verde Beach ...
7.2/10 Good! (47 reviews)
Hotel in Baia Verde
"The hotel is a standard 3 star hotel. The room assigned was fine, although I could not open the window. At time it was rather noisy as the main clientele was of teenagers. Cleanliness is of good standard. The breakfast was good with homemade cakes of high quality, the service by the waiting staff ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2024

Hotel Baia Verde Gallipoli
I Bastioni San Domenico - Boutique Hotel

I Bastioni San Domenico - Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
133 Riviera Nazario Sauro, Gallipoli, LE
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Gallipoli. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
"The location of the hotel is very convenient, the staff very friendly, breakfast amazing! The there floor where breakfast is served has an stunning view to the ocean. I definitely recommend this hotel and if I come back to Gallipoli I will definitely consider staying here again."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

I Bastioni San Domenico - Boutique Hotel
M&F Hotel

M&F Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Ludovico Ariosto, 6, Gallipoli, LE
The price is RM620 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
RM620
RM707 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Gallipoli. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Baia Verde Beach and Santa Maria ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
"Amazing, close to the beach. Hotel staff very friendly."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

M&F Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Palazzo Mosco

Palazzo Mosco

4 out of 5
Via Micetti, 26, Gallipoli, LE
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Gallipoli. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Baia Verde Beach and Santa Maria ...
9/10 Wonderful! (162 reviews)
"What a gem of a find, it started with the excellent & timely communication from the hotel staff. The staff are amazing, so happy, friendly and welcoming Upon arrival we were greeted in the street and walked into the hotel, by a very friendly staff member. We then discovered a very clean, very Italian ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Palazzo Mosco
Happy Camp in Camping La Masseria

Happy Camp in Camping La Masseria

4 out of 5
Via Tenuta di Torre Sabea, Gallipoli, LE
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly campground in Gallipoli. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Baia Verde Beach and Santa ...
Syd Italien
"Regionen spændende , selve opholdet var ok."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2020

Happy Camp in Camping La Masseria
Bilocali Baia Verde

Bilocali Baia Verde

via delle Robinie 22, Gallipoli, LE
Stay at this apartment in Gallipoli. Enjoy free parking, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Baia Verde Beach and ...
Bilocali Baia Verde
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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