People traveling to Puglia rarely stop to visit Brindisi. However, this lesser-known city is well worth spending a day or two. Discover why you should add Brindisi to your Puglia itinerary. If you want to truly experience Italy, you must visit Brindisi, a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Even for Italians, visiting Brindisi is not the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about the Puglia region. For many, it is merely the embarkation point to Greece or the arrival airport. But I discovered that the city is indeed well worth a visit, and you will find plenty of things to do in Brindisi and around.
Whether you’re traveling to Italy for the first time or are a returning visitor, here are my 7 reasons to visit Brindisi and the surrounding area.
Why Visit Brindisi?
Brindisi is a city where history meets beauty, and you’ll discover its unique charm. Its Attractions include ancient palaces, a beautiful cathedral, narrow alleys, and a lovely waterfront. The food is simply delicious, and there are plenty of local specialties to taste. Furthermore, you can easily take day trips to beautiful nearby towns like Ostuni or relax on the beach in Torre Guaceto.
1. The Old Town
The best way to explore Brindisi’s old town is by getting lost in the maze of charming alleys. After all, the center is quite small, so you’re likely to come back to the starting point sooner or later and it’s hard to miss most of the important landmarks.
There are several must-see in Brindisi old town, among which the cathedral, the Roman column and the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro.
Brindisi cathedral dates back to the 11th century, although it was severely damaged during the 1743 earthquake. However, inside, you can still see a portion of the late 12th-century mosaics decorating the floor and the wooden choir created by local carvers at the end of the 16th century. Don’t miss to look also at the close-by Loggia dei Templari (Portico of the Templars), with its 13th century pointed arches.
Art lovers should visit the Archaeological Museum in the cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo). It stores all the archaeological finds discovered in the area, including magnificent sculptures and bronze statues.
Finding the superb Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro can be a little tricky, as it is a bit hidden in a small alley near the Cathedral. I confess that I stumbled across it totally by chance and couldn’t be happier. This little gem is a must-see when you visit Brindisi. Therefore, ask the hotel where you’re staying for a map and to mark the exact point where the church stands. Spend a few minutes outside, admiring the finely carved old capitals, and then move inside, where you’ll see a beautiful example of Romanesque style in this beautiful round-shaped small church.
Another interesting landmark is the Roman column, standing tall in a small piazza at the end of a flight of steps. It was erected in the 2nd century AD to mark the end of the Appian Way, an ancient road that connected Rome to Brindisi. The column is a testament to Brindisi’s importance as a trading port towards Greece and the East during ancient times.
2. The Laid-Back Lifestyle Along The Pretty Waterfront
The waterfront is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Take a stroll, look at the sailing boats moored along Brindisi waterfront, stop for a drink at one of the cafés, and enjoy the exhilarating scent of the sea. There’s often a gentle breeze, making it a great place to escape the heat and chill out.
You can also catch a shuttle boat to reach the opposite side of the bay (as you’ll see, Brindisi harbour does not overlook the open sea but an inner fjord). From there, you’ll see the waterfront from a different perspective and also walk to another Brindisi attraction: the Monument to the Italian Sailor.
If you get the chance when you visit Brindisi I recommend taking a boat trip to see the waterfront from yet a different angle.
3. The View Of The Waterfront From The Top Of The Monument To The Italian Sailor
The top of the Monument to the Italian Sailor – shaped like a helm – is likely the best viewpoint on the beautiful Brindisi waterfront. From there, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view of the city, with the pastel-colored houses overlooking the seafront and the boats waiting to take the sea. Pure marine bliss.
While you’re there, don’t miss looking at the stunning spiraling oval staircase.
4. Amazing Food And Excellent Wine
Like everywhere else in Italy, in Brindisi, you’ll taste delicious food and good wine. As you visit Brindisi, you’ll soon find out that the area is a land of olive oil, tasty vegetables, and great cheeses. Puglia also boasts excellent wines, like Negroamaro, Sussumaniello, and the now well-known Primitivo. As a result, you can expect a delicious meal in almost every restaurant.
If you are staying in a self-catering place, ask for a local market where you’ll find lots of fresh products at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Do you love cooking and Italian cuisine? Then you may want to experience a food tour or even a cooking class!
5. Old Houses, A Little Crumbling But Enchanting
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m fascinated by old houses, even when they are a little crumbling. It’s not that I don’t like restored ancient buildings, but I sometimes feel like perfection – as it happened to me when I visited Alberobello – ends up being a bit too aseptic and somewhat fake for my taste.
When I look at peeling facades, like in many of the small squares and tinier canals in Venice, I can feel life and history, and my imagination starts to run freely.
6. Ostuni, the ‘White City’
If you visit Brindisi, you can easily have a perfect day trip to Ostuni, only 40 km away. You can get there by bus, rent a car, or take a guided day tour to discover three of Apulia’s gems: Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni.
Wander along the tiny cobblestone streets of the ‘White City,’ have a look at the small shops, and stop for lunch, dinner, or a drink in one of the lovely cafés and restaurants with inviting alfresco tables, for an unforgettable day. I had a wonderful time in Ostuni, albeit too short, and would love to go back.
7. The Countryside, Olive Groves, And Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve
You need not travel far from the city to discover the countryside that is typical of the Brindisi area.
A lovely spot is the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, home to beautiful olive groves, pretty creeks, dunes, and marshes. There, you can hike, bike and. at the beach, swim (but only in the designated areas) and snorkel. But beware in summer, as the reserve can be very hot, and there’s very little shade, if any, on the seashore. Bring a lot of water and possibly a beach umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and the heat.
Useful Information To Visit Brindisi
How To Get To Brindisi:
Brindisi airport has flights from/to many Italian and European cities, operated by major carriers and low-cost airlines. You can check for the cheapest airfares on Expedia. The airport is close to the city and very well connected by a regular bus service.
Getting around:
The easiest way to explore Brindisi’s surroundings is to hire a car at the airport. Check out here to find the best car rental rates.
Where to stay in Brindisi:
There are several charming Bed&Breakfast in Brindisi.
- The small B&B I Templari Dimora Storica has two nicely decorated rooms (about 50 and 55 sqm, respectively) in a recently renovated historical building in the center.
- Close to the sea, in the center, Santo Stefano Luxury B&B has modern and stylish rooms and boasts a rooftop sundeck and a small swimming pool (seasonal).
Check more Hotels in Brindisi
Books about Puglia and travel guides
Old Puglia: A Cultural Companion to South-Eastern Italy (Armchair Traveller)
Lonely Planet Southern Italy (Travel Guide)
Puglia Map
Michelin Map Italy: Puglia 363
Pin for later!
_______
‘Brindisi is My Destination‘ invited me to discover this overlooked area of Puglia. As always, opinions are mine. This post contains a few affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
