Brindisi

Brindisi, overlooking the Adriatic and embraced by the warm light of the South, is a city rich in history, charm and authenticity. Often considered only a point of arrival thanks to its port and airport, Brindisi deserves much more than a simple “passing through” stop. It is the ideal place to begin a journey to discover Puglia, in particular Salento, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature and genuine flavors.

A city between history and sea

The beating heart of the city is its port, one of the most evocative in the Mediterranean. Walking along the Regina Margherita seafront at sunset is an unmissable experience: from here you can enjoy an enchanting view of the old city and the calm waters of the port, where merchants and crusaders once landed on their way to the East. In this article we tell you more about this enchanting place.

Not far away, the staircase that leads to the Monument to the Italian Sailor offers a breathtaking view and a touch of military history. Climbing to the top, the view opens up over the whole of Brindisi and the Adriatic coast.

What to see in Brindisi in one day

Among the unmissable places here in Brindisi there is certainly the Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, and the Roman Columns, symbol of the end of the ancient Via Appia, the consular road that connected Rome to the port of Brindisi. Next door, the Archaeological Museum “Ribezzo” houses finds from the Messapian and Roman eras that tell the thousand-year history of the city.

You can’t miss a visit to the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with its circular plan and medieval decorations: a small jewel often ignored, but surprising.

Don’t miss the two medieval castles: the Alfonsino Castle and the Swabian Castle.

Flavors not to be missed

Brindisi is also taste and tradition. In the alleys of the historic center you will find taverns and restaurants that offer the best of Salento cuisine: orecchiette with turnip tops, broad beans and chicory, very fresh fish and excellent local wines such as Negroamaro and Primitivo. There are also numerous bars on the seafront, ideal for a breakfast or an aperitif overlooking the sea in true Apulian style!

Starting point for exploring Puglia

Brindisi’s strategic position makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Puglia. Less than an hour’s drive away are some of the most fascinating places in Salento:

• Lecce, with its baroque masterpieces and elegant squares.
• Ostuni, the “White City”, nestled among the olive trees and overlooking the sea.
• Alberobello, with its famous trulli, a UNESCO heritage site.
• Polignano a Mare, for a dip in the crystal-clear waters beneath the cliffs.
• And of course, the entire coast of Salento, from Porto Cesareo to Santa Maria di Leuca, for those who dream of Caribbean beaches and authentic seaside villages.

How to get to Brindisi

Together with Bari, Brindisi is the only city in Puglia with an airport with national and international connections, making it a popular destination for many international tourists who decide to visit Puglia by arriving right here.

In addition to the airport, Brindisi can also be reached by ferry (the main connections are with Greece and Albania) or by cruise ships (Costa Crociere and Msc Crociere).

Another solution, ideal especially for those coming from Italy itself or from neighboring countries such as France, Germany and Switzerland, is the train. Brindisi in fact has direct connections with the main Italian cities (for example Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin) from which it is easy to change trains and continue to southern Italy.

Once you have reached your destination, to move around the Region it is advisable to rent a car or rely on a convenient transfer service with a private driver.

Although the city of Brindisi has direct buses and trains to the main cities of Puglia (e.g. Lecce, Ostuni, etc.), reaching the more remote locations such as the typical Puglian masserie, the trulli or the beautiful beaches of Salento is very complicated.

At this link you can find a series of itineraries studied by us starting from Brindisi.