Brindisi

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Brindisi

Discover Brindisi, a sun-drenched jewel on the Adriatic Sea and the beating heart of Italy's Apulia region. More than just a coastal beauty, Brindisi serves as a living museum to a myriad of vanished civilisations. Picture yourself strolling along ancient Roman roads, gazing up at majestic Gothic and Baroque cathedrals, or getting lost in the imposing shadows of Swabian castles from the era of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor. With every step you're walking through centuries of layered history. Come for the sea, stay for a journey back in time.

The City

For more than 2,000 years, Brindisi has been a maritime crossroad and its lifeblood has always been the trade between the Italian peninsula and the ports of the Ionian Sea. Today, ferries and cargo vessels bustle between Brindisi and Greece around the clock. In ancient times, this was the terminus of the Via Appia — one of the Roman Empire’s most important highways. The city still holds a handful of ancient remnants of Rome’s imperial apogee, along with some more recent memorials. Don't miss the splendid Roman Column by the promenade! Contrary to many of Italy's more industrialised regions, Apulia — often referred to as the "heel" of the Italian "boot" — has largely escaped the tourist radar. This lends Brindisi and its surrounding quaint towns an off-the-beaten-path allure that's a core part of their appeal. The coastline is a striking mixture of ruggedly beautiful cliffs and grottoes interspersed with a scattering of long, sandy beaches. In summer, multiple resorts are in operation, while the winter months see them patiently hibernate in an anticipation of the next summer season.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

The eighteenth-century Baroque period has left its own mark on towns such as Francavilla Fontana, Lecce and Ostuni. These towns are set on sunlit hilltops that rise like islands above a rolling landscape of olive groves and vineyards — do take time to explore those stunning places, using Brindisi as a base or even spending a night or two. Brindisi itself has, of course, a wealth of architectural sites and curious spots to explore — from old forts to the remains of the Roman presence to the lively port promenade.

Duomo

Works on Brindisi’s impressive Cathedral began in the 11th century and it was rebuilt in the mid-18th century. Parts of the original building, including a twelfth-century mosaic floor, can still be seen. Inside you can see the altars in poly-chrome marble commissioned, the balustrades and the majolica …

Swabian Castle of Brindisi

This great castle is the second of the four castles in Brindisi. In the 13th century, Emperor Frederick II commanded the construction of this fortress in which the citizens could take refuge in case of danger and to better defend themselves. Later, in the mid-15th century Ferdinand I of Naples decided to add new …

The Big Rudder — A Monument to the Italian Sailor

Built in 1933 at the peak of Mussolini’s regime, this memorial towering over Brindisi’s harbour survives as a monument to seamen lost during the two world wars. The monument mimics a giant rudder, beneath which a crypt in the shape of a ship’s hull bears the names of the 36,000 Italians lost at …

Francesco Ribrezzo Provincial Archaeological Museum

The rooms of this museum are arranged around different themes and contain a wealth of Greek and Roman statues, mosaics, bronze and silver coins, pottery and weapons. The top attraction is the Punta del Serrone collection of bronzes, salvaged from the seabed not far from Brindisi …

Francavilla Fontana

Around 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Brindisi, the town of Francavilla Fontana is known for the numerous palatial mansions built by local aristocrats during the Baroque period. The most striking of these, the Palazzo Imperiale on Via Municipale now houses municipal offices. The town also boasts a treasury of Baroque churches, notably the …

Ostuni

Ostuni, about 32 km (20 miles) west of Brindisi, where a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes and alleys surrounds a hilltop crowned by a medieval cathedral, is the most impressive of Apulia’s "white towns", with sweeping views across the surrounding farmlands to the east …

Lecce

About 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Brindisi, Lecce is the jewel of the Apulia region. A historic town with a treasury of Baroque churches and mansions, a dramatic Roman theatre on its main square, and a sturdy medieval castle that is in the process of being turned into a centre for the arts. …

Gallipoli

The best sandy beach in the region can be found just south of this pretty fishing port on Apulia's west coast, about 80 km (50 miles) south of Brindisi, where yet another medieval castle guards a fine natural harbour overlooked by old whitewashed houses. Gallipoli has plenty of places to stay suiting all budgets …

Santa Maria del Casale Church

Santa Maria del Casale is a popular tourist site which was built by Prince Philip of Taranto in 1300, and recently renovated. This elegant church is located just a few minutes' walk from the airport. Its facade is skilfully decorated with impressive ornate …

Brindisi Express City Tour

A great way to explore the city is to take the Road Train with Brindisi Express. The tour starts from the port's entrance, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, every hour from 9 am to 4 pm. The tour takes one hour and it includes a homemade Italian gelato and a tour …

Lido Azzurro

For a lazy day at the beach, head over to Lido Azzurro. This beautiful beach offers facilities like changing rooms, showers, deck chairs and umbrellas. If you are feeling hungry there are restaurants and bars around the area (sunbeds and umbrellas are offered at a fee, but you can bring your …

Zoosafari Fasanolandia

Zoosafari is the largest wildlife park in Italy, located a few kilometres from Fasano. It is a place where you can watch exotic animals like tigers, lions, bears, elephants (and so much more) from your vehicle. In addition to the safari park, there is a large amusement park with attractions for all ages as …

San Domenico Golf

San Domenico Golf is considered one of the best golf clubs in Italy with its 18 tours overlooking the sea of Apulia. Enjoy 6,300 metres of meandering meadows flowing among olive groves all along a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic coast offer a spectacular marine views. You will find this golf course near the …

Carrisiland Resort

Carrisiland Resort is an amusement and water park for the whole family. The park offers swimming pools, slides, acquatube, whirlpools, animation, and much more. There is also a forest that houses the village of Tarzan, the jungle, and a Jurassic Park with dinosaurs. It also hosts musicals and …

Alfonsino Castle

Alfonsino Castle, also known as Red Castle, is located on the Island of St. Andrew, at the port of Brindisi. This fortification dates back to 1481 and it was completed in 1492 by Ferdinand I of Aragon. It was built in defence of the city from possible sea …

Guna Beach Club

Certainly among the best beach lounges in the Brindisi area, Guna is a relaxing venue that plays unobtrusive jazz and operates on an à la carte basis — there is a cafe and restaurant. Sunbeds with soft mattresses set at a small elevation above the sea in a green area are at guests' …

Brindisi Port

The port of Brindisi has seen many a cruise liner at rest in its waters. Recently renovated, the port area is now better than ever, fit for a leisurely scenic stroll and a lunch break in one of the several restaurants and cafes on the waterfront. At night, the area turns into a lively …

San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple

History-lovers and the curious should certainly include San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple into their Brindisi itinerary. The ancient structure holds frescoes that date back to as early as the 12th century, with explanation boards set up in both Italian and English. Roman structures' remains can be seen in the …

Roman Columns of Brindisi

Originally, there were two twin Roman Columns of Brindisi, but after the collapse of one of the two columns in 1528, the monument remained mutilated. The surviving column is among the most remarkable historical sites of Brindisi. It represents the point where the Appian way — the road between Rome and Brindisi in that …

Cillarese Park

The pleasant park just outside the city centre is great for an evening stroll, daytime picnic, or even a morning jog. Plenty of shaded areas make for great places to get away from the summer heat in the grass. There are a few duck-inhabited ponds …

Dining

Fish and seafood are abundant in Brindisi and the whole coastal areas of Apulia, but quite a few restaurants specialise in grilled meats. Many restaurants give diners the option of choosing the preferred cut from a window display. There are plenty of great places to eat all round the region, but take note that Apulians take their afternoon siesta seriously and that it can be difficult to find anywhere to eat between 2 pm and 7 pm.

Bracerie Escosazio

Dining at Escosazio is an interactive experience, and the paradise on earth for meat-lovers. Guests are free to choose from a variety of fresh cuts in the glass window display, which are then cooked to perfection in-house by experienced chefs. A large selection of wines and local beers is on offer as …

La Locanda del Porto

Favoured by the Italian clientele, the Locanda del Porto is an excellent restaurant that serves a variety of seafood dishes and a selection of meat cuts cooked to perfection. Portion sizes are rather generous. Try the tuna and do not skip the …

Trattoria Pantagruele

Tucked away in a small alley not far from the port, Trattoria Pantagruele is an Italian restaurant especially known for its array of varied antipasti served prior to the main courses. Try the dish of the day, or feast on some of the region's finest fish and seafood, among other …

Osteria Del Tempo Perso

Traditional dishes are lovingly prepared in this cosy, affordably priced restaurant in a narrow street below Ostuni’s historic cathedral. It serves some incredible seafood starters and mains, paired with a good selection of wines. Furthermore, the establishment arranges cooking …

Don Angus

This is definitely the place for you if you fancy a hearty steak. At Don Angus, diners are invited to select a piece of meat and the skilled chefs cook it in an open kitchen to their preference. A good selection of local wines is on offer, and seating available in the outdoor …

Acquapazza

This small and elegant restaurant holds a menu that features a selection of seafood dishes with locally-sourced ingredients. Acquapazza is situated in the heart of Brindisi's historic centre, only few steps from Palazzo Zenthe. The chef at work can be observed via a see-through glass …

Windsurf

The Windsurf family restaurant, run by two brothers, is beautifully situated directly on the waterfront. The restaurant is well-known for the excellent pizza it serves. Apart from pizza, the menu features seafood, noodles, pasta and salads. Starter portions are generous and meant to be …

Locanda Ti Li Spilusi

Local authentic food can be enjoyed at this rustic Italian restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere. Popular with the locals and usually packed on Sundays, it tends to get especially busy in the summertime. Reservations are recommended to ensure being …

La Sciabica

Enjoy Mediterranean food in a cosy and romantic atmosphere in a refined setting. The restaurant has wood-dominated interior, and plays soft jazz music in the background. The chef prepares traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, all with fresh …

Penny

Penny is a charming and stylish restaurant with a romantic atmosphere, located in the historic centre of the city. This Italian restaurant is housed in an old villa, dating back to the 15th century. The restaurant serves elevated Italian cuisine and offers a special Japanese …

Il Trullo

The restaurant and pizzeria Il Trullo is one of the surprisingly few Brindisi establishments that serve authentic Italian pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Other dishes include excellent seafood, salads, and more. Booking a table in advance is recommended for rush …

La Taverna di Pascalone

The establishment is located in the small, nice town of Latiano, not far from Mesagne. It is highly specialised in grilled meats, which are displayed in abundance in the glass show windows. The restaurant's homely atmosphere makes all the guests live a uniquely warm dining …

Ristorante Porta Nova

Arguably the best restaurant in Ostuni, with a classic menu and a long wine list to match. The restaurant is located just inside the town walls, in a 13th-century townhouse. The menu features dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients from Apulia, with a heavy emphasis on fish and …

Cibus

Cibus is located in a 15th-century convent, hidden down a narrow street in the old town of Ceglie Messapica. This is a nice family-run restaurant serving Italian cuisine specialities with a modern twist. The passion for quality and innovation makes dining at Cibus a special, unique …

Cafés

The region's cafés are known as 'bars' — don't be surprised to see bars all throughout Brindisi serving food and having an array of savoury pastries, pizza and focaccia on offer at all times. Most of these establishments are open until late at night, many serve alcoholic drinks alongside coffee. Traditional bakeries (pasticceria) and gelato (ice cream) shops can be found throughout; the ones boasting the best views are located in the port area.

Piadineria

The establishment is specialised in stuffed flatbread rolls. Choose a pre-set stuffing or choose the ingredients yourself, and they will be turned into an edible masterpiece in a matter of seconds. The "piadine" are good to be consumed in-house or to take away. Savoury and sweet options …

Cafê Betty

With its unbeatable views over the harbour and great value meals, Betty is a cafe/restaurant popular among both tourists and locals. The establishment offers a selection of freshly baked stuffed pastries — both sweet and savoury — as well as other dish …

Caffè Olympia

Olympia is a longstanding local establishment, which has seen several generations of Brindisi locals walk into its doors for a scoop of their special gelato or a cup of hot coffee. There is a bakery on-site. Seatings in- and outdoors on the terrace are …

La Capannina

A pleasant venue not far from the seaside, La Capannina is the right place for an evening "aperitivo" — a drink that often precedes meals — or a short coffee break during the daytime. Serves light foods and pastries. The airy outdoor seating area is favoured by …

Urban Beat Burger & Coffee

The establishment's quirky interior features a jukebox, a bicycle hanging down from the ceiling, a tiny vintage car, and multiple items made from recycled materials — including makeshift chairs and other pieces of decor. Serves sandwiches and coffee at incredibly affordable …

Caffè Ausonia

A pleasant, casual spot for a coffee break in central Brindisi, Caffè Ausonia serves high quality coffees and a selection of sweet and savoury pastries and desserts. The cafe is a quintessential neighbourhood establishment that teems with locals in the …

Cotto & Mangiato

The canteen-style establishment offers a rather large variety of dishes —mains and sides, as well as pastries and fruit — that can be either eaten inside, or taken away. Vegetarian and vegan options are …

Monna Lisa Caffe (Ostuni)

The small, cavernous cafe in the scenic town of Ostuni is a proud follower of the Slow Food movement, and it serves some of the finest Apulian delicacies. Dish presentation is above par. Well-crafted cocktails and a selection of regional wines is on …

Tito Schipa (Ostuni)

From the moment you enter this bar, you immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere. The cafe welcomes you in a sophisticated room consisting of a large multifaceted counter, hosts breakfasts and aperitifs by day and by night. The location is divided in three different spaces: the relaxation room, the bistrot-restaurant and the lovely terrace, characterised …

Peddy Bar

Peddy Bar combines features of a bar and dessert shop — known primarily for its ice creams, desserts and freshly baked croissants, the bar has an open-air veranda in the back, where guests are welcome to stay until late in the …

Bars & Nightlife

In addition to traditional Italian cafés, Brindisi and many other towns have a few bars and pubs favoured by groups of residents of all ages. Nightlife in Brindisi itself and in most of the sleepy towns around the region is on the quiet side, comprising a few music bars and several summer discotheques. In this city, most evening hot-spots are centred around Corso Garibaldi, which comes alive at night with young and old leaving home for an evening spent in the name of drinking and socialising. For a more active nightlife, there are summer discos (playing mainly Italian Euro-pop) in some of the beach resorts, but these open only during the region’s short summer holiday season (July through August). In the province, Lecce represents an exception to the rule, with some trendy bars that often feature DJs or live music, particularly along the Via Federico d’Aragona in the Old Town.

Susumaniello Vineria

The beautiful, sophisticated courtyard in the heart of the old city of Brindisi invites for a glass of wine — hence the "vineria" — or an exquisite cocktail. Susumaniello is located at an elevation, which makes for some incredible views of the nearby old building …

Barcollo (Torre Santa Susanna)

A lit fireplace creates a very intimate atmosphere in this dimly-lit locale, and you are welcome to make use of the book exchange shelf as you sample some of the drinks from an extensive beer and cocktail list. Friday nights are normally reserved for high quality live …

Il Faro Beach Club (Ostuni)

Il Faro Beach Club is a beachfront establishment not far from the historic, stunning town of Ostuni. It combines features of a beach bar and restaurant, holding various parties and music nights. Prices are in the upper range. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for …

Kidra Pub (Ostuni)

The Medieval-themed beer pub and disco club Kidra is another cavernous Ostuni establishment that serves a selection of decent beers and high-quality food, and hosts live music shows which cause the small square outside to get packed in no …

Il Fico Ricco (San Pietro Vernotico)

Il Fico Ricco — literally "the rich fig" — is a Latin American venue where you can dance Salsa all night long. The bar hosts live music performances, special guest dancers and parties. There is a pool in the venue's courtyard, and the party does not stop till the sun …

Shopping

There is much to buy in the Apuglia region, including colourful pottery, textiles, high-quality leather goods and a range of local culinary specialities such as wines, cheeses, olives and an assortment of confectionery. Walk down Corso Garibaldi and venture off into the side streets, also packed to the brim with all manner of shops and boutiques.