Gallipoli

The ‘beautiful city’ (Kàlos Pòlis) is divided into two parts: the modern Borgo, with its profusion of shops, meeting places and long sandy seafront extending towards the south studded with several well-equipped seaside resorts that are full of life from early morning to late evening; and the picturesque Old Town, which rises on a limestone island connected with the mainland by a seventeenth-century arched bridge and completely encircled by a panoramic road.

Now that the old defensive walls have been decapitated, it is possible to bask in fantastic scenery. Don’t miss: Gallipoli’s life is entirely bound up with the sea and with religion, in particular with Santa Cristina, the protector of the island, whose feast day is celebrated with incredible enthusiasm on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of July. On this occasion, the water procession of the Saint, aboard fishing boats, and the ancient folk tradition of the ‘cuccagna a mare’ are very moving rituals.

Distance: 44km from Lecce (45 mins) > national road SS 101 Gallipoli