Most travellers who land at Brindisi Airport do exactly that: land, pick up their rental car, and drive straight to Alberobello, Lecce, or Ostuni without a second glance at the city they’ve just arrived in. And in doing so, they miss something genuinely special.
Brindisi is not a city that tries to impress you. It doesn’t have the baroque fireworks of Lecce or the postcard-perfect trulli of Alberobello. What it has is something rarer: authenticity. A working port city with more than two thousand years of history written into its streets, a harbour promenade where locals outnumber tourists, and a food scene as honest and unfussy as the city itself.
This Brindisi travel guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of Brindisi. From its top sights and hidden corners to the best beaches, day trips, local food, and where to stay. Whether you’re passing through for a night or dedicating a few days to exploring properly, Brindisi has far more to offer than its reputation as a transit hub suggests.
Table of Contents
To understand Brindisi, you have to understand its geography. Situated at the heel of Italy’s boot, this city was destined from the very beginning to be a place of arrivals and departures.
The city’s roots goes back to the Bronze Age. The name Brindisi is believed to derive from the Messapian word Brentesion, meaning “deer’s head”. It is a reference to the distinctive shape of the natural harbour when viewed from above. The Messapians, an ancient Italic people who populated much of Puglia before Roman conquest, built the first significant settlement here. They were trading with Greek colonists along the surrounding coastline.
Under Roman rule Brindisi became the principal eastern port of the empire. The Romans extended the Via Appia, the great road from Rome, all the way to the Brindisi. They built two marble columns at its terminus to mark the end of the journey. One still stands today on a raised platform overlooking the harbour, one of the most evocative ancient monuments in southern Italy. It was also here that the poet Virgil died in 19 BC, returning from a journey to Greece.
Following the fall of Rome, Brindisi passed through Byzantine, Lombard, and Norman hands before rising to a major boarding point for the Crusades in the 11th and 12th centuries. Thousands of knights and pilgrims departed from this harbour for the Holy Land, and the Castello Alfonsino. This is a striking sea castle still guarding the harbour entrance today. It dates from this period of Norman rule.
Brindisi played a significant role in both World Wars, serving as a naval base in the First World War and briefly becoming the seat of the Italian government in 1943 after the Allied invasion of Sicily. Today it is a city in quiet transition. They are investing in its historic centre, growing in confidence, and slowly earning the wider recognition it has always deserved.
What makes Brindisi’s history so compelling is how tangible it remains. The Roman column still stands. The Norman castle still guards the harbour. Walking through the centre of Brindisi is, in the truest sense, a walk through two thousand years of Mediterranean history.
One of Brindisi’s great advantages over more heavily touristed parts of Puglia is that it remains relatively uncrowded year-round. You won’t find the same summer gridlock here that descends on Alberobello or Polignano a Mare in July and August. That said, the season you choose to visit will still have a meaningful impact on your experience. Particularly when it comes to weather, prices, and what’s open. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan.
Spring is arguably the finest time to visit Brindisi and Puglia more broadly. Temperatures are warm and comfortable and typically ranging from 18°C in April to around 26°C by late June. There is no oppressive heat that settles over southern Italy in midsummer. The countryside surrounding the city is green, the almond and olive trees are in bloom, and the light has that soft, golden quality.
Tourist numbers are lower than in summer, which means shorter queues at the main sights, easier restaurant reservations, and noticeably lower prices on both flights and accommodation. May and June in particular hit a sweet spot. It is warm enough to swim in the sea (the Adriatic reaches around 22°C by June), quiet enough to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace, and long enough in daylight to pack a great deal into each day.
Spring is also festival season in Puglia, with religious processions, local sagre (food festivals), and cultural events animating the streets of towns and villages across the region. If your visit coincides with Easter, expect colourful and traditional celebrations throughout the area.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, cultural travellers, hikers, anyone on a budget
Summer in Brindisi is hot, sunny, and increasingly popular. Temperatures regularly climb above 30°C in July and August, occasionally pushing towards 35°C or higher during the heatwaves that have become more frequent across southern Europe in recent years. The sea is wonderfully warm and around 26–28°C. The beaches around Brindisi are at their most inviting.
The city itself remains far less crowded than the more famous Puglia hotspots, which is part of its charm in summer. However, accommodation prices rise significantly, the best restaurants fill up quickly in the evenings, and the midday heat can make extended sightseeing uncomfortable without careful planning. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to explore the old town and harbour in summer. The rest of the day is best spent at the beach or in an air-conditioned restaurant over a long, lazy lunch.
If you’re visiting in summer, book accommodation and any popular day trip experiences well in advance, particularly for the last two weeks of July and the entirety of August, which is when Italian domestic tourism peaks.
Best for: Beach lovers, families, travellers combining Brindisi with other Puglia destinations
Autumn runs a close second to spring as the ideal time to visit. September in particular is exceptional because the summer heat has softened to a more manageable 25–28°C. The sea is still warm enough for swimming (often warmer than in June, having had all summer to heat up), and the tourist crowds have thinned considerably as European school holidays end. Prices drop noticeably from their August peak, and the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that makes southern Italy so appealing returns to the streets and restaurants.
October brings cooler temperatures, typically 18–22°C and occasional rain. But it remains a deeply pleasant time to visit for those who prioritise culture, food, and history over beach time. The olive harvest season begins in October across Puglia, bringing a wonderful agricultural energy to the countryside and producing some of the freshest extra virgin olive oil you will ever taste.
Best for: Couples, food lovers, repeat visitors, travellers who dislike crowds
Winter in Brindisi is mild by northern European standards and temperatures rarely drop below 8°C even in the coldest months of January and February. But the city takes on a quieter, more introspective character. Some smaller restaurants, beach facilities, and tourist attractions reduce their hours or close entirely, and the ferry connections to Greece and Albania operate on reduced schedules.
That said, winter has its own quiet appeal for the right kind of traveller. Prices are at their lowest, the city is almost entirely free of tourists, and you get a genuine sense of everyday Brindisi life that simply isn’t visible in the busier months. The historic centre, the harbour promenade, and the local markets are best appreciated in winter without competition from summer crowds. A warm coat, a good appetite, and a willingness to embrace the slower pace will serve you well.
Christmas and New Year bring festive decorations and a warmer atmosphere to the streets, and the weeks around Easter (which falls in March or April) see some of the most dramatic and atmospheric religious processions in all of Puglia.
Best for: Budget travellers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, those interested in authentic local life
| Season | Temp | Crowds | Prices | Sea Swimming | Overall |
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | 18–26°C | Low–Medium | Medium | From June | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | 28–35°C | Medium–High | High | Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | 18–28°C | Low–Medium | Medium–Low | Until October | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 8–15°C | Very Low | Low | No | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Brindisi is one of the most accessible cities in southern Italy. This is why it functions so effectively as a gateway to Puglia. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, car, or ferry, getting here is straightforward and in many cases, more affordable than flying into the better-known southern Italian hubs of Rome or Naples.
Brindisi Airport (BDS), officially named Aeroporto del Salento, is located just 6 kilometres from the city centre. It is one of the most conveniently positioned airports in Italy. It handles a growing number of routes from across Europe, making it an excellent entry point for international visitors planning to explore Puglia.
Budget carriers dominate the route map, with Ryanair operating the most extensive network of connections. Regular services run from London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, Paris Beauvais, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and a growing number of other European cities. ITA Airways and other carriers supplement these with additional routes, particularly during the summer season.
Typical flight times and approximate return fares:
| Origin | Flight Time | Budget Fare (return) |
| London | 2h 45min | €60 – €130 |
| Brussels | 2h 15min | €50 – €110 |
| Paris | 2h 20min | €55 – €120 |
| Amsterdam | 2h 30min | €55 – €115 |
| Barcelona | 2h 10min | €50 – €110 |
The airport is close enough to the centre that transfers are quick and inexpensive. Your options are:
Pro tip: If you’re planning to base yourself in Brindisi and take day trips to Lecce, Ostuni, and the surrounding area, a rental car gives you by far the most freedom. However, if you’re only spending a day or two in the city itself, the bus and taxi connections are perfectly sufficient.
Brindisi has a well-connected train station, Stazione di Brindisi, located centrally in the city and within easy walking distance of the main sights and accommodation. Trenitalia operates regular intercity and regional services connecting Brindisi to the rest of Italy.
Key train connections:
| Route | Journey Time | Approximate Fare |
| Bari – Brindisi | 1h – 1h 30min | €7 – €14 |
| Lecce – Brindisi | 25 – 35min | €3 – €6 |
| Taranto – Brindisi | 1h – 1h 20min | €5 – €10 |
| Rome – Brindisi | 4h 30min – 6h | €35 – €80 |
| Naples – Brindisi | 3h 30min – 5h | €25 – €60 |
The Lecce–Brindisi route is particularly useful, as the two cities are close enough to visit both in a single day. Trains run frequently throughout the day and the short journey makes it one of the easiest connections in Puglia.
For longer journeys from Rome or Naples, Trenitalia’s Intercity services offer a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying, with reclining seats, a dining car on some routes. Book in advance through the Trenitalia website or app for the best fares.
Driving to Brindisi gives you maximum flexibility, particularly if you plan to explore the Puglia countryside and smaller towns that are less well served by public transport. The city is connected to Italy’s main motorway network via the A14 Bologna–Taranto motorway, which runs along the Adriatic coast and connects Brindisi to Bari, Ancona, Bologna, and beyond.
Approximate driving times to Brindisi:
| Origin | Approximate Drive Time |
| Bari | 1h – 1h 15min |
| Lecce | 35 – 45min |
| Taranto | 1h – 1h 15min |
| Naples | 3h 30min – 4h |
| Rome | 5h – 6h |
Brindisi has a long history as a ferry port, and it remains one of the main embarkation points for crossings to Greece and Albania. If you’re combining a Puglia trip with wider Adriatic travel, the ferry connections from Brindisi open up some exciting possibilities.
Key ferry routes from Brindisi:
| Destination | Operator | Journey Time | Approximate Fare |
| Corfu, Greece | Grimaldi Lines / Ventouris | 8 – 9h | €40 – €80 (per person) |
| Igoumenitsa, Greece | Grimaldi Lines / Ventouris | 8 – 10h | €40 – €80 (per person) |
| Vlore, Albania | Adria Ferries | 8 – 9h | €35 – €60 (per person) |
Ferries typically depart in the evening and arrive the following morning, making overnight crossings a practical and cost-effective way to combine Italy and Greece in a single trip. Fares vary significantly depending on the season and whether you want a cabin or a reclining seat. Book in advance for summer crossings, which fill up quickly.
The city centre is compact and highly walkable. Most of the main sights, restaurants, and accommodation are within a 15–20 minute walk of each other. For day trips to the surrounding area, a rental car is strongly recommended, as public transport connections to smaller towns and beaches can be infrequent. Taxis are available throughout the city and reasonably priced for short journeys.
Brindisi rewards slow, curious exploration. Unlike the more heavily promoted destinations in Puglia, the city doesn’t organise its highlights into neat tourist circuits or queue-management systems. Instead, its most compelling sights are woven into the fabric of everyday life, a Roman column rising above a busy piazza, a Norman castle reflected in the harbour water, a baroque cathedral tucked down a narrow street in the old town. Here is what not to miss.
The solitary Roman column standing on a raised platform overlooking the harbour is Brindisi’s most powerful symbol. One of two that once marked the official terminus of the Via Appia. It rises 19 metres above the waterfront, topped with a carved capital decorated with figures of Jupiter, Neptune, and Mars. Its twin collapsed in 1528 and was donated to Lecce, where its capital still stands in Piazza Sant’Oronzo today. Standing at its base and looking out over the harbour, as Roman legionaries, Crusader knights, and generations of Brindisini have done before you, is one of those genuinely moving travel experiences that no photograph can fully capture.
Practical info: Free entry. Located at the top of the Scalinata Virgilio staircase, a short walk from the harbour.
The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista has been the spiritual centre of Brindisi for nearly a thousand years. Originally built in the 11th century, it was the site of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II’s marriage in 1228 before he departed on the Sixth Crusade. The current baroque facade dates from the 18th century following earthquake damage. But fragments of the original Norman mosaic flooring survive near the altar. It is a tangible connection to the cathedral’s extraordinary history. The interior is serene and light-filled, making it an ideal place to pause between sightseeing.
Practical info: Free entry. Open daily, typically 8am – 12pm and 4pm – 8pm. Modest dress required.
Rising from a small island at the mouth of the inner harbour is the Castello Alfonsino. It is one of Brindisi’s most visually striking landmarks. Built in the 15th century by Alfonso I of Aragon on the site of an earlier Norman fortress, its circular golden-stone walls and harbour reflection make it one of the most photographed sights in the city. The interior hosts occasional exhibitions and cultural events. Even if it’s closed, the walk along the harbour to reach it is well worth the short detour.
Practical info: Opening hours and admission fees vary depending on current exhibitions. Check locally on arrival.
One of the most important archaeological museums in Puglia, the Museo Ribezzo houses a collection covering three thousand years of civilisation in the Brindisi area. The highlights include an exceptional collection of Messapian artefacts, a remarkable series of ancient bronze statues recovered from the seabed off the Brindisi coast. They have an extensive display of Roman finds including coins, jewellery, and everyday objects. It is well presented, relatively uncrowded even in summer, and well worth at least 90 minutes of your time.
Practical info: Open Tuesday to Sunday. Admission typically €5 – €8. Located at Piazza Duomo 7.
The Lungomare Regina Margherita is the elegant seafront promenade that curves along the inner harbour and the true heart of daily life in Brindisi. Lined with palm trees, historic buildings, and outdoor café terraces, it is beautiful at any time of day but particularly magical at dusk when the fading light turns the water gold. This is where the whole city gathers for the evening passeggiata. Here you can simply join that slow, unhurried stroll. It is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in Brindisi.
Practical info: Free. Best visited in the early morning or early evening.
A few kilometres outside the centre near the airport, the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale is one of the most remarkable and under visited churches in Puglia. Built in the late 13th century, its interior is covered almost entirely in an extraordinary cycle of Byzantine-influenced frescoes dating from the 14th century. It is remarkably well preserved and rendered in deep blues, reds, and ochres that have retained their vibrancy across seven centuries. Few tourists make it here, which makes the experience all the more special.
Practical info: Free entry. Located on Via per Mesagne, approximately 4 km from the city centre. Check local opening hours before visiting.
Standing on a point overlooking the outer harbour, this striking 54-metre monument in the form of a great rudder commemorates the Italian sailors who lost their lives in the First World War. An elevator carries visitors to a viewing platform near the top with panoramic views over the harbour, the city, and the Adriatic coastline. Particularly impressive when illuminated at night.
Practical info: Small admission fee for the elevator. Open daily in summer; reduced hours in winter.
Brindisi’s coastline is genuinely beautiful. It has a mix of sandy bays, rocky coves, and crystal-clear Adriatic water that rivals anywhere else in Puglia. The best beaches are a short drive from the city, making them easily combinable with a morning of sightseeing. Here is where to head.
Torre Guaceto is the standout coastal destination near Brindisi and one of the most beautiful protected natural areas in Puglia. Located 15 kilometres north of the city, this UNESCO-recognised marine reserve offers a long arc of pristine white sand, luminously clear water, and some of the best snorkelling on the Adriatic coast. Walking and cycling trails go through the inland areas, passing olive groves, wetlands, and a medieval watchtower with amazing sea views. It feels like the Puglia coastline as it once was: wild, unhurried, and extraordinary.
Practical info: Free access. Located on the SP44 between Brindisi and Fasano, approximately 15 km north of the city. Car recommended.
The closest beach to the city centre, Lido di Brindisi is a long sandy stretch a few kilometres south of the harbour. Popular with locals, it offers a mix of free public sections and private lidos with sunbeds, showers, and beachside bars. The water is calm and shallow, so ideal for families. In summer evenings, the seafront road comes alive with outdoor restaurants and bars.
Practical info: Free public sections available. Lido rental €15 – €25 per person per day. Reachable by local bus or taxi from the centre.
A small coastal village 20 kilometres north of Brindisi, Specchiolla has a beautiful beach with water that shifts from pale turquoise to deep sapphire. The kind of colour that makes you stop and stare. The village has a handful of excellent seafood restaurants serving exceptionally fresh fish at very reasonable prices. It also sits just a few kilometres from Torre Guaceto, making it easy to combine both in a single day.
Practical info: Free beach access with some lido areas. Best reached by car, approximately 25 – 30 minutes from Brindisi via the SP63.
A popular resort village just north of Brindisi, Rosa Marina is known for its calm, shallow water and the pine forest that runs right down to the beach. It provides natural shade that’s rare along this coastline. It’s one of the safest swimming spots near Brindisi for families with young children, and its relaxed, old-fashioned Italian seaside atmosphere is genuinely charming. Best visited in June or September when the summer crowds have thinned.
Practical info: Free and lido sections available. Approximately 20 minutes north of Brindisi by car.
Around 30 kilometres north of Brindisi near Ostuni, Costa Merlata is one of the most scenically dramatic stretches of coastline in the area. Limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops alternate with small sandy coves, and the water clarity here is among the best near Brindisi. It is a superb spot for snorkelling. Less developed than the beaches closer to the city, it has a wilder, more natural feel. Pairs perfectly with a visit to Ostuni just a few kilometres inland.
Practical info: Free beach access. Best reached by car. Some sections require a short walk from the road.
Puglian cuisine is built on a handful of exceptional local ingredients such as durum wheat pasta, extra virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood from the Adriatic. Brindisi’s position on the coast gives it a particularly strong seafood tradition alongside the classic inland dishes of the region.
Orecchiette: Puglia’s most iconic pasta, shaped like small ears and traditionally served with cime di rapa (turnip tops) or a rich meat ragù. Look for handmade versions at local trattorias.
Frisa: a twice-baked barley or wheat bread that is softened with water and topped with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano. One of the simplest and most satisfying snacks in southern Italy.
Ciceri e tria: a traditional dish of fried and boiled pasta served with chickpeas, rooted in the ancient culinary traditions of the Salento. Deeply comforting and genuinely delicious.
Riso, patate e cozze: a classic baked dish of rice, potatoes, and mussels cooked together in a terracotta pot with olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. A staple of coastal Puglian cooking at its most satisfying.
Burrata: produced just up the road in the Valle d’Itria, Puglia’s silky, cream-filled mozzarella is at its best eaten fresh and simply, with good bread and a drizzle of local olive oil.
Sgombro alla brace: grilled mackerel, fresh from the Adriatic and cooked over charcoal with lemon and herbs. Simple, seasonal, and exceptional.
Street food and markets: For the most affordable and authentic eating experience in Brindisi, head to the old town market in the morning. Fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, and cured meats are available at prices that make self-catering a genuine pleasure. Street food vendors around the market area sell frisa, panzerotti, and fresh focaccia for €1 – €3 a portion. It is ideal for a cheap, delicious lunch on the go.
Harbour-front trattorias: The restaurants lining the Lungomare Regina Margherita and the streets immediately behind the harbour are the best places for a proper sit-down meal in Brindisi. The focus here is firmly on seafood, fresh catches landed that morning, simply grilled or served as antipasto with local bread and wine. Prices are very reasonable by Italian coastal standards, with a full meal typically costing €25 – €40 per person including wine.
Old town restaurants: The narrow streets of the historic centre hide several excellent smaller restaurants and osterie that serve classic Puglian dishes at honest prices. These tend to fill up quickly in the evenings, so arriving early or booking ahead in summer is advisable.
Puglia is one of Italy’s great wine regions, and the area around Brindisi produces some of its most characterful bottles. The Brindisi DOC designation covers both red and rosé wines made primarily from the Negroamaro grape. It is a full-bodied, deeply coloured variety that produces wines of real depth and character at prices that remain very accessible. Look out for:
Negroamaro: the grape variety most closely associated with the Brindisi area. Produces rich, warming reds with notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice. Excellent with grilled meat and aged cheeses.
Primitivo: grown extensively across the wider Puglia region, this bold, fruity red is one of Italy’s most internationally recognised southern varieties. Often available by the carafe in local restaurants for very reasonable prices.
Verdeca and Fiano: local white varieties that produce fresh, aromatic wines well suited to the seafood-heavy cuisine of the coastal towns. Ask for the local white when ordering fish and you are unlikely to be disappointed.
A perfectly drinkable bottle of local wine from an enoteca or supermarket in Brindisi costs €5 – €10. Even in restaurants, house wine by the carafe is excellent value at €6 – €12.
Brindisi is a compact city and the accommodation options are spread across a relatively small area, which means location is less of a concern here than in larger Italian cities. That said, staying in or close to the historic centre puts you within easy walking distance of the main sights, the harbour promenade, and the best restaurants. It is generally the recommended choice for first-time visitors. Here are three well-reviewed options across different budget levels.
A charming, well-located guesthouse a short distance from the city centre, Scirocco Guest house is consistently praised for its spotless rooms, warm hosts, and genuinely homely atmosphere. Guests highlight the helpfulness of the owners, who are happy to offer local tips and recommendations. They value the kind of personal touch that makes a real difference when you’re exploring an unfamiliar city. It’s a simple, honest base that won’t dent your budget and the kind of place that makes Brindisi feel like a local experience rather than a tourist stop.
What guests love: The cleanliness, the friendly and attentive owners, and the excellent location balancing proximity to the centre with a quiet residential feel.
Best for: Solo travellers, budget-conscious couples, independent explorers.
📍 Via Tertulliano 45, Brindisi
Ideally located on Corso Umberto I in the heart of Brindisi, Hotel Palazzo Virgilio is a solid mid-range choice that consistently delivers on comfort, location, and value. The hotel sits directly opposite the main train station, making it an extremely convenient base for travellers planning to explore the wider Puglia region by rail. Reviewers consistently praise the professional and friendly staff, the generous breakfast, and the large, well-equipped bathrooms. A reliable, well-run option with everything you need and nothing superfluous.
What guests love: The unbeatable central location, the helpful and professional staff, and the generous breakfast that sets you up well for a day of sightseeing.
Best for: Couples, business travellers, anyone exploring Puglia by train.
📍 Corso Umberto I 149, Brindisi
For something truly special, Filia Solis is a boutique suite hotel tucked inside a beautifully restored historic building in Brindisi’s old town. Exposed stone ceilings, a private jacuzzi, sauna, and spa shower make this one of the most romantic and indulgent stays in Puglia. Host Giuseppe receives exceptional praise across every review. From arranging taxis, restaurant bookings, boat rentals, and even stocking the kitchen with local wine, fruit, and snacks on arrival. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to the best Brindisi has to offer, this is the place.
What guests love: The private spa facilities, the beautifully restored historic interior, and the extraordinary personal service from host Giuseppe.
Best for: Couples, honeymoons, special occasions, anyone interested in a boutique luxury experience.
📍 Via Bernardo de Royas 17, Brindisi
Brindisi’s position at the heart of Puglia makes it one of the best bases in the region for day trips. Within an hour’s drive in almost any direction you’ll find baroque city centres, whitewashed hilltop towns, ancient Greek ruins, and some of the most beautiful coastline in Italy. Here are the best options.
Often called the Florence of the South, Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and an absolute must from Brindisi. The entire historic centre is built from a warm, honey-coloured local limestone that the city’s master craftsmen carved into an extraordinary display of baroque decoration. The town is famous for its elaborately ornamented churches, palaces, and piazzas that seem almost impossibly decorative. The Cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Piazza Sant’Oronzo are the headline sights, but the real pleasure of Lecce is simply wandering its streets and letting the architecture wash over you. Allow at least half a day, ideally a full one.
Getting there: Train from Brindisi in 25 – 35 minutes (€3 – €6) or 35 minutes by car. No rental car needed, Lecce’s centre is entirely walkable.
Ostuni is one of Puglia’s most iconic images. It is a hilltop town of dazzling whitewashed buildings cascading down a limestone ridge above a sea of ancient olive trees. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, archways, and flower-filled terraces that rewards slow, aimless exploration. The views from the top of the hill over the Itrian Valley and towards the distant Adriatic are spectacular. It’s busier than it once was, but arriving early in the morning or in the late afternoon still gives you the city at its most magical.
Getting there: Approximately 40 minutes by car via the SS16. Also reachable by train with a short taxi or bus connection to the hilltop centre.
Alberobello is unlike anywhere else in Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where hundreds of ancient conical stone houses called trulli cluster together along narrow streets in a scene that looks almost too whimsical to be real. The Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts are the most photogenic areas and entirely free to explore on foot. Arrive early to beat the tour groups. Because by mid-morning in summer the main streets are extremely busy. A half day is sufficient to see the highlights.
Getting there: Approximately 1 hour by car. Also reachable by FSE regional train from Brindisi via Taranto, though the journey takes longer and requires a change.
Just outside the centre of Lecce, a series of fascinating underground archaeological sites reveal the ancient Messapian city that predated the Roman settlement. The remains of the ancient city walls, a Roman amphitheatre, and underground chambers carved into the limestone bedrock offer a compelling counterpoint to the baroque splendour above ground. Worth combining with a full day in Lecce for history lovers.
Getting there: 35 minutes from Brindisi by train or car. Sites are within walking distance of Lecce city centre.
Taranto is one of the most historically significant and most underrated cities in southern Italy. Founded as a Greek colony in the 8th century BC, it was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Today it rewards curious visitors with an excellent archaeological museum: the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto (MArTA). It is one of the finest collections of ancient Greek artefacts in Europe. It is a dramatic old town built on a small island between two seas, and a raw, unpolished character that feels completely different from the more touristic destinations of Puglia.
Getting there: Approximately 1 hour by car or train from Brindisi.
Otranto is the easternmost town in Italy and one of the most beautiful. Its compact old town is enclosed within imposing medieval walls and contains one of the most astonishing churches in Puglia: the Cathedral of Otranto. The floor is covered by an extraordinary 12th century mosaic depicting the Tree of Life in extraordinary detail. The harbour is picturesque, the castle is impressive, and the beaches just south of the town are among the finest on the Salento coast. A perfect full day trip.
Getting there: Approximately 1 hour by car from Brindisi via the SP362.
A pleasant town set among ancient olive groves, Fasano is worth a visit for its charming historic centre and its proximity to the Egnatia archaeological site. Here you can visit the remains of a significant ancient Greek and Roman city set directly on the Adriatic coast. Fasano is also home to one of Italy’s most popular safari parks, Zoosafari, making it a great day trip option for families travelling with children.
Getting there: Approximately 45 minutes north of Brindisi by car via the SS16.
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Best For |
| Lecce | 35 km | 35 min | Baroque architecture, culture |
| Ostuni | 40 km | 40 min | Scenic hilltop town, views |
| Alberobello | 75 km | 1 hr | UNESCO trulli, photography |
| Taranto | 75 km | 1 hr | Ancient history, archaeology |
| Otranto | 80 km | 1 hr | Coastal beauty, medieval history |
| Fasano | 45 km | 45 min | Families, archaeology |
A little preparation goes a long way in making your Brindisi trip run smoothly. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Italy uses the Euro (€). Cash is still widely used in Brindisi, particularly at smaller restaurants, street food vendors, markets, and beach lidos. While most hotels and larger restaurants accept card payments, it is always worth carrying some cash for everyday expenses. ATMs (called bancomat in Italian) are widely available throughout the city centre and at the airport.
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy but is appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving €1 – €2 per person at a restaurant is standard practice. A coperto (cover charge) of €1 – €3 per person is commonly added to restaurant bills automatically. This is normal and not a scam.
Italian is the official language and English is less widely spoken in Brindisi than in the larger northern Italian cities. That said, most hotels, tourist-facing restaurants, and the airport operate comfortably in English. Learning a handful of basic Italian phrases goes a long way and is warmly appreciated by locals.
Useful phrases to know:
| Italian | English |
| Buongiorno | Good morning |
| Buonasera | Good evening |
| Per favore | Please |
| Grazie | Thank you |
| Il conto, per favore | The bill, please |
| Dov’è…? | Where is…? |
| Un tavolo per due | A table for two |
| Parla inglese? | Do you speak English? |
Brindisi’s historic centre is compact and best explored entirely on foot. The main sights like the Roman column, the cathedral, the harbour promenade, the archaeological museum are all within easy walking distance of each other. Comfortable shoes are essential as many of the old town streets are cobbled.
For the beaches, day trips, and out-of-town sights like the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale, a rental car is strongly recommended. Taxis are available throughout the city and reliable for short journeys. A typical cross-city fare runs €8 – €15. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are not widely available in Brindisi, so taxis remain the main on-demand transport option.
Free WiFi is available at most hotels, restaurants, and cafés in Brindisi. For data on the go, purchasing a local Italian SIM card is the most cost-effective option for longer stays. The main providers: TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre all have outlets in the city centre and at the airport. An eSIM from a provider like Airalo is a convenient alternative that can be set up before you leave home.
Inspired by everything Brindisi and Puglia have to offer but not sure how to turn it all into a coherent plan? That’s exactly where a personalised itinerary session can help. Through In the World’s Jungle, you can book a focused 1:1 planning call where we take your travel dates, budget, and preferences and build a clear, realistic itinerary together. I can cover not just Brindisi but the wider Puglia region, so you don’t miss the highlights that matter most to you. Choose from three levels of support: a standalone 60-minute planning call, a call plus a structured PDF itinerary delivered within 24 hours, or the full package with a follow-up revision session to fine-tune everything before you book. You stay in control of your trip and the planning just becomes a whole lot easier. Book your itinerary session here and leave the guesswork behind.
Brindisi is a wonderful starting point for exploring not just Puglia but the wider Italian peninsula. If Renaissance art and architecture are on your radar, Florence is an essential stop. From Brunelleschi’s iconic Duomo to the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery. Food lovers should make time for Bologna, the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù, where medieval porticoes and vibrant markets make for a deeply satisfying city break. For dramatic coastal scenery of a completely different kind, the clifftop fishing villages of Cinque Terre offer spectacular hiking trails and luminous Ligurian sea views. History lovers will find extraordinary depth in Padova and the grand maritime palaces of Genoa. The alpine elegance of Trento and the culinary fame of Modena round out a country that never stops surprising you.
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