Looking for things to do in Gallipoli, where to stay, how to get there – or just trying to work out whether it’s somewhere you’d like to visit on your Puglia road trip? Then this short guide to Gallipoli should have you covered!

In the south-west corner of Puglia lies the old island town of Gallipoli. Accessible only via sea or a 16th century bridge, it was once a strategic centre of influence for the maritime trade. These days however, it is more of a seaside summer escape for holidaying Italians and a growing number of Europeans drawn to the fabulous setting.

Surrounded by water on all sides, its identity remains indelibly linked to the rhythms of the ocean – fishermen fixing nets or doing repairs after their early morning outings are still common, seafood is a feature on most menus and the atmosphere in town can change should a salty gail begin to blow and buffet its ancient walls.

One thing has remained true throughout the changes; Gallipoli still more than lives up to the provenance of its name, ‘beautiful city’ in Greek.