An Apulian 3-day trip; starting point, Brindisi

The south Italian region of Apulia has two airports: Brindisi and Bari. While the airport of Bari is bigger and more international, there are also many national and international flights to Brindisi. Flying to Brindisi is ideal if you want to focus on exploring the Salento peninsula, the southern part of Apulia. 

Salento is particularly popular for its magnificent, clear beaches, baroque architecture, stunning nature and simple, delicious cuisine.

Day 1: Brindisi-Lecce 

As soon as you arrive in Brindisi you can seize the opportunity to explore the port and the historical center of the city. The city has many interesting historical sights but is rather industrial compared to some neighboring cities. That’s why your next top should be in Lecce. Lecce is called the “Florence of the south”. An Apulian baroque gem with beautiful sandstone architecture, a big historical center, and countless sights and restaurant options.  Lecce has many historical palazzos, which were turned into B&Bs and are situated in the center of the city – the perfect place to spend the first night, after enjoying some local wine in the centro storico! 😊

Day 2: Melendugno – Otranto

Melendugno is a small commune located on the Adriatic side of the Salento peninsula. What makes it so special is not the town itself, but the coastal section of it. Grotta della Poesia, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world, is just a short 5-minute drive from the beautiful beach of Torre dell’ Orso. After a relaxing afternoon at the beach, your next stop should be in Torre Sant ’Andrea, a stunning coastal section, bringing in mind Algarve and 12 Apostles. After enjoying the beautiful nature of Apulia you should continue to Otranto. The small town has a beautiful beach promenade, a clean and shallow city beach, and a dreamy historical center. The perfect place to spend a relaxing evening and even the second night. 

Day 3: Maglie - Baia Verde – Gallipoli

On the way to the Ionian side of the peninsula, the first stop is Maglie. It is just a 15-min drive from Otranto and lies en route to Baia Verde. The small town of Maglie is not very famous, but is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful baroque sandstone town, almost like a “Mini-Lecce” but a lot less touristic; it's also the perfect place for a snack. After refueling in Maglie, get ready for spending the afternoon at one of the best beaches in Apulia: Baia Verde – a sandy beach with shallow and crystal-clear water. Along this beach section, there are many beach clubs and bars, as well as completely calm spots surrounded by nature. The next station is the historical town of Gallipoli. The historical city center is located on an island, which is only connected with one bridge to the modern part. Due to its location, it is the perfect place for the last delicious Italian sunset dinner while enjoying the sea view.

Title Picture © Credits to iStock/Balate Dorin