LandmarksCultureFoodBeachesHistory
Brindisi is a city layered with history. It was the terminus of the Appian Way — the great Roman road built in 312 BC that connected Rome to the Adriatic. The iconic Roman columns that still stand on the waterfront mark the end of that ancient highway. From here, Romans set sail for Greece and the East. That maritime soul defines Brindisi today: ferries still depart daily for Corfu, Patras, and Igoumentisa, making it Italy's most authentic working port city in Apulia.
Unlike Lecce's tourist-packed Baroque centre or Ostuni's whitewashed hillside, Brindisi feels lived-in. Its historic centre is a tangle of narrow streets, grand palazzi, and quiet piazzas where locals gather for evening passeggiata. The city has a gritty, unpolished charm — genuine Apulia without the Instagram filter. The food scene is underrated: seafood caught that morning, orecchiette made by hand, Primitivo wine poured by the carafe for pennies.
Brindisi is also the green traveller's gateway to Salento. The Torre Guaceto nature reserve, a protected marine and coastal area just 15 minutes north, offers some of the cleanest beaches on the Adriatic. Cycling trails, olive groves, and masserie dot the surrounding countryside. And because Brindisi is less discovered than its neighbours, prices are lower and authenticity is higher.
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Getting There — Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) is one of Apulia's two main airports, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna, and many other European cities. Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2, and British Airways serve the airport year-round, with more routes in summer. A shuttle bus runs from the airport to Brindisi train station every 20 minutes in peak season. Taxis cost around EUR8-12 into the centre.
Getting Around — Brindisi's train station connects to Lecce (30 minutes, EUR4), Bari (1 hour, EUR9), and Rome (4 hours via high-speed Frecciarossa). The local bus network covers the city and outskirts effectively. For exploring the Salento peninsula, renting a car is recommended — the SS16 and SS7 highways link Brindisi to Lecce, Ostuni, and Taranto. Cycling is growing in popularity, especially the coastal bike paths north to Torre Guaceto.
Best Areas to Stay — Centro Storico: stay within the old town for walking access to restaurants, bars, and the waterfront. Casale: a residential area near the train station, convenient for day trips. Sant'Elia: a quieter western neighbourhood with local shops and cafes. Torre Santa Sabina: a coastal area 25 km north with beaches and seaside restaurants — ideal if you want beach + city access.
Day Trips — Brindisi's location is a perfect base. Lecce (30 min by train) — the "Florence of the South" with its stunning Baroque architecture. Ostuni (25 min by car) — the whitewashed hilltop city. Taranto (45 min by train) — the ancient Spartan city on its own lagoon. Alberobello (50 min by car) — home of the UNESCO-listed trulli. And Bari (55 min by train) — the bustling regional capital.
Brindisi packs more history and culture than cities twice its size. Here are the unmissable experiences:
Start at the Roman Columns, descend the grand staircase to Piazza della Vittoria, then wander the narrow alleys of the historic centre. Pass by the Cathedral of Brindisi (Duomo), explore the Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna, and end at the waterfront for an aperitivo. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
From Castello Svevo, walk south along the Lungomare Regina Margherita past the ferry terminal and Aragonese Castle. Continue to the Monument to the Italian Sailor, a striking lighthouse memorial. Continue to the port area for sunset. Allow 1 hour at a leisurely pace.
A 6-km walking trail through the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, along the coast with wild coves, Mediterranean scrub, and birdwatching opportunities. The reserve has a visitor centre and bike rentals. Allow 2-3 hours. Entrance is free.
Brindisi Airport (BDS) — Salento Airport — serves direct flights from London Stansted, Manchester, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, and several other European cities. Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and British Airways operate routes. From the airport, the city centre is a 15-minute bus ride (Line AP) or a EUR6-8 taxi. Brindisi also has a main train station with direct connections to Rome, Naples, Bari (1 hour), Lecce (30 minutes), and Milan.
The best time is May-June and September-October when temperatures range 22-28°C, crowds are thinner, and hotel rates are more affordable. July-August is peak season — hot (30-35°C), busy beaches, higher prices. Spring (March-April) is mild with wildflowers. Winter (November-February) is quiet and cool (8-15°C), perfect for cultural visits. For a detailed seasonal breakdown, see our Best Time to Visit Brindisi guide.
Brindisi is very affordable compared to other Italian destinations. Hotel rates average EUR50-120 per night depending on season. A full meal at a trattoria with wine costs EUR15-25. A coffee at the bar is EUR1.20. Public transport is cheap — train to Lecce is EUR4. Brindisi is generally cheaper than Lecce, Bari, or coastal resorts. With IMPT you get EUR5 free credit on your first booking and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.
The Roman Columns (end of the Appian Way), Castello Svevo, Santa Maria del Casale Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, the waterfront promenade, Teatro Comunale, Museo Archeologico Provinciale, Torre Guaceto nature reserve and its pristine beaches, and taking the ferry to Greece (Corfu or Patras). For a full list see our Cosa Fare guide.
IMPT offers access to over 8 million hotels worldwide including dozens of eco-friendly and green-certified properties in and around Brindisi. From central hotels in the historic centre to masserie (farm stays) in the countryside and beach properties along the Adriatic. Every booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂ at no extra cost. Same price as Booking.com — with EUR5 free credit and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.