Cheap flights to Brindisi from L1,347*

Trust us, there’s life beyond Puglia’s bustling capital, Bari, and gleaming ‘White City’, Ostuni. And what a life it is! It brims with romantic promenade strolls and palm-laced streets, soulful ciambotta and velvety red wine, creamy white sands lapped by crystal-clear waves, pink-white Romanesque churches and peaceful piazzas – and remains to be largely undiscovered. Welcome to Brindisi, the Adriatic coast’s intriguing, underrated and utterly loveable beauty.

 

A slow-paced Puglian adventure

Thanks to its large natural port on the Adriatic Sea, Brindisi has been a key port for trade with Greece and the Middle East since antiquity. Dubbed the ‘Gateway to the East', Brindisi has played a major role in almost every chapter of Italy's history, whether as an outpost for Roman troops, a centre of trade with Venice, an embarkation port for Norman crusaders or the hub of Italian naval operations during World War I. The antler-shaped harbour that gave the city its name (Brundisium, as the Romans called it, means ‘stag’s head’) is also the main draw for visitors, offering a perfect spot for passeggiata or watching the world go by over some gelato.

 

Churches, castles and history galore

Sitting at the northern edge of Brindisi’s port, Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi (sometimes referred to as ‘Aragonese Castle’) was erected at the order of Ferrante of Aragon and transformed into its final form by Alfonso, Duke of Calabria, in a bid to ward off Ottoman aggression. Also called the ‘Red Castle’ due to its fiery colour at sundown, the fortress is a true feat of defensive architecture and offers a captivating view of the harbor. Brindisi’s other fortress, the Swabian Castle (also known as ‘Earth Castle’), was commissioned by Frederick II in 1227, rebuilt by the Angevins, expanded by the Aragonese and fortified by Charles V. During its action-packed history, it served both as a prison and a royal residence. Take your next course in Brindisi and Italian history at ‘The Rudder’. Inaugurated in 1933, The National Monument of the Italian Sailor honours the sailors fallen during World War I and rewards visitors with unparalleled views of the port city. Stand in awe in front of Rinaldo da Taranto’s frescoes at the Church of Santa Maria del Casale, then take a good look at the outside, too. The 13th-century structure has recently been restored to its former glory, including its ornate pink-white façade. Then make your way to Brindisi’s real show-stopper, the Duomo. A former crusader pilgrimage destination, the 11th-century cathedral was witness to coronations and royal weddings, and a devastating earthquake in 1743.

 

Eat, meat, repeat

Fish and seafood dominate the local foodscape, but there’s much, much more. Port-adjacent Trattoria Pantagruele is big on grilled specialities, fish and beyond, antipasti and home-made orecchiette. Piazza Mercato’s Escosazio is a mecca for meat-lovers, evidenced by its evocative motto, ‘Let’s meat here’. Inspired by castle-hopping? Make your way to Il Giardino on Via Tarantini. Housed in a 15th-century palazzo, the eatery awaits guests with refined dishes and interiors to match, plus a lush garden. On the street food front, fritte (pita pockets with mozzarella and tomatoes) and focaccia (flat oven-baked bread) have a well-deserved place on every foodie's must-eat list. Note to wine enthusiasts: sample Brindisi Rosso, a red DOC produced from locally grown Negroamaro and Malvasia nera di Brindisi grapes.

 

Corso Garibaldi: turn up to wind down

Scour the stalls at the crossing of Via Pace Brindisina and Via Santa Maria Ausiliatrice for bargains on fresh local produce or pick up some souvenirs for fellow foodies at Enoteca Fedele on Via Porta Lecce. Be mindful of the strictly-observed midday riposo (meaning afternoon break, generally between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.), when shops are closed. Le Colonne, a large shopping centre on Via Appia, is home to high-street brands, mostly clothing, accessories and cosmetics, while Corso Garibaldi, the city’s main shopping artery, has a great selection of local brands. Incidentally, the latter is also the place to be to enjoy Brindisi after dark, along with Piazza della Vittoria and its surrounding streets.

 

Where beauty abounds, near and far

If it’s beachside bliss you’re after, Brindisi has got your back. Hop in a car to reach gazebo-dotted Guna Beach, where luxury meets relaxation, or Lido Azzurro, a small but well-equipped beach with plenty of charm but no crowds, in under 20 minutes. Get on two wheels to visit the nature reserve and protected marine area of Torre Guaceto, a mishmash of landscapes, from marshes to sand dunes, and friendly locals (turtles). Or venture out to nearby Puglian heavy-hitters, like pearly-white (and highly photogenic) Ostuni, trullo-peppered Alborebello or Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’. But why stop there? Ferry routes branching out from Brindisi connect Italy with Albania and Greece, with stops at Corfu, Patras, Igoumenitsa and Vlora.

 

Brindisi weather

The climate of Brindisi is Mediterranean, meaning mild, wet winters and hot but bearable, sunny summers. From May to October, temperatures are pleasant and the chance of rain is low, making perfect conditions for a Brindisi holiday.

 

Brindisi airport

Brindisi Airport, also known as Brindisi Papola Casale Airport and Salento Airport, is situated six kilometres from Brindisi’s city centre. It has one terminal, two runways and several bars, restaurants, shops and cafés to hang out at while waiting for your flight. Catch the local bus line to reach Brindisi city centre in 15 minutes. Alternatively, car rental and taxi services are also available.