With its personality and its lively nightlife, the "Pearl of the Jonian" attracts a very young tourism, but has maintained, especially in the ancient village, with its shops and its narrow streets, an old-time charm.
Dominating the city, the Angevin Castle, almost totally surrounded by the sea.
The old city, fortified by walls, towers and bastions, is perched on a limestone origin island and is linked by two bridges to the mainland and the new city.
Along the walls of the old town there are numerous taverns and typical restaurants where you can taste fish specialties and the famous red prawns of Gallipoli.
As sign of fishermen devotion, many churches were built in the city: you may visit the baroque Cathedral of Sant’Agata (built between 1629 and 1696), the church of Santa Maria della Purità (XVII century), the church of Santa Teresa and, near the Angevin Castle, the small chapel dedicated to Santa Cristina, patron Saint of Gallipoli.
Among the other’s city monuments, there is also the Greek Fountain of the late sixteenth century
Gallipoli boasts large bathing areas consisting of sandy beaches such as Baia Verde, Rivabella and Lido Conchiglie.
In the historic center of the ancient city there is a strip of beach that preserves intact beauty, history and wonder of the seabed: it’s the Spiaggia della Purità.
In the shade of the city ramparts, which overlook ancient palaces and churches, this beach is discreet, quiet even during high tourist influx and has a comfortable descent to the sea, slightly thicker sand, shallow waters and almost always calm sea, especially with winds from the South.
Between Gallipoli and Mancaversa, do not miss the beaches of Lido Pizzo and Punta della Suina.
The first is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the jonian coast. Dominated by a white coastal tower from which it takes its name, Lido Pizzo has waters with wonderful emerald and turquoise color reflections and it seems like a lake when the wind of sirocco blows.
Because of the beauty of the place and the transparency of its waters the Punta della Suina is an irresistible attraction for local people and tourists. Divided by an islet into two small bays, it is truly a dream setting.
