In the southwestern reaches of Puglia in the province of Lecce lies the historic town of Gallipoli, a floating island fortress surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Connected to the mainland by a 17th Century bridge, the beautiful town is most famous for its crumbling old town, maritime defences and narrow winding streets, and wandering through Gallipoli is like stepping into a 1960s Italian film set – all dropping washing lines, sun-bleached buildings and tattling nonnas.
Things to do in Gallipoli
Gallipoli is packed with incredible sights and attractions, from the island itself with its mesmerising old town, churches and museums to the many golden sandy beaches dotted along the shore. A villa in Gallipoli will suit all types of travellers, from history buffs who come for the fortresses and wartime history, to families who flock for sandy beaches lapped by Ionian seas.
Enjoy a trip into town to see the Castelli di Gallipoli, Church of St. Mary of Purity and the Renaissance Greek fountain, before heading to the waterfront to watch fishing boats bob as you grab an amaro or spritz. From our villas in Gallipoli, it's an easy walk or drive to the many beaches in the area, the best being the Spiaggia di Baia Verde, the Beach of Purity and the Lido San Giovanni.
Alternatively, jump in a car and venture outside the town for an adrenaline-packed day at the Splash Parco Acquatico waterpark. Most of our family villas in Gallipoli come with a private pool, giving you the freedom to do as little or as much as you want in the day.
Choose a villa in Gallipoli to be near to fantastic sandy beaches, to entertain kids at waterparks and enjoy its beautiful setting. A Gallipoli villa holiday is perfectly suited to families thanks to its beaches and activities, but couples will also love the romantic waterfront and many eateries. Gallipoli truly lives up to the provenance of its name, translating to 'beautiful city' in Greek.


History and culture in Gallipoli
Gallipoli is steeped in maritime and wartime history, and there are countless historical and cultural sites you can visit from your Gallipoli villa. Gallipoli is split into an old and new town, with the old town located on an island surrounded by defensive stone walls. This island is a mecca for history lovers, with castles, churches and cobbled lanes – must-sees being the grand Castello di Gallipoli, St. Agatha’s Cathedral with its ornate facade and Church of St. Mary of Purity with its maiolica tiled floor. Culture vultures will never be bored on a Gallipoli villa holiday, not with the likes of museums like the Museo Civico Emanuele Barba nearby – a speckled collection of macabre items (perhaps live the kids at home).
Family holidays in Gallipoli
Our villas in Gallipoli are located in one of the most family-friendly spots on the Pugliese coast, thanks to its fantastic sandy beaches and proximity to the fantastic Splash Parco Acquatico waterpark. A day out at said waterpark is a must, the biggest in the whole of Puglia and packed with twisting slides, a maze of pools, watery rides and lots of entertainment for both kids and adults alike. Families can also spend the day at one of Gallipoli’s many sandy beaches with fantastic facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, cafes and showers, and Spiaggia Baia Verde di Gallipoli and Samsara Beach are well serviced and great for small children.
For a more private family experience, soak up the sun in your luxury Gallipoli villa with a private pool, before heading out for an evening meal in the charming Gallipoli harbour.


Adventurous activities in Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a watersports lover's paradise, surrounded by seas on all sides and with great beaches for adrenaline-packed activities. From our villas in Gallipoli, it's an easy journey to Spiaggia Baia Verde di Gallipoli which is the best beach for surfing, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, you name it. Combine a visit to the coast with a session at Scuba Diving Gallipoli ASD, a dive school and guided tour group offering lessons and group snorkelling expeditions. A Gallipoli villa holiday also allows you to rent a mountain bike and head into the surrounding national park for a unique off-road experience, with many tour operators in the town offering guided mountain biking tours and personalised routes for biking excursions.
Romance in Gallipoli
With emerald seas, a romantic old town and oodles of fascinating history, it's easy to make your Gallipoli villa holiday into a romantic one – be it sunbathing on secluded sandy beaches, enjoying coastal walks or exploring sultry wine bars and candle-lit courtyard eateries. Guests staying in one of our villas for couples will also love having a private pool, offering a romantic and isolated place to watch the sunset from, sip cocktails and sunbathe. Visit the Cantina Coppola winery on the outskirts of the town for a romantic day wine tasting and wandering the beautiful vineyards, before taking a sunset cruise of the Salento Peninsula with a spritz in hand.
All Villas in Gallipoli
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