Gallipoli is a lovely town in the region of  Puglia (also known as Apulia) – the heel of the Italian boot – and is just along the Ionian Sea. This part of Puglia is known as the Salento, an absolute must-see region and one of my favourite European destinations.

Salento is best known for its beautiful, unspoiled beaches and its stunning baroque architecture. The town’s fitting name dates all the way back to that of the original ancient Greek settlement: ‘Kalé polis’ means ‘beautiful city’. Gallipoli is really a walled island attached to the mainland by a 17th century bridge.

Gallipoli is a great town for exploration – lose yourself wandering its winding, picturesque streets.. The facade of the Basilica of Sant’Agatà, built in 1629, is a wonderful example of the Lecce baroque style developed in this region.

Other Gallipoli attractions are the Greek Fountain and the imposing castle. And don’t miss the daily fish market, just underneath the bridge leading to the old town.

Although the most beautiful Gallipoli beaches are just outside the city limits, the Seno della Purità – meaning the “Breast of Purity”, the name is taken from a nearby church –  is within the town walls. It’s a small, pleasant beach where you can take a swim during your visit.

After your swimming, climb up the town walls and sit outdoors to eat a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking this harbour as night falls – certainly the perfect ending to an enjoyable day in Gallipoli.

Don’t miss an outing to the beautiful nearby beach of Punto de suina, a short drive south of Gallipoli with pretty views over the town, white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.

My Europe travel tip is to use Gallipoli as your base for exploring this spectacular region.  Baroque gems Lecce, Otranto, Santa Maria de Leuca, Nardo and Galatone are all short trips from here. Visits to these architectural wonders are capped off perfectly with late afternoons and evenings swimming off the beautiful beaches of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.  You can find the lowest rates at Gallipoli hotels using the HotelsCombined metasearch.

If you’ll be further north in Puglia, I recommend a stop at the town of Trani.