Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli. These enchanting destinations are conveniently close to each other and easily accessible by a slow but direct train, making it effortless to visit both in just one day.

Galatina

We started our day by taking a short and easy train ride from Lecce to Galatina, a charming town that is conveniently located along the same railway line as Gallipoli. The journey only took us 45 minutes, and as soon as we stepped off the train, we were immediately drawn to the town's mini Lecce-like ambiance.

Galatina welcomed us warmly as we explored its streets, which were adorned with centuries-old buildings that had a rich history. One particular highlight on our itinerary was the magnificent Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria.

Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

The Basilica, built in 1383, impressed us with its exquisite artistry and religious significance. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by a sense of awe. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes that took us on a fascinating journey through time, depicting scenes from biblical stories and the lives of saints.

The artistry displayed in these frescoes was truly remarkable, showcasing the talent and devotion of the artists who created them so many years ago. We were amazed by the vibrant colors that still retained their brilliance. It felt as though we had entered a living museum, where history came alive before our eyes.

What made our visit even more special was that admission to the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria was based on donations, making it accessible to visitors from all walks of life.

Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Continuing our exploration of Galatina, we stumbled upon another architectural gem - Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, also known as the Mother Church. Its grand façade enticed us to step inside and discover its hidden treasures.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a serene and reverent atmosphere. The ornate decorations adorning the altar and walls showcased Galatina's rich religious heritage. We took our time to admire the intricate details carved into every surface, a testament to the craftsmanship of those who built this magnificent structure.

Try out the Pasticciotto

Make sure to try the pasticciotto in Galatina, where it originated. This shortcrust pastry with a creamy filling is a local specialty which you can also find in most cafes in Salento. We had a delicious one from a bakery near the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria. It's a delightful treat that perfectly complements your visit to the basilica and allows you to experience Galatina's culinary heritage firsthand.

Where to Stay in Galatina?

The old town is pretty relaxed so if you want a quiet base then this is the place for you. I recommend staying in the center.

For mid-range, Casa Vacanza Vico Maroncelli is central and nicely decorated.

For luxury, check out the highly rated Amira 1899 Luxury Suite where you can pamper yourself in a hot tub or relax in a sauna.

Gallipoli

After our delightful time in Galatina, we hopped on a short train ride to reach the coastal town of Gallipoli. As we arrived, the refreshing scent of the sea filled the air, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

Seafood in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a seafood lover's paradise, thanks to its location on the Ionian Sea. We couldn't resist trying the local specialties at Trattoria Santa Monaca, a renowned restaurant in the old town. One dish that stood out was the succulent purple prawns cooked in salt. You can also have it simply grilled as it can be too salty. These local delicacies boasted a delicate flavor and vibrant color, offering a memorable taste experience.

To complement our prawns, we savored a flavorful fish soup brimming with mussels, clams, and squid. The broth was skillfully infused with herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted our palates.

Our meal at Santa Monaca, including drinks, came to a total of EUR 62, a reasonable price for the quality and quantity of food served. Portions were so huge that we didn't have space for dessert.

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Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata

Also known as the Gallipoli Cathedral, it holds deep religious importance in this town and is dedicated to their patron saint Saint Agatha. Its history dates back several centuries, and as we wandered through its hallowed halls, we couldn't help but feel a connection to those who had come before us.

Hooded Penitents

While exploring one of the churches by the coast, I was shocked to see a hooded mannequin as I entered one of the churches simply because I wasn't expecting that and didn't do much research prior our visit. This is just a model of the hooded penitents that parade barefoot during Lent and are covered to protect their identity.

We found this at the Church of the Holy Crucifix just along the coastal road. They also have some photos of the penitents during Holy Week.

There are a few more churches that you can explore within the old town but these two are what I found most fascinating.

Left: hooded statue

Right: church interior

Take it Slow at a Café

When in Italy, take it slow. We settled into our seats and ordered comforting cappuccinos – creamy concoctions topped with delicate foam. As we sipped our drinks, we savored both their rich flavor and the relaxed atmosphere surrounding us.

Fontana Greca

The Greek fountain, believed to be built around 3rd century BC, is just located outside the fort of the old town so we visited this as we headed back to the train station.

We were here in the late afternoon and also watched fishermen and locals transact by the shore. There's also a church that you can visit from here.

Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto

Where to Stay in Gallipoli?

Coastal towns in Italy tend to be pricey but you can still find a place on a mid-range budget. Check out Centro Storico Casa Nel Cuoro

If you're feeling luxurious, check out the 4-star Palazzo Presta in the center of the old town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch/4yqARfS5ybU

Conclusion

Our day trip to Galatina and Gallipoli from Lecce proved to be a rewarding journey filled with historical marvels, tantalizing flavors, and the ease of travel. Thanks to the convenient train connections, we seamlessly ventured from one town to another, immersing ourselves in their unique charms.

If you want something more convenient and you do not have your own car, getting a private transfer is the way to go. Check out this full day tour of Galatina and Gallipoli. They provide a comfortable airconditioned car with a private driver from Lecce which really makes a difference especially during the hot peak summer season and saves you the long trip in the slow train. You still have the independence to get around and explore on your own. Combine this with the itinerary we have provided above. Have fun!

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Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli . These ench...

Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

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From narrow streets to gondolas and colorful houses... Venice is a city you must see. One of the most beautiful and enigmatic cities in the world, Venice, is surely one of the places where you have to go even once in your life.

Known as the city of lovers, artists and poets, Venice is a magical city. One of the most important tourist destinations in the world, Venice is renowned for the architectural buildings that will impress you. It is considered to be one of the most romantic cities, thanks to the canals that you go on with gondolas.

Venice is made up of 118 islands and is divided into six parts, called sestiere: Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Polo, San Marco, Cannaregio and Castello. It has over 120 churches, 175 canals, 38 km long and 398 bridges.

This unique city has many tourist attractions, including the Basilica of San Marco, the Grand Canal and, of course, San Marco Square.

We arrived in Venice, Santa Lucia Station, with the train that we took from Vicenza.

There was our accommodation. We walked down the narrow streets to San Marco Square. If you do not like crowded places, you can go on sight routes, but you won't see the stores with colorful masks and souvenirs.

San Marco Square is the central square of Venice, the heart of the city, where are the most famous buildings of the city: St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Doge's Palace and Torre dell'Orologio, a clock tower built between 1496 and 1506. What and how much you want to see is up to you. Venice is willing to show you everything if you are willing to pay.

San Marco Square is a place where you no longer want to leave, an animated place that everyone is heading for.

The largest canal in Venice, called the Grand Canal, has the highest water traffic. Gondola is a slow and expensive means of transport, and there are other options, for example the famous vaporetto.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is about 4 kilometers long and variable width - ranging from 30 to 70 meters. The Canal starts from Piazzale Roma (the place where the Mestre bus leaves you) and ends at San Marco.

Rialto Bridge

Going by vaporetto, at some point you will see the most famous bridge in Venice - Rialto, one of the 4 bridges that cross the Canal Grande.

Venetians are culinary masters, and your walk through the city will also be a real gastronomic experience.

In the morning, take a long breakfast at an Italian café with espresso and a chocolate croissant.

Here are 10 tips for a holiday in Venice

• You should avoid the July-August holidays for a trip to Venice, but also for February, when the famous local carnival takes place. They are the most crowded and expensive periods of the year. In addition, tourists complain about the unbearable odor of water during the summer. The months of May to June and September to October are reasonable both in terms of prices and the low number of tourists or temperatures.

• Fix some points/places you want to reach and do not have a purpose to check them in a certain order! Sooner or later, you'll still get to them. Maybe by chance. At some point you will get bored to look at the map.

• If you want to go with the gondola, try to lower the cost (80 euros) by going to a group. It will be less romantic, but you will be able to afford it. Sometimes you can negotiate with the gondolier.

• Venice offers accommodation in general at high prices. You can find accommodation in Maestre, which is very close to Venice Santa Lucia Train Station. If you stay in Venice, you will see that it is very crowded and noisy. The city is full of tourists. Find a hotel that is not located on the main tourist pedestrian routes.

If you choose the option of accommodation at the periphery, you have nothing to worry about not staying permanently in the heart of Venice, because the transport is very well established.

Visit the stores and you will find everything from watches to all sorts of ornaments. Not all the items inscribed with "Murano Glass" are original.

• Avoid eating in San Marco Square because it is very expensive, it is best to go to the restaurants on the sidewalks. A lot of terraces waits for their customers. A coffee costs 6-7 euros in the San Marco Square, and you can find it at half price if you go 2-3 streets further.

• It is good to be in shape when you visit Venice because you will have a long walk.

• Avoid taxis on water and take with vaporetto. A ticket costs 7.5 euros. Parking rates, whether it's in the port or at the railway station near Piazzale Roma, are quite expensive, reaching tens of euros for a single day.

• You can not leave Venice without going to Boutique del Gelato, on San Lio Street. Although it is crowded, you will eat the best ice cream in your life.

• Venice is a quiet city, but of course, there are also bars open until late, if you want to have fun.

• You can also visit the islands around Venice: Murano, Burano and Torcello.

Conclusions

One of the most stylish cities in the world, Venice deserves to be visited every season.
You will be impressed by the majesty of the palaces, the romanticism of the bridges and the elegance of the canals, as well as the hotels with a seductive atmosphere. Definitely, in Venice there are two of the most stylish hotels in the world: Danieli and Cipriani, where Hollywood celebrities lived like Angelina Jolie, Johnny Deep or Julia Roberts.

If you've been to Venice lately and you've found some great places, reasonable prices, and good tips to tell others, I'm waiting for comments with a lot of thanks!

I've already missed Venice. In the following posts I will show you Verona, Padova and Vicenza.

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10 tips for a holiday in Venice, Italy

From narrow streets to gondolas and colorful houses... Venice is a city you must see. One of the most beautiful and enigmatic cities in th...

10 tips for a holiday in Venice, Italy

0