If you’re looking for the best things to do in Brindisi, Italy, we’ve got your back.
The Southern Italian region of Puglia is still a relatively undiscovered gem for many international tourists visiting Il Bel Paese. When we hear Puglia, what calls to mind is the famously unique trulli town in Alberobello. However, the region is also a fabulous destination for foodies and beach bums. It also boasts fantastic cities such Bari, Lecce, and of course – Brindisi.
Brindisi sits on the Adriatic coast, southeast of the Puglian capital – Bari. Its name comes from the Latin Brundisium, which means “stag’s head,” referring to the city’s antler-shaped inner harbor.
According to legend, Diomedes – Odysseus’ companion – founded the city of Brindisi. In 266 BC, it became a Roman town at the end of the ancient Roman road Via Appia, where pilgrims and crusaders bound for the Near East and Greece passed. Today, Brindisi is a popular destination among sun-seekers and beach lovers.
Journey down in this part of the heel of Italy’s boot and enjoy the best things to do in Brindisi!
9 Best Things To Do in Brindisi, Italy
Here’s a list we’ve come up with, sorted out from a lot of activities in Brindisi to choose from.
1. Walk along the waterfront at Porto di Brindisi
Porto di Brindisi (Brindisi Port), on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, features an excellent natural protected harbor and serves as a ferry terminal for tourists from Italy to Albania and Greece – and vice-versa. It is one of Italy’s most important ports.
Porto di Brindisi is a perfect place for walking while enjoying gelato and taking in the beautiful views. This is definitely one of the most refreshing things to do in Brindisi, a fun way to start your visit of the city.
2. Stop by the Colonne Romane di Brindisi
A must-see when spending time at the port are the ancient Colonne Romane, or the Roman Columns of Brindisi. These columns are a monument located at the port of the city, serving as an emblem of the city of Brindisi since way back the 1300s.
The Roman Columns were used as the landmark for the end of the Via Appia. It’s a nice place to stop and feel the wind, imagining walking all the way from Rome and going through these columns some 2,000 years ago as you take in the view of the water.
3. Visit Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi
Castello Alfonsino (Alfonsino Castle), also known as Castel Rosso due to the red (rosso) ashlars used to build it, was constructed between 1558 and 1604, during the reign of Philip II of Habsburg. It is located on the Isola di Sant’Andrea, near the port of Brindisi.
The castle is already stunning as it is, but there is still a lot of restorations to do to bring back its original splendor. It’s best visited in the afternoon, especially during a sunset when the place takes splendid orange hues – thanks to the carparo ashlars stones that makes up the building.
You can visit Brindisi’s Castello Alfonsino by booking online or going on a guided tour here.
4. Visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale (Church of Santa Maria del Casale) is a late 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic church built on the site of a chapel where a venerated Marian icon was kept.
The church was removed in 1811 to be used as barracks. It 1824 the Franciscans returned and made attempts to repair the damaged church. It was finally recently restored by the missionaries of the Consolata of Turin from the nearby 16th-century convent.
The church is easy to visit, right next to the runway of Brindisi Airport. It’s got a beautiful pink marble façade, but its most incredible features are the breathtaking 14th-century frescoes – Judgment Dernier (Final Judgment) especially.
The Church of Santa Maria del Casale also does not collect entrance fees.
5. Pay a visit to the Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale
The Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale or the Brindisi Cathedral, or simply La Cattedrale, is a minor basilica built between 1089 and 1143. It underwent a number of restorations after the 1743 earthquake that hit the northern Ionian Sea and the Salento peninusula.
The cathedral houses a museum, which is not open all the time. But with or without the museum, this church is one of the best places to visit in Brindisi.
La Cattedrale is both beautiful inside and outside, located in a very nice square. It’s a great place for taking photos and saying a prayer – well worth a visit when in this Southern Italian city.
6. Explore the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro
Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro (Temple of the Holy Sepulcher) is one of the must-see attractions in Brindisi. It is an enchanting 12th-century Norman church found in the historic center of the city.
The place is no longer used for worship, but it’s open to the public as Brindisi’s provincial archaeological museum. It houses a treasure trove of Hellenistic bronze sculptures. Whether or not you’re a philhellene or an art buff, this is a place you shouldn’t miss when in Brindisi.
7. Check out the Palazzo Granafei Nervegna
Located on via Duomo in Brindisi, Palazzo Granafei Nervegna is a 16th-century historic building in a Renaissance style with some Baroque influences. Antonio Perrone
A visit to this palazzo is one of the best things to do in Brindisi for free as it houses art exhibitions which you can view without paying for a ticket. You can visit it quickly as you walk around the city’s historic center.
8. Spend a lazy afternoon on the Lido Azzurro
This beautiful beach in north of Brindisi is clean and equipped with every comfort you may need. You can swim on a nice weather or kitesurf when it’s windy. There are pizzerias and other establishments in the area, with sunbeds and beach umbrellas you can rent for a relaxing afternoon.
9. Go for a walk at Punta del Serrone
One of the most beautiful places in Brindisi for a walk is the Punta del Serrone, which is easily reached by public transport from the city. A bus number 4 will take you to this nature reserve park for just €1 fare.
This area is known for the coastal erosion phenomenon called campi carreggiati. What makes it even more interesting is the vegetation that thrives in the salty waters.
Here the water is clear with facilities around and intense green fauna. You can also see numerous birds and the remains of buildings from World War II.
If you want some nature after all the sightseeing, going to Punta del Serrone for a walk is one of the best things to do in Brindisi.
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