Along the Ionian Sea

Park your car in this parking lot to visit Gallipoli on foot.

The castle of Gallipoli is a massive circular construction right at the entrance of the old town. You can visit inside, there are some temporary exhibits usually.
open hours Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 17:00.

The cathedral of Gallipoli is from the 17th century and has a beautiful baroque façade.

In Gallipoli, there are more than 30 olive presses buried in the rock below the town. Between the 16th and 19th century, local workers pressed olive oil here. You can visit this old olive oil press for an interesting cultural visit and to know more about the activity in the region.
Open hours Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00.

This trattoria is the best place for seafood and fish. Try prawns, swordfish or tuna. And you get nice view on the sea from the window.
Open hours Monday - Sunday 12:30 - 14:30, 19:00 - 23:30. Book your table in advance on their website.

Park your car at this parking lot to go explore the Natural Park of Porto Selvaggio. It is also the closest parking lot to the beach.

The natural park of Porto Selvaggio is a natural wonder of Apulia. You should take the whole hiking trail that follows the coast of the Ionian sea up and down the main beach which is close to the parking lot. And if you enjoy beach and nature, you could definitely spend the whole day in this place. Think about taking good hiking shoes, water and snacks with you.

Have dinner in Rintocco in the town of Nardo. Before or after dinner, you can walk around the nice historical center with the cathedral of Nardo very close by the restaurant.
Open hours Tuesday - Saturday 18:00 - 02:00 Sunday - Monday 11:00 - 02:00 Closed on Wednesdays.

After this nice day with hiking, cultural visit and enjoying the sea, it is time to rest in this nice place.