Brindisi
Puglia's gateway to the south
The port city at the end of the Via Appia.
Baroque towns, whitewashed villages, olive groves and crystal-clear waters – southern Italy just as you've always imagined it.
Brindisi: laid-back harbour vibes
Even the ancient Romans knew how to appreciate Brindisi: this is where the Appian Way, the most important road of ancient Rome, came to an end. Today, the Roman column above the harbour marks the spot. The old town, with its cathedral, Romanesque churches and small piazzas, invites you to wander, while the waterfront promenade is perfect for a stroll, especially in the evening, when life moves outdoors. The best view over the town and harbour is from the Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia, built in the shape of a ship's rudder.
The perfect base for exploring Salento
Brindisi is ideally placed for discovering Puglia. Just 40 kilometres away lies Lecce, the “Florence of the South”, with its magnificent Baroque architecture in pale limestone. Equally close, the “white city” of Ostuni sits high on a hill above endless olive groves. A trip to Alberobello leads to the famous trulli, round houses with conical roofs that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beach lovers head for the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, with its unspoilt beaches and crystal-clear water. And to go with it all? Orecchiette con cime di rapa, creamy burrata, a pasticciotto with your espresso and a glass of Primitivo or Negroamaro – that’s the taste of Puglia.
Hidden gems for food lovers and explorers
A truly unique culinary experience awaits in the Valle d’Itria: in Cisternino, butcher’s shops offer what are known as fornelli pronti. You choose your meat at the counter, it is cooked straight away on a charcoal grill and served at tables out in the lane – accompanied by a glass of local red wine and the atmosphere of one of Puglia’s most beautiful villages. Nature puts on a spectacular show at the Grotta della Poesia near Roca Vecchia, on the Adriatic coast south of Brindisi. This natural rock pool is connected to the sea and ranks among the most beautiful swimming spots in Italy. Come early in the morning to enjoy it without the crowds. For peace and authenticity, stay at a masseria. These restored farmhouses set among olive groves often have their own kitchens and serve produce grown on the estate.
New for summer 2027: direct flights with Ryanair from Klagenfurt to Brindisi
Starting with April 2027 direct flights every Monday and Thursday from Klagenfurt to Brindisi.
Book now at www.ryanair.com.
