Located on the Salento Peninsula ensconced in the heel of Italy’s boot, lies the town of Gallipoli. The name translates to Beautiful City and we might be bias but it really is quite captivating.

In fact, Gallipoli is more than just an Italian seaside resort. The historic old town occupies a tiny island jutting out from the mainland into the Ionian Sea which is accessed via a 17th century bridge.

As you can imagine, due to its strategic position Gallipoli is brimming with history and through the ages has been both an important trading port and a town often under siege since it was founded by the mighty Greek ruler, Idomeneus.

Today, Gallipoli is a happy and vibrant place. The fortified old town wends its way through a labyrinth of cobbled streets which pave the way for Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi.

Wander away from the jostling old town and down to the delightful sea-front promenade with its bars and restaurants. This feels more like your quintessential Italian seaside resort.

Snap your fingers and you can be one of Gallipoli’s beaches,considered to be some of the best in all of Italy. Long stretches of sand are interspersed with tiny coves, rocky inlets and natural maritime parks