The Beaches of Gallipoli: The Complete Guide
Gallipoli is famous throughout Italy — and increasingly across Europe — for the quality of its waters and the variety of its beaches. Just a few kilometres from our B&B you will find everything: the urban beach in the heart of the historic centre, fully equipped lidos with music and aperitifs, and wild coves far from the tourist crowds. This guide draws on the first-hand experience of people who live in Gallipoli all year round and know every beach, every free car park and every trick for enjoying the Ionian Sea at its best.
One important note: all beaches in Gallipoli, even those with paid facilities, are guaranteed by law to provide free access to the water’s edge. Between one lido and the next you will always find a stretch of free beach. You never have to pay to touch the sea.
Spiaggia della Purità
The most beloved beach among locals and the closest to the historic centre. Located on the north side of the island, sheltered from the scirocco winds, with shallow, crystal-clear emerald-green waters that make it ideal for children and non-swimmers. It can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes from our B&B, crossing the bridge and walking through the historic centre.
Features: mixed sand and posidonia seagrass beach, shallow water up to 50 metres from the shore, with both paid lidos and free stretches. In high season it fills up quickly — arrive before 9:00 AM to find a spot in the free areas.
Parking: use the Riviera di Levante car park (free, 5 minutes’ walk from the beach) or leave your car near the B&B and walk to the beach.
Lido San Giovanni
About 2 km north of the centre, Lido San Giovanni is Gallipoli’s most well-equipped beach: long, sandy, with deeper waters and a lively seafront promenade. It is the hub of Gallipoli’s nightlife, with beach clubs that come alive in the evening. If you are looking for energy, aperitifs by the sea and music into the late hours, this is the place to be.
How to get there: by bicycle from the B&B (about 15 minutes along the cycle path) or by car (5 minutes). Free parking is available on the side streets off Via del Lido, about 300 metres from the lidos.
Tip: avoid the paid car parks on the main seafront. If you go 200–300 metres inland you will almost always find free parking.
Baia Verde
The longest and sandiest beach in the Gallipoli area, about 4 km south of the centre. Baia Verde is the kingdom of the equipped lidos, with facilities offering sun loungers, umbrellas, pools, restaurants and every kind of service. It is the favourite destination for families and those seeking maximum comfort. The waters are deeper than at Purità, with a sandy seabed that slopes gently.
How to get there: by car from Gallipoli following the SS101 towards Lecce, then turning towards the sea. The journey takes about 10 minutes. Free parking is available on the streets parallel to the seafront, 5–10 minutes’ walk from the main lidos.
Recommended free parking: Via delle Terme and the side streets off Via Galileo Galilei, on the inland side.
Spiaggia di Rivabella
Located between Lido San Giovanni and Baia Verde, Rivabella is the ideal choice for those who want a balance between the liveliness of Lido San Giovanni and the peace of the more outlying beaches. Less crowded in high season, with a good mix of lidos and free stretches, it is particularly popular with families with young children thanks to its gradually shallow waters.
How to get there: by car from Gallipoli, about 8 minutes. Free parking in the internal streets of the residential area, 5 minutes’ walk from the sea.
A tip for everyone
Gallipoli’s beaches get extremely crowded between 15 July and 20 August. If you can choose your dates, June and the first half of July — or September — offer the same sea with half the crowds and lower prices. The Ionian Sea stays pleasantly warm well into October.
From our B&B, thanks to our position near the Canneto harbour, you can reach Spiaggia della Purità entirely on foot, without needing a car. For the more distant beaches, the free parking near the property means you can move around freely at any time.
