BrindisiAdriatic Coast · Italy

All About Brindisi

Although archeological finds have shown that Brindisi has seen human settlement for at least 18,000 years, this delightful city really only began to grow in importance when Roman influence spread across Italy’s peninsula. Offering shelter from bad weather in its large natural harbor, it rapidly became one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after cities. Fought over by the Ostrogoths, Norman French, Byzantine Empire, and even Venice, Brindisi would develop into a city of fine architecture and intriguing culture as each invading army left its own mark.

Brindisi is situated in the Italian province of Apulia. Positioned at the top of the ‘heel’ of Italy on the country’s eastern Adriatic coast, it faces out towards the Balkans. Therefore, Brindisi remains an important hub for those with ferry tickets to Brindisi from Greece and Albania. The Ferryscanner website makes buying ferry tickets to Brindisi very easy, allowing you to compare the available sailings before picking the best one for you.
 

Routes and Ferries to Brindisi

There are two main ferry routes that operate out of Brindisi. Both are international services, and passengers looking to purchase ferry tickets to Brindisi with either of them should ensure they have any necessary visas as well as a valid passport.

Popular during the summer months is the Adriatic Sea crossing between Brindisi and Igoumenitsa in the northwest of Greece. It is operated by Grimaldi Lines, one of the best-known ferry companies in the Mediterranean region. The scheduled sailing time for this ferry to reach its destination ranges between eight and ten hours, depending on the service chosen. This is another way in which Ferryscanner can simplify the ticket booking process. There are up to two or even three departures per day in either direction. Adult foot passengers can secure a ticket for €40-60, and these ferries also welcome motor vehicles. Those opting for overnight routes can also make use of a private cabin instead of airline-style seating at additional cost.

Although slightly further north than Greece, the ferry route from Brindisi to Vlora (Vlorë) in Albania is actually shorter, at around 5.5 hours. It’s European Ferries that handle these services, which come and go into the port of Brindisi up to five times per week. Prices start at around €35 for adult foot passengers.

Papole-Casale Airport is located six kilometers outside of Brindisi. It receives regular flights from major cities in Italy, as well as from across Europe. The number of flights significantly increases during the summer months to serve the continent’s main vacation period.
 

Ports of Brindisi

The main port of Brindisi developed out of the mouth of the Canale Reale. Stretching at least two kilometers inland, it provides safe anchorage for all seagoing vessels and is further protected by large seawalls built across tiny islets, although they are rarely needed anytime from April to the end of October. Central Brindisi lies at the base of the port, which splits into two around the historic heart in an upside-down Y-shape. To the south of the port are industrial areas linked to the port’s facilities, while to the north is a military airport. Ferries dock close to the center of Brindisi, meaning passengers with ferry tickets to Brindisi are never far from the sights and sounds of this exciting southern Italian city. It is recommended to arrive at the ferry terminal at least two hours before departure, and up to three hours before sailings for the most popular routes.
 

Best Beaches

Italy is known for its dramatically gorgeous coastline, and Brindisi is no different. Due to the port facilities, you have to head a little further out than you would in other coastal resorts, but that doesn’t make the beaches any less special.

La Conca

One of the closest accessible areas of coast, La Conca is roughly five kilometers from central Brindisi, with many day trippers choosing to cycle here. As the spot where most local children are taught to swim, it’s very family friendly, with almost no waves to speak of.

Torre Guaceto

A popular Brindisi beach, Torre Guaceto is a little under 20 kilometers away. It offers the perfect combination of soft pale sand, light blue seas, and dark Mediterranean shrubbery. Now part of a protected nature reserve, car journeys are no longer possible, but there is a tourist ‘train’ that connects it with the nearest parking spots.

Riva degli Angeli

If the wind is blowing in from the north, Torre Guaceto can be an uncomfortable experience. However, travel just a little further and you’ll reach Riva degli Angeli on the Ionian Sea coast, which is sheltered from the tramontana winds.

Guna Beach

If you prefer your beaches with a little luxury, look no further than Guna Beach. This area of coast is as high-end as it can get, with exclusive restaurants, WiFi, as well as private gazebos and jacuzzis for hire.
 

Places to Visit

Brindisi’s long and impressive history means that besides the many beaches there is also no shortage of fantastic places to visit.

Roman Pillars

Situated at the end of the Appian Way from Rome, these two giant pillars have become the symbol of Brindisi, and have acted as a useful marker for sailors returning to shore. Only one survives to the present day, but at almost 19 meters tall it is still impressive some 2,000 years after it was first installed.

Both of the Castles

There are two significant fortifications in Brindisi. The Castello Grande (‘Large Castle’) or Castello Svevo was first constructed in the thirteenth century. The Forte a Mare (‘Sea Fort’) is at least two hundred years its junior. Both are excellent places to get a feel for Brindisi’s long history.

Regional Natural Park of Punta della Contessa

This nature reserve protects almost 90 hectares of wetland, which is an important feeding and nesting site for a huge number of bird species which make the crossing from Europe to Africa each year.
 

Transportation Around Brindisi

The company Ferrovie del Sud Est is responsible for both bus and train services in Brindisi. Given limited parking spaces in the city, many visitors staying just a day or two prefer to make use of bus services, which are cheap and relatively reliable. The local tourist information center will be able to point out the most useful routes and schedules. Private taxis are also easy to find, and can be arranged in advance by phone. You usually won’t have any trouble finding one as soon as you step off the ferry.