Italy is the third most popular holiday destination for Brits. In 2023, 4.9 million of us flocked to live la dolce vita, with most heading for Rome, Florence and Venice.
They’re popular for a reason, but all three cities are grappling with the effects of overtourism. The capital has limited access to the Trevi Fountain, while Venice has doubled its controversial tourist tax.
In Florence, Mayor Sara Funaro has unveiled a 10-point plan to ease pressure in the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Last year, key boxes were banned for short-term rentals, and tour guides were forbidden from using loudspeakers.
To give our favourite hotspots a chance to recover, the Metro Travel team has been exploring ‘detour destinations’ that are actively seeking tourists. These are lesser-visited places close to popular locations: you fly to the hotspot, but stay between 60 and 90 minutes away.
The latest to catch our eye is Brindisi. Perched on a bay on the eastern coast of Puglia, the southern region that forms Italy’s boot, it’s an overlooked gem rich in history and quintessential Italian charm.
Like all ports, Brindisi has a seedy side, but its sunny piazzas are full of well regarded cafes and the buzzy waterfront is licked by the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic.
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The city is also a gateway to the Balkans and Greece, thanks to its regional airport and well-oiled ferry links.
And getting there won’t break the bank. On Monday, September 29, when temperatures average around 26°C, Metro found a direct Ryanair flight departing from London Stansted for £25.
Travelling in peak summer season isn’t much more expensive. On Monday, August 25, flights start from £49.
Postcard-pretty and peppered with whitewashed Roman lanes, there’s never been a better time to explore this under the radar gem.
Things to do in Brindisi
Referred throughout history as the ‘Gateway to the East’, Brindisi is steeped in history. In the centuries that followed the Roman era, it was ruled by the Venetians, the Spanish, the Austrians and the Bourbons.
You could spend days wandering between its historical landmarks, but the ones worth stopping at are the Roman columns that mark the end of the Appian Way, and Castello Svevo, the fortress built by Emperor Frederick II in 1227 to protect the port. Entry to the castle is €3 (£2.58). You’ll find fewer crowds than in popular cities like Lecce or Bari.
The Italian Sailor Monument is worth seeing, too. Built in 1933, this 53m tribute immortalises the Italian sailors who died in World War I.
To further explore Brindisi’s history, head to the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro. The cathedral was first built in the 12th century, but was rebuilt in 1743 following an earthquake.
Also deserving of a visit is the Ribezzo Archaeological Museum, in the heart of Brindisi next to the cathedral. Here, you’ll find prehistoric, Messapian, and Roman relics, plus underwater archaeology. It’s free to enter.
The gateway to Greece
Fancy extending your holiday with a trip around Greece? The Brindisi to Igoumenitsa route is the shortest and fastest way to get there. Ferries take around 8 hours, and prices start from £49.
Once you reach Igoumenitsa, which is one of the largest passenger ports in Greece, you can make your way through the country by bus, train, or car.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a laid-back island getaway, a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu only takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs £8.
While you’re in the centre of town, amble to the Piazza Santa Teresa, a beautiful square on the waterfront surrounded by verdant trees. Stop here for an afternoon coffee or a spot of lunch.
TripAdvisor recommends La Locanda del Porto as one of the best eateries, located just off the square. The restaurant serves traditional Puglia cuisine, from pizza to fresh fish, accompanied by live music.
This region is renowned for its dishes. Known as the ‘breadbasket of Italy,’ olive oil, durum wheat, vegetables, and seafood are staple ingredients.
Cookery classes are aplenty in Brindisi. We found a ‘pasta heaven’ class that costs €145 (£125) per person, and a cheaper (and perhaps more wholesome) experience cooking in the home of an Italian family for €80 (£69).
After lunch, head to Corso Umberto I for an hour of window shopping. This sophisticated boulevard runs alongside the waterfront. Alternatively, explore Corso Roma, Brindisi’s main street.
Refuel and relax on the Regina Margherita waterfront with an Aperol Spritz at one of the many bars.
Finally, if you’re in the mood to do nothing except fly and flop, beeline to one of Brindisi’s beautiful beaches.
Hemingway Beach is a stunning lido that features crystal clear water with turquoise hues and white, pillow-soft sands. You can rent sunbeds on the terrace, or sun loungers on the beach.
If you’re willing to travel around 30 minutes north, you could set up at Torre Canne for the day.
The charming coastal village doubles as a quiet beach resort on the Adriatic coast, and is complete with long, sandy beaches and natural hot springs.
What’s the weather like in Brindisi?
Brindisi enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so expect hot, sunny summers and relatively mild winters.
During the hottest months of July and August, temperatures can reach up to 29°C.
The shoulder season (which is late spring – May to June – and early autumn, September to October) is more manageable. Highs range from 22°C to 27°C.
If you’re keen to avoid crowds, these are also the best months to visit.
