Port Guide | Italy | Worth a Wander

Brindisi

Author Image for Isabella Moreno

Isabella Moreno | Editor

Published on 2025-09-10

You're pulling into Brindisi-congratulations, your residential cruise has officially found the bottom of the heel in Italy's fashionably boot-shaped peninsula. At first glance, Brindisi might not scream "Instagram influencer paradise," but that's precisely its charm. This ancient Adriatic harbor has been soaking up sailors, merchants, and wandering philosophers since the Romans paved their roads (quite literally, it's where the famous Appian Way dramatically ended, as though even Roman engineers looked up and said, "Okay, we've built enough-anyone else fancy a glass of wine?"). Speaking of which, after stretching your legs among Romanesque architecture and medieval alleyways, do yourself a favor: find a bustling trattoria, order heaps of fresh seafood, and sip some crisp local Verdeca wine as you watch the port buzz with life. You've got two to five days-just enough time to get comfortably lost, discover an unexpected piazza or two, and wonder casually if Marco Polo also rambled these same narrow streets muttering, "Wait-was it left at the cathedral or right by the Greek column?"

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Notes from the Editor

Brindisi is known for its historic sites, beautiful coastline, and as a gateway to the Adriatic. Visitors should take time to explore its Romanesque architecture, local cuisine, and vibrant culture.


Where do cruise ships dock in Brindisi?

Port Name Brindisi

Country Italy

Region Southern Europe

Ship Terminal Porto di Brindisi

Port Type Commercial port with dedicated cruise terminal facilities.

Accessibility Brindisi's port is located about 1 km from the city center, easily accessible by foot, taxi, or local bus services.

What's the weather like in Brindisi?

Best Season to Visit Spring (April to June) and early Autumn (September to October)

Climate Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild winters.

Weather Notes Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather, while summer can be hot and crowded. Rain is possible in late fall.

Temperature Range 70F to 80F (21C to 27C) during spring and early autumn.

High Temp 93F

Low Temp 34F

Average Temp 66F

What do I need to know about Brindisi?

Language Italian

Currency Euro (€)

Card Widely Accepted 1

Population 88,000

Timezone CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)

How do I get around Brindisi?

Walking, taxis, local buses, and possibly shuttle services from the port to various attractions.


What are The Best Things to do in Brindisi?

Discover what you should do while you're in Brindisi.


Historical and cultural landmarks

Roman Column of Via Appia

Piazza della Vittoria, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy

An ancient Roman column marking the end of the famous Appian Way.

Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles

Urban Free Architecture Iconic Walking-Distance Photo Op

Egnazia Archaeological Park Tour

Strada Provinciale Savelletri Capitolo, 72015 Egnazia BR, Italy

A journey through ancient ruins showcasing Greek and Roman civilizations.

Distance from Terminal: 35 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Rural Car Needed Photo Op

Visits to Crypt of St. Biagio

Via Federico II di Svevia, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy

Tour a crypt beneath the historic churches, showcasing well-preserved frescos.

Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles

Tour Indoors Architecture Walking-Distance Photo Op

Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Secret Olive Oil Tasting Experience

N/A

Participate in a secretive olive oil sensory tasting exclusive to Puglia.

Distance from Terminal: 5 miles

Accessible Relaxing Workshop Rural Reservations Needed Budget Food Tour

Terracotta Workshop

N/A

Participate in traditionally Southern Italian terracotta pottery making.

Distance from Terminal: 8 miles

Workshop Indoors Rural Art Car Needed

Taranta Dancing Lesson

N/A

Learn the energetic traditional folk dance native only to this region.

Distance from Terminal: 12 miles

Active Workshop Indoors Urban

Traditional Pizzica Music Experience

N/A

Attend a casual concert of lively local pizzica bands.

Distance from Terminal: 2 miles

Relaxing Performance Urban Music Walking-Distance Touristy

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Sailing to Sea Caverns

Via del Mare, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy

Sail around coves discovering hidden sea caves found only along this coast.

Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Nature Water Bucket-List Photo Op

Salento Wine Tasting Trek

N/A

A trek through vineyards with tastings in unique spots.

Distance from Terminal: 30 miles

Active Tour Nature Rural Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve Visit

Contrada Apani, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy

A charming coastal nature reserve great for bird watching and coastal walks.

Distance from Terminal: 12 miles

Outdoors Nature Rural Wildlife Walking-Distance Photo Op

Bike Ride Along Old Appian Road

Via Appia Antica, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy

Cycle the legendary Appian Way from Roman times.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Trabucco Fishing Experience

N/A

Try your hand at fishing from a traditional southern Italian trabucco structure.

Distance from Terminal: 15 miles

Active Outdoors Water Rural Bucket-List Photo Op

Brindisi Secret Garden Picnic

N/A

Have a private picnic amidst hidden gardens known only to locals.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Nature Walking-Distance

Palazzina del Belvedere Exploration

N/A

Explore an elegant, obscure architectural gem that hosts coastal views.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Accessible Relaxing Urban Architecture Walking-Distance Photo Op

Visit to Masseria Cheese Produktion

N/A

Learn authentic cheese-making at a traditional Southern Italian Masseria.

Distance from Terminal: 20 miles

Active Workshop Rural Food Tour Bucket-List Car Needed

Ancient Messapic Underground Visit

N/A

Discover rarely toured underground Messapian ruins beneath modern Brindisi.

Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles

Self-Guided Tour Indoors Urban Architecture Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Overnight Trips

Overnight in Matera Cave Dwellings

Matera, Italy

Spend a night in unique caves carved out of the rocky Matera hillside.

Distance from Terminal: 95 miles

Rural Remote Bucket-List Spiritual Photo Op

Lecce Overnight Art Stay

Lecce, Italy

A remarkable overnight visit in Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South.'

Distance from Terminal: 25 miles

Urban Architecture Art Bucket-List Touristy

A Little Extra

Saint John's Street Swing Dance

Via S. Giovanni al Sepolcro, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy

Spontaneous street swing dances happening during spring and autumn months.

Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles

Active Performance Urban Free Music Walking-Distance Photo Op

Gelato-Making Workshop

N/A

Enjoy learning authentic Italian gelato-making techniques.

Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles

Workshop Indoors Urban Food Tour Walking-Distance

Italy Regional Tip

Strict enforcement of quiet hours during midday in residential areas and small towns. Tourists conducting loud conversations or activities during siesta time (typically 1-4 pm) may receive complaints or fines.

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