Making the most of Brindisi
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise berth is close to the historic centre, at a distance of 2 km, and only a few minutes away on foot.
Once a Greek settlement before the Roman Empire, Brindisi is now rich in historical sites and handsome harbour views. Key attractions include Castello Grande, the Aragonese Castle, Gothic-Romanesque churches and traditional Italian piazzas.
Getting around
Brindisi Express is a tourist train running on selected dates.
Nearby places
Numerous beautiful sandy beaches are within easy reach of Brindisi, with pleasantly warm water suited to sailing and windsurfing. Other nearby attractions include Le Murge plateau, the Salentine Peninsula, and the mountains, woodland and beaches of Gargano Promontory.
Several appealing Puglian communities lie inland. Lecce is renowned for its mainly Baroque centre, with elaborate churches and palazzi made from local Lecce stone. Maglie contains the enormous Palazzo Tamborino and its extensive, beautiful gardens. Northwest of Brindisi, small Ostuni shares the diocese and is recognised for white hilltop buildings and churches. Alberobello’s distinctive ancient Trullo homes hold UNESCO status.
Money
The local currency is the euro.
Opening Hours and
Italian shops and businesses generally open Monday to Saturday from about 8am to 1pm, then from roughly 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoon and Monday morning; in southern Italy, the working day may start and finish an hour later. Some northern businesses use 9am-5pm hours for international dealings. Traditionally only bars and restaurants open on Sunday, though most towns retain a morning pasticceria, and Sunday trading is increasingly common in large cities and visitor areas.