Gallipoli, the pearl of Salento

Gallipoli is also known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. It's one of the most beautiful cities of  the Salento, a crystal sea characterized by all shades of colors ranging from light green to a deep blue when you move with the eye toward the horizon from the shore.
Gallipoli takes its name from a greek word, Kale Polis: the beautiful city! It boasts Greek influences not only in its name. Just walking in the old town located on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, walking through the alleys of the old town to be thrown back in time and enjoy the Roman art, Greek and Renaissance traces in the whole Salento: palaces, churches, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata... every corner of the city is beautiful.

Some remarkable monuments are surely the Greek fountain, built around the third century BC near the bridge connecting the new to the old town and castle Rivellino built as a fortress to defend the city around the XIII - XIV century, particularly attractive because it seems almost suspended upon the water whilst is well anchored to the ancient city.

But Gallipoli is not only art and culture; it can be considered as the "Adriatic Coast" in Salento, the southern "Milano Marittima". With its trendy bars and clubs it attracts young people from all over Italy and the rest of the world, beach parties until dawn, drinks near the sea, the croissant at dawn or, better yet, the "pasticciotto" of Lecce are obligatory steps for those who want to spend a summer full of fun.
So much for a family with children who wish to relax, and enjoy a clear sea, white sand and the sun shines nearly all summer, but for a group of friends that wants to have fun, maybe sleep on the beach and enjoy dawn magical and warm colors and delicate, Gallipoli has everything you have in mind to spend a memorable summer.