Ditch busy tourist cities for overlooked southern Italy gem with fewer crowds

Southern Italy is brimming with unique, charming little towns and villages to explore one summer at a time. Sun-drenched coastal roads, ornate churches and crystal clear waters are some of the features that tourists from all over the world flock to the regions of Puglia and Apulia every summer.

However, while the key urban hubs of Bari and Lecce have their own appeal and beauty to offer, there are other overlooked towns that still fly under the radar and are ideal for those trying to escape the crowds. That would be the case for Brindisi, a port city on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy’s Apulia region. This lesser-known city is not only steeped in history but is also positioned as a gateway to some of the most captivating corners of the Italian south.

Dimitris Floros, CCO at Welcome Pickups, highlighted this destination, saying: "Once a key hub of the Roman Empire’s Via Appia, Brindisi offers archaeological sites, Roman columns, and baroque churches with fewer crowds than cities like Bari or Lecce.

“Brindisi is also a convenient entry point to other parts of Puglia, including Ostuni, Alberobello, and the Salento peninsula, and thanks to a regional airport and ferry links to Greece and the Balkans, it’s both a strategic and scenic stop for southern European travel.”

Two ancient Roman columns still stand at the harborfront, signifying the end of the Via Appia – though only one is complete today, they are a reminder of the city’s importance in linking Rome to the Adriatic Sea.

Brindisi also played a role during the Crusades and later in World War II, serving as a temporary capital of Italy in 1943 after the fall of Mussolini. Its strategic port has always been a critical connection between East and West.

Sitting on the islet of Sant’Andrea at the entrance of the port, this 15th-century fortress usually marks the first impression to those arriving by sea - and has served both defensive and strategic functions for centuries.

The food scene is classically Pugliese with fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and strong Salento wines served in family-run trattorias.

The Lungomare Regina Margherita is the city’s wide promenade along the seafront, where visitors go for evening walks and to get a better view of moored sailboats and cute little waterfront cafés.