Nestled on a bay on the eastern coast of Italy's Puglia is an undiscovered gem with azure waters, pillowy sands, and picturesque sites.

Aerial panorama of Brindisi, Puglia, Italy

There's an undiscovered Italian city that should go on your bucket list (Image: Getty)

For those looking to travel and explore undiscovered gems over the summer, we’ve got just the picturesque city for you, away from the maddening crowds. Nestled on a bay on the eastern coast of Italy’s Puglia is the capital province of Brindisi. The city is located in the Apulia region in southern Italy, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. 

With a relatively low tourist footfall, Brindisi has a rich historical tapestry and cultural significance. Due to its strategic positioning on the Italian Peninsula, it has played an important role in trade and cultural exchange.

With its quintessential Italian charm, Brindisi’s sunny piazzas are brimming with cafes and its buzzing waterfront is adorned with the azure waves of the Adriatic. 

What’s more, the underrated Italian city also serves as the perfect gateway to Greece, all thanks to its well-connected ferry network.

Panorama of Brindisi, Puglia, Italy

Brindisi has a relatively low tourist footfall compared to other hotspots (Image: Getty)

How to get there

A quick Google search will show that getting to Brindisi won’t involve using up your life’s savings. 

In August, direct flights from London to the exotically scenic city start from as low as £42, while fares in September, when the weather averages at a balmy 26 degrees, ring in even cheaper.

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Things to do in Brindisi

Two must-see attractions in Brindisi are the Roman columns that mark the end of the ancient Appian Way and the Castello Svevo, a fortress built in 1227 by Emperor Frederick II to defend the port.

Another must-visit is the Italian Sailor Monument, which honours the Italian sailors who perished in World War I.

The cathedral Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro should also be on your landmarks-to-visit list, while the free-to-enter Ribezzo Archaeological Museum is good for archaeology buffs. 

City by the sea in the evening,Brindisi,Italy

Brindisi serves as the perfect gateway to Greece with well-connected ferry links (Image: Getty)

Ambling along the waterfront-adjacent Piazza Santa Teresa makes for a scenic outing in Brindisi, while exploring the city’s main street, Corso Roma, is a no-brainer. 

With gorgeous beaches aplenty, travellers can always make a beeline for the sea and the sand. Of note is Hemingway Beach — a stunning lido featuring crystal clear water and pillowy sand.

If the travel bug has yet to bite, you can extend your Brindisi trip with a quick getaway to Greece.

Owing to its well-connected ferry links, travellers can get from Brindisi to Greece via the Igoumenitsa route. With prices starting from £49, the journey takes around 8 hours, rendering it the shortest and fastest way to get there. Upon reaching Igoumenitsa, which happens to be one of the largest passenger ports in Greece, holidaymakers can travel the length and breadth of Greece via train, car, or bus.

For those looking for a more laid-back and relaxed island getaway within Greece, Igoumenitsa also offers ferries to picturesque Corfu. These ferries cost as little as £8 and take only 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire journey.