Boat itinerary
Gallipoli from the sea: the perfect boat trip around the Pearl of the Ionian
There's Gallipoli as you see it from land — pretty, postcard-perfect. And then there's Gallipoli from the sea, which is something else entirely. It's the view the Greeks, Byzantines and Aragonese knew: the city unfolds in front of you like a theatre set, honey-coloured walls on glass water. Here's the perfect itinerary.
Why Gallipoli must be seen from the sea
The old town of Gallipoli is literally an island, connected to the mainland only by a 17th-century bridge. That means its "real face" — the wall of bastions, palaces dropping straight into the sea — can only be seen by sailing. From land you catch a glimpse; from the sea you see the whole thing.
Our boat tour itinerary
The 500 Boat tour lasts about 90 minutes and hits all the must-sees. Here it is step by step.
Stop 1 – Boarding at Capo Rais
We leave from Lungomare Marconi, at Marina Yachting Capo Rais. The dock is a 5-minute walk from the old town. Alternative departure: Molo del Canneto.
Stop 2 – Aragonese walls and the Castle
A few minutes in and you have the Aragonese Castle in front of you: squared mass of Lecce stone that changes colour with the sun. From here we sail close to the 16th-century walls. Keep your phone ready: this is one of the most photographed spots.
Stop 3 – The old town from the sea
The boat slides along the "sea-facing facade" of the old town: noble palaces dropping into the water, balconies dialoguing with the sea. You'll recognize the dome of the Basilica of Sant'Agata, whitewashed fishermen's houses, the terraces of Riviera Sauro.
Stop 4 – Canneto Bastion
The northwest corner of the walls is dominated by the Canneto Bastion: this is where the city watches the sunset. If you're on the sunset tour, this is your photo spot.
Stop 5 – Sant'Andrea Island and the lighthouse
We leave the coast and head to Sant'Andrea Island, about a mile out. It's a natural reserve: Corsican gulls, sea turtles, deep blue waters. On the island stands a 46-metre lighthouse, Italy's second tallest, active since 1866. Sailing around it is the "wow" of the tour.
Stop 6 – Toast offshore
As the sun begins to drop, the skipper slows down. Out comes the ice bucket: Prosecco, Ferrari or Moët. You toast with Gallipoli in the distance and Sant'Andrea behind you. On evening tours this is sunset time proper.
Stop 7 – Return along Purità beach
Back to Capo Rais along Spiaggia della Purità and Riviera Diaz. Last photos, last look at the walls, dock.
Pearl of the Ionian Tour – 90 minutes aboard the 500 Boat
All the stops above, aboard the only Fiat 500 that actually sails. Private tour, multilingual skipper, bubbles included.
Check availabilityWhich time slot to choose
- Morning (10am-12pm): full light, calm sea, ideal for crisp photos and swimming.
- Early afternoon (2-5pm): strong sun, sparkling sea, perfect for swim stops at Sant'Andrea.
- Sunset (7-8:30pm in June): top slot for couples, anniversaries, marriage proposals.
- Night tours on request: special starry-night tours for private events.
What to bring on board
- Swimsuit (if you want to swim near Sant'Andrea)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A light jumper (at sunset it can get cool)
- Charged phone or camera
- Towel (we also provide some)
Food and drinks are provided on board: you can't bring your own.
See Gallipoli the way the Greeks saw it 2,500 years ago
Private 90-minute tour on the only Fiat 500 that sails. The Pearl of the Ionian from its most scenic angle.
Book the tour