Brindisi

Brindisi is located on the southeast Italian coast and it’s the easiest way to travel by ferry to Western Greece and the Ionian islands. On Ferryhopper, you can compare all ferry schedules from Italy to Greece and book your ferry tickets from the port of Brindisi with no hidden fees. 

Find useful information about the ferry port of Brindisi and read about holidays in the city:

• Brindisi ferry port
• Vacation in Brindisi

The port and city of Brindisi

Brindisi ferry port

Brindisi, located in the region of Apulia, is one of the most important ports in the Adriatic Sea as it's a major gateway to the Balkan and Mediterranean ports.

It serves a large number of visitors every year that travel by ferry from Italy to Greece, Albania and the Ionian Islands. Check out our Ferryhopper blog to find useful and updated information about the Italy-Greece ferry routes.

Ferries from Brindisi port: schedules and tickets

There are regular ferry routes from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa in the northwest of Greece and Vlorë (Vlora) in Albania. The ferry companies serving these routes are Grimaldi Lines, Star Lines and European Seaways (A-Ships Management S.A).

Check all available ferry connections from the port of Brindisi on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries!

Find the latest info on ferry schedules between Brindisi - Igoumenitsa and Vlora below:

Direct ferries from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa

The ferry crossing from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from Italy to Greece. The Brindisi-Igoumenitsa ferry trip lasts approximately 9.5-10 hours and there is at least 1 ferry crossing per day. 

The ferry route from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa is also ideal if you are traveling with your caravan or camper from Europe to Greece. On our Ferryhopper pages, you can find useful information about transferring your vehicle or caravan by ferry to Greece. 

Direct ferries from Brindisi to Vlora (Albania)

There are around 1-2 daily ferry crossings from Brindisi to Vlora in Albania. The duration of the trip is around 7 hours.

Indirect ferries from Brindisi to the Ionian Islands

Right now, there’s no direct connection between Brindisi and the Ionian Islands. There is, of course, the option of taking an indirect ferry from Brindisi to Corfu and Paxi, via the port of Igoumenitsa. Both the Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry trip and the Igoumenitsa - Paxi ferry crossing take approximately 1.5 hours.

Where is the ferry port in Brindisi?

Brindisi is the most southern port in Italy, positioned at the top of the ‘heel’ of the country and facing out towards the Balkans. The port is situated within walking distance from the city center. 

How to get to Brindisi port?

The port of Brindisi is easily accessible from the town center. The passenger terminal Costa Morena is close to the central station. A bus ride to the port from Brindisi's train station takes about 15 minutes and a taxi will take you there in about half that time.

Moreover, Brindisi’s airport is located about 8 km from the port. Brindisi is also well connected to the Italian road network. Close to the port of Brindisi you’ll find both short-duration and long-duration car parking.

The Aragonese Castle (Forte a Mare), located at the entrance of the port of Brindisi

Vacation in Brindisi

For most people visiting Brindisi, the town is merely a point of arrival and departure. However, Brindisi definitely deserves a more in-depth visit. In fact, it’s perfect for those in search of an authentic, off the beaten track experience in Italy.

Known for its history, culture and tradition, Brindisi is a modern city with roots steeped in ancient Roman times. The city’s admirable structures, such as the beautiful Castello Alfonsino and the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale, are waiting to be explored. Even if architecture is not your thing, you can sunbathe and swim in the waters of amazing beaches with golden sand. 

Finally, if you feel like planning a day trip, Brindisi is close to a number of other beautiful cities, including Lecce and Mesagne.

How to get to Brindisi

You can get to Brindisi by car, train, plane, and of course, by ferry. 

Brindisi’s Salento Airport (BDS) is located about 5km away from the center. It receives regular flights from major cities in Italy, as well as from across Europe. From here, you can reach the city center by bus. There is one available every 30 minutes and the journey takes just 4 minutes. 

As for ferry routes, Brindisi is connected by ferry with Greece and the Balkans.

What to do in Brindisi

Before catching a ferry from the port of Brindisi you should definitely spend 1-2 days exploring the town, with its beautiful streets and city monuments. The history of the city of Brindisi is evident as soon as you reach the port, with the Aragonese Castle standing out from the town's view.

One of the most fun things to do in Brindisi is to simply take a stroll down the palm-lined Corso Garibaldi, which connects the city's port and main train station. Make sure to check out the stores and grab a bite in the area. 

Visit the majestic Brindisi Cathedral, walk the many scenic trails of Cillarese Park, go shopping at the local market, rent a boat at Chiavica Ragusi, and don’t forget to swim in the magical Azzurro beach. Time for a break? Grab a spot at a pleasant terrace and gaze out over the sea.

The pretty port city of Brindisi seen from the sea

Beaches in Brindisi

Brindisi is located in a 70km coastal area in the Adriatic Sea, close to Ostuni and Fasano. From long sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and untouched coasts to more organized ones, the Brindisi coastline hides many treasures. 

Here are 8 of the best beaches in the Brindisi surrounding area:

• Punta Penne: this beach is surrounded by dunes and Mediterranean scrub. Punta Penne is great for water sport enthusiasts. It offers a few visitor amenities and it’s also dog-friendly.
• Hemingway: only 15 minutes away from the historic center of Brindisi, Hemingway beach has clear, calm and turquoise-hued waters. During the summer season, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent. 
• Morelli: also known as the beach of the Morello river, it is about 2km long and is characterized by soft sand and shallow waters for young children. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Ostuni, it has 2 bars and payable sunbeds and parasols. 
• Specchiolla: located in the small resort town of Specchiolla, this beach is characterized by white and fine sand. It is uncrowded, perfect for those wanting to relax and sunbathe in peace.
• Torre Pozzelle: located 7km from Ostuni in a long and not wide bay, Torre Pozzelle beach has crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by cliffs and unspoilt Mediterranean nature.
• Torre Guaceto: located between the city of Ostuni and that of Brindisi, Torre Guaceto is part of a protected nature reserve. It shelters numerous species of migratory birds, amphibians, insects, and turtles. You can’t reach it by car, but there is a tourist "train" that connects it with the nearest parking spots.
• Pantanagianni Grande: composed of fine golden sand, crystalline and transparent waters, try going early in the morning to find a nice spot to relax. It offers a parking area, a restaurant, umbrellas, chairs, toilets, and showers.
• Torre Santa Sabina: this is a popular uncrowded beach about 20km away from the center of Brindisi. It’s located between two towers, Torre Canne and Torre Rossa, and is characterized by fine sand and crystal blue waters.

A 12th century watch tower seen from the white sand beach of Torre Santa Sabina

Sightseeing in Brindisi

Brindisi is an area of great historical, natural and cultural value. Stroll through the picturesque streets of the old city and discover its magnificent landmarks.

These are some of our favorite attractions in Brindisi: 

• The Swabian Castle of Brindisi
• Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, a 12th century church with expansive gardens
• The Roman Columns of Brindisi
• The Provincial Archaeological Museum "Francesco Ribezzo"
• The Monument to Italian Sailors
• Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna, a 16th-century Renaissance-style palace
• Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi, on the island of Sant'Andrea 
• The Piazza Duomo
• The Archaeological site of Saint Pietro of Schiavoni 
• The Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli

The Cathedral Church of Brindisi located at the imposing Duomo piazza

Nightlife in Brindisi

The nightlife in Brindisi and in most of the towns around the region is on the quiet side. 

The majority of the city's nightlife hot-spots are concentrated on Corso Garibaldi or the old town’s Via Federico d’Aragona. For a livier nightlife, head to the city’s beach resorts to party until dawn at the discos there (playing mostly Italian Euro-pop). Keep in mind that these are open only during peak-summer season. 

If you’re in search of fantastic restaurants and trendy bars featuring DJs and live music, we recommend visiting the nearby town of Lecce by train, bus or car. It will take you about 30-40 minutes to reach Via Federico d’Aragona in the Old Town.

Food in Brindisi

Brindisi belongs to the area of Puglia (or Apulia) which is renowned for its delicious food and local products. So make sure that before departing by ferry to Greece, Albania or the neighboring islands, you taste some of the must-try dishes in Brindisi: 

• burrata cheese
• ricotta cheese
• orecchiette pasta (and particularly the orecchiette alle cime di rapa recipe)
• puddica (flatbread traditionally topped with ripe tomatoes) 
• fish soup
• ragu alla Pugliese
• olive oil 
• spumone (a frozen and creamy dessert made with hazelnuts, chocolate and stracciatella)

Traditional fritta food from Brindisi

Tips

Here are some more useful tips about Brindisi to help make your holidays even more enjoyable: 

• You can easily go on a day trip from Brindisi to nearby cities and towns. We recommend visiting Lecce, Ostuni (the ‘White City’) or Alberobello (with its famous whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs). 
• Tipping is not compulsory in Brindisi, but most people tend to leave a small reward of 5%-10% of the total price. 
• The best time for shopping in Brindisi is from the middle of January and until the beginning of March, when most shopping centers offer great discounts and various promotions.

Useful information about Brindisi

Brindisi is a lively city with plenty of traveler amenities. There are things to see and do all year long. You can travel to Brindisi solo, with friends and family, as a couple, or with kids.

As for accommodation, in Brindisi there are hotels, hostels, long-term vacation rentals, and a few beach resorts. The best place to stay in Brindisi if you’re planning to explore the history and culture of the region is the old center close to Piazza della Vittoria. 

As for hospitals, there are quite a few options in Brindisi and the suburbs, so you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. There are both private and public clinics in the city center.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Brindisi

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Brindisi:

• Brindisi police headquarters: +390831543111
• Brindisi train station: +34912432343
• Brindisi Port Authority: +390831562650
• Salento Airport: +3908314117406
• Brindisi taxi services: +393382812447
• Tourist information center: +390831229784
• Perrino Ηospital: +390831537111
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Brindisi

Given the city's limited parking options, many visitors staying in Brindisi for only 1-2 days choose to use the bus or train services, which are affordable and relatively reliable. 

STP Brindisi carries out the connection service among Salento Airport, Brindisi town center and Costa Morena harbor. Taxis are also very simple to locate and may be booked over the phone in advance. As soon as you get off the ferry, you should have no trouble finding one.

Book your ferry tickets to/from Brindisi online

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book your ferry tickets from and to the port of Brindisi in just a few clicks! Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Brindisi, compare companies and prices, and organize your next trip quickly and easily!