Brindisi, Italy
Welcome to a historic gateway to the sun-drenched region of Puglia in southern Italy. Frequently visited by leading cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, this charming port city offers passengers an authentic taste of Italian culture, coastal beauty, and ancient history.
Cruise travelers are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere, exceptional local cuisine, and its role as a scenic jumping-off point for exploring legendary Apulian landscapes.
A must-see highlight is the towering Castello Alfonsino, also known as the Aragonese Castle, which sits on Sant'Andrea Island guarding the harbor entrance and is reachable in about 15 minutes.
Within the historic center, the grand Duomo di Brindisi and the nearby Roman Columns mark the symbolic end of the ancient Appian Way. Nature lovers can take a 25-minute drive to the pristine marine protected area of Torre Guaceto to experience unspoiled beaches and coastal wetlands.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
The stunning whitewashed city of Ostuni, known as the "White City," is located just 40 minutes away (about 40 kilometers) and is highly popular for day trips.
Travelers can also visit the baroque masterpiece of Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South," which is easily reachable within a 30-minute train ride or drive. For a truly unique experience, the famous trulli houses of Alberobello are located about an hour's drive northwest of the port.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
Cruise ships generally dock at either the Costa Morena quay in the outer harbor or directly at the inner harbor's Stazione Marittima, depending on the ship's size.
From the outer harbor, the city center is about 5 kilometers away, and cruise lines typically provide complimentary shuttle buses to transport passengers downtown. If your ship is small enough to dock in the inner harbor, you will step off right onto the waterfront promenade, just steps away from local cafes and historic landmarks.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). US Dollars are not widely accepted, so passengers should plan to use local currency or credit cards for their purchases.
ATMs, known locally as Bancomats, are readily available throughout the city center for cash withdrawals. Major credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions, though carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases at local markets.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
The city is generally very safe and welcoming for cruise passengers to explore independently during the day.
As in any European port, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings to prevent pickpocketing, especially in crowded market areas or on public transit. Walking through the well-lit historic center is highly secure, but it is always wise to stick to main streets when exploring after dark.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
This coastal destination enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters.
During the peak cruise season from May to October, daytime temperatures average between 22°C and 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Passengers should pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Rain is rare during the summer months, but bringing a light jacket or cardigan is advisable for cooler sea breezes in the evenings.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
Exploring the historic center is best done on foot, as most major sights are clustered close together.
For travel further afield, local STP buses offer reliable connections, and the central train station provides frequent services to nearby towns like Lecce. Taxis are available at the port and major plazas, with flat rates often offered for popular routes. You can also take a short, scenic ride on the local STP harbor ferry, which connects the two sides of the inner harbor for a very nominal fee.
Last updated on July 8, 2026
The main shopping areas are concentrated along Corso Garibaldi and Corso Umberto I, where you will find a mix of Italian fashion boutiques and local shops.
Excellent local souvenirs include high-quality Puglian olive oil, local wines like Salice Salentino, and traditional taralli savory snacks. Prices in standard retail stores are fixed, but gentle bartering is acceptable at outdoor street markets. While there are no major duty-free outlets in the immediate port area, local food boutiques offer excellent value on authentic regional products.
Daily products.Last updated on July 8, 2026
Starting from Montalbano at the foot of the hills between Ostuni and Fasano, you will cycle the Traiana road and descend to the coastal dune park to discover its biodiversity of plants, trees, reptiles, and birds. The tour continues slowly on small roads lined with drystone walls that are rarely v.
Depart from Brindisi for an unforgettable day visiting the magical capital of the Trulli, Alberobello, along with Locorotondo and the white city of Ostuni. Experienced local guide Danny will accompany you all day to share stories and curiosit while showing you postcard views, alleys, and squares.
Available in English, German, Spanish, and Italian, this tour of the Itria Valley pearls visits Martina Franca, Alberobello, and Locorotondo in a vintage 1972 Fiat 500. A certified guide leads you through authentic routes known only by locals.
Learn the secrets of Brindisi’s famous cuisine during a private cooking class at a local’s home and taste your labor accompanied by local wines. A local home cook will reveal the tricks of three authentic recipes while each participant uses their own workstat.
Discover our farmhouse and Moscato di Trani vineyard, located steps from the property, to learn the history and characteristics of Apulian viticulture in the Itria Valley. You will taste four of our wines and hear the story of how they were born, including the "Terra Viva" still red wine of Nero di.
Enjoy an unforgettable family atmosphere with Mother Beatrice’s grandmother-style cuisine during a sunset dinner in the vineyard featuring a variety of dishes and wines. You can also walk in the vineyard to discuss land traditions and vine cultivation techniques, in case of i.
Travel through the Itria Valley to visit Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni in a van or car, choosing your preferred experience during reservation. A driver provides transportation between destinations while you explore independently at your own pace using an audio guide and strol.
Cycle from Montalbano on secondary roads to reach three different masserias with distinct architectures, traditional activities, and economic vocations. The tour continues slowly along drystone walls and cattle tracks through unique landscapes, ending at an olive oil plant.
Share your passion for Italian gastronomy with other enthusiasts during a shared market tour and typical dining experience. After learning about seasonal produce and secret ingredients at the local market, you will enjoy a three-course dinner of regional dis at a Cesarina’s house.
Discover the ancient traditions and secrets of a historic winery during a multisensory journey through the colors and scents of Puglia wines from grapes to bottling. The tasting includes a selection of fine wines that varies according to season and availabil.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market and a hands-on cooking class with a Cesarina host who shares the hidden secrets of Italy's culinary heritage. You will learn to select the best ingredients with the seaso alongside other guests who share your passion.
Learn to roll "sfoglia" by hand and prepare two kinds of pasta from scratch with your Cesarina before making an iconic Tiramisu as the icing on the cake. This experience allows you to share your passion for Italian cuisine and make new friends i.
This unique and exciting experience features a tour of the medieval village. We will introduce you to our beautiful white city.
Explore the Itria Valley with a guide born and raised in Alberobello who opens their home and introduces you to cheerful neighbors. During this English-language visit to UNESCO's Alberobello, you will enter a real inhabited trullo and discover authentic stories, hidden corners, and tradition.
Immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a local’s home to connect with people and enjoy a show cooking of Varese recipes from family cookbooks. This four-course menu includes a starter, pasta, main, and dessert, with drinks like water and selecti included.
This fun digital guide created with local support allows you to visit Brindisi’s important monuments, local food spots, and Aperitivo locations at your own pace. You will learn the city's stories and curiosities, including authentic local restauran.
Visiting Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo offers a journey through time, from observing marine fossils in limestone rock to learning about the late medieval production and export of lampante oil to Europe. The route covers the period from when Puglia was submerged by the sea until the last century's production.
Take the worry out of your arrival at Brindisi (BDS) Airport by pre-booking a private transfer for up to eight people. You will avoid long taxi lines and travel in the comfort of a premium car or minivan.
Enjoy a private dining experience at a local’s home featuring a show cooking of authentic Brindisi recipes from family cookbooks passed down by Italian Mammas. This four-course menu includes a starter, pasta, main, and dessert, accompanied by water and selectio.
This organized hike with an audioguide to Alberobello and Ostuni is designed for cruise passengers with synchronized schedules and a guaranteed return to port. You will meet an assistant/driver for coordination (not a tour guide) near the ship and travel by mod.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
Most cruise lines offer shuttle buses from the Costa Morena terminal to Brindisi's city center, which is the most convenient way to reach main attractions; taxis are also available. Once in the center, many sights are easily walkable.
Must-see attractions include the Roman Columns, the scenic Lungomare Regina Margherita (waterfront promenade), and the Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo). The Duomo (Cathedral) and the Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro are also short walks into the historic center.
Try local Apulian specialties like orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and burrata cheese at trattorias along the lungomare or in the historic center. Pair your meal with regional wines like Primitivo or Negroamaro.
The local currency is Euro (1 USD = 0.86 EUR). ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available in Brindisi's city center for withdrawing Euros and generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices. Inform your bank of your travel to ensure card compatibility.
Cruises typically visit from spring to autumn, featuring warm, sunny Mediterranean weather; summers are hot, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Spring and autumn are milder, so a light jacket or layers are recommended.
Nearby beaches include Spiaggia di Punta Penne, accessible by local bus (e.g., line 4 from the city center) or a short taxi ride. For a more pristine experience, the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve is accessible by taxi or pre-arranged transport.
Cruise lines offer excursions to famous Apulian towns like Alberobello (Trulli houses) and Lecce (Baroque architecture). Independent exploration of Brindisi is easy; for nearby towns, consider local trains or pre-booked private tours for more flexibility.
Corso Garibaldi and Corso Roma are the main shopping streets for clothing and general goods. For local souvenirs, explore smaller shops in the historic center for Apulian ceramics, olive oil, wine, and taralli (savory biscuits).
The stunning Baroque city of Lecce is about a 30-40 minute train or car ride away and is a highly recommended day trip. Ostuni, known as the 'White City,' is also within a similar travel time and offers picturesque views.
Brindisi was the ancient Roman port of Brundisium, marking the terminal point of the famous Appian Way (Via Appia), a vital road connecting Rome to southeastern Italy.
Overall sailings from Brindisi are rather affordable compared to other ports. Check the chart below for the average cost per day by month. Cruises leaving from Brindisi during the the peak season of summer are considerably more expensive than the low seasons of spring and fall.
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