Brindisi near Torre Guaceto
Brindisi is a port city, and for many travelers it is the arrival point in Puglia: the airport and the station are here. The Torre Guaceto reserve lies on the coast north of the city, between the municipalities of Brindisi and Carovigno. So the question of things to do in Brindisi often comes with a second one: how do I get from here to the reserve?
Below you find a short walk through the city and the distances that matter. To book an activity, see the Torre Guaceto walks and e-bike tours.
Things to do in Brindisi: a walk through the center
The city's tourist route links the harbor with a few monuments of the old town.
The harbor and the waterfront
Start at the harbor, on the edge of the water, and climb the Scalinata Virgiliana. This is the easiest way to understand the city: the sea, the quays and the ships.
Piazza Duomo and the cathedral
From there the walk goes on to Piazza Duomo, with the cathedral. Opening hours of churches and museums change, so do not plan around an exact time.
San Giovanni al Sepolcro and Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna
The route also takes in the church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro and Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna. Prices and interior hours are not fixed, so ask on the spot.
You can do the walk in two or three hours at an easy pace. Bring water and a hat if you go on a summer afternoon. If you have half a day, pair the city with an hour on the waterfront.
Our picks: Brindisi
The Castello Alfonsino card is for visitors who want the castle with the transfer and ticket in one booking. The boat trip shows the bay from the water, and the audio guide is a light option for walking the old town at your own pace.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat tour of the bay of Brindisi
- Half a litre of water
One hour on the water in the harbour and bay of Brindisi. This boat does not go to the marine reserve.
Check availability →
Castello Alfonsino with transfer, ticket and audio guide
- Return transfer from Brindisi
- Castello Alfonsino entry
- Brindisi audio guide
The details describe the castle visit with an audio guide, so do not count on a personal guide.
Check availability →Brindisi old town with a digital audio guide
- Digital audio guide
- Digital route map
Walk the old town at your own pace; it is valid for 24 hours after first use. You need a phone with internet and your own headphones.
Check availability →Tours from Brindisi and Torre Guaceto
Guided walks, bike rides and day trips in Puglia, with live prices and availability.
The Roman columns of Brindisi
The historic name is the Roman Columns, in the plural. Today, though, you will not find two intact columns. Of one, the base and a drum segment remain, and the other has been raised again. The original capital is not on site: it is kept in a museum setting near Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna, in the former Corte d'Assise.
So arrive with the right expectations. The place is worth it for the view over the harbor and its history, not for a complete monument.
Brindisi Airport: bus, train and car
There is no direct link from Brindisi to the reserve. The trip takes more than one step.
Bus between the airport and the city
Line AP links the airport, the station, the center and Costa Morena, running about every 30 minutes. From the airport to the station takes 10 to 15 minutes. A single ride costs €1.10 to €1.20, so check the current fare and the up-to-date timetable. The line does not stop at Torre Guaceto.
Train and bus together
The Air&Port Link between the station and the airport takes about 15 minutes. Train and bus need separate tickets. There is no direct train to the reserve.
Car, taxi and rental
The airport and the station are about 20 km from the reserve. From the SS379 take the exit for Torre Guaceto and Punta Penna Grossa, or Apani further south. Ask for the price in advance if you take a taxi. The full route is in the guide to Brindisi Airport, parking and getting to Torre Guaceto.
The reserve shuttle belongs to the park-and-ride parking and is not an airport transfer. For Bari the distances are much longer: 112 km from the airport and 99 km from the station, both rough figures.
Sleeping in Brindisi and continuing your trip
The city is handy for arrival and departure.
Brindisi has apartments, B&Bs and hotels in the city. To choose between the city, a village and a masseria, read where to stay in Puglia for Torre Guaceto.
If your trip continues south, think of Basilicata and Calabria, which have their own guides.
Brindisi: frequently asked questions
What can I see in Brindisi in a short time?
The harbor, the Scalinata Virgiliana, Piazza Duomo with the cathedral, the church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro and Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna.
How many Roman columns are there in Brindisi?
The historic name is plural, but today one column has only its base and a drum segment, while the other has been raised again. The original capital is kept in a museum setting.
How far is Torre Guaceto from Brindisi Airport?
About 20 km as a rough figure. The real route depends on the entrance: the reserve gate, Serranova or Apani.
Is there a bus from the airport to Torre Guaceto?
No. Bus AP runs from the airport to the station, the center and Costa Morena, but it does not stop at Torre Guaceto. The reserve shuttle is tied to the parking and is not an airport service.
Is this the official site of Brindisi or the reserve?
No. This is an independent guide with no link to the municipality of Brindisi, the Torre Guaceto reserve or any tour operator.