Galatina is a hidden gem in the heart of the Apulia region. The town features a picturesque historic centre filled with beautiful townhouses, churches and palaces built from champagne-coloured stone. Sip espresso at sidewalk cafes and savour hearty Apulian cuisine at rustic trattorias.
Things to do in Galatina
Stroll around the Old Town and browse boutiques, galleries and artisan shops. Many welcome you with beautifully carved stone facades and doorways. Cafes spill onto the streets and serve authentic Italian espresso and “pasticciotto” custard-filled pastries.
Built in the Baroque style, Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria is a historical treasure. The church soars over Galatina and is the final resting place of the beloved Christian saint, Santa Caterina. Intricate stonework decorates the façade of Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, another beautiful Baroque church in Galatina.
A central location makes Galatina an excellent base for touring the Apulia region. Relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the Salento Peninsula and visit Lecce, a charming city with cobbled streets and picturesque squares and hidden courtyards. Beautiful Baroque architecture has earned Lecce a nickname as the “Florence of the South”.
Galatina delights foodies with local specialties like “orecchiette con cime di rapa” pasta served with leafy greens and “pitta di patate” potato pie. Fresh seafood is caught in the nearby Adriatic Sea and used to make mouthwatering dishes like “frittura di paranza” fred fish served with a squeeze of lemon and spaghetti tossed with mussels and served in a white wine sauce. Dine at family-run trattorias for a local experience and warm hospitality.
Getting around Galatina
Galatina is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Apulia region, a 30-minute drive from Lecce and two hours from Barri. Galatina Train Station is a five-minute walk from the Old Town. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Galatina and explore Apulia at your own pace.