Brindisi: Discover Casale

The first time I saw Brindisi, I was on a cruise with MSC Armonia. The ship stopped for just a few hours. Like often happens, I chose to head inland, visiting Cisternino. It was a beautiful trip, but I felt a bit of regret. Brindisi seemed interesting from the port. Arriving by sea, the calm water, and the Sailor's Monument impressed me more than I expected. I felt like I was leaving something unfinished.

So, I decided to return leisurely. This time, I wanted to enjoy what I missed: the historic center and the Casale district, plus some leisurely walks by the port.

In Brindisi, I felt perfectly at ease. Despite tourists, the city isn't chaotic. It's well-organized, welcoming, and the locals are friendly to visitors. Walking through the inner streets, I noticed some sidewalks weren't spotless. It's not serious, just surprising for such an important Salento city.

When I arrived, I headed straight to the public parking on Via Spalato. I wanted to explore the historic center by the port on foot. Brindisi was born there, around that natural inlet. It made it a strategic Mediterranean point for centuries. Today, monuments, churches, museums, and venues are all concentrated there.

The parking on Via Spalato is huge, so I easily found a spot. It was a pleasant surprise to find it's free, with no time limits.

Since the parking is central, I walked straight down Via Mennitti. After just 500 meters, I was at the port, admiring the Staircase and Roman Columns on Viale Regina Margherita. The site is incredibly beautiful, reflecting on the port's water.

Next to the Staircase is probably the trendiest bar in town, famous--legendary even--for its artisanal ice creams. There was a line, but seeing people with huge cream cones, I joined too.

While waiting, I watched the natural port. I saw small sailing boats heading to the other side. Only then did I notice the other shore's beauty, dominated by the Sailor's Monument. It stands 68 meters tall, shaped like a helm.

I thought I could take amazing panoramic photos from up there. I wanted to capture the port and the city around it. I had read somewhere that on clear days, you could even see Greece on the horizon. I had to go there.

It was my turn to get ice cream, so I asked the cashier how to reach the other side of the port. It was simple. Right in front of the bar, you just take the motorboat. It shuttles every 20 minutes, connecting the port with the Casale district across the city.

Looking at the dock, I saw the motorboat had just arrived, so I boarded. No need to buy a ticket on land; you can pay onboard. The cost is very low, less than 1.20 euros, because it's a public service.

The boat is small, well-kept, and pretty fast. You sit on covered seats with a wide view of the port. In less than five minutes, the motorboat reaches the Ammiraglio Millo dock at Casale.

The dock is right in the heart of Villaggio Pescatori. Directly across is a kiosk with outdoor tables and umbrellas for shade. I couldn't ignore it because the smell of cooking filled the air. I had to stop and try a local dish.

Stopping was a great decision. I ate a fresh, hot, and crispy fish fry, paired with a glass of cold white wine. The menu offer was just 13 euros.

Sitting there with my steaming plate and a gentle breeze from the port, I felt Brindisi had a simple charm. You eat well, spend reasonably -- compared to Lecce, I found the costs much lower -- and even when it's hot, the wind lets you breathe.

I didn't expect it, but Brindisi turned out to be the most relaxing city of the trip.