Gallipoli has a well known reputation for being one of Italy’s top gay destinations, drawing a cosmopolitan and sophisticated international gay crowd.
We recently spent a great couple of days there and found ourselves hanging out at Lido Pôr do Sol (Baia Verde 73014, Gallipoli).
Pôr do Sol is a friendly beach where everyone is welcome. It draws a mixed crowd in every respect. Italians and international visitors, younger and older, friends and couples, gay and straight.
The beach club has a relaxed atmosphere. If you want to kiss your boyfriend or your girlfriend you won’t be asked to leave (unlike another once but no longer gay-friendly lido in Gallipoli - one to be avoided).
From the pictures it might seem that the lifeguards were the best thing about our visit to Pôr do Sol (any moody looks were for posing purposes - all photographs were taken with their permission).
They are the most polite and friendly lifeguards around. When you visit be sure to tell them how much you enjoyed their pictures and that we said hello.
While we certainly enjoyed watching them hard at work, there was much else to commend. The soft white sand underfoot, the reasonably priced drinks, the fresh food prepared on site using local ingredients (my tuna and tomato puccia, a typical Salento bread, was the perfect light and fresh lunch for the beach on a hot day) the chilled vibe as the sun sets ... the lido is perfectly placed for the famous spectacular sunset behind Gallipoli’s old town.
With its welcoming, friendly service Pôr do Sol is our go to gay destination in Gallipoli.
By all means visit Punta della Suina which may tempt you with the nearby gay/nudist beach (just don’t visit or spend your money at the nearby lido who trade on their historic gay reputation, where your money is welcome but not your sexual orientation). It's fun for a short while, but just like us you’ll come back again and again to Pôr do Sol.
Follow them on Facebook and on Instagram.
Facilities | private lido | umbrella and lounger hire | public bar | restaurant | toilets | showers | public beach along either side of the lido.
Getting there | free parking directly outside the lido along the SP200 - Litoranea Per Santa Maria Di Leuca (the road is marked for pay as you go parking with signs advising you to pay - these are historic; just ignore them, you will not find the ticket machines in any case!
€ | €€ | The Big Gay Podcast paid for all food and drink consumed when we visited.
