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Hertz in Brindisi, Italy

Situated on the Adriatic coast, Brindisi is the perfect location to explore the Apulia region and wider parts of southern Italy. The city is home to a host of Roman ruins and fine architecture, as well as having one of the country's major harbors and ports.

We have locations across the city, including at Brindisi Airport, all conveniently located so you can pick up your rental car and get on with the rest of your trip.

All you need to do is select the most suitable car for your needs before you arrive and we'll sort out the rest. And whichever type of vehicle you choose, you’ll enjoy peace of mind thanks to our 24-hour helpline. We offer options to amend your hire car plans at no extra charge* and have no hidden credit card fees, meaning renting with us is a straightforward process.

*When the booking is amended or canceled within seven days of being made

Driving in and around Brindisi

Brindisi helps to form the heel of the Italian ‘boot’ on the beautiful Adriatic coastline and forms part of the Apulia region which lies between the Strait of Òtranto and Gulf of Taranto. With fantastic road connections both in the center and further afield, the Apulia region offers motorists a tantalizing taste of the stunning Italian scenery.

The city’s two busiest roads are the Bari-Lecce expressway, which connects Brindisi with Lecce to the south and Bari to the northwest – in either direction along the coast - as well as with the A14 autostrade (highway), and the Adriatica SS 16. It serves mainly as Brindisi’s bypass but is also an access road for neighboring towns such as San Vito dei Normanni. As Brindisi’s port is one of the most used on the Adriatic coast, surrounding roads may become busy during peak times.

Brindisi’s terrain is mostly flat, with wide coastal roads offering sweeping views, although in the city center roads are often narrow and cobbled, so be sure to take extra care when tackling them. Take note also that there’s a one-way system in operation in the city center around Piazza Cairoli.

Beyond the town, the SS 379 is a coastal highway which connects Brindisi with several significant towns, including historic Ostuni, to the north, and Alberobello near Bari. To visit Lecce, you can take either the SS 613 or the SS 16. If you’re arriving from the airport, found six kilometers to the north of Brindisi, you’ll need to take the Via Ruggero de Simone.

For more information on driving in Italy, read here before setting out on the open road.

A quick guide to Brindisi

A balmy coastal resort with influences from its Greek and Middle East trade routes, Brindisi is a charming town in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

The town center: out of the past

In the heart of this port city, you'll find plenty of culture and sophistication. Get a feel for the town with a wander along the palm-lined Corso Garibaldi, which connects the train station with the seafront, and along the promenade. Brindisi has one of Europe’s oldest natural harbors; precisely what attracted the earliest settlers to this part of Italy and why it’s historically known as the "gateway to the east". In Roman times, the harbor was used as a crossing point between the eastern and western branches of their Empire.

For a taste of Brindisi's history, visit the Colonne Terminali della Via Appia, a monument overlooking the port and offering charming views out onto the Adriatic, and marvel at the size of Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia - a pillar dedicated to the Italian armed forces. Cattedrale di Brindisi is another pristine example of Italian medieval architecture, located on Piazza Duomo.

Digging for history

With some of the most prolific digs taking place here in Italy, Brindisi and surrounding Apulia is where you’ll find many of the country's finest archeological discoveries. Visit the Canne della Battaglia Archeological Park, near the town of Barletta, where you’ll find the remains of ancient Roman settlements, and the Archeological Park of Trinitapol, which is home to several hypogeums – underground temples – believed to have been constructed around 1600 BC.

One of the region’s most famous towns is UNESCO-listed Alberobello, famous for its trullos – small houses built from limestone and topped with conical roofs. Although the center is now dominated by more modern buildings, there are still smaller streets filled with these traditional houses. As a popular tourist spot, it’s an ideal place to pick up some traditional souvenirs including local ceramics, terracotta whistles - believed by locals to bring good luck - and silver jewelry.

Curve along the coastline

Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Brindisi is just a short drive from many of the coast’s sandy beaches. To the north, you’ll find the dramatic, rock coastline of the Gargano promontory, typified by steep cliffs, sea stacks and wooded coastal trails. Wander along the beaches and enjoy the topaz water lapping at the golden sands, and take to those waters yourself on a rented boat, with which you can explore the secluded bays which dot this part of the coastline.

Head south to the stretch of coastline between Bari and Manfredonia to explore the saltpans of the Margherita di Savoia Nature Reserve, as well as the picturesque coastal towns like Trani, famous for its seafront cathedral.

Lecce, on the Salento Peninsula, has several stunning beaches which are ideal for a dip - Porto Cesareo, which has unbelievably clear, shallow water, and Santa Cesarea Terme, a rock pool filled bay that’s a family favorite.

If you’re looking for the finest architecture, historical value and scenic coastline, the Apulia region of Italy is sure to appeal – and there’s no finer place from which to start your travels than the fascinating city of Brindisi. Ready to book your trip? Click here.