A travel itinerary for Lecce, Italy and its surroundings.
What to See
If you’re looking for a charming and authentic Italian experience, look no further than Lecce. Located in the southern region of Puglia, tourists often overlook this small city. Those who do make the trip are rewarded with beautiful baroque architecture, delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Architecture and Churches
Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce is famous for its towering, historic churches. As in Florence, some of the main churches in Lecce charge an entry fee. They are each spectacular from the outside, but if you do plan to enter the churches, I recommend purchasing a multi-day ticket that provides entry to the Duomo, Santa Croce, San Matteo, and Santa Chiara for one fee – it is well worth it!
You might also be surprised to find an ancient Roman Ampitheater in the heart of Lecce. This partially excavated treasure was uncovered in the 1900s and serves as a reminder of the city’s interesting past. During the day, you’ll find people strolling by with a coffee or pastry from the nearby Caffe Alvino, and at night you may see public performances or live music near the Ampitheater. Day or night, it is a must-see.
The Adriatic Coastline
Salento boasts some of the most beautiful Italian coastline.
The turquoise, Adriatic waters near Lecce look completely different than the water bordering other parts of Italy. This coastline is formed by cliffs of limestone and sandstone, which have eroded over time to create stunning natural rock formations and caves. There are many more beach options, but Torre dell’Orso and Baia Mulino d’Acqua should not be missed.
Torre dell’Orso is reachable by bus. The bus will take you directly to the nearby city center, just a short walk from the beach. Alternatively, the best way to reach Baia Mulino d’Acqua is by car. The drive is about 45 minutes to an hour on the highway, and you will notice signs along the way directing you to this popular beach. If you do not have a car, there is public transportation available to the nearby towns of Foggia or Vieste. From there, you can take a cab directly to the beach.
Golden Hour
Golden hour – also known as aperitivo time in Italy – is the best time to wander through Lecce. The setting sun sets the entire city aglow in a magical light. If you’re visiting in the summer, this is the perfect time for a stroll as the temperatures cool for the evening. If you’d prefer to admire the glow with a drink in hand, Via Umberto I has plenty of beautiful bars and restaurants to sit and watch the light change.
Pumo di Puglia
Whether you visit a ceramic store or just admire the balconies in Lecce, you’re sure to see Pumo. These colorful ceramics are shaped like artichoke or flower buds and are said to protect the home and its inhabitants. Similar to gargoyles in other regions of the world, the Pumo di Puglia adorn homes and palaces alike. You’ll see these in many colors, shapes and sizes and they are the perfect souvenir or gift for someone you love.
Local Cuisine
Like the rest of Italy, Lecce is known for its fantastic cuisine! Whether you’re looking for the Italian staples or local Leccese delicacies, there is something here for everyone.
Pasticciotto
If you want to live like a local, then you have to start your day with a pasticciotto in hand. These short crust, custard-filled, Leccese staples are found at bakeries all over town. Caffe Alvino is known for its pasticciotti, and is in the heart of town across from the Roman Amphitheater. You can take the pastry to-go or sit at their outdoor tables and enjoy people watching. If you do plan to sit I recommend getting there early, otherwise you can expect to wait a while.
Caffe Leccese
While iced coffee is not normally found in Italy, the cold, sweet caffe Leccese is an exception. The drink is made by pouring a generous layer of latte di mandorla, topped with ice and a hot shot of espresso. While most of us know latte di mandorla – or almond milk – as a dairy-free milk alternative, the one used in caffe Leccese is more of a sweet, milky syrup. Definitely no need to add sugar to this coffee. Give it a stir and enjoy!
Pucce Pugliese
Puccia is a type of bread made in the Salento region of Puglia. Just like the rest of Italy, this bread is to die for. My favorite way to enjoy it is cut in half, and filled with delicious vegetables. If you’re looking for a good place to find pucce Pugliese, L’angolino di Via Matteotti is my top recommendation. They use the freshest ingredients, and the menu has choices for everyone! These are a bit messy to eat on the go, so I recommend eating them seated. Lean into the Italian lifestyle and take your time!
Where to Eat
In addition to the recommendations throughout the article, Lecce has some incredible restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a tasty cocktail, visit Quanto Basta or Laurus – both made the list of best bars in the world. For an unforgettable meal, visit La Scarpetta or, if you’re looking for a Michelin experience, visit Duo, Bros’ or one of the other starred restaurants in the city.
More Helpful Tips
Where to Stay
Lecce is surrounded by historic walls that guard the old Centro Storico from its newer, more residential surroundings. Though Lecce is compact, I recommend finding accommodations within the Centro Storico for the most authentic, charming experience. We stayed at I Quatro Balconi, a small collection of apartments that is perfectly located, spacious and quiet. There are plenty of other Airbnb or boutique hotel options throughout Lecce.
How to Get There
As with the rest of Puglia, I recommend arriving to Lecce by car. Assuming you do so, keep in mind that cars are not allowed within the walls of the old city, so you will need to park just outside of these walls and walk in. When my husband and I visited, we found parking to be simple and also affordable. While there are parking garages, there are many places to park on the street and you can pay using the EasyPay app. The app allows you to start, extend or end your parking time as needed – all from your phone.
Buon Viaggio!
