Lecce Travel Guide (Lecce (province)/Apulia/Southern Italy/Italy/Europe)

Introduction to Lecce

Lecce is a charming city in Apulia, Southern Italy. Known as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, well-preserved Roman ruins, and beautiful sandy beaches. With a rich history, delicious food, and welcoming locals, Lecce is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Italy.

List of Places to Visit in Lecce

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lecce has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical places and museums to visit in the city. Some of the must-visit places include:

Basilica di Santa Croce - A stunning Baroque-style church known for its intricate facade and beautiful rosette windows.
Amphitheatre - A Roman amphitheater that dates back to the 2nd century.
Castello Carlo V - A fortress built in the 16th century that currently houses the Lecce archeological museum.
Piazza del Duomo - The main square of Lecce, surrounded by several historic buildings, including the beautiful Lecce Cathedral.

Natural Attractions of Lecce: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lecce and its surroundings offer plenty of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Salento Coastline - With crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views, the Salento coastline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Grotta della Poesia - A natural swimming pool with crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations.
Torre dell’Orso - A beautiful beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lecce

Lecce and its surrounding areas offer plenty of great hiking and biking options. Here are some of the best routes to explore the beautiful countryside:

Via Francigena - A popular pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury to Rome, passing through Lecce.
Sentiero del Salento - A scenic trail that runs for over 120 km along the Salento coastline and passes through several small villages and towns.
La Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto Pugliese - A beautiful cycle path that runs for over 400 km along the Acquedotto Pugliese, offering stunning views of the countryside and Apulia’s coastline.

Best Things to Do in Lecce: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Lecce, ranging from exploring the city’s rich history and stunning architecture to experiencing its lively food and drink scene. Here are some of the best things to do in Lecce:

Take a Walking Tour - A walking tour of the city is the perfect way to explore Lecce’s stunning architecture and rich history.
Experience the Local Food and Drink Scene - From traditional homemade pasta dishes to delicious seafood, Lecce’s food scene is not to be missed. Don’t forget to try the local Pugliese wine too!
Visit the Beach - With crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sand, Lecce’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lecce

If you’re planning to spend a week in Lecce, here’s a great itinerary to make the most of your stay:

Day 1: Arrive in Lecce and explore the city center

Day 2: Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Amphitheatre

Day 3: Take a day trip to the Salento coastline and enjoy the beautiful beaches

Day 4: Explore the local food and drink scene

Day 5: Take a hiking or biking route through the countryside

Day 6: Visit the Castello Carlo V and the Lecce archeological museum

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the local culture, customs, and cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Lecce

Must-Try Dishes

Lecce is famous for its delicious traditional cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa - A traditional Pugliese pasta dish made with orecchiette and a tasty sauce of turnip greens, garlic, and chili pepper.
Fave e Cicoria - A tasty dish made with fava beans and chicory, served with olive oil and crusty bread.
Rustico Leccese - A delicious pastry filled with béchamel, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.

Local Beverages

Pugliese wine is famous for its rich flavor and is a must-try beverage when you are in Lecce. Other popular Pugliese drinks include:

Negroni sbagliato - A delicious cocktail made with gin, Campari, and Prosecco.
Limoncello - A traditional Italian liqueur made with lemons.

Where to Stay in Lecce: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lecce has plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, here are some of the best places to stay in Lecce:

B&B La Suite - A beautiful and stylish B&B in the heart of Lecce’s historical city center.
8piuhotel - A modern and elegant hotel just a short walk from Lecce’s main square.
La Fiermontina Urban Resort - A luxurious 5-star hotel with an amazing rooftop pool and stunning gardens.

What to Buy in Lecce: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are plenty of great souvenirs and local products to bring home from Lecce. Here are some of the best things to buy:

Handmade Pottery - Lecce is famous for its traditional handcrafted pottery.
Olive Oil - Puglia is known for producing some of the best olive oil in Italy.
Lecce stone - A type of limestone that is popular for sculpting and building.

Local Culture and Customs of Lecce

Lecce has a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. The people of Lecce are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the local culture and participate in community activities.

Best Time to Visit Lecce

The best time to visit Lecce is during the spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. July and August can be very hot and crowded, so it’s best to avoid these months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lecce

Do:

Wear comfortable shoes as the city is best explored on foot.
Explore the local food and drink scene.
Respect the local culture and traditions.

Don’t:

Wear revealing clothing in the city’s religious places.
Take photos of people without their permission.
Speak too loudly or make a scene in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lecce

Lecce is a safe city, but visitors should take the usual precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Lecce

Tap water in Lecce is safe to drink, and there are plenty of pharmacies and medical facilities throughout the city. It’s also advisable to bring sunscreen and insect repellent when visiting Lecce in the summer.

Getting to Lecce: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lecce is easily accessible by plane, train, and bus. Here are some of the best ways to get to Lecce:

By Plane - Lecce is serviced by Brindisi Airport, which is located about 40 km away.
By Train - Lecce has a fast and efficient rail service, with connections to cities throughout Italy.
By Bus - There are several bus services that operate within Puglia, connecting Lecce with other cities and towns throughout the region.

How to Get Around in Lecce

Lecce is a small city that can easily be explored on foot. However, there are also plenty of public transportation options available, including buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Lecce: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of great destinations to explore near Lecce. Some of the best places to visit include:

Otranto - A beautiful seaside town known for its stunning beaches and historical landmarks.
Alberobello - A scenic town famous for its traditional trulli houses.
Gallipoli - A charming coastal town with a beautiful historic center.

Conclusion

Lecce is a charming and beautiful city with a rich history and plenty of must-visit attractions. From exploring the city’s stunning architecture and visiting its natural attractions to experiencing the local food and drink scene, Lecce is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Italy.