The 11 things to do in Lecce

Visit Lecce: what to see in this charming city of South Italy? Discover our essentials to prepare your trip!

Also known as the Florence Lecce is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy to visit. It especially impresses tourists for its magnificent baroque style of the seventeenth century, its churches, its palaces, but also its joyous atmosphere. Not far from the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic coast, its situation will allow you to visit the city and explore its art, but also to discover more natural areas for, for example, to practice some water sports or simply to enjoy the sea.

From the historic centre to the landscapes around the city, here is our selection of the must-sees to do and see if you plan a stay in Lecce!

1. Walk around the Piazza del Duomo

This place is one of the most beautiful in South Italy. Baroque style, Piazza del Duomo gathers the most remarkable religious buildings in the city. Enjoy it to admire the Duomo de Lecce, also called Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta . Adorned with magnificent sculptures, this dome built at the end of the 17th century is admirable for the finesse of its architecture.

Around the square, there are other buildings that you can visit during a City Tour : the Palais du Séminaire, the Episcopile Palace or the Campanile , which is one of the highest in Europe.

2. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica Santa Croce is a monumental building, built over more than a century between 1549 and 1695. Its imposing façade immediately attracts the look, as many architectural details are. Take the time to observe angelots, animals and various characters, some sculptures are very fun and rather unusual!

3. Admire the Amphitheatre of Lecce

Located in the heart of the historic centre of the city, next to Sant’Oronzo Square, this amphitheatre was built between the I and the II century by the Romans. Still partially buried under the city, a part is nevertheless visible thanks to the various archaeological excavations that took place in the city. A real journey in time!

4. Scuba diving

Do you like nautical activities and you wonder what to do in Lecce? In the province of Lecce, around Porto Cesareo , are some scuba diving clubs. The Adriatic Sea borders the Salento coast with its transparent waters and long sandy beaches.

Enjoy a summer day to go there and to book a diving baptism: the Mediterranean fauna and flora will offer you great colors and souvenirs. You will have to take public transport or rent a car to get there (about 40 minutes drive), but if you plan to spend several days on Lecce, it’s worth spending a day on the water!

5. Taste local wine

Italy is also the vineyards and its nectars. On a trip to Lecce, wine lovers will enjoy fired into Puglia to discover the best vineyards. On the programme, cultural visit of Lecce and its surroundings, and wine tasting in the heart of the green landscapes of the region. In short, a guided tour like others, full of perfumes and flavors!

6. Relax in the spa centre of Santa Cesarea Terme

Playing tourists sometimes does not leave much respite to rest! If you need to relax, then why don't you make yourself look good Terme di Santa Cesarea ? Sulphurous water sources from the four natural caves on the coast make Santa Cesarea an important spa centre. Californian massages, plant reflexology or hot stone massages... You will have the embarrassment of choice for your well-being moment!

7. Try kitesurf

Strong sensation lovers, wondering what to do in Lecce and around? We suggest you book an initiation course at kitesurf! If you want waves, sun, wind and especially adrenaline, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Salento to test this sport, couple or friends!

8. Discover the art of chewed paper

Lecce is specialized in the art of paper mâché since the 17th or 18th century. Originally, craftsmen discovered that they could make religious works by consolidating paper, because they did not have access to more precious materials at that time.

Lecce’s craftsmen continue today to create subjects in chewed paper, since religion is no longer the only theme: in the city’s art shops, you will also find masks, toys or decoration objects, always made according to tradition. If you want to learn more about the history of this art, you can also visit the museum of chewed paper, which is in the midst of the art. Château Charles Quint .

9. Walk in the heart of the San Cataldo Nature Reserve

Only 20 minutes by car from Lecce, is the San Cataldo Nature Reserve . It is a protected area on the Adriatic coast created in the 1970s by the Ministry of Agriculture. This beautiful reserve houses many trees such as pines and eucalyptus, as well as wild animals such as hedgehogs, beans or foxes. It is very pleasant to walk there a few hours and enjoy the landscape, between land and sea.

10. Dress a puccia

Friends gourmet, you can’t visit Lecce without stopping buying one of its (believing) culinary specialties: puccia . It is a “on the thumb” dish that looks a bit like a sandwich. The puccia is composed of a thick and crispy cake, garnished with delicious products: raw ham, olive oil, Italian cheese, artichoke heart... It exists for all tastes! You will find it in several snacks and restaurants in Lecce: the hardest will be to choose your puccia!

And to take the recipe in your suitcases, why not opt for a traditional cooking courses ? For this, head to the Giovanni house! The chef and his wife welcome you home for a cooking class followed by a dinner: an authentic and tasty moment that will delight all the gourmets of the stay.

11. Visit the Museo Fantasy

What do we do in Lecce when we travel with children? Tell them to find out Museo Fantasy ! This museum shows the work of creating two brothers, specialized in the realization of fantastic characters for the needs of cinema. This small museum is therefore entirely dedicated to the arts and special film effects. An original and unusual outing, maybe not to do with the toddlers because of some very... realistic horror characters!

How to get to Lecce?

The two airports closest to Lecce are the airport Bari and Brindisi Airport. L’ Bari airport is further away from Lecce (a little less than 2h drive), but better served. L’ Brindisi airport is a 30-minute drive from Lecce. Take a look at the flight comparison Ulysses to find your flight to Lecce at the best price!

Where to stay in Lecce?

Hotel typical of baroque or modern style, bed and breakfast or independent apartment, you will find the ideal accommodation for your stay in the heart of Puglia. Whether you choose the old Lecce or the surrounding bay, do not hesitate to search for this Compare hotels and book your stay according to your wishes and budget.

To help you, do not miss reading our article on the areas where to stay in Lecce .