Lecce Puglia One day Itinerary

Travel to Lecce Italy

Crafting the perfect Puglia holiday can be an exhilarating journey in itself. If you're considering Lecce for your next adventure, look no further. This comprehensive guide presents what to do in Lecce. Let's dive in!

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Practical Information:

Location

Lecce is a historic city located in the southern region of Italy, specifically in the region of Apulia (Puglia). It's approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) inland from the Adriatic Sea and serves as the principal city of the Salento Peninsula. 

Transportation & Exploration

✈️ By Plane: The easiest way to reach Lecce by air is through Brindisi Airport (Aeroporto del Salento), located about 30 minutes from the city center. It connects to major Italian hubs such as Rome, Milan, and Bologna, as well as several European destinations. From the airport, you can reach Lecce by bus, taxi, or car rental, making it a convenient gateway for exploring both the city and the surrounding Salento region.

🚶‍♂️ On Foot: Lecce’s historic center is compact and best explored at a leisurely pace. Walking through its maze of Baroque streets lets you soak in the intricate facades, elegant squares, and hidden courtyards. Most landmarks are only minutes apart, so comfortable shoes are all you need.

🚗 By Car: While you won’t need a car inside the old town, it’s handy if you plan to explore Puglia’s countryside or coastline.

⚠️ Parking is generally straightforward: white-lined spaces are free, while blue-lined spaces require payment at nearby machines (don’t forget to display your ticket on the dashboard). Note that parts of the historic center are restricted to traffic (ZTL zones).

🚆 By Train & Bus: Lecce is the final stop on the Adriatic railway and is well-connected to other cities in Puglia, including Bari and Brindisi. Trains are a reliable way to reach the city, while regional buses link Lecce with smaller towns and beach destinations—though timetables may be less frequent on weekends.

🚌 Guided Tours: For those who prefer a hassle-free option, you can also reach Lecce from other major cities via guided tours. These tours typically include transportation, a local guide, and sometimes additional stops at nearby towns or attractions. It’s a convenient way to explore Lecce without worrying about schedules or navigation, while also gaining insights from knowledgeable guides.

Weather

Lecce experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Here's an overview of the weather in Lecce throughout the year:

• ☀️ Summer (June to August): average temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F) in June, reaching highs of 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F) in July and August. 
• 🍂 Autumn (September to November): average temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) in September, cooling to 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F) in November. While early autumn can still be warm and pleasant, late autumn may bring occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures.

✨ Autumn is a great time to visit Lecce, with comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer.

• ❄️ Winter (December to February): average temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F) in December and January, rising slightly to 9°C to 14°C (48°F to 57°F) in February. 
• 🌸 Spring (March to May): average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in March, rising to 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F) by May. 

Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Lecce is relatively easy, with options to suit various preferences and budgets.

👉 For my stay, when possible, I chose a family-run "agriturismo" just outside the main towns. I was looking for laid-back vibes and delicious homemade breakfasts, and it turned out to be the perfect balance between relaxation and easy access to the coast. The only trade-off is that you’ll need to drive a bit more—but the peaceful setting makes it well worth it:

• Brindisi: La maison de Monet🔗
• Otranto: La casa del peperoncino🔗
• Nardò: Residenza Casa Arse🔗
• Matera: Le Casette🔗
• Bari: Valentino🔗
• Castellana Grotte: Semiramide Palace Hotel🔗
• Ostuni: Vico Trieste🔗

Lecce Italy travel guide

• Piazza del Duomo: This central square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Lecce Cathedral (Duomo) with its impressive facade.

• Basilica di Santa Croce: Admire the intricate Baroque facade of this church, considered one of the greatest examples of Lecce's Baroque architecture.

👉 It costs 11€ to enter, but you can purchase a ticket at 9€, which allows you to enter all the monuments in Lecce. Next to the church, you can visit the campanile (bell tower), which costs 12€.

• Roman Amphitheatre: Discover the well-preserved ruins of this ancient amphitheater, located near the city center.

👉 The cost is 10€

• Castello di Carlo V: Explore this 16th-century castle, which now houses the Civic Museum and offers panoramic views of the city.

👉 Free to enter, it costs only if you want a guided tour.

• Church of Santa Chiara: Visit this Baroque church known for its elaborately decorated interior and beautiful cloister. 

👉 The cost is 10€

• Piazza Sant'Oronzo: Relax in this lively square and see the Roman column topped with a statue of Saint Oronzo, the city's patron saint.
• Lecce's Historic Center: Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, filled with charming cafes, shops, and hidden gems.

🍽️Try "Caffé Leccese" and Pasticciotto! Particularly in Lecce there is a strong coffee culture, I highly suggest stopping by any "bar" and ordering a plain Espresso or a coffee with ice (caffè con ghiaccio), which is a local specialty called caffè leccese. You can order it either with or without almond milk. Add a Pasticciotto to go with the coffee, a beloved pastry filled with creamy custard, often savored for breakfast or as a delightful sweet snack throughout the Salento region. While it's a specialty of Lecce, you'll encounter this delectable treat across Salento. The 'original' version tantalizes taste buds with its luscious crema pasticcera filling.

👉 I suggest these cafès to try these specialties: Quart'a Caffè Pacamara or Caffé Avio

In summary, exploring Puglia offers a diverse range of experiences, from the unique trulli houses to the charming towns and beautiful coastline. This itinerary provides a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable journey through one of Italy's most enchanting regions. Get ready to immerse yourself in history, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Buon viaggio!