Our most recommended things to do in Lecce

Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour

1. Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour

The tour starts with a visit to the majestic Santa Croce Church, the jewel in the crown of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. From here, explore the nearby Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the former market square where you can find the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. Continue the tour with a walk through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which boasts a stunning Baroque palazzi and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo next, one of the most critically praised buildings in Italy. See the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Finally, visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s fascinating Jewish history.

Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike

2. Lecce: City Highlights Guided Tour by Bike

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce by bike. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory!

Lecce: Street Food Tasting and Walking Tour

3. Lecce: Street Food Tasting and Walking Tour

Meet the guide at Porta San Biagio, one of the four main old gates of the city - do all four still exist? - and start an amazing discovery of this small, but enchanting town. See what makes San Matteo church unique amang the numerous churches of the city centre. Stop in Piazza Duomo and enjoy the beauty of this elegant square unique in its "closed" shape. Learn about the old papier-mâché tradition by visiting a workshop where you will see the construction phases of a papier-mâché statue At the relaxing pace of a walk with friends, the guide will lead you across the alleys of the historic center and through anecdotes and details will let you discover the wonders of this fantastic Baroque city, such as the facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce, which looks like an embroidery or the sculptures that embellish the balconies of noble residences. You will discover the history of Piazza Sant'Oronzo, listen why a column of the Via Appia, an ancient Roman road, ended up in Lecce; why the emblem in the center of the square depicts a she-wolf and what are the allegories of the great Clock of Wonders. Between one monument and another you will stop to savor the local specialities, such as rustic: puff pastry disc filled with mozzarella, tomato and béchamel; or the pettole: small balls of leavened dough, in white or pizzaiola style, a typical appetizer on Christmas Eve and you cannot skip the pasticciotto, the king of Salento pastry: a base of shortcrust pastry filled with custard. These are just some of the samples. You'll find out the rest at the moment, we don't want to spoil the surprise!

From Lecce: Otranto, S.M. Leuca, Gallipoli & Galatina Tour

4. From Lecce: Otranto, S.M. Leuca, Gallipoli & Galatina Tour

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit 4 of the most picturesque towns in Salento on a comfortable minivan with air conditioning and a professional driver who will give you information about the history of the towns and the places to visit. A scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays and white Caribbean-style beaches. The first stop of the tour is Galatina a real gem of art, history and traditions. The wonderful Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is second only to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi for the presence of many frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples. Other monuments to visit are the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and the ancient "courtyard houses" and the buildings situated in the historic centre. The second stop is Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Salento.The town of Otranto is full of history and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Aragoneses. You will have free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions and the Walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city. After Otranto you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and bays with rocky bottom. Along the way you will admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina and the Ciolo Fiord. Santa Maria di Leuca is truly the heel of Italy, the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, you will admire spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de "Finibus Terrae". After Santa Maria di Leuca, along the Ionian coast, you will reach Gallipoli, considered the pearl of the Ionian Sea. This Greek city can be divided into two areas: the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old city. The old part of the city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre characterized by a labyrinthine weave of narrow streets, home to traditional shops of local handicrafts, numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, one of the best examples of Baroque in Salento, the Angevine Castle built in the 13th century and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy.

Typical Apulian cooking lesson

5. Typical Apulian cooking lesson

Have fun and learn the techniques of how to make the typical Apulian pasta, the orecchiette, with a professional and local cook. In a unique location of its kind, in a 1400s courtyard in the center of Lecce, you can learn while having fun, and bring home the techniques for creating Orecchiette. Pasta is one of the most loved foods in the world, especially the one produced in the south. Orecchiette and Sagne are a type of pasta made exclusively in Puglia, but exported all over the world for their goodness. You will then be able to learn how to create them with a typical local lady, mixing water and flour, with the tools of the trade, in the courtyard of a building in the center of Lecce.After making the pasta, we cook it and eat it inside a 1400s courtyard.

Lecce: Sightseeing Tour, the Florence of South Italy

6. Lecce: Sightseeing Tour, the Florence of South Italy

Following a pick-up from Naples Gate, drive to the historic city of Lecce to admire Baroque buildings, whitewashed houses, and more. Your tour of the “Florence of Southern Italy” includes Lecce Cathedral. Originally built in 1144, and completely restored between 1659-70, the addition of a 5-story bell tower and octagonal loggia helped turn it into one of Italy’s most important cathedrals. Continue to the Church of the Theatines, dedicated to St. Irene, and marvel at the expansive façade of different styles. The portal is surmounted by a statue of St. Irene by Mauro Manieri, while the altar of St. Michael the Archangel boasts a copy of an eponymous painting by Guido Reni. Nearby is the Rococo altar of St. Andrew Avellino, and the mid-17th-century altar of St. Orontius by Francesco Antonio Zimbalo. Admire the altar of St. Irene with its canvas by Giuseppe Verrio, and the 9 busts of saints housing historic relics. See the altar of St. Stephen, containing the “Stoning of St. Stephen” by Verrio. Visit the 2nd-century BC Roman Amphitheatre near Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Once able to seat more than 25,000 people, it is now half-buried by monuments built over it throughout the centuries. Go to the column that holds a statue of Lecce’s patron saint, St. Oronzo, given to the city by Brindisi for St. Oronzo’s reputed role in curing Brindisi of the plague. Once one of a pair, it marked the end of the legendary Appian Way, the main road between Rome and southern Italy. Walking through the streets of the old town, visit the Church of Santa Chiara and Roman Theatre.

From Lecce: Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano Tour

7. From Lecce: Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano Tour

Immerse yourself in Italian culture by visiting three authentic villages on a day trip from Lecce. Take in the dramatic landscape and medieval architecture as you stroll around. Discover what daily life is like for local people while you discover each town at your own pace. The first stop of the tour is Ostuni, known as the "White City", a wonderful medieval village, rich with alleys and whitewashed houses, which recalls an oriental landscape. You will have free time to visit the old town centre, called "la terra" ("the land"), characterized by alleys, sloping stairs, courtyards and small squares, where whitewashed houses, craft shops and typical small shops appear. After Ostuni you will reach Alberobello, crossing some charming villages located on top of the hills. The landscape is a continuous succession of ancient olive trees and trulli. Visiting the beautiful Alberobello is like a journey in a timeless country. You will have free time at disposal to explore its characteristic historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is integrally made up of Trulli, particular white, pyramidal structures that make it unique in the world and represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. Particularly striking are the two districts: "Rione Monti" with its local handcraft shops and "Aia Piccola", where the most ancient Trulli and little museums are situated. After Alberobello, descending towards the Adriatic Sea, you will reach the beautiful Polignano a Mare, birthplace to the famous Domenico Modugno. Polignano a Mare stands on a cliff falling sheer to the sea. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre and the remains of Roman rule. Among the latter, the bridge of the Via Traiana, still viable. Entering the historic centre,

Lecce: Jewish History Walking Tour

8. Lecce: Jewish History Walking Tour

Baroque Lecce is extremely well known, but the 17th century is just a recent part of a long history for this city. Lecce has been influenced by many ancient and important cultures, including Messapians, Greeks, Byzantines, Normans, French Angevins, and Spanish Aragonese. Begin your journey through the streets and alleys of medieval Lecce, focusing on its Jewish community. Visit Via della Sinagoga, the old path which used to lead to one of the most beautiful synagogues in South Italy. Following that, discover Vico della Saponea alley and walk through Via Abramo Balmes, a street dedicated to one the most important Jewish figures in Lecce. Take a trip back in time by visiting the evocative underground area of the Jewish Museum. The area is situated on the remains of the Synagougue, and includes a mikveh and mezuzah. Learn more about the Jewish community, including why the Jews were forced to leave Lecce.

Lecce: Walking Tour

9. Lecce: Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the Baroque architecture of Lecce on this guided walking tour. Discover the art and culture of the city's churches, antique buildings, and papier-machè masterpieces. Your tour begins from Sant'Oronzo square, where you will find a Roman Amphitheater which was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th Century. The itinerary goes on to the historic center, which is rich with churches and old buildings decorated by Baroque Art. During the tour, it will be possible to look at papier-machè artisans at work. This kind of art belongs to Lecce from the 17th Century, when it was conceived to decorate churches, back when the paper was the only material available. It continues to adorn the houses and the churches of this magical city thanks to old masters and young people.

From Lecce: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Full-Day Trip

10. From Lecce: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Full-Day Trip

The first destination is Alberobello:  it's a very ancient city near the hills of Murgia and Valle d'Itria. In its old town there are about 2000 trulli, the features stone homes that make Alberobello famous all over the world! In1996, these particular buildings have been appointed World Heritage Site by UNESCO.   Second stop to: Locorotondo! one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, famous for it's typical food, baroque palaces and artisan shops that contribute to creating breathtaking views worthy of ending up on a postcard or in your souvenir photos. The last, but not the least, destination is Ostuni: one of the must-visit attractions in Puglia. It's a delightful little town built on three hills and also known as "the white town" for the typical white lime washed walls of its houses. Ostuni rises on the promontories of the Adriatic coast and shines with its white houses just a few steps from the sea. Due to its charm, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this magic town. Details: - Departure at 08:30, Pick-up service from the meeting point; - 10.15 am arrival in Alberobello and stay for 2 hours; - 12.15 pm meeting to go to Locorotondo where it will be possible to visit the city and have lunch (lunch not included); - at 02.00 pm pick-up from Locorotondo to go to Ostuni. - return to Lecce meeting point around at 17.30 Please note that: Tour carried out with no more than 7/8 people; You will visit each cities freely; Driver will drop-off you in each cities in to the best point to let you discovery the beauty of the places

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The best day trips and excursions from Lecce are:

Alberobello

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What people are saying about Lecce

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 424 reviews

We had an amazing experience at Guilia's home. She made us feel at ease when we got there and served us some of the best food we had in Italy. We'll be back!

Dileta was a wonderful guide. She kept the right pace, with great historical facts. Our family enjoyed the tour a lot. We did not see the time pass by.

Unforgettable immersion in the art of Lecce, already wonderful in itself ... even more if accompanied by the talented Diletta!

This was a great way to see the towns of the Itria Valley. Our guide Stefano was very knowledgeable and helpful.

guide very prepared and attentive to all participants