Curator’s statement
I still remember my first visit to Lecce—taken there by a Slow Food representative while studying at the University of Gastronomic Sciences. I stepped onto its golden limestone streets and thought, “What is this gorgeous place, and why have I never heard of it?!” Often called the Florence of the South, Lecce radiates warmth—through its sun-soaked Baroque facades, its laid-back southern hospitality, and the way locals treat beauty, food, and tradition as part of everyday life. It’s a soulful, slow, and deeply charming city that reveals itself like a secret you’re lucky to stumble upon.
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Things to do in Lecce
Grotta della Poesia: Nature’s own swimming pool, carved by time and kissed by the Salento sun.
Street food & architecture walking tour: Wander Lecce’s honey-hued streets with a local guide. Taste pasticciotti, rustico leccese, and gelato while learning the history behind the city’s sculptural facades and flamboyant Baroque churches.
Visit the Baroque churches: From the theatrical Basilica di Santa Croce to the serene Duomo in Piazza del Duomo, Lecce’s churches are masterpieces of southern Baroque—ornate, expressive, and unforgettable.
Head to the Salento coast & jump into the Grotta della Poesia: One of Italy’s most stunning natural swimming holes. This rocky, turquoise pool is just a short drive from Lecce and perfect for a morning dip or a photo-worthy cliff jump.
Shop for original ceramics: Lecce and nearby towns like Grottaglie are famed for hand-painted ceramics. Browse artisan studios for whimsical faces, sun motifs, and colorful dinnerware you’ll want to ship home.
Take a cooking class in a palazzo kitchen: Learn the secrets of orecchiette and Salento’s rich olive-oil-based cuisine in a sun-dappled courtyard or vaulted kitchen, often hosted by welcoming local families.
Experience an evening Passeggiata in Piazza Sant’Oronzo: As the sun sets, locals emerge for the Passeggiata. This is a slow evening stroll that turns Lecce’s main piazza into a stage for people-watching, aperitivi, and spontaneous music.
Catch a performance at Teatro Romano or the Roman amphitheater: Sit where ancient spectators once gathered and take in a concert, dance, or theater performance amid the ruins. It’s a hauntingly beautiful blend of history and culture.
Day trip to Otranto or Gallipoli: Both seaside towns are rich with history and character. Otranto boasts a dazzling cathedral mosaic and turquoise waters, while Gallipoli’s old town glows golden at sunset.
Indulge in a spa day with local olive oil products: Many boutique hotels and masserie offer spa treatments infused with the region’s famed olive oils. This is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Sip local wines at a hidden enoteca: Try full-bodied Primitivo or mineral-rich Negroamaro at one of Lecce’s tucked-away wine bars, often paired with local cheeses and candlelit ambiance.
Places to eat & drink in Lecce
Small delights for dessert at Le Zie Trattoria Casareccia
Primo Restaurant (1 Michelin Star): Chef Solaika Marrocco offers a contemporary take on Salento cuisine. The menu blends traditional ingredients with modern techniques in a refined setting. Known for its elegant dishes and intimate atmosphere.
Duo Ristorante (Michelin-recommended): A stylish eatery offering a fusion of Puglian and international flavors. The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients and creative presentations, earning it a Michelin recommendation.
400 Gradi (Gambero Rosso awarded Pizzeria): The best pizzeria in Puglia, known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. Chef Andrea Godi crafts pizzas with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The dough is designed for optimal digestibility and flavor.
Le Zie Trattoria Casareccia (Slow Food – Osterie d’Italia): A beloved, no-frills trattoria offering traditional Salento dishes like ciceri e tria and orecchiette. The menu changes daily based on market availability, providing an authentic taste of local cuisine.
Osteria degli Spiriti (Slow Food – Osterie d’Italia): An elegant yet relaxed osteria that honors traditional recipes with thoughtful touches. Their handmade pastas and expertly cooked seafood shine, and the wine list is proudly regional.
Caffè Alvino (Classic Caffè Leccese): Located in Piazza Sant'Oronzo. This historic café is perfect for enjoying a caffè leccese and people-watching. They also serve excellent pasticciotti, the custard-filled pastry native to Lecce.
Dall’Antiquario – Caffè Letterario (Hidden Gem for Caffè Leccese or Aperitivo): A charming literary café tucked away in the old town, ideal for a slow morning or sunset spritz. Order a caffè leccese and settle in with a book beneath the vaulted stone ceilings.
Gelateria Natale (Gambero Rosso – 2 Coni): Known for its silky textures and intense, natural flavors—from almond to fig—making it worth the inevitable line.
Settimo Cielo Gelateria (Gambero Rosso – 2 Coni): This innovative spot uses organic and seasonal ingredients to craft gelato that’s deeply flavorful and never too sweet. Their pistachio and ricotta-fig pairings are standouts.
Quanto Basta (Cocktail Bar): A sleek bar combining craft cocktails with Italian flair. It’s a great spot to wind down after dinner or mingle with locals before heading out for the passeggiata.
Need to know
Lecce’s historic center is wonderfully walkable, with narrow cobblestone streets perfect for wandering on foot—so pack comfortable shoes! Parking can be a challenge in the old town. Visitors often find it easiest to park in one of the paid lots or garages just outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and then explore on foot or by bike. Lecce is generally very safe for travelers, with a warm and welcoming local vibe. But usual city-smart precautions apply—keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy piazzas or markets. Finally, embrace the slow southern pace: take time for long lunches, evening passeggiatas, and savoring the rich local flavors that make Lecce so special.
Travel Advisor
Amy Hallett
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