7 Best Reasons Lecce is worth visiting in 2024

Strolling atop a polished limestone road, gazing in wonder at the spectacular baroque palazzi and church upon church (upon yet another church), my first impressions of Lecce are that I have gone back in-time. The colors are all white and golden thanks to the soft, maleable limestone that quite literally everything is made out of here. All set across a vibrant blue sky with not a cloud to be seen, and pops of violet jacaranda flowers.

This beautiful Southern Puglia city is oft-described as the ‘Florence of the South’, but that headline is a great disservice, because frankly Lecce looks (and feels) nothing like the Tuscan Renaissance city! But is Lecce worth visiting in 2024? Keep reading to discover what makes the Salento capital so special and why its worth the trip in 2024 and beyond.

How many days in Lecce?

There is a lot to do and see in Lecce Puglia, so you’d be wise to spend at least 3 days here. Given Lecce’s proximity to beautiful beaches further south, wineries, and other lovely small towns, you could also spend longer and use it as a base to explore. 

7 Reasons Lecce is Worth Visiting in 2024

When it comes to ‘what to do in Lecce?’, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. Here are my top 7 reasons that I think Lecce is worth visiting in 2024 and beyond. With plenty of things to see in Lecce, you’ll ease into a slower pace of relaxed southern Italian life easily here.

1. Experience real local Southern Italian life

If you dream of friendly Italian locals striking up a conversation with you in the streets, delicious (and cheap) local food, balmy weather, an afternoon pisolino (nap), and incredibly beautiful surroundings, Lecce will tick all the boxes. It’s a university city and a ‘real’ Southern Italian town where locals live, work, study and go about their day. Of course, all towns are real but I suppose I mean real in the sense that it’s not overrun with tourism like is the case unfortunately in other Italian towns. 

It’s a good idea to brush up on your Italian here given the lack of tourists here, so I would recommend you speak Italian (some basics) before your trip, or join our Untold Italy tour.

2. See gorgeous Baroque architecture

There’s no denying that Lecce is seriously beautiful. It’s in that sense that it earned the nickname ‘the Florence of the South’. Here, the buildings are all made from a special time of limestone known as ‘pietra leccese’ which glows the most spectacular shades of cream and golden when the sun hits it. Local builders used the stone that was naturally available to them and created incredible palazzi and churches with intricate facades. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture and particular style known as Lecce Baroque.

The 17th century saw the explosion of Baroque architecture in the city and today, we can admire this incredible still-standing architecture including Piazza Duomo (cathedral square), Piazza Sant’Oranzo, and the amazing Santa Croce Basilica.

3. Gaze upon a Roman amphitheatre

Are you a history buff? Then Lecce is so worth visiting if only for the chance to admire its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre which was incredibly only re-discovered in the early 1900s. Originating from 1 BC (truly mind blowing), this amphitheatre was able to seat 25,000 people and used to hold everything from gladiator fights to theatrical shows. You’ll find the amphitheatre literally in the middle of town, right in the central Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

4. Incredible Lecce food & wine

When food is so simple and rustic, there’s not a lot of places to hide. I think that’s why I love Leccesse food all the more – because whilst it’s simple, it is incredibly full of flavor! The food in Puglia is all really delicious, but Lecce has its own specialties that you won’t necessarily find elsewhere in the region. Be sure to indulge in a pasticciotto (pastry filled with custard or jam), a rustico (pastry filled with bechamel and passata), and a caffè leccesse (shot of coffee with almond syrup and ice). A great address to try all three of these specialties is the famous Caffè Alvino – and you can even gaze over the Roman amphitheatre whilst doing it!

5. Meet incredible artisans

One of my favorite things about Lecce is its rich artisan tradition that is carried on until this day. Seriously, some of the shops and boutiques you’ll find in Lecce are stunning! If you like to shop for interesting/high quality/ unique things, Lecce is 100% the place to do it. In fact, we joined a shopping tour one year here and uncovered some of the most wonderful little addresses. Think jewellery made from Lecce limestone, ethical handmade fashion, and funky modern meets vintage homewares. 

6. Experience the Luminarie light festivals in the summertime

One of my favorite things to see in Lecce (and the rest of Puglia for that matter) are the festive colored lights held up on giant wooden structures that decorate the town all throughout the summertime. Known as ‘luminaire’ they actually date back to baroque times where they were held on paper mache (Lecce is famous for this tradition too) and mounted on churches. 

Today, Lecce and many other towns in Puglia come to dazzling colored life in celebration of the feast day of their patron saints. If you visit Lecce in August, you’ll be able to admire the tunnel of lights, fireworks and a general festive atmosphere!

7. Explore the Salento

When you’ve finished exploring Lecce, why not venture further afield and see some of the deep southern area of Puglia known as ‘Salento’? Some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country are here including the ‘maldives of the Salento’ aka Pescoluse beach, and many more wonderful beaches. From Lecce, you could visit pretty Galatina and try the original bar that invented pasticciotto too! If you love wine, there are many wonderful wineries in the area, especially the area of ‘Manduria’ about 50 minutes drive from Lecce. 

If you want to use Lecce as a base to explore, please hire a car! I’ve done it both with and without a car and let me tell you, it was not a fun experience relying on public transport.

Where to stay in Lecce?

Whether you want to stay right in the heart of Lecce or just outside in the countryside in a wonderful masseria, here are some options to consider: 

1. Palazzo Bernardini Suites, Lecce

Located just around the corner from the Roman theatre, this is a stunning historic palazzo with arched ceilings and antique furniture. Each includes air conditioning, satellite TV and a microwave. Some rooms even have a balcony and a spa bath.

2. Palazzo Forleo, Lecce

If you’re looking for luxury apartments in the center of Lecce, choose this gorgeous palazzo! I love these rooms because they perfectly blend old and new – a historic palazzo with modern furnishings and tasteful, comfortable trimmings. If you’re keen to self-cater some meals, you can also find rooms with a kitchen.

3. Dimora Storica Torre del Parco, Lecce

Fancy staying in a medieval fortress in the center of Lecce? Just book a room here! The rooms are very old-school Italian and full of antique furniture and original frescoes.

4. Palazzo dei Dondoli, Lecce

If you prefer to stay a little outside the city center (just a 5 minute walk) try this lovely Palazzo. There’s a terrace and bar, and rooms are nice and modern with tasteful furnishings. All apartments include a kitchenette too which I love when traveling.

5. Casine Belvedere, outside Lecce

If you have a car, this is a great option to stay that’s close enough to Lecce to make the most of the city but with relaxing facilities in the countryside to unwind. Enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge and a terrace, garden, and modern rooms in this private villa

Still wondering is Lecce Italy worth visiting? Have a read of my other guides to Puglia via the banner below.

All photos are courtesy of Rhianna May Photography from our Untold Italy Puglia tour in September 2022.