3 min read
It’s a sunny, cloudless summer day, around 1:30 in the afternoon. A full sun hangs in a bright blue sky and you have just got off the plane. A weekend in the Italian city of Lecce, also known as the Florence of the South, awaits you. So, where to begin in this sun-kissed paradise?
Check out our guide to exploring the best of this romantic gem in a weekend, sleeping in a former national bank right in the city centre.
Sights, sips and refreshing ocean dips are put together so that you can soak up the dolce vita without compromise. Your perfect weekend in Lecce starts here.
You don't choose the sweet life – la dolce vita chooses you.
Italy is the place where the day starts with a caffè e cornetto, and aperitivo is possible at any hour. This rhythm of life takes on a unique charm, blending centuries-old traditions with a vibrant local culture. As you stroll through the sunlit streets, you’ll find yourself drawn to the aroma of fresh pastries and the sound of laughter spilling from lively cafés. Whether you’re sipping a spritz in a quaint piazza or indulging in homemade gelato, every moment in Lecce invites you to savor the simple pleasures of la dolce vita.
The sun-kissed gem of southern Italy
The city sits in southern Italy’s Puglia region, just a stone’s throw from the Adriatic coast. It’s part of the Salentine Peninsula, often dubbed Italy’s ‘heel’. The closest airport is in Brindisi, about a half-hour drive by car or bus. Its location makes it the perfect gateway to exploring the rugged beauty of the Puglian coastline, with its crystalline waters and unspoiled beaches.
Known for its Baroque architecture, this historic city is nestled among olive groves and vineyards, offering a serene escape with easy access to both the bustling town and tranquil seaside.
Where the sun dances on stones
Let yourself be enchanted by the lively squares and sun-drenched architecture. The city, renowned for its stunning Baroque churches, palaces, and monuments, is crafted from warm, honey-coloured limestone (coincidence, haha?) – an iconic material that is also one of the city’s key exports.
Feast your eyes on the ‘more is more’ interiors and exteriors of Baroque masterpieces in the old town: ornate pillars, carved ceilings and frescoed domes leave no doubt that they took a long time to build.
Stroll through the cobbled streets, put your feet up in our limehome Palazzo BN, right in the centre of the action, and return to the city in the evening to join the locals on their ‘passeggiata’ (the traditional Italian evening stroll) before sipping a cocktail in the trendy bars. The narrow streets of the old town are lined with inviting cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, perfect for lingering and exploring.
However, the must-dos here centre on sampling southern specialities. Here are some hotspots you should try:
Locals will urge you to join the queue. One lick of the gelato’s superior quality and flavor, and you’ll want to queue again.
From morning espresso to midday hunger pangs and into aperitivo hour (and beyond), this all-day bar is a must-try.
Frida Kahlo might have called this her favourite spot in Lecce, because here love is found in every detail.
A picture-perfect trattoria: authentic cuisine, family-run, locals at the tables and the staff presenting the menu.
Small restaurant with a constantly changing menu. Delicious pucce and a variety of locally brewed craft beers.
Salento peninsula
The weekend still doesn’t feel Italian enough, and La Dolce Vita isn’t calling out to you with the intensity you’d hoped for?
Then hop on a Vespa and explore the highlights of the Salento Peninsula. Within an hour’s ride, you can reach historic towns with impressive city walls, relaxing thermal springs and stunning, unspoiled beaches.
A detour to Santa Maria di Leuca, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, is especially worthwhile. Here, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, you’ll witness a mesmerising play of colours in the water that’s truly enchanting. And yes, the water is as crystal clear and turquoise blue as the photos promise.
Beaches like Spiaggia di Torre Specchia and Porto Selvaggio, with their pristine sand and clear waters, invite you to unwind. Wander through the fragrant pine forests in the nature reserves until you reach the sparkling sea. Whether you’re diving, swimming, or snorkelling, make the most of the beautiful waters.
And, of course, the culinary delights mustn’t be missed: savour local specialities like Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa and enjoy a glass of Primitivo, the rich wine of the region, as you eat your way through Italy’s heel.
Ready to bask in the warmth of Lecce?
As the sun dips low, casting a golden glow over Lecce’s ancient streets, you’ll find yourself wanting more of this southern Italian paradise. Each corner reveals a new story, from Baroque facades to coastal sunsets. But here’s the thing about Lecce – you never truly feel like a visitor. The warmth of its people, the rich history, and the endless flavors of the region make you feel like you belong.
So, why not let Lecce be the backdrop to your next adventure? The city is waiting, and la dolce vita is just around the corner.
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