Camping in Porto Cesareo

Porto Cesareo, a corner of paradise located on the Ionian coast of Puglia, is one of the most popular places for tourists who want to combine the beauty of the crystal clear sea with a lively tourist offer. This small seaside village, located in Salento, is famous for its fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and its proximity to the islands of Porto Cesareo, such as Isola dei Conigli, a truly uncontaminated corner of the Mediterranean. It is therefore not surprising that Porto Cesareo has become one of the reference points for summer holidays in Puglia, attracting visitors from all over Italy and the world.

Why choose a camping vacation in Porto Cesareo

If you are looking for a holiday immersed in nature, but without sacrificing comfort and convenience, camping in Porto Cesareo is a perfect choice. The area offers various facilities for campers, campers and nature lovers, who want to spend their stay in a relaxing, but well-serviced environment. Thanks to the variety of campsites and equipped areas, Porto Cesareo is an ideal stopover point for those traveling in campers or tents. But what are the best campsites in the area? In this article we recommend some of the best facilities based on the services offered.

The best campsites in Porto Cesareo

1. CAMPING VILLAGE PORTO CESAREO

Located a few steps from the beach and crystal clear waters, Camping Village Porto Cesareo is one of the most popular facilities in the area. This campsite offers a wide choice of pitches for campers and tents, all well shaded and equipped with all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay. There are also bungalows and mobile homes available to guests for those who prefer a more comfortable stay. The campsite is equipped with a swimming pool, restaurant, supermarket and modern toilets, ideal for families and groups of friends. Furthermore, its strategic position allows you to easily explore the natural wonders of Porto Cesareo.

2. CAMPING TORRE CASTIGLIONE

A short distance from Porto Cesareo, Camping Torre Castiglione is a perfect choice for those who love adventure and the beauty of Salento’s nature. This campsite is located near the historic watchtower of Castiglione and offers well-equipped pitches for campers, caravans and tents. The area is particularly appreciated for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to the wonderful golden sandy beaches. The campsite has high-quality services, including a children’s play area, a bar and a restaurant offering typical local dishes. Perfect for families and couples who want to enjoy the sea in total relaxation.

3. SHADAK VILLAGE CAMPING PARK

Village Camping Park Shadak is located in Porto Cesareo, in a Messapian fortification with an amphitheatre, large gardens and water features. An enchantment as if time had stopped, offering an outdoor lifestyle among olive trees, palm trees and pine trees. 600 m from the crystal clear sea of ​​Salento, the holiday centre offers guests:

• the camping area, with shaded pitches equipped with electricity;
• the village area, with mobile homes that can accommodate up to 6 people;
• Bed & Breakfast with independent rooms, with private bathroom and well furnished;
• a restaurant, also ideal for ceremonies and events.

Numerous other services present within the structure will make your holidays in Puglia an unforgettable stay!

• Free wifi internet connection
• Yoga courses are organized on request
• Horses are rented on request
• Hairdresser and beautician service on request

4. CAMPING LIDO DEGLI ANGELI

Another very popular campsite in Porto Cesareo is Camping Lido degli Angeli, a structure that overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches in Salento. The large area for campers is equipped with all the comforts, including electrical connections and modern toilets. This campsite is known for its welcoming and family atmosphere, where guests can relax under the Puglia sun and enjoy numerous recreational activities. In addition to its proximity to the beach, the structure also offers a restaurant, a bar and a children’s play area, making it ideal for families with small children.

5. SANTA CHIARA

Santa Chiara is a camper parking area in Porto Cesareo, open only in the summer (from June to August). The following services are included in the daily cost for parking: electricity, drinking water, hot showers, loading and unloading. Also included in the daily cost is the shuttle service offered from 08:00 to 20:00 at the equipped area, complete with all services and custody, always pertaining to the camper parking area. The area is located in the center of Torre Lapillo and is only 20 meters from the splendid and enchanting beaches famous throughout the world, finally just a few meters from the equipped area there are supermarkets, bars, fishmongers and many other services.

Advantages of camping in Porto Cesareo

Choosing a campsite in Porto Cesareo brings with it numerous advantages, which make this experience unique and unforgettable.

• First of all, camping allows you to enjoy a direct connection with nature, waking up every morning immersed in the greenery and tranquility of the surrounding area. Staying in a campsite offers the opportunity to spend days in the open air, including excursions, water sports and long walks on the beach.
• Another notable advantage of camping is the possibility of living a more intimate and authentic experience of the place, compared to hotels or more touristy facilities. Campsites are usually human-sized and, while offering all modern comforts, maintain a relaxed and less chaotic atmosphere.
• Furthermore, Porto Cesareo offers an excellent network of well-located campsites, which allow you to easily explore all the natural beauty of Salento, without having to face long or stressful journeys. The proximity to the most beautiful beaches, the variety of services offered and the possibility of living in a natural environment make camping a perfect choice for those looking for a holiday dedicated to freedom and relaxation.
• Finally, staying in a campsite in Porto Cesareo is also an cheap choice compared to other accommodation solutions, without sacrificing quality and comfort. If you travel by camper, you will also have the advantage of having greater independence compared to other tourists, living a tailor-made holiday.

Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or nature, the campsites of Porto Cesareo will offer you a memorable experience.

Blu Salento Village is a 4-star village located in the heart of Sant’Isidoro, a 10-minute drive from Porto Cesareo. We are in one of the most beautiful places to spend your holidays in Puglia, directly on the sea, immersed in a bay with wonderful colors, a true oasis of relaxation and fun for families and couples.

The rooms of Blu Salento Village

Blu Salento Village has 303 rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, telephone, TV and minibar (filling on request, for a fee), bathroom with shower. They are divided into: Standard, Garden, Suite and Comfort.

The private beach

Village Blu is located a few steps from the sea, reachable on foot just across the road. The equipped beach boasts fine white sand, ideal for children. The beach service must be booked and paid for exclusively on site upon arrival, and includes 2 sun loungers and 1 umbrella per room. For those who love water sports, there are several opportunities to try activities such as windsurfing, kayaking and pedal boats.

The restaurant

Blu Salento Village offers half-board (breakfast and dinner) or full-board with breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, self-service drinks included with meals (water and house wine), Salento menu once a week, and the possibility of a packed lunch for those who want to spend the day outside the facility.

Activities and Services

To complete the Blu Salento Village offer, a wide range of services including: mini club, junior club, sports fields (tennis, basketball, volleyball), swimming pools, as well as a series of daytime and evening activities, shows dedicated to adults and children, games, sports tournaments and creative workshops.

Explore the surroundings

Blu Salento Village is not only a facility where you can relax, but also an excellent starting point for exploring Salento. Porto Cesareo is famous for its historic center, rich in traditions, but also for its splendid nature reserves, such as the Riserva Naturale Orientata Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera, a corner of paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

It is also possible to book excursions to visit the Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park, an enchanting protected natural area that includes about 400 hectares of coast and 200 of pine forest.

A few kilometers away are other wonderful Salento locations, such as Gallipoli, with its breathtaking beaches and its historic center overlooking the sea, and Lecce, the “Florence of the South“, famous for its baroque churches and its rich cultural heritage.

In short, whether you are looking for a quiet relaxing holiday, a romantic getaway or an adventure with your family, Blu Salento Village is able to satisfy every need!

Alberobello, a picturesque town located in the heart of Puglia, is famous for its characteristic trulli, ancient conical stone buildings that represent a unique heritage of rural architecture. Among all the trulli that adorn the town, one in particular stands out for its size and historical importance: the Trullo Sovrano.

Historical notes and structure

Built in 1700, the Trullo Sovrano was an example of adaptation and architectural ingenuity typical of the area. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that, unlike traditional trulli, the Trullo Sovrano has two floors. This makes it a rare example of a “two-storey” trullo, which testifies to the ability of the traditional construction to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of daily life: allowing the family who lived there to enjoy more living space. The original structure was probably a private home, but over time it was also used as a commercial site and as an administrative center.

The first floor consists of a large central room, while the second floor is reached via an internal staircase and houses additional rooms. The roof of the trullo is characterized by the typical conical shape of the trulli, but in this case the width and height of the structure are impressive.

The Trullo Sovrano today: a Museum not to be missed

Over the years, the trullo has been restored and transformed into a museum that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the construction and daily life of the inhabitants of Alberobello.

Inside, visitors can explore rooms furnished in a traditional style, with objects and furniture from the period that recreate the atmosphere of a typical Apulian home. The museum also tells the story of the trulli and how these buildings have become a symbol of resistance and architectural ingenuity.

The Trullo Sovrano is an essential stop for those visiting Alberobello, both for history buffs and architecture lovers. We therefore recommend that you include it in your itinerary in Alberobello. In this article you can find a list of the best activities you can do in this fantastic village.

Trulli are the most significant symbol of Puglia, a type of construction that fascinates for its uniqueness and beauty. These cone-shaped buildings, made with dry stones without the use of mortar, are a true architectural marvel and a testimony of the popular tradition of Puglia. Evidence of these constructions is the town of Alberobello, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, precisely for the historical and cultural value of its trulli.

Origins and history of Trulli

The history of trulli dates back to ancient times, but their diffusion occurred above all in the 16th century. In this historical period, the Kingdom of Naples imposed the “Prammatica De Baronibus“, an edict that obliged local lords to pay a very heavy tribute for each newly built town. The owners of the land on which Alberobello stands, the Counts of Conversano D’Acquaviva D’Aragona, had no intention of paying and decided to force the farmers to build dry houses, that is, without glue between the stones so that they could be destroyed if necessary. The stones, in fact, were positioned without the use of mortar, so that the roofs could be removed in case of inspection.

Architectural features

The trulli are made of local limestone and are recognizable by their cone-shaped roofs, which make them easily recognizable even from afar. The shape of the roof is designed to withstand the summer heat of Puglia, with a design that allows the rooms to remain cool even during the hottest days.

Many trulli are decorated with religious or magical symbols, such as crosses, spirals and other signs, which were designed to protect the homes and the people who lived there. These symbols have a deep meaning in the popular culture of Puglia, linked to faith and traditional beliefs.

Where to see trulli in Puglia

Trulli are particularly widespread in the Itria Valley, an area of ​​Puglia mainly included in the province of Brindisi, and the main places where you can admire them are:

• Alberobello: The city of trulli par excellence, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here we find two districts: Rione Monti, the “commercial area” with over a thousand visible trulli, most of which are used as B&Bs, souvenir shops and restaurants and Rione Aia Piccola, the more “residential” but more authentic.
• Locorotondo: Another fascinating town in the Itria Valley, where you can find trulli scattered among its hills.
• Martina Franca: In the area of ​​this town, there are many trulli, which blend in with the splendid baroque architecture of the historic center. Many of these are private homes or used as B&Bs and/or farms.
• Cisternino: This picturesque village also offers an enchanting view of the trulli that dot the surrounding countryside.
• Fasano: In the rural area of ​​Fasano, trulli are still present in large numbers, and some historic masserie preserve them as part of their heritage.

If you intend to organize a trip to Puglia to admire these famous buildings, here are some itineraries specifically designed based on the days at your disposal.

A trip to Puglia cannot be complete without a visit to Alberobello, the city of Trulli par excellence. Trulli are the typical white houses with conical roofs dating back to the 16th century. The city is a true World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO in 1996, and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting this region. In this article we provide you with a list of things to do and see (and eat) that you absolutely cannot miss during your visit to Alberobello.

1. Stroll through the streets of Rione Monti

Rione Monti is the most famous area of ​​Alberobello, where there are about 1,000 trulli. Walking through its streets will make you feel like you have gone back in time. Don’t forget to stop in one of the many souvenir shops that sell local crafts, such as ceramics, typical products and handmade objects. Many of these trulli are in fact used for commercial activities (shops, restaurants) as well as tourist rentals and accommodation facilities. For this reason, the Rione Monti is considered the most “commercial” part of Alberobello.

2. Explore the Rione Aia Piccola

The Rione Aia Piccola represents the most “authentic” and ancient part of the city. It is a neighborhood located on the south-east side of Alberobello and takes its name from the fact that in ancient times there was a “small” farmyard, used for collecting tithes, opposite another “larger” farmyard in the area. Today the entire neighborhood is perhaps the most characteristic and peaceful corner of the city, in many ways still inhabited by citizens of Alberobello and free from the chaotic air of the bazaars of the Rione Monti. Don’t miss a walk to the Belvedere of Alberobello here.

3. Visit the Trullo Sovrano

The Trullo Sovrano is one of the largest and most representative trulli of Alberobello, built in the 18th century. It is located in the highest area of ​​the city and today it is used as a museum. Here you can discover the history of the trulli and the city, as well as admire the typical furnishings of the time.

4. Discover the Church of Sant’Antonio

This church, built entirely of stone, is one of the main religious attractions of Alberobello. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it was built with the typical trullo shape, combining the religious tradition with the architectural tradition of the trulli.

5. Visit the Museo del Territorio

If you want to learn more about the history of Alberobello and its trulli, the Museo del Territorio is the right place. Located in a historic trullo, the museum offers an overview of rural life and traditional architecture of the region through numerous finds and exhibitions.

6. Excursion to the Itria Valley

If you have more days available, do not miss the opportunity to explore other beautiful towns and villages of the Itria Valley. Not far from Alberobello you can visit Locorotondo, Ostuni and Martina Franca, famous for its olive groves, vineyards and hilly landscapes. You can take a walk among the masserie or take a bike for a panoramic tour. In this article you will find some ideas for day trips from Alberobello.

7. Take a bike tour

Several agencies offer rentals for bike excursions through the trulli and the surrounding area, often including a stop at masserie in the area where you can take part in guided tours and tastings of local products (olive oil and local wines).

8. Take Apulian cooking lessons

In Alberobello you can take part in cooking lessons in many masserie and/or agritourisms and you can learn how to prepare typical dishes such as orecchiette, focaccia, taralli pugliesi and other local specialties.

9. Taste the typical dishes of the Apulian tradition

You can’t leave Alberobello without tasting some of the typical dishes of the Apulian cuisine such as orecchiette with turnip tops, focaccia barese, caciocavallo and mozzarella accompanied by Primitivo wine.

10. Stay in a Trullo

Last but not least, if you are planning a visit to Alberobello, we highly recommend staying in a trullo. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the place, breathing in the history and tradition of the past. You can choose to stay in a classic B&B and/or holiday home, as well as consider a stay in the first scattered hotel in Puglia: Trulli Holiday, in the Aia Piccola district.

Alberobello, with its famous trulli, is one of the pearls of Puglia and an unmissable attraction for every tourist who comes to this region. But if you plan to explore the Itria Valley area, you will be surprised to discover that in the surroundings of Alberobello there is much more to see, enchanting places, each with a unique charm! Discovering these places will allow you to have a broader idea of ​​what this region has to offer: culture, food and wine traditions, craftsmanship, typical buildings, natural beauty and much more.

In this article we talk about some of these wonderful villages, which you can combine with a visit to nearby Alberobello.

1. Locorotondo: the “round village”

Just 10 kilometers from Alberobello, Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its historic center, characterized by narrow streets and white houses, is perfect for a relaxing walk. The name “Locorotondo” comes from its circular plan, which develops around the mother church. Don’t forget to taste the famous white wine of the area, the Locorotondo DOC, a delight for the palate! During the Christmas holidays, this town transforms into an enchanted village, paved with lights and Christmas decorations to remind you of a magical village!

2. Martina Franca: between baroque and food&wine

About 15 minutes by car from Alberobello, Martina Franca is a city rich in history and culture. Walking through the center, you will come across beautiful baroque buildings, such as the Palazzo Ducale, and the splendid Basilica of San Martino. Every year Martina Franca hosts the Festival della Valle d’Itria (from mid-July to mid-August), a festival that attracts thousands of opera and classical music enthusiasts. Martina Franca is the home of the renowned Primitivo di Manduria DOC wine; wine lovers can book guided tours + wine tasting in one of the many wineries here. In this article we recommend some of them.

Don’t miss a lunch and/or dinner in one of the many trattorias in the historic center to taste some of the typical local products such as Capocollo of Martina Franca, soppressate and caciocavallo.

3. Castellana Grotte: a unique example of karst in Puglia

If you love nature and adventure, you can’t miss the Castellana Grotte, just 20 km from Alberobello. This extraordinary complex of underground caves is one of the most visited natural places in Puglia. With their spectacular landscape of stalactites and stalagmites, the caves offer a unique experience. A guided tour will take you into the heart of the earth, among incredible rock formations, including the famous “Grotta Bianca”, the most fascinating of all. In this article we tell you more about it.

4. Monopoli: on the Adriatic coast of Puglia

About 30 km from Alberobello, Monopoli is a coastal town that is definitely worth a visit. Its historic center, with the castle and baroque churches, is enchanting. But the real attraction is its beautiful beaches, such as Cala Porta Vecchia and Cala Paradiso, where you can relax and swim in crystal clear waters. Monopoli is the ideal place for a bit of relaxation after a day of exploration. In this article we tell you more about it.

5. Cisternino: a fairytale village

In the tour of the Itria Valley you can’t miss another of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Cisternino, just 15 km from Alberobello. The structure of the village is typical made of narrow streets of white houses in which to get lost, all to be admired, because every corner of this town has a suggestive glimpse to imprint in your mind and to photograph. After a nice walk, you can relax in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, whose clock, in addition to marking time, is the symbol of this town, together with the Church dedicated to San Nicola.

6. Ostuni: the “white city”

Less than an hour away from Alberobello we find Ostuni, the “white city” famous for its historic center entirely painted with white lime. Walking through the small streets of white houses, souvenir shops, excellent restaurants and buildings rich in history and art, will be an unforgettable experience. The beautiful Piazza di Sant’Oronzo, symbol of the city, is the beating heart of the city’s nightlife. Don’t miss a visit to the cathedral, a magnificent example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.

7. Polignano a Mare: a balcony overlooking the sea

30 km from Alberobello, Polignano a Mare is a small pearl on the Adriatic coast, famous for its cliffs and white houses overlooking the sea. The emblem of the city is Lama Monachile, a small inlet of sand and water, nestled between two rock walls overlooking the sea, the protagonist of all the photos taken in the city.

How to organize your visit

If you want to extend your visit to the Itria Valley, you can add one or more of these locations to your itinerary. Considering the small size of these villages, they are well suited to “day trips” to add to your visit to Alberobello. To make the most of all the time at your disposal, our advice is to organize a tour with a private driver in order to move more quickly from one place to another, as well as to reach locations, wineries, beaches, not reachable by public transport.

If you are in Puglia or are thinking of organizing a vacation in this beautiful region, do not forget to include a day trip to Alberobello in your travel itinerary.

The town, known for its characteristic trulli (we talk about them better here) offers a unique combination of natural beauty, history, traditions and typical flavors.

What to do and see in Alberobello in one day

1. Walk among the trulli. The first thing that strikes visitors to Alberobello is certainly its unique architecture. The most famous neighborhood, Rione Monti, is a labyrinth of white trulli, most of which are used as b&bs and/or holiday homes, souvenir shops and restaurants. It is the perfect place to take a quiet walk, take breathtaking photos and discover hidden corners. Do not forget to stop in front of the famous Church of Sant’Antonio, a trullo transformed into a church, a unique example of religious architecture. Do not miss the Rione Aia Piccola, the most “authentic” and ancient part of Alberobello, with mostly residential trulli. Here, a stop at the Belvedere of Alberobello is a must!

2. Visit to the Trullo Sovrano. For those who want to discover how families lived in the trulli, a visit to the Trullo Sovrano is a must. This is the largest trullo in Alberobello, with two floors and furnished like a traditional home. It is a great way to understand the history and culture of the village.

3. Visit to the Trullo Siamese. Legend has it that two brothers lived in the Trullo Siamese, both protagonists of a love triangle with a young woman from the village. The eldest of the brothers, promised to the girl, had to deal with the betrayal of his beloved, who fell in love with the younger brother. The cohabitation between the three became unbearable, leading the older brother to chase away the two lovers. The story takes an unexpected turn when the younger brother decides to appeal the right to inherit his share of the trullo. In an act of wisdom and justice, the Trullo Siamese was divided into two parts, each brother being given his own conical dwelling. This symbolic act, a compromise that balanced the needs of both brothers, highlights the theme of brotherhood and divided love that characterizes the Trullo Siamese.

4. Discover the history of the trulli at the Museo del Territorio. The small but remarkable museum houses in 15 interconnected trulli, numerous artifacts and exhibits regarding the origins of the trulli and the extraordinary peasant culture that underpins it.

5. Tour with tasting of typical products. Take a break from sightseeing with a tasting tour and savor the local products: olive oil, wine, fresh cheeses, focaccia barese, orecchiette with turnip tops and, of course, panzerotto, a typical fritter filled with mozzarella and tomato. Don’t forget to try taralli and caciocavallo, two products much loved by the people of Puglia.

6. Attend a ceramic workshop. To take home a piece of Alberobello, attend a ceramic workshop where you can learn to decorate dishes and objects in a traditional style. It is a fun experience and an opportunity to take home an authentic memory of the place.

If you are planning a visit to Alberobello, we strongly recommend that you stop at least one night to sleep in a trullo. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the place, breathing in the history and tradition of the past.

How to organize your visit

If you want to visit Alberobello in a comfortable and worry-free way, you can opt for an organized tour with a private driver. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape of the Itria Valley without the stress of driving, and you will have time to explore Alberobello calmly, without being subject to public transport timetables.

Lecce, the capital of the Baroque Salento, is the favorite destination for tourists visiting Salento. The city offers its visitors not only an unparalleled historical and cultural wealth, but also a shopping experience that combines style, tradition and quality. Walking through the streets of the historic center, among historic buildings and elegant squares, you can discover a selection of shops that satisfy every type of need, from the most accessible brands to high fashion ones.

The main streets for shopping in Lecce

The beating heart of Lecce shopping is found in the historic center, where the streets and squares intertwine in a path that is a real discovery. Via Giuseppe Mazzini, one of the main commercial arteries, is the reference point for the most exclusive and high-end shopping. Here you can find boutiques of Italian and international designers, with elegant windows displaying the latest collections.

A few steps away, there is Via Libertini, where you can explore a mix of clothing, footwear and accessory shops, from large chains to local brands. The narrow streets around Piazza Sant’Oronzo and the famous Piazza Duomo are perfect for discovering local artisan shops, jewelers and small ateliers offering unique handmade pieces.

Whether it’s a stroll through high-fashion shops or a bargain hunt, Lecce has something for everyone. For those looking for trendy clothes but keeping an eye on their wallet, the historic center also offers fast fashion shops, with brands loved by young people such as Zara, H&M and Benetton, which allow you to renew your wardrobe with style and at affordable prices.

For those who want to shop for luxury, Lecce does not disappoint. The high-fashion boutiques on Via Mazzini host the big names in Italian and international fashion, such as Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton, where visitors can discover the latest collections and shop in an exclusive environment. The high quality of the leather, fabrics and fine materials is reflected in every single product, offering a shopping experience that makes every customer feel like a VIP.

Local craft shops

A fundamental aspect of shopping in Lecce is the possibility of taking home a piece of Salento craftsmanship. Many shops in the city offer local products, such as hand-painted ceramics, silver jewelry and custom-made leather shoes, an artisan excellence that tells the story and tradition of Puglia. Don’t forget to visit the shops that sell the famous Salento “pizzo” and the typical “papier-mâché“ shops, an intrinsic art of Lecce culture.

Traditional food shops

A stroll through the shopping streets of Lecce cannot ignore the discovery of its flavors. The city is also famous for its gastronomic delicacies, so we recommend stopping in one of the historic cafes or typical trattorias to taste the typical pasticciotto, the typical Lecce dessert, or a rustico salentino, a tasty snack that will make you feel even more immersed in the local culture. Not to be missed in the streets around Piazza Sant’Oronzo, a stop in one of the many Apulian taralli shops where you can find the most varied flavors of both sweet and savory taralli!

Lecce, a charming corner of Puglia, is a city that enchants visitors with its thousand-year history, lively traditions and its unmistakable architectural style: the Lecce Baroque. Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is a true open-air museum that deserves to be discovered in all its nuances. If you are planning an itinerary in Lecce, here is a list of the 10 places and monuments that you absolutely must not miss.

1. Piazza del Duomo: a jewel in the beating heart of Lecce

Piazza del Duomo is the beating heart of Lecce, a place that will leave you breathless. Surrounded by imposing baroque buildings, the square is dominated by the majestic Duomo di Lecce. Do not miss a visit inside the cathedral and climb the bell tower to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. In the evening, the lighting makes this place even more suggestive. During the Christmas holidays, the courtyard of the Piazza hosts the nativity scene with a series of light installations that are reflected on the facade of the Duomo and the surrounding buildings.

2. Basilica of Santa Croce: a masterpiece of Lecce Baroque

Another masterpiece of Lecce Baroque is the Basilica of Santa Croce. The facade, decorated with a myriad of details, is a perfect example of the art that characterizes the city. Entering inside, you will find yourself in front of a serene and majestic atmosphere, ideal for a visit that will leave you speechless.

3. Roman Amphitheater: a leap into the past

If you are a history buff, you cannot miss the Roman Amphitheater. Located in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, this ancient amphitheater hosted games and shows during the Roman era and today offers a fascinating spectacle for visitors. The well-preserved ruins will allow you to imagine ancient Lecce and its traditions.

4. Piazza Sant’Oronzo

More than a simple square, Piazza Sant’Oronzo is a sort of living room of the city of Lecce, elegant and refined. In fact, some of the most significant buildings overlook the square, including the Palazzetto del Sedile (the ancient municipal seat), the Church of San Marco and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, as well as the aforementioned Roman Amphitheater. In the center of the square, stands the column donated to the city by Brindisi, on top of which the statue depicting Sant’Oronzo was placed.

5. Porta Napoli: the entrance to the “old” city

Porta Napoli is one of the main entrance gates to the old city and is one of the most representative structures of Lecce. Its grandeur and neoclassical style will welcome you at the beginning of your adventure. Accompanying the “Gate”, the imposing Obelisk, erected in honor of the king of the Two Sicilies Ferdinand I of Bourbon, who had promoted the construction of the Lecce-Taranto road, projecting Lecce outside its walls.

6. Faggiano Museum

If you want to discover the city’s past in a unique way, visit the Faggiano Museum. The historic building owned by the Faggiano family, used as a museum, offers the opportunity to visit interesting historical-archaeological testimonies (tombs, cisterns, granaries, walkways, etc.), resurfaced during the restoration work, referring to different historical periods starting from the Messapians.

7. The Castle of Charles V

The Castle of Charles V is one of the main fortifications of the city, built in the 15th century. Today it hosts cultural events, exhibitions and demonstrations. In this article we talk about it in more detail.

8. The Churches of Lecce

Lecce is a city full of churches, each with its own history and beauty. In addition to the aforementioned Basilica of Santa Croce and the Cathedral, don’t miss the Church of San Matteo, an extraordinary example of Baroque, and the Church of Sant’Irene, which hides frescoes and works of art of great value inside. Every church in Lecce tells a story, and every corner holds surprises.

9. Roman Theater

In addition to the famous Roman Amphitheater (in Piazza Sant’Oronzo), we recommend you also head to the Roman Theater, also in the center. The complex is nothing less than the only example of civil architecture intended for theater in all of Puglia, discovered by pure chance in 1929. Inside, the stage is still clearly visible, 6 meters wide and more than 30 meters long, on which the performances were performed. The 5,000 spectators instead took their seats on the front steps.

10. Sigismondo Castromediano Museum

For history buffs, a visit to the Sigismondo Castromediano Museum is a must! The Museum, owned by the Province of Lecce, allows you to deepen your knowledge of Salento through the exhibition of interesting archaeological finds dating back to prehistoric times and in particular to the Messapian and Roman domination.

Lecce, located in the heart of Salento, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in Puglia thanks to the important historical-artistic testimonies of its buildings and monuments. Not only that, Lecce also lends itself to the organization of numerous itineraries thanks to its privileged position, close to the beaches of the Salento coast and characteristic villages. If you are planning a visit, here are the main activities to do in Lecce and its surroundings to best experience this enchanting city.

In this article, we recommend some excellent structures for your stay; while in this article, some itinerary ideas in Puglia depending on the days at your disposal.

1. Walk in the historic center of Lecce

Enter the pulsating heart of Lecce through one of its main “gates”: Porta Rudiae, Porta Napoli and Porta San Biagio and lose yourself along the narrow streets of the historic center. Explore the most hidden squares and stop in the numerous artisan shops that sell ceramics, fabrics and typical products of Salento. Every corner of Lecce is a small masterpiece to be discovered. In this article we recommend the most important monuments to visit in Lecce.

2. Tasting typical dishes: Salento cuisine

Salento cuisine is another reason to visit Lecce. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste typical dishes such as “puccia” (a sort of Salento focaccia filled with cured meats and other condiments), “rustico“, “pasticciotto“, the most famous dessert of the city, accompanied by the typical “caffè leccese” with almond milk. Don’t miss the “frisa” and “taralli“.

3. Visit the “underground Lecce”

Perhaps not everyone knows that there is an underground Lecce, formed over the centuries, nymphaeums, oil mills, cisterns, granaries, Roman roads and escape routes are just some of the places hidden under the streets of the city. There is also a small river that flows under the historic center and you can partly see it by visiting some of Lecce’s buildings. The tour includes a visit to the hypogeum of the Duomo, the ancient Roman cisterns, the underground Roman amphitheater and numerous secret tunnels and passages that connect different areas of the city.

4. Trekking at the Costa Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca Regional Natural Park

If you want to take a break from the city and immerse yourself in nature, the Costa Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca Regional Natural Park is the perfect choice. It is located a short distance from Lecce and offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, breathtaking views and a crystal clear sea that will captivate you.

5. Relaxing day at the seaside

You can’t visit Lecce without taking a trip to the beautiful beaches of Salento. The Lecce coast is famous for its crystal clear waters and golden beaches. The towns of Torre dell’Orso, San Foca and Melendugno are just some of the ideal destinations for a relaxing day at the seaside. Not to be missed if you come to Puglia in the summer!

6. Discover the Salento villages

Salento, a land rich in history and traditions, offers numerous charming villages to discover around Lecce. Among these we recommend Otranto, with its medieval historic center and splendid cathedral; Galatina, famous for the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria; Nardò, with its baroque architecture and evocative old center; Acaya, a small but picturesque village that boasts a well-preserved castle and a timeless atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

7. Take a Salento cooking class

Instead of simply eating, try cooking with a Salento cooking class. Several local cooking schools offer hands-on lessons where you can learn to prepare typical dishes such as orecchiette, purée di fave or pasticciotto, the famous Lecce dessert. An engaging and tasty experience!

8. Papier-mâché workshop

Lecce is famous for its artisan tradition linked to papier-mâché. Many of the city’s workshops allow you to closely observe the process of creating these works, which range from traditional masks to artistic sculptures. Some artisans also offer workshops where you can try to create your own unique piece.