It’s hard to find a more harmonious urban landscape than Lecce’s.

With its captivating blend of Baroque elegance and sun-drenched Mediterranean charm, Lecce is a year-round destination—equally delightful in summer and winter.

Just a short drive from the city takes you to fairy-tale villages, dazzling white beaches, and ancient traditions that echo the spirit of Greece in Puglia.

Exploring the area is a joy for the eyes, the taste buds, and the soul.

Want to elevate your stay? Follow the habits of the locals. Here the best things to do in Lecce like a true Leccese:

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10. Start the day with a pasticciotto and caffè leccese

Lecce is a city of elegance and beauty, where everything feels in harmony—from the golden hues of its signature pietra leccese stone to the graceful curves of its Baroque buildings. Even the food seems to follow the same aesthetic rules.

 

9. Visit the church with no façade

Lecce’s historic center is alive with carved rosettes, elaborate friezes, and whimsical stone figures. Every church has a story—except one that stands out by what's missing.

The Church of San Francesco della Scarpa breaks the mold: it has no façade. Tucked quietly into the portico of the Collegio Palmieri, it’s a surprising sight in this otherwise ornate city.

Legend has it that St. Francis stopped here on his way to the Holy Land and left one of his sandals behind as a token of gratitude.

Though no longer consecrated, the church hosts art exhibitions and conferences. Inside, you can still admire 17th-century frescoes and four surviving original altars. Fun fact: in the 1800s, the church’s bell tower served as a meteorological station, thanks to local scientist Cosimo De Giorgi.

 

8. Discover the magic of winter in Lecce

While Puglia may be synonymous with summer, winter in Lecce holds its own kind of magic.

In December, don’t miss the Fiera di Santa Lucia, which marks the start of the holiday season with a market filled with artisan crafts—especially intricate nativity scenes in terracotta and papier-mâché.

Come January, head to nearby Novoli for La Fòcara, the giant bonfire celebrating Sant’Antonio Abate. It’s one of the most heartfelt events in the Salento region. Bonus: Novoli is also nestled in the Negramaro wine park—perfect for a post-bonfire glass of local red.

Looking for a great place to stay any time of year? Holidays Lecce is a charming B&B close to the old town and nightlife. Pet-friendly and ideal for both holidays and business trips, it offers spacious, comfortable rooms with all the essentials.

 

7. Peek into Lecce’s hidden courtyards

Some of the city’s most enchanting corners lie behind closed doors. Inside the grand Baroque façades of Lecce’s old town are secret courtyards—romantic, quiet retreats that few tourists ever see.

 

6. Hunt for a cheeky window

Keep your eyes peeled at 22 Via Palmieri. Just steps from Piazza Duomo, there’s a grill window shaped... well, suggestively. Rumors suggest it once marked a brothel, though art historians lean towards a Liberty-style decorative flourish from the early 1900s.

Like all ancient cities, Lecce is filled with stories, legends, and oddities. Another popular tale? Students claim bad luck follows anyone who steps on the she-wolf mosaic in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Just superstition? You decide.

 

5. Plan a day trip like a local

Lecce’s surrounding area is brimming with treasures, many just a short drive away. If you’re in town in May, don’t miss Cortili Aperti, when usually private historic courtyards open to the public—giving you a rare glimpse into the city’s hidden beauty.

Make sure to visit the inner courtyard of the Seminario in Piazza Duomo, home to the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art and a striking Baroque well topped with a statue of Saint Irene.

For an adventure outside the city, head to Galatina, Maglie, or Specchia for a laid-back dose of art and architecture, or to the coast—Santa Caterina offers crystal waters and sea caves ideal for diving or kitesurfing.

Prefer a beach day? Locals love Torre Chianca, known for its shallow waters and scenic 16th-century tower. And in the evening, unwind at a local vineyard with a glass of Pugliese wine.

 

4. Have dinner in a masseria

Dining in a masseria is a quintessential Puglian experience. These historic farm estates, often converted into charming inns or restaurants, offer the chance to eat beneath a pergola, surrounded by olive trees and the scent of the countryside.

With their whitewashed walls and wide inner courtyards, masserie recall Spain’s haciendas and whisper tales of rural life. Inside, you’ll often find remnants of their past—stables, wells, storerooms, and more.

A dinner here isn’t just about food—it’s a step into a slower, more genuine time.

 

3. Bring home a papier-mâché treasure

Around Lecce Cathedral and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll find artisan shops filled with the distinctive scent of glue and paper. These are the homes of Lecce’s famed cartapesta masters.

This tradition dates back to the 17th century, when local barbers began crafting religious figures from humble materials like paper, straw, and chalk—creating expressive, lifelike statues for the city’s growing number of Baroque churches.

Want to see what they were capable of? Step into Santa Chiara Church and look up. That ornate ceiling isn’t wood—it’s all papier-mâché.

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2. Spend the evening in the piazzas

Lecce’s nightlife is all about the vasca—the beloved tradition of strolling back and forth along the main streets and piazzas under the stars.

Whether it’s Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Piazza del Duomo, Piazzetta Santa Chiara, or Porta San Biagio, locals and visitors gather here for aperitifs, music, conversation, and laughter. Especially in summer, every evening turns into a lively celebration of life and community.

Wind down your night the Lecce way—with a glass of wine, a chat in a candlelit alley... and one last warm pasticciotto.

 

1. Dance with tarantulas (sort of)

Want to experience the beating heart of Salento’s folk culture? Learn the pizzica—a passionate, rhythmic dance once believed to cure women bitten by tarantulas.

Today, no spiders are involved, but the music and movement remain just as entrancing.

You can take a pizzica lesson in Lecce and learn the basics in a couple of hours—enough to jump into any impromptu dance party in the piazzas during summer. 

For the full experience, don’t miss La Notte della Taranta, held each August in Melpignano, just 20 minutes from Lecce. This major concert brings together thousands to celebrate Salento’s vibrant music and dance traditions.

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