10+1 things to do in Lecce & Salento
If you’re a curious and gentle traveler, and you wish to connect with Italian culture, language and people, take your time, smile and discover 10+1 things you’ll love experience in Lecce and Salento 🤗
1. Go to a local sagra and dance the Pizzica
The Pizzica, or Taranta, is the traditional dance of Salento, rooted in the ancient ritual of tarantism. Today, you can dance the Taranta at festivals and concerts.
2. Visit the Abbey of Cerrate
The Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate is an ancient Romanesque-style abbey nestled in the silence of the Salento countryside. You can book a guided tour, admire the frescoes and visit the old mill.
3. Stop by Ascalone Pastry Shop in Galatina
Ascalone is a historic pastry shop located in the town of Galatina. This is where the famous pasticciotto, a typical Salento dessert, was born. Take a stroll in Galatina, visit the famous Basilica, and then try a pasticciotto.
4. Walk to the Punta Palascia Lighthouse
The easternmost point of Italy is in Salento, near Otranto. It’s called Punta Palascia, and you can walk all the way to the lighthouse. The sea view is breathtaking. Go to the lighthouse and watch the sunrise.
5. Enjoy an aperitivo in Lecce’s historic center
A small table outdoors, the golden light of sunset, a glass of wine, and… typical Apulian food! Try frisa, mixed fried bites, rustico, tarallini, burrata, capocollo di Martina Franca, and fave e cicorie (fava beans and chicory). Taste all the appetizers!
6. Book lunch or dinner in a masseria
Masserie are traditional rural buildings typical of Puglia, surrounded by countryside. Today, many masserie are agritourisms, boutique hotels, or restaurants. Book a meal at Le Stanzie.
7. Have a glass of Negramaro wine
Negramaro is a typical Salento wine: its flavor is intense and slightly bitter. It’s also the name of a popular music band from the region. Sip a glass of wine and listen to Estate by Negramaro.
8. Find out what a pumo is
The pumo is a traditional Salento ceramic object shaped like a flower bud. It symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Spot the pumi on balconies in Lecce’s old town.
9. Get to know the wind
If you want to go to the beach, check the weather forecast first! Salento is often windy: Tramontana is cool and comes from the north, Scirocco is warm and comes from the south. What’s the weather like today?
10. Rent a car
Getting around by public transport can be tricky. Some places are reachable by train or bus, others aren’t. Renting a car — even just for a few days — lets you explore Salento with freedom.
11. Join an Italian language course in Lecce
Learning Italian while you’re in Salento is a beautiful way to connect more deeply with local people, culture, and everyday life. Plus, Lecce is full of inspiring places to practice what you learn — from markets and cafés to restaurants and festivals.
Even if you only know “Buongiorno”, after one week you’ll be able to have a conversation like Paula and Nigel (a retired couple form UK), Julia (a digital nomad from Germany), Pam and Jamie, Christian and other travelers & learners.
Discover other tips in “L’alfabeto del Salento”, the PDF guide you’ll receive when you book a one-to-one, a two-to-one or a mini-group course of Italian in Lecce.
