Lecce city breaks, Puglia Holidays - short stays & long weekend breaks in Lecce

Lecce is the provincial capital of Salento in the south of Puglia. It is known as the "Florence of the South" with its fine historical pedigree and culture dating back to the Roman times and is one of the reasons why it is popular for a city break.

The "centro storico" or old town, which is accessed through 3 gates - Porta Rudiae, Porta San Biagio and Porta Napoli, is a master piece of Baroque architecture which can be seen pn the facades of the many palaces and churches. One of the main square, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, was partially built on top of a Roman amphitheatre with half of the ruins still visible.

At a glance...
Historical centre
Beaches
Golf
Water parks - Splash Waterpark, Gallipoli
Watersports - Windsurfing, Sailing
Vineyards
Family friendly
Restaurants 100+
Local airport Brindisi (33km)

Nightlife

For dinner, there are many restaurants offering alfresco dining along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and down Via Palmieri and for late evening entertainment, Lecce boasts a wide selection of classy cocktail bars and nightclubs.

The Gelateria Pasticceria Natale is known as Lecce's best ice cream and cake shop and no visit to Lecce is complete without at least one visit!

Outside of the city, Otranto and Gallipoli are the hotspots where the beach bars are transformed in to open air discos and throughout the summer, the parties go right the way through the night until sunrise! The Bahia club in Otranto is very popular at the weekends.

lecce nightlife

Beaches

The beaches close to Lecce are superb and rate as some of the best in the region. A couple of beaches that stand out include....

Torre dell'Orso

A 30 minute drive heading towards Otranto takes you to the golden sands of Torre dell'Orso. A stunning beach flanked by pine forests and chalky white cliffs. It comes with full facilities including beach bars and restaurants. Tourists from across Puglia come in their droves attracted by the gentle waters, amazing seafood restaurants and watersports.

Porto Cesareo

Around a 40 minute drive from the city on the Ionian side of Puglia is the pretty coastal town of Porto Cesareo. Blessed with some of the best beaches in Salento, Poerto Cesareo is not to be missed.

torre del lorso beach villas

Featured villas in Lecce

There is a wide selection of self catering holiday rental accommodation in Lecce from city centre apartments to luxurious villas on the outskirts and along the coast. Renting a villa in Lecce or holiday home can be the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area and are perfect for families, friends and groups. It provides the freedom, flexibility and space to do what you want, when you want - home from home.


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Lecce has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures rarely drop below 22°C until the end of October and can peak at 35°C and more in August. Spring is generally the best time to visit - it comes early in southern Italy with the almond trees blossoming in February and the spring flowers in full bloom in March.

Things to see and do in Lecce

Lecce and the surrounding area is packed with interesting places to discover and activities to suit all ages. From relaxing on the stunning beaches to exploring the inner beauty of Puglia - a few suggestions...

Popular Attractions
Basilica di Santa Croce
16th.c Castello di Carlo V
Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta
Alimini lakes near Otranto
Grotta Zinzulusa
Day trip to medieval Gallipoli
Tricase Forest Nature Park
Marina at Otranto
lecce

Our view on Lecce city breaks

Lecce is one of the top destinations in Puglia and full of history, charm and character. It has a reputation as being one of the most authentic cities in Italy and is a melting pot of cultures and tradition dating back centuries. Staying in a Lecce holiday rental is the best way to experience this popular city as it providies the flexibility for sight seeing and visting other beach resorts and villages in Salento.