Province of Lecce

Nicknamed the “Florence of the South” due to its artistic heritage, the province of Lecce offers more than just architectural beauty. It is a place of olive groves, wild beaches, folk music, and a culinary scene that reflects both its rural soul and Mediterranean spirit.

The dual coastlines of the Salento Peninsula

The province of Lecce boasts two very different but equally captivating coastlines. On the Adriatic side, rugged cliffs alternate with small pebbled coves and natural sea caves. Towns like Otranto and Santa Cesarea Terme offer stunning views, medieval centers and clear blue waters that attract swimmers and divers alike.

On the Ionian side, the beaches become wide and sandy, with crystal-clear, shallow waters. Places like Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo are popular for their Caribbean-like appearance, while Gallipoli balances a lively social scene with authentic fishing traditions and charming old streets.

Baroque architecture and artistic treasures

Lecce province is a showcase of southern baroque architecture. While the city of Lecce itself is the masterpiece of this style, baroque beauty extends to towns such as Nardò, Galatina and Ruffano. These towns are filled with ornate churches, palaces, and intricate facades carved from local pietra leccese, a soft golden limestone.

Galatina is particularly known for its Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, which contains some of the most extraordinary frescoes in Italy. Across the province, art and architecture reflect not only Catholic devotion but also influences from Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish rule over the centuries.

Traditional towns and countryside life

Inland, the province of Lecce is dotted with small towns and villages where life moves at a gentler pace. Places like Specchia, Presicce-Acquarica and Alessano have preserved their historic centers, often characterized by whitewashed walls, cobbled streets and quiet piazzas shaded by ancient trees.

These towns are part of the authentic Salento, where you can experience artisan workshops, family-run trattorias, and local events that showcase regional identity. Agricultural traditions are still strong here, with olive oil, figs, almonds and wine forming the backbone of the rural economy.

Salento music, dance and cultural identity

The cultural heartbeat of Lecce province is its music and folklore. The pizzica, a hypnotic and fast-paced traditional dance, originates from Salento and is rooted in rituals once used to cure the bite of the tarantula spider. Today, pizzica is a symbol of local identity and joy.

The Notte della Taranta festival, held every August in Melpignano, brings together thousands of people for a celebration of music, dance and southern Italian culture. Throughout the year, village festivals and religious feasts fill the air with music and color, offering visitors a direct connection to Salento's traditions.

Cuisine and local flavors of Lecce province

The food of Lecce province reflects its sun-drenched land and maritime borders. Local cuisine includes hearty dishes like ciceri e tria, a pasta and chickpea combination partly fried for texture, and pezzetti di cavallo, a rich horse meat stew found in many local eateries.

Street food is also popular, with rustici leccesi (pastry filled with béchamel and tomato) and pasticciotti (custard-filled shortcrust pastries) being regional favorites. Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and robust local wines like Negroamaro and Primitivo complete the province’s unforgettable culinary identity.

Natural beauty and outdoor activities

The province of Lecce offers more than beaches and baroque towns. Inland areas provide opportunities for hiking and biking among olive groves, dry-stone walls and ancient menhirs, prehistoric standing stones that dot the landscape. The Alimini Lakes near Otranto offer freshwater and saltwater habitats ideal for birdwatching and kayaking.

For nature lovers, the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park near Nardò is a protected coastal area with pine forests, limestone cliffs and hidden coves perfect for swimming and picnicking. The blend of coast and countryside makes Lecce province a destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Language and heritage of Grecìa Salentina

In the southeastern part of the province lies Grecìa Salentina, a cluster of villages where a Greek dialect known as Griko is still spoken by some older inhabitants. This linguistic and cultural enclave is a living link to the Byzantine past of the region.

Villages such as Calimera, Martano and Corigliano d’Otranto preserve ancient traditions and host festivals that celebrate Greek heritage through music, poetry, and food. Visiting this area offers a unique glimpse into the multicultural layers of Salento's history.

Getting around and best times to visit

Lecce province is served by Brindisi Airport, located to the north, with convenient connections to most major Italian cities and many European destinations. Trains and buses link the main towns, but to explore rural areas and coastlines freely, renting a car is highly recommended.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy mild weather, fewer tourists and vibrant festivals. Summer offers a buzzing atmosphere and beach life, while winter, though quieter, allows for reflective cultural exploration and hearty seasonal cuisine.

A soulful and sunlit southern province

The province of Lecce is a destination that goes beyond the surface of baroque façades and turquoise waters. It is a place where every town has a story, where music is felt as much as heard, and where traditions are lived rather than performed.

For those seeking beauty, authenticity and warmth, Lecce province offers an immersion into the soul of southern Italy. It is a landscape of light and stone, of passion and poetry, and one that leaves a lasting mark on those who journey through it.