Are you planning a trip to southern Italy and don’t know where to stay in Lecce? Discover the best places to stay in this beautiful city!
Often referred to as the « Florence of the South », Lecce is a must-see for anyone exploring the Puglia region of southern Italy.
Situated in the center of Salento, the territory that forms Italy’s famous boot, the city is home to some 100,000 inhabitants. Although Lecce is not particularly marked by the Renaissance period, it is one of the jewels of the Baroque era, and for centuries was an important intellectual center in Italy. Shaped by a material that bears its name (Lecce stone), the city is also criss-crossed by numerous churches (there are 23 in its historic center!), giving it its other nickname: the città-chiesa (church-city).
Fancy spending one or more nights in the beautiful city of Lecce? Generation Voyage guides you through the best places to stay in Lecce!
The historic center
Photo credit: De Gimas / Shutterstock.com
The historic city center is where it all happens. It’s here, too, that you’ll find the most extensive range of accommodation to suit you, and help you discover Lecce by night. If you want to sleep in Lecce and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife at the same time, you’ll need to find accommodation close to the city’s best bars and restaurants. A good place to do this is Via Umberto, near the Santa Croce basilica. This street is home to several bars, restaurants and cafés that are sure to please.
Staying in Lecce also means sleeping in beautifully restored ancient palaces. Sleeping in a palazzo in Lecce is a memorable experience, particularly in the area around the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or near the Basilica of Santa Croce. Finally, if you’re looking for budget accommodation, you’ll need to move away from the heart of the city, heading north towards the Monastero De Benedettine or south towards the Palazzo Principe Umberto.
Be careful, however, if you’re planning to stay in Lecce: the narrow streets of the city center make it difficult to get around by car, and parking is quite expensive. So opt for a hotel with private parking, or park your car in one of the park-and-ride facilities at the city’s entrances. A shuttle bus will then take you into the historic center.
Find a hotel in Lecce historic center
Find an Airbnb in Lecce historic center
Around Lecce: typical villages and beautiful beaches
Photo credit: From Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock.com
Lecce is a gateway to the Adriatic Sea on one side, and the Ionian Sea on the other. Two coasts, two distinct landscapes, but both are a must-see. The best time to visit is out of season, so you can swim in quiet coves or stroll through typical fortified villages.
If you want to spend the night in the Lecce area, you can start by heading for the east coast, along the Adriatic Sea. In particular, the villages of Torre Dell’Orso, Torre Chianca and Torre Rinalda offer accommodation to suit all budgets. Enjoy the beach while discovering the history of these small villages.
Towards the west and the Ionian Sea, you’ll find more rocky beaches, with ideal spots for diving and snorkeling. The highlight is the Porto Selvaggio nature reserve, a protected area where diving enthusiasts can discover many species of fish in splendid coves.
If you want to spend the night close to Lecce and visit this nature reserve, you’ll find plenty of accommodation in the surrounding area, particularly in the villages of Cenate and Santa Maria al Bagno.
Find a hotel in Santa Maria al Bagno
Find an Airbnb in Santa Maria al Bagno
Find a hotel in Torre dell’Orso
Find an Airbnb in Torre dell’Orso