Top Lecce Half-day Tours

The caves and coves of Santa Maria di Leuca are only reachable by boat—but private cruises are often prohibitively costly, while shared boat rides can be overly crowded. Strike the perfect balance between both options on this small-group, half-day cruise, which is capped at only 11 people. Two swimming and snorkeling stops are included, plus a cocktail and snacks.

On board our boat you can sail and discover the numerous caves that characterize the coast of Capo di Leuca. During the tour there are stops where you can relax or snorkel with our equipment included. Our boat is equipped with a large sundeck with cushions and comfortable seats. The limited number of people on board, in addition to continuous sanitization, guarantee a tour in complete safety.

"With Ariel, the hiking experience reaches a new level. Trust us to set sail to discover the most exciting views and the most incredible caves of the south coast of Salento. You can count on the comfort of our boats, the professionalism of our skippers and the variety of our services: private tours, group tours, aperitifs on board. We are waiting for you!""

The sea caves of Santa Maria di Leuca are only available by boat—but not everyone wants to spend their vacation jostling for views on a crowded cruise. Ideal for anyone seeking a more relaxed, bespoke experience, this small-group, half-day cruise takes in two iconic grottoes, Leuca lighthouse, panoramic views from Punta Ristola, and sails past a 16th-century Spanish watchtower—all with a maximum of just 12 people on board.

If you're looking for a fun and curious way to visit Lecce, you've come to the right place! With this digital guide created with the support of a local, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You'll get to know the stories and curiosities of Lecce! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian Aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more!

A gentle and flat path of about 38km, which will guide you through the historical and natural beauty of the Lecce countryside. Starting from Lecce, the baroque city par excellence, you will cycle to the Church of Santa Maria d'Auria, a hidden gem immersed in the Salento countryside, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and a serene atmosphere. From there, the journey continues to the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, an ancient masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture, surrounded by a vast olive grove and today an FAI site, which you can also visit inside to appreciate its timeless beauty. You will continue towards the natural park of Rauccio, a protected area characterized by a rare forest of Leccese oaks where you can enjoy a moment of relaxation tasting your picnic with typical local products. Finally, the route will take you back to Lecce, concluding an excursion that harmoniously blends history, nature and culinary culture, offering a unique and accessible experience for everyone.

Follow our expert local guide through Lecce, the "Florence of the South", and discover this unique art city with us! We will accompany you through the fascinating historical center of one of the most important cities in the Apulia region and show you its greatest highlights. Admire the beautifully decorated facade of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Basilica of Santa Croce; stroll through piazza Sant'Oronzo and listen to anecdotes, insights and legends. Lecce is rich in history and features an impressive artistic heritage: learn all about the famous "Lecce Baroque".

Discover Lecce through its flavors on our city food tour, a journey through the charming streets of this beautiful Baroque town in the heart of Puglia. Taste the dishes locals love, from rich traditional recipes to the finest regional wines and olive oils. Every stop is carefully chosen to introduce you to authentic Salentine culinary traditions, showcase the best local eateries, and create an unforgettable food experience. Your guide is a passionate local “Foodie,” a friendly expert who shares insider tips, explains each dish, and reveals the history and stories behind every bite. Do Eat Better Experience tours combine high-quality gastronomy with an immersive cultural walk, offering a true taste of Puglian life. To ensure a personal, authentic experience, we welcome only small groups, so every guest receives our full attention and guidance. Please note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages available upon request.

With Leuca Marine Escursioni you can take unforgettable tours aboard a safe and comfortable boat. You can admire our wonderful caves of our coast and the breathtaking seabed and crystal clear water. If you want to discover everything and much more come with us we are waiting for you. You will find on board snorkeling equipment to be able to dive into a beautiful adventure. Our commander will take you and illustrate the wonderful caves of the beautiful Adriatic and Ionian coast with great professionalism and seriousness. Fishing trips can also be made

An evocative e-bike journey starts in the heart of Lecce, taking you through peaceful olive groves and quiet country roads to the Adriatic coast. The first stop is the picturesque fishing village of San Cataldo, where the sea breeze makes the ride even more pleasant. You then continue to the historic village of Acaya, exploring its medieval walls and timeless streets where you will stop to enjoy a typical aperitif with local cheeses, cold cuts, fresh vegetables and Cabin bread, all accompanied by regional wines. This experience encompasses the vibrant colors and authentic flavors of Puglia, offering a perfect end to your day. The tour can also be carried out with departure at dawn to enjoy the coolest hours of the day and a typical Salento Brunch.

We recommend a complete tour where every minute, every hour are pure wonder. You'll love it. Fantastic caves await you on both the Adriatic and Ionian sides and clear waters, with enchanting colors. You will discover them with the safe, competent and passionate Guide of the captain, fisherman and navigator DA generations, who loves and knows these seas like no other. It will take you diving and bathing in wonderful places on the Adriatic and Ionian sides.. An important clarification: yours is a boat equipped with comfort and safety that accommodates up to 12 people, dedicating to each space and quality attention. A big difference from overflowing boats.

The tour will take you in three hours to discover the medieval part of the city by visiting the ancient Jewish quarter and the basement of the ancient synagogue. You will continue with a walk to discover the historic center of Lecce, with its churches and baroque palaces.

Sit back and relax and admire views of the coast that you can’t get any other way on a small-group sailing trip from Gallipoli. Follow the coastline, then head out to the Island of Sant Andrea, where you visit the lighthouse and get the chance to swim and snorkel. Snacks and aperitifs, including local wine and prosecco, are provided. Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening sailings to suit your schedule.

Tritone Tour accompanies you to discover the marine coasts of Otranto: Natural wonders and beautiful color contrasts, perfect for photographs of which you will be proud! Comfort on board Tritone, relaxation, music and a typical aperitif interspersed with dives and swims in the most beautiful sea of Salento! The Expert skipper is at your disposal to guide you to the discovery of these dream places. Your holiday will be The Unforgettable Day!

Your adventure begins in the heart of Lecce’s old town, where we set off on e-bikes and follow peaceful countryside roads lined with vineyards, traditional masserias, and ancient olive groves. Our first stop is at the Farmer house (Pantaleo). Here you will try Olive oil and wine while Pantaleo's wife serves us puglian snacks. Next stop is Nardò, a charming baroque town where you’ll enjoy a relaxing coffee break. Try the famous caffè leccese—espresso over ice with almond syrup—and pasticciotto pastry. From Nardò, we ride toward the shimmering Ionian Sea and reach the seaside village of Santa Maria al Bagno, whose crystal-clear waters offer the perfect chance for a refreshing swim. We then continue cycling along the scenic coastline—mostly on dedicated bike paths—until we arrive in Gallipoli, known for its historic old town set on an island and surrounded by turquoise water. From Gallipoli a private taxi (included) will take you back to your hotel in Lecce in about 35 minutes.

The Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area preserves some of Puglia's most unspoiled coastal scenery—and this half-day boat tour is a great way to experience it first-hand. Traveling aboard a refurbished former fishing boat, set off to discover many of the region's key sights, from the historic Torre di San Tommaso watchtower to archaeological sites, tiny islands, and popular swimming and snorkeling destinations.

Marine excursion in kayak and canoe in the splendid waters of Santa Maria di Leuca. We will paddle in this beautiful stretch of the Ionian coast and discover its most particular characteristics, its geological origins but also the charm of its ancient history with a route among the most beautiful caves.

The Porto Selvaggio kayak tour is our most popular tourn, suitable for those who have never been kayaking. During the tour we will show you hidden caves and ravines, all waiting to be explored! We will kayak along the rocky coast overlooking the sea where the Tower of S. Maria dell'Alto stands. We will take advantage of the unique perspective from the sea and the proximity to the coast that only a kayak can offer to visit one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in the Ionian Salento! Along this stretch of coast is the stunning Grotta Verde. If the sea conditions allows it, we will also be able to enter it! Once we arrive at the bay of Porto Selvaggio, we will disembark with the kayaks on a rocky beach. At this point there will be the ritual of the kayak baptism, which consists of a full immersion in the icy waters of the spring. This will be followed by a walk in the pine forest and finally we will dive from the cliff to swim into the Gaia Cave. N.B. The experience is not suitable for people weighing more than 100kg

You are all invited to discover an Italian region hidden in the "heel of the boot": Salento. Its particularities in the artistic, linguistic and cultural fields in fact make it a region within the region, a hidden portal that is worth crossing. Ours is a real tour into the past, to discover what architecture was like throughout Puglia before the change in architectural style, from Baroque to Apulian Romanesque. Lecce has preserved the Baroque style for years and that is what makes this city unique. But by experiencing our tour you will discover that Lecce and its surroundings are much more than what you expect.

Even those short on time can get to know Lecce on this quick and tasty tour. Following your guide, you'll walk through 2,000 years of local history, from baroque architecture to archaeological sites and beyond. After the sites, you'll get to sample Puccia Leccese, local coffee, and Pasticciotto—finishing the tour satisfied and invigorated.

Start with us from Marina di Felloniche for a 3-hour adventure among the caves of the Ionian side, with two bathing stops and the opportunity to snorkel in crystal clear waters. The excursion is suitable for everyone, thanks to a brief initial briefing that will guide you step by step. A unique experience between sea, nature and fun!

Explore the Lecce countryside on a premium E-bike along an easy flat 28 km (17-mile) route. Ride through quiet rural roads to ancient villages and discover Salento’s traditions. In Sternatia, meet Gaetano—a storyteller and poet who speaks Griko, the ancient Greek dialect of the Grecìa Salentina. With him, explore a 15th-century underground olive oil mill, hear a poem in Griko, and learn stories about lamp-oil traders, village life, and this unique cultural enclave. Continue through two villages of the Grecìa Salentina, home of the Griko people, a Greek-speaking community with 3,000 years of history. In Galatina, visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, famous for its 14th-century Giotto-style frescoes. Stop at Pasticceria Ascalone, birthplace of the Pasticciotto (1740) At 1 PM, a private taxi (included) takes you back to Lecce. NOTE: Optional Primitivo wine tasting and traditional Puglian lunch (extra cost; private groups only; request one week in advance).

Lecce is famous for its baroque architecture and authentic cuisine. With this cooking class in the heart of the city’s old town, experience the best of both. Meet your hosts at an “osteria” set on one of the most charming lanes in the historic center and discover the secrets to rolling and shaping fresh “orecchiette” pasta, a traditional specialty from Puglia. Then relax over a guided wine tasting paired with regional delicacies.