Top Lecce Seasonal & Special Occasions

Delve into the world of Puglian wine without leaving Lecce’s old town with this wine tasting experience in the heart of the Baroque city. Take a break from sightseeing and relax at a local wine bar for a guided tasting featuring four different regional wines paired with local specialties. Learn about Puglia’s winemaking history and culture as you sip and enjoy views over the pretty lane lined with traditional “palazzi”.

Spend an evening in a real Italian home with Enza and her family in the countryside in Corigliano d'Otranto near Lecce. We begin with a traditional Italian aperitif, sharing homemade appetizers and prosecco while everyone gets to know each other. Then each guest prepares their own fresh pasta by hand using local ingredients and family recipes. Once the pasta is ready, we cook everything and sit around the table together to enjoy dinner with local wine, music and conversation. The evening ends with homemade dessert, our family limoncello, and a small memory of the experience.

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.

Immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class in Lecce. Learn to make orecchiette and maccheroni al ferretto, enjoy fresh sauces, local wines, and traditional Salento specialties in a cozy family setting. The small-group lesson of no more than seven people means you'll get plenty of attention from your teacher, plus, you'll leave with recipes to take home with you.

Avoid the hassle of coordinating transport between Salento’s scattered coastal towns and historic inland villages on your own. This private full-day tour from Lecce takes you to Gallipoli and Galatina with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Visit Gallipoli’s old town and Galatina’s Baroque treasures, with optional wine tasting and beach stops, all arranged for a relaxed and flexible day through Salento’s coastal and countryside scenery.

Leave the legwork to someone else on this private beach-hopping tour around the Otranto coast. Begin the day shopping for souvenirs in Otranto before traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle to Turks’ bay—one of Italy’s most unspoiled beaches. Relax in a sun lounger, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or discover hidden coves on a walk. Towards the end of your tour, soak up the views at Torre Sant’ Andrea and Le Due Sorelle beaches.

Explore centuries-old vineyards, visit a historic winery, and discover a one-of-a-kind artistic retreat—culminating in a guided tasting of fine wines paired with local delicacies. All that - just about 20 km outside Lecce. Begin your journey in Guagnano with a visit to a historic winery known for preserving the heritage of Negroamaro and Primitivo wines. Enjoy a scenic stroll through vineyards cultivated using the traditional “alberello” (small tree) system. Step into a hidden artistic sanctuary created by a local painter. Blending art, architecture, and nature in a whimsical Gaudí style, this peaceful retreat offers a glimpse into Puglia’s vibrant cultural and creative spirit. Relax with a guided tasting of four premium wines led by an expert sommelier. Savor each pour alongside a traditional marenna—a rustic Puglian breakfast featuring local cheeses and cured meats that beautifully complement the wines.

Traveling between Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca isn't always easy, but this private tour takes care of the planning for you. Visit highlights of the Salento Peninsula, including Otranto, Gallipoli, and Santa Maria di Leuca, while traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way, enjoy the flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests and explore without the constraints of a larger group.

Salento is home to a number of great wines but knowing which wineries to visit takes insider knowledge. With this winery tour and tasting just outside the city of Lecce, discover the traditions of winemaking in this corner of Puglia at a historic family-run boutique cellar. Take a walk through the vineyards to learn about the native grapes and try a variety of red, white, and rosè wines.

Escape the tourist hustle and bustle for an intimate journey into the soul of Puglian viticulture. Join us at a beautifully decorated boutique wine bar nestled in a quiet Baroque alley just steps from the Basilica di Santa Croce. Under the guidance of a professional wine expert, you will discover the rich history and vibrant flavors of Puglia. This isn't just a drink; it's a sensory masterclass where you’ll taste four premium local wines, each perfectly paired with traditional Salentino delicacies. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, this cozy atmosphere offers the perfect setting to relax and sip like a local.

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).

If you’re staying in Lecce, don’t miss out on the coastal town of Otranto and the Bauxite Lake because of a lack of transport. This private day-long tour offers not only a convenient way to explore, but also a driver-guide to give you the lowdown on the region, and an itinerary that includes a swim stop and ample free time.

Use a local guide There are a maximum of 10 people on the boat Minibar on board with drink included Explore wonderful places Let yourself be guided by our skippers who will be happy to accompany you to discover the many caves and coves that characterize our coast. Included swim stop 25 minutes

Step into Lecce's only 1920s-style speakeasy, hidden in a baroque building facing a stunning 16th-century Greek church. SaloonKeeper 1933 recreates the glamour and mystery of the Prohibition era, with original vintage furnishings, Chester sofas, low lighting, and the sound of Jazz and Blues filling the air. Whether you choose to sit on one of Lecce's most beautiful piazzas or sink into a vintage armchair indoors, this is an aperitivo experience unlike anything else in the city — crafted cocktails, curated flavors, and an unforgettable atmosphere that transports you straight to the Roaring Twenties.

Combining the creative act of decorating with the Italian tradition of aperitivo creates a "dolce vita" moment that perfectly balances productivity with relaxation. This concept focuses on unhurried, enjoyable activity—a "warm-up" for the evening that turns a simple task into a social, sensory experience

Visit a local fish market with an expert. 'The pioneers of teaching food and wine in Puglia- The New York Times. Owner is a sommelier of wine, sommelier of extra virgin olive oil, classes are held in one of Italy's most beautiful kitchens, fitted with antique copper pots and pans and one of Italy's largest private amaro collections.

Discover the authentic soul of Salento with a full-day tour that combines art, history, local cuisine and crystal clear waters. First stage: Galatina, baroque pearl and home of Pasticciotto Leccese. Admire the stunning Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and enjoy local delights with a tasting of Rustico and Pasticciotto. Continue to Gallipoli, “The Pearl of the Ionian Sea”: explore the picturesque old town overlooking the sea, the Angevin Castle and the Cathedral of Sant’Agata. Take a dip in the clear waters of the Ionian. Last stop: Otranto, charming city on the Adriatic Sea. Visit its impressive Cathedral with its famous mosaic floor and stroll through the historic walls and the Aragonese Castle. Free time to relax in a cove near the center. Multilingual audio guide included to visit freely. Extra option: certified tour guide for an even more immersive experience!

The archeological sites at the coast of Porto Cesareo tell us about a local history that was intimately bound to the rest of the Mediterranean. Indeed, the archeological remains that we will see will lead us to consider the relationships with other parts of the basin and to talk about ancient navigation, the “marble route” coming from the Aegean and deities coming from ancient Egypt. In addition, it will appear clear the relevance of physical geography shaping local history. Thus, we will talk about the main features of the Mediterranean Basin, the evolution of coastal topography and geomorphological processes. After describing and talking about the history of modern and contemporary buildings that we will see, we will try to reconstruct the evolution of the coastal landscape and the destruction of the coastal ecosystems. This tour is recommended for archeology, history, geography and culture enthusiasts, naturalists, swimmers, active tourists and adventure seekers.

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Salento in a cozy local setting just outside Lecce’s historic center. This experience is more than a simple tasting: you will enjoy a selection of traditional street food such as pittule, potato croquettes, and homemade meatballs, prepared following local recipes. You will also take part in a hands-on moment, creating your own bruschetta using fresh local ingredients like sun-ripened tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. Taste typical products such as mozzarella, burrata, and cured meats, paired with a glass of local wine. Throughout the experience, your host will share stories and traditions, offering a genuine insight into the culture of Southern Italy. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and connect with others in a truly authentic and local experience.

Take a break from the beaches and discover Salento’s food and wine, instead. With a private guide, you’ll visit two award-winning Salento wine estates where varietals using the primitivo and malvasia grapes, among others, are produced. As you sip, you’ll learn about viticulture in the region, and enjoy a light lunch either at the winery or nearby. Choose to add on a third winery or a swim stop at Porto Cesareo on your way back to Lecce.

Discover Salento’s highlights without the hassle of coordinating transport or missing lesser-known gems. This private tour connects historic landmarks and coastal scenery in one seamless journey, from Galatina’s Romanesque heritage to Castro’s cultural sites and the dramatic Zinzulusa Cave. With flexible pacing and included entry, you can explore more meaningfully while avoiding the stress of planning.

Savor the essence of southern Italy with a Gourmet Pizza Experience in Lecce, where each dish encapsulates the warmth of Italian hospitality. Located just outside the historic center, this cozy venue invites you to indulge in a selection of traditional local appetizers, followed by four slices of gourmet pizza, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients. As you enjoy each bite, sip on local wines like Primitivo or Negroamaro, and engage with your knowledgeable host who shares insights into Salento’s rich culture and traditions. Conclude your meal with a seasonal homemade dessert that embodies the spirit of Italian family recipes, creating a delightful evening filled with flavors and stories.

A unique opportunity to explore the food and wine tradition of Puglia through a guided tasting of wines and local specialties. Savor four glasses of typical wine, including two reds, a white and a rosé, while delicious taralli and friselle flavors with fresh tomato enrich the experience. An industry Expert will share fascinating stories about Apulian wine and culture, making every sip and bite a journey into the heart of Salento.