3 Hour Group Tour by Boat to the Caves of Santa Maria di Leuca
4.9746 reviews3h
from €41
Check availabilityBudget · 5 Days
€350
Mid-range · 5 Days
€835
Best months
April to June
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€110
With 5 days in Lecce, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Beyond the architectural wonders, Lecce is the cultural and culinary heart of the Salento peninsula. The city thrums with a sophisticated energy, home to a vibrant university population and artisans keeping ancient traditions like papier-mâché crafting alive.
Perfect for architecture lovers
Perfect for foodies
Perfect for culture seekers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Lecce adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Piazza del Duomo
Experience Piazza del Duomo, one of Lecce's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Italy's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Santa Croce Basilica
Experience Santa Croce Basilica, one of Lecce's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Italy's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Lecce like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Italy.
1
Roman Amphitheatre
Experience Roman Amphitheatre, one of Lecce's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Italy's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Baroque Churches
Experience Baroque Churches, one of Lecce's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Italy's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Lecce. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Pasticciotto
Experience Pasticciotto, one of Lecce's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Italy's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Salento Beaches
Experience Salento Beaches, one of Lecce's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Italy's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Santa Maria di Leuca
Leave Lecce behind for a day and head to Santa Maria di Leuca (1 hour by car).
1
Santa Maria di Leuca
The dramatic 'land's end' of the Salento heel, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. It's famed for its iconic lighthouse, stunning villas in Liberty style, and the spectacular coastal caves accessible by boat.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: The Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, The iconic lighthouse and marina, Boat tours to the sea caves like Grotta del Diavolo, The panoramic views from the Punta Ristola promontory.
Day 5: Borgo San Nicola / University District & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Borgo San Nicola / University District and seek out a few places most visitors to Lecce never find.
1
Borgo San Nicola / University District
The lively student quarter surrounding the University of Salento. This area pulses with youthful energy, offering a more modern contrast to the historic center. It's filled with affordable eateries, trendy bars, bookshops, and vibrant street art.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: University of Salento main campus, Church of San Nicola e Cataldo, Parco di Belloluogo with its medieval tower.
2
Convento degli Agostiniani & Chiostro
The cloister of a former Augustinian convent, now part of a cultural center.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: This serene Renaissance cloister, with its elegant arches and central well, is a peaceful oasis hidden behind a plain doorway. It's rarely crowded and feels miles away from the tourist bustle just outside its walls.
3
Piazza Falconieri
A small, elegant square at the end of a main shopping street.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: It's home to the beautiful, less-visited Church of the Rosary and the imposing Palazzo Falconieri. The square has a refined, local feel and is a perfect spot for a quiet coffee away from the main piazzas.
Top tours and experiences in Lecce
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Tour to 4 Towns of Salento: Otranto, Leuca, Gallipoli, Galatina
5.0468 reviews8h
from €134
Check availability
Understand Lecce: History & Local Stories | Small Group Tour
5.0356 reviews2h
from €30
Check availability
All things to do in Lecce →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Lecce
Vibrant Local Craft Traditions: Lecce is a center for the ancient art of cartapesta (papier-mâché), used for stunning religious statues. Visit the Museo della Cartapesta or workshops in the old town to see artisans at work. The craft's lightweight nature allowed for the creation of the dramatic, expressive figures seen in the city's Baroque processions.
The Magic of Evening 'Passeggiata': Experience the Italian ritual of the evening stroll at its most elegant. As the sun sets, the golden limestone glows, and the city comes alive. Join locals walking from Piazza Sant'Oronzo to Piazza del Duomo, stopping for an Aperol Spritz at a cafe table and soaking in the magical atmosphere.
The Unparalleled Baroque Architecture: Witness the zenith of the 'Lecce Baroque' style, where local golden limestone was transformed into breathtaking facades. Don't just see Santa Croce Basilica—study the portal's intricate column of figures. Marvel at the celestial dome and ornate altar inside the Duomo. Discover smaller gems like the Church of San Matteo with its unique convex-concave facade.
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How much do 5 days in Lecce cost?
Plan on roughly €350 on a budget, €835 mid-range or €1,550 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Lecce.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €45 | €110 | €190 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €17 | €35 | €70 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €8 | €22 | €50 |
| Total per day | €70 | €167 | €310 |
| Total for 5 days | €350 | €835 | €1,550 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Lecce
Hotels close to the centre of Lecce, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Lecce is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Lecce is April to June, September to October. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in Italian go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Lecce
Pasticciotto Leccese (custard-filled pastry)
Rustico Leccese (savory pastry with béchamel and tomato)
Orecchiette con cime di rapa (pasta with turnip tops)
Ciceri e tria (pasta with chickpeas, some fried)
💡 Visit the Roman Amphitheatre early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun and the biggest tour groups. The golden light at these times makes the stone glow.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Lecce
Centro Storico (Historic Center)
The breathtaking heart of Lecce, a dense labyrinth of narrow lanes and grand piazzas entirely built from golden limestone.
San Giovanni Battista / Le Scalze
A slightly quieter, more residential area just north of the historic center, known for its beautiful churches and authentic local feel.
Villa Comunale & Southern Districts
A greener, more relaxed area centered around the lovely Villa Comunale public gardens.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Lecce, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Otranto
45 min by car or regional train
A stunning fortified seaside town on the Adriatic coast, known for its crystal-clear water, dramatic castle, and magnificent cathedral with a breathtaking mosaic floor.
Gallipoli
40 min by car
A vibrant fishing port dramatically split between a modern mainland and a beautiful old town on a fortified island.
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