Located in the south of Italy’s Salento boot, Lecce is considered the region’s architectural capital. But whether you’re just passing through on a Puglia road trip or have chosen to spend a longer stay, it’s important to know where to stay in Lecce.
Renowned for the Baroque style of its monuments, most travelers define it as a veritable urban theater filled with cultural riches. There are several neighborhoods that are popular with tourists, but the aim is to find the one that best suits your needs. Lecce is a small town, so there aren’t many good places to stay. However, there are a number of beautiful villages within easy reach of Lecce, where it’s possible to put down your suitcases and still have easy access to the main sights.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ll show you the best places to stay in Lecce. We’ll also advise you on the most recommended accommodations. All you have to do is choose the best place to stay, according to your budget and the type of stay you’re looking for.
Main information
Before going into the description of the districts to target when selecting accommodation in Lecce, here are the essentials you need to know to get a better idea of it from a tourist point of view.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Lecce:
- $$ this accommodation is a 10-minute walk from Lecce Cathedral
- $$$ this upscale establishment, ideally located in the historic heart opposite the cathedral
Map of different areas to stay in Lecce
We’re sharing the map on which you can find our recommended hotels or apartments where to stay in Lecce. This map will also enable you to locate the various geographical areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Lecce accommodation essentials
Where to stay in and around Lecce
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Lecce.
STAY IN THE CENTRO STORICO, AT THE HEART OF HISTORY
Lecce's historic center is the most popular area for travelers. It has preserved much of the city's artistic heritage. Known for its magnificent Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croca and the Episcopal Palace, if you're a lover of historical culture, then staying here is the best option.
Staying in this district means choosing to stay in the very center of Lecce. Indeed, most tourist attractions are within walking distance: the Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi, a 19th-century garden that's a must-see, or the Castello Carlo V, a fortified castle dating from the 1530s.
The train station is less than five minutes' drive from Centro Storico. There are numerous bus stops in the area, so you'll have no trouble getting anywhere else. Lecce's main airport is around twelve kilometers away.
Although Italy in general is renowned for its delicious gastronomy, some places are highly recommended by travelers. Terra Salsamenteria is a must. You should also try the Osteria degli Spiriti, a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a good glass of wine while savoring delicious home-cooked dishes.
Staying in Centro Storico is also about choosing the cheapest option. That's why the vast majority of accommodations are rather expensive, but most offer all the services you need for a perfect stay.
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This accommodation offers rooms with a large bathroom and features a jaccuzi available to travelers. A continental or Italian breakfast is served every morning.
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This 4-star accommodation offers rooms equipped with a large private bathroom and decorated in a charming, contemporary style. It also offers a buffet breakfast.
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Located in the heart of the historic center, it faces the cathedral and overlooks its bell tower. It offers spacious, air-conditioned and tastefully decorated accommodation. It's also just a few steps from the Roman amphitheater and Lecce railway station.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE LIVELY MAZZINI DISTRICT
Mazzini is a district close to the historic center. It's known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, ready-to-wear boutiques, numerous florists and other local attractions.
Stay in Mazzini and you'll be close to all Lecce's landmarks, yet in a lively neighborhood. You'll be just a few steps from the Sanctuario di Sant'Antonio a Fulgenzio and the Castello Carlo V. This is an ideal option if you're looking for a place to stay not far from the center, while not aiming for the most expensive accommodations.
As with the historic center, the bus station is not far from Mazzini, and you can easily get around by bus or cab. There's plenty of parking available if you're traveling by car. The centro storico is just a few minutes' walk away.
Stores, bars and restaurants can be found in every corner of this district. Da Mimi fish is a must-try restaurant, as recommended by our travelers. As for accommodation, as with the centro storico, most of the places to stay in Mazzini are very expensive due to its location.
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This accommodation is just a 10-minute walk from Lecce Cathedral. All rooms are warmly decorated and equipped with everything you need for a perfect stay.
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Opt for a stay close to Lecce Cathedral, the Roman amphitheater or any other cultural attraction. This 3-star hotel offers rooms with buffet breakfast included.
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This establishment offers large rooms, each equipped with a spacious bathroom, minibar and coffee machine. All tourist attractions are within easy reach.
MONTERONI DI LECCE: STAYING IN A FARMING VILLAGE WEST OF LECCE
Located in the province of Lecce, less than ten kilometers from its historic center, Monteroni di Lecce is a village renowned for its wine-growing. Many travelers choose to stay here when visiting Lecce. This allows you to stay in a place known for its architecture and the warm welcome of its inhabitants, while still being close to Lecce.
Staying in Monteroni opens up a wide choice of cultural and tourist activities to do in the surrounding area. You can spend a day in Lecce, discovering the historic center and its charming boutiques, visit the province's largest palace or take part in a local wine tasting.
Monteroni is seven kilometers from the historic center. A bus station is located to the east of the village, making it easy to reach other destinations. Numerous bus stops are available, with buses taking you to Lecce in around 20 minutes.
Staying in Monteroni means staying in an area full of local bars and restaurants: Malcandrino and L'albero del gusto are absolute must-tries. As far as accommodation is concerned, most are reasonably priced and located right in the heart of the village.
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This bed & breakfast offers en suite rooms with TV and coffee machine. Breakfast is included in the price, and you can enjoy delicious homemade cakes.
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Enjoy magnificent accommodation with old-world charm. It offers rooms equipped with everything you need for a perfect stay. Breakfast is included in the price.
WATERFRONT ACCOMMODATION AT TORRE DELL'ORSO
Torre Dell'Orso is a seaside resort in the eastern part of the province of Lecce. Known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it's the ideal place to set down your suitcases if your aim is to visit Lecce while staying in a lively area close to the sea.
The Pineta del Sium, Torre Dell'Orso's central beach, or the Scala del Barone di Muro and the Vasche per le pelli, a magical place hidden between the cliffs, are must-see highlights if you choose to stay here.
There's plenty of free parking in the town, and if you don't have a car, just take a bus from one of the stops in the town center. Torre Dell'Orso is less than thirty kilometers from Lecce. So you'll have no trouble getting there for a day.
As for where to stay, most accommodations are mid-priced, but for those facing the sea, prices easily rise.
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This magnificent hotel is just 100 meters from the beach. All rooms have a mini-bar and private balcony.
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This 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool, large garden and gym, and a delicious continental breakfast.
TORRE CHIANCA: A CORNER OF PARADISE NORTH OF LECCE
Just 20 kilometers north of Lecce, the village of Torre Chianca is a true haven of peace. Travelers with a passion for nature and seascapes will fall under its spell.
Maluha Bay, Lido Bacino Cambusa and Lido Kalù are heavenly beaches that are a must-see. If you have your own car, all you need to do is drive about 30 minutes to discover the town of Lecce. If you don't have a car, there are buses in the town that run daily.
Staying in Torre Chianca is a very good alternative for those wishing to visit Lecce, but accommodation is a little rarer than in previous areas and prices are quite high.
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This 4-star accommodation is worthy of a luxury hotel. It offers room service and an à la carte, continental and Italian breakfast is served every morning.
Summary
In conclusion, Lecce is considered a must-visit city in Italy. However, apart from the historic center and the Mazzini district, it is preferable to stay in the provincial villages, and sometimes even on the coast, around the city of Lecce, to spend a stay without getting bored.