Salento by Car
Description
7 days in Salento to discover the major attractions, the most beautiful beaches, and the most captivating views
Tour Program
Discover the stages and activities planned
Day 1
Morning - Arrival at Brindisi airport – a great starting point for Salento. - Transfer to Lecce (30 min by car/bus) – a baroque city in Southern Italy. Afternoon - Stroll through the historic center of Lecce – plazas, palaces, and churches made of Lecce stone. - Visit Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Basilica di Santa Croce, Roman Amphitheater, and the Duomo. - Stop to taste the real pasticciotto at Natale or Caffè Alvino (both are delicious, choose one). - Recommended museum: Museo Faggiano (archaeological excavations in a private house). Evening - Typical dinner in Lecce – try ciceri e tria or orecchiette. - Night in Lecce – a great base for exploration.
Day 2
Morning - After breakfast, visit Castello Carlo V and the MUST (Museum of the History of the City of Lecce). - Walk among shops of paper-mâché and Lecce stone. - Enjoy a light lunch with rustico leccese. Afternoon - Afternoon in Acaya, a fortified Renaissance village. - Sunset at the Le Cesine Nature Park (WWF reserve). Evening - Dinner in Lecce and evening among the local bars in the city center.
Day 3
Morning - Departure for Otranto (1h from Lecce). - Visit the Aragonese Castle and the Cathedral with mosaics. - Stroll along the seafront and in the old town. Afternoon - Afternoon at the beach: Baia dei Turchi or Alimini. - Stop at Roca Vecchia and Grotta della Poesia, a natural swimming pool. Evening - Seafood dinner in Otranto. - Night in Otranto.
Day 4
Morning - Departure to Castro, a fishing village with a castle and panoramic views. - Boat excursion to the Zinzulusa and Palombara Caves. - Lunch in Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its spas and Moorish architecture. Afternoon - Continue to Santa Maria di Leuca, the farthest point of Salento. - Visit the Sanctuary and the Lighthouse, then stroll along the seafront. Evening - Fish dinner at the harbor. - Night in Leuca.
Day 5
Morning - Leave Leuca and travel up the Ionian coast. - Stop at Torre San Giovanni, a beach with white sand and crystal-clear water. - Relax at the beach, lunch at one of the beach clubs (e.g., Lido Pazze or Coco Loco). Afternoon / Evening - Sunset aperitif on the beach. - Drive to Gallipoli: visit the historic center on the island, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Angioino Castle, and the fish market. - Night in Gallipoli.
Day 6
Morning - Enjoy a day at the beach in Torre Suda, a tranquil location with rocky coves ideal for snorkeling. If you don’t like rocks, go to Lido Pizzo. Afternoon / Evening - Visit Presicce, one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy," featuring underground olive oil mills and historic palaces. - Enjoy a typical Salento dinner in a masseria (traditional farmhouse). - Night in Gallipoli.
Day 7
- Visit Galatina, famous for the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a Gothic masterpiece with unique frescoes. - Stroll through the historic center and taste the original pasticciotto (which originated here). - Return to Brindisi (1h15) and enjoy free time to walk along the waterfront Regina Margherita.