Distance from Lecce to the location: 10 minutes drive.
Lecce is known as the "Florence of the South", "City of 100 Churches"and the Capital of Baroque. Key Landmarks: Known for the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, and a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater.
Brindisi is a historic Puglian port city known for its Roman heritage, scenic waterfront, and impressive castles. Top sights include the ancient Roman Columns, the scenic Lungomare Regina Margherita promenade, the stunning Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro, and the imposing Castello Svevo, all ideal for exploring within a day. Distance from Lecce: 35-40 minutes drive
Main airport of arrival. Distance from Lecce: 35-40 minutes drive.
Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia, offers a mix of historic charm, stunning seaside views, and rich culinary traditions. Top sights include the maze-like old town (Bari Vecchia), the Basilica di San Nicola, the bustling Strada delle Orecchiette, and the scenic Lungomare promenade. Distance from Lecce: 1h and 50 minutes drive.
Carrisiland Resort, located in Cellino San Marco (Brindisi), Italy, is a popular family-friendly destination featuring a large Caribbean-style water park and a Western-themed area. It features numerous water slides, pools, live shows, and a nature-focused park area, making it a well-regarded, affordable, and fun spot, particularly for families. Distance from Lecce: 40 minutes drive.
Gallipoli, a stunning "city of the beautiful" in Puglia, is best known for its historic, island-based old town, vibrant Baroque architecture, and sandy Ionian beaches. Must-see attractions include the 13th-century Castello Angioino, the ornate Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, and the Spiaggia della Purità beach. Distance from Lecce: 35 minutes drive
Fasano is a top Apulian destination, best known for the massive Zoosafari (one of Europe's largest wildlife parks), the ancient ruins of Egnazia Archaeological Park, and the white-washed streets of its old town. Nestled between hills and the Adriatic coast, it offers a mix of family fun, history, and sandy beaches. Distance from Lecce: 1h and 5 minutes drive.
Porto Selvaggio, a stunning Regional Natural Park in Puglia near Nardò, is famous for its unspoiled nature, pine forests, and crystal-clear, refreshing bays. Key attractions include the main pebble beach (Spiaggia della Sorgente), the scenic Torre dell’Alto tower, prehistoric caves like Grotta del Cavallo, and swimming in the freshwater-influenced Ionian Sea. Nardò: Distance from Lecce: 25 minutes drive. Porto Selvaggio, Natural reserve: 40 minutes drive.
For info and booking contact: 0039 328 835 6836 or info@astronomiacasarano.it Distance from Lecce: 45 minutes drive.
Otranto is a stunning coastal town in Puglia, Italy, featuring a blend of history and scenic beauty. Key highlights include exploring the 12th-century cathedral's mosaic floor, touring the imposing Aragonese Castle, swimming at the pristine Baia dei Turchi, visiting the vibrant green Cava di Bauxite lake, and wandering the white-washed streets of the historic centre. Distance from Lecce: 35-40 minutes drive.
Castro Marina, located in Puglia's Salento region, is a stunning coastal town divided into a rocky seaside harbor (Marina) and an historic upper town (Castro Alta). Top sights include the remarkable Grotta Zinzulusa, boat tours of coastal caves, the medieval Aragonese Castle, panoramic views from the cathedral square, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Distance from Lecce: 40-45 minutes.
Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Puglia, is famous for its unique conical-roofed trulli houses. Top activities include wandering the 1,000+ trulli in Rione Monti, visiting the two-story Trullo Sovrano, exploring the quiet residential Aia Piccola, and enjoying panoramic views from Belvedere Santa Lucia. Distance from Lecce: 1h and 25 minutes drive.
Polignano a Mare is a stunning Apulian town on limestone cliffs, famous for the Lama Monachile beach, boat tours of sea caves, and a romantic historic centre. Key activities include exploring the old town's poetry-lined streets, dining at the famous Grotta Palazzese cave restaurant, and enjoying local focaccia. Distance from Lecce: 1h and 20 minutes drive.
Monopoli, a charming coastal town in Puglia, Italy, offers a perfect mix of history, relaxation, and culture. Key activities include exploring the whitewashed Old Town (Centro Storico), visiting the impressive Basilica Cathedral, relaxing on pristine beaches like Cala Porta Vecchia, and admiring colourful boats in the Porto Antico. Distance from Lecce: 1h and 15 minutes drive.
Ostuni, Puglia's "White City," is best experienced by wandering its maze-like medieval Old Town (Centro Storico), visiting the Gothic Cathedral, and enjoying panoramic views of olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. Key activities include visiting the Piazza della Libertà, tasting local olive oil, and relaxing on nearby Blue Flag beaches.
Santa Maria di Leuca, known by the Romans as De Finibus Terrae, the edge of the world, is the southernmost tip of Puglia, where the waters of the Adriatic Sea mingle with those of the Ionian (you can see the point where they merge!). Famous for the historic 157-foot lighthouse (Faro di Leuca), and the stunning, rocky coastline featuring numerous sea caves like Grotta del Soffio. Visitors should explore the 19th-century Art Nouveau villas, visit the Monumental Waterfall, and boat to the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Distance from Lecce: 1h and 10 minutes.
The neighbouring region of Basilicata hosts the beautiful town of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi di Matera. Key highlights include wandering the Sassi districts (Caveoso and Barisano), visiting rock churches like Santa Maria de Idris, exploring the underground Palombaro Lungo cistern, and viewing the city from the Murgia Timone viewpoint. Distance from Lecce: 2h and 15 minutes drive.