Salento is a land that captivates through its constant contrasts and the intensity of its atmosphere: between the deep blue of the sea and the silvery green of centuries-old olive trees, between the opulence of Lecce Baroque and the simplicity of rural traditions. This balance between elegance and authenticity is what makes the region unique in the eyes of travelers. Beyond Lecce itself—cultural and architectural capital of the area—lie small villages seemingly suspended in time, places where daily life still follows the slow rhythm of the seasons and ancient customs.
The villages near Lecce are an ideal choice for those wishing to discover a more intimate and genuine side of southern Puglia, far from the most crowded tourist routes. Walking through stone alleys, historic palaces, centuries-old churches, and artisan workshops allows visitors to connect directly with the deep identity of Salento. Each village safeguards architectural treasures, tells stories of resilience, and preserves gastronomic traditions passed down with pride.
In this one-day itinerary, we suggest a tour starting from Lecce to three true gems of the area: Acaya, with its fortified Renaissance layout; Galatina, a Baroque treasure and birthplace of the famous pasticciotto; and Specchia, one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, nestled among olive groves. These stops are perfect for those looking for what to see near Lecce in a single day, focused on historic architecture, traditional cuisine, and the discovery of charming local workshops. The itinerary is mainly designed to be explored by car, but also includes cycling alternatives and the option to join organized day trips from Lecce offered by local agencies.
Acaya: The Fortified Village Just Outside Lecce
Just 15 km from Lecce (about a 20-minute drive), Acaya is the first stop on the itinerary. This small Renaissance village is one of the few perfectly preserved fortified towns still in existence. The Castle of Acaya, with its rectangular plan and corner bastions, stands at the heart of the settlement and bears witness to the 16th-century defensive strategy commissioned by Emperor Charles V.
Beyond its architectural appeal, Acaya offers a small yet delightful gastronomic scene. Local trattorias serve traditional Salento dishes such as sagne ’ncannulate, pitta di patate, and Primitivo wines from the surrounding countryside. It is also an ideal place to purchase Lecce stone crafts or hand-decorated ceramics.
Cyclists will enjoy the route from Lecce to Acaya, which runs through paths immersed in Mediterranean scrubland.
Galatina: Baroque Art, Sweets, and Artisan Traditions
Continuing for about 25 km from Acaya (around 30 minutes by car), you reach Galatina, one of the must-see destinations among Salento’s villages. Famous for the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, home to Giotto-inspired frescoes unique in southern Italy, Galatina is a city rich in culture and popular devotion.
Its historic center is a Baroque jewel, with hidden courtyards, flower-filled balconies, and artisan shops selling lace and papier-mâché creations. Galatina is also renowned for its gastronomy: this is where the pasticciotto, Salento’s iconic pastry, was born—best enjoyed warm in one of the historic pastry shops of Piazza San Pietro.
A visit to Galatina is ideal for a lunch stop, perhaps in a traditional restaurant offering ciceri e tria, fava beans with chicory, or meat-based dishes paired with local DOC wines. For those interested in guided day trips from Lecce, Galatina is often included in organized tours departing from the city.
Specchia: A Medieval Village Among Italy’s Most Beautiful
The third and final stop is Specchia, about 35 km from Galatina (a 45-minute drive), surrounded by olive groves. This medieval village is listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and is an ideal destination for those seeking what to see near Lecce away from the main tourist routes.
Specchia is a maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and noble palaces. The visit can begin in Piazza del Popolo, home to the Mother Church and Risolo Castle, and continue through narrow lanes lined with textile workshops, design boutiques, and small shops selling organic and local products.
In the evening, dinner in one of the village’s traditional taverns is highly recommended, where you can savor dishes made with grano arso (burnt wheat), local cheeses, and extra virgin olive oil produced at zero kilometer. Specchia is also an excellent base for those wishing to stay overnight in a countryside masseria immersed in the silence of the Salento landscape.
An Authentic Journey Through the Villages of Salento
This itinerary among the villages near Lecce is designed for travelers seeking a rich and authentic day filled with discovery, history, and local flavors. The alternation between fortified towns, Baroque centers, and medieval villages highlights the cultural diversity of Salento without venturing too far from the city.
For those wishing to plan guided excursions from Lecce, many agencies offer day packages that include transportation, tastings, and guided visits to the villages. Alternatively, the itinerary can easily be followed independently by car or bicycle: Lecce, Acaya, Galatina, Specchia, covering approximately 90 km in total.
Discovering Salento’s villages means stepping into an authentic dimension where time moves more slowly and every corner tells a story.
Food, Wine, and Local Boutiques: Authentic Flavors and Artisan Creativity
The villages near Lecce offer a sensory journey that blends culinary tradition with local craftsmanship—key elements of Salento’s identity. In each village, food and wine culture is a living heritage, preserved by small trattorias, historic bakeries, and family-run farms. In Specchia, for example, visitors can enjoy traditional rural dishes such as burnt wheat orecchiette, preserved wild vegetables, and aged local cheeses, all paired with native wines like Negroamaro or Primitivo.
In Galatina, birthplace of the famous pasticciotto, the ritual of breakfast becomes a cultural experience, with pastries served warm in the city’s artisan bakeries. Even in Acaya, despite its small size, you will find taverns celebrating local cuisine with dishes like fava beans and chicory or stuffed puccia bread made with local ingredients.
Alongside gastronomic traditions, a vibrant network of artisan boutiques expresses the creative soul of the region. In the narrow streets of these Salento villages, you will find workshops offering Lecce stone carvings, glazed ceramics, papier-mâché works, and raw linen textiles, often crafted using techniques passed down through generations.
These small shops are not just places to purchase items, but spaces of storytelling and connection, where artisans share their deep bond with the land. Visiting local boutiques during day trips from Lecce means supporting a circular economy based on quality, authenticity, and respect for Salento’s cultural roots.
