We are splitting a week in Puglia and want to spend time in Lecce area for several days before going to a coastal stay.
Would it be better to use Lecce or Galatina would be a better base for exploring before coast? Ideas suggestions
Also favorite coastal stops and therme and beaches
Traveling in early Sept.
Rental car suggestions?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17960 posts
Stay in Lecce, preferably within walking distance from the city center (basically Piazza Sant'Oronzo, Piazza Duomo area basically). Two or three nights are adequate.
For coastal area my favorite in that area is Otranto, not far from Lecce. I also like the Gargano Peninsula (Vieste) but I don't know if that is part of your plans. Monopoli is also nice. Polignano is cute and popular, but too crowded for me (but I've been in Puglia only in July and August, so maybe it won't be as bad for you, although September will be busy at least before schools start around the 12th).
Posted by
6871 posts
Where are you arriving/departing?
You don’t necessarily have to move unless you especially want the sea view. We stayed in Lecce twice partly because we could do so much in evening there but also get to either coast with a short drive.
Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio was a highlight for me.
If departing from Bari, Monopoli is a nice coastal stop but if interested more in beaches, I’d stay further south.