Lecce

Forgot to mention we want to stay in the old cities in both places.

Sorry that I can't help with a lodging recommendation in Lecce; I stayed just outside the historic center.

I am not a fan of checking in and out of hotels. Gallipoli is only about 25 miles from Lecce, so I'd spend all my nights in Lecce.

We stayed at the B&B Centro Storico in Lecce last April. A lovely place, well located, clean. Breakfast is off-site in a local cafe, ok but there are plenty of other options in Lecce, so we certainly didn't go hungry. We did not have a car so I can't help with parking.

http://www.roofbaroccosuite.it/en

We had a car in Lecce and ended up doing metered street parking. I remember being surprised that they didn't charge for the afternoon siesta hours, they bank any extra time on the meter until after siesta time. It must not have been too expensive since my husband hates to pay for parking. But you should ask about parking wherever you book. I'm sure your hotel will know the best places to park.

Last year we stayed for 4 nights at B&B Regina Maria in the historic center of Lecce. The apartment has two bedrooms but you can book only one if that's all you need. You can check it out on booking.com. It is on a small square with some parking and there is also a free parking lot nearby. We went to Gallipoli and a few other towns as day trips while we were there. You didn't say where you are coming from and where you are going after Lecce and Gallipoli so whether you visit Gallipoli as a day trip or spend the night probably depends on your next stop.

Thank you folks for your input.
I am still researching hotels & B&B's that do have parking & or have it near the hotel for convenience to get to for day trips. We will be coming from Matera and have already allotted 2 nights in Lecce not sure if we want to add a third. I suppose one day to Gallipoli & Marina di Leuca, 2nd to Otranto and up to San Cataldo and the the day we arrive from Matera to explore Lecce should do it.

I'm a bit confused. You are coming from Matera and plan to spend the afternoon exploring Lecce then sleep. That's night one. Then you take a day trip to Gallipoli and sleep, that's night two. To take your next day trip to Otranto and return to Lecce you would need a third night in Lecce. If that's your plan you should add the third night in Lecce. It's worth it depending on your next sleep destination.

Hi Carol
No, we would now base ourselves in Lecce for 3 nights and make day trips to Gallopoli, Galantina /Otranto. Itinerary not completed yet for this area. Sorry for the confusion.

Now it makes sense. We spent 4 nights in Lecce and visited the towns you are planning to see and also others. You will surely love it!

For your consideration, I'm going to throw in the name of an inn where we stayed, Il Cortile delle Esperidi. It's not in the historic center, but just a 5 minute walk from one of the gates. It has its own underground parking. Our room was really an apartment, with a full kitchen and living room. Everything is super clean. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful. Breakfast is bountiful, with a huge array of home made sweet and savory pastries, meats cheeses, etc. I think they offered eggs, but we didn't want them.

Roslyn
Thank you for this information. I would prefer to be outside the gates. I have searched there site but find no e-mail address. Would you happen to know what it is?
Thanks

Sorry Rosalyn misspelled your name

We rented a trulli near Ostuni. Wonderful experience. A car is necessary. We prefer to unpack once and take day trips.