Top Lecce Outdoor Activities

Explore a side of the Ionian coastline that most visitors never see with this catamaran day cruise from Porto Cesario. Sail up the Gulf of Taranto to admire hidden coves and sandy beaches, snorkel in underwater Roman ruins and colorful reefs, and take a dip off wild islands inhabited only by local fauna. End with an aperitif featuring local wines and gourmet specialties on board.

Escape the crowds and explore the hidden treasures in the Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto with this kayak excursion led by marine biologist guides. Learn about the native marine flora and fauna from your guide as you explore the Grotta Monaca, a sea cave known for its pristine waters and cove. Glide silently into the Baia dei Turchi to swim and snorkel in the secluded bay and relax on the beach.

The Porto Selvaggio kayak trip is our most popular trip, suitable for those who have never paddled. Included in the price is the SEA KAYAK COURSE FOR BEGINNERS guided by a 2nd level sea kayak instructor of the Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation. Along the way we will show you hidden caves and crevices, all to explore! We will pass under the Tower of S. Maria dell’Alto, along one of the highest coastal stretches in this area. Here are the most beautiful caves of the route. This trip is an exceptionally exciting and memorable trip down the coast which allows you to experience the transparent waters of the beach at the end of Porto Selvaggio Bay. You can also take a walk in the pine forest to shelter from the heat, take pictures and immerse yourself in the cold waters of the spring. During the kayak trip, if the sea allows it, we will enter the beautiful cave of Green Lagoon cave!

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Lecce on a leisurely bike tour. Pedal through the flat, bike-friendly streets and piazzas with a local guide and visit highlights like the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, and the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Enjoy the fresh air and flexibility of a 2-wheeled tour, and stop often to snap photos, browse local boutiques, and sample regional food and wine.

Get an authentic taste of local culture during this 3-hour cooking class in a private Lecce estate. Join the estate’s owners, both professional sommeliers, to create a meal of Pugliese specialties, and then enjoy your meal with a selection of fine wine.

Lecce is famous for its baroque architecture and authentic cuisine. With this cooking class in the heart of the city’s old town, experience the best of both. Meet your hosts at an “osteria” set on one of the most charming lanes in the historic center and discover the secrets to rolling and shaping fresh “orecchiette” pasta, a traditional specialty from Puglia. Then relax over a guided wine tasting paired with regional delicacies.

I worked for 15 years as a biochemical researcher of wine. Now I have transformed my dream and my passion into an activity dedicated to the world of wine, offering my clients an exclusive experience in the authentic culture of Salento wine. Thanks to my experience of online wine sales matured with my website I know perfectly all the cellars and wines of Salento. And now I want to use all my knowledge to give you the best and most complete wine experience you can find in Salento. Make yourself comfortable because the tour is about to start.

The day takes place visiting two wineries: in each we will taste 3 or more selected wines ("NO entry level wines") Furthermore, my tours always have a convenient organized and private transfer, with their own insurance, which will allow you to taste the wines without worrying about having to drive. IMPORTANT: I always accompany my guests personally throughout the day and, as a professional sommelier, I am available for technical and non-technical information. During the experience we will visit historical and traditional companies while during transfers between one winery and another, I will have the pleasure of telling you the history of the wine of my region; in this way you will be able to appreciate the visits in the cellar, understanding how the Apulian wines were born and evolved. I visited and selected numerous wineries throughout Puglia and chose very small wineries often run by families, historic wineries or even cellars with an attached wine museum.

Take a break from Salento's crowded beaches and explore the dramatic coves and caves along the Adriatic coast up close with this unique guided excursion by kayak or canoe. Set off from Roca Vecchia and paddle through the archaeological area and ancient port to reach coastal highlights like the Grotta della Poesia, Torre dell'Orso, and the Faraglioni. Stop at Due Sorrelle beach before turning back at Torre Sant'Andrea.

Explore the crystalline waters of the Porto Cesareo Marine Reserve without impacting the local flora or fauna with this kayak adventure accompanied by a marine biologist guide. Learn about this unique ecosystem and dive in with a snorkeling mask to spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Spot submerged Roman columns in the underwater archaeological ruins and skirt the coastlines of Malva and Conigli Islands.

Independent travelers will enjoy this 3-stop tour in Puglia, which provides transportation from Lecce but allows you to explore on your own. There's no need to rent a car; just sit back and enjoy the scenery on the way to Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. Explore each town on your own, with some tips from your guide if you wish.

Explore with professional Excursion Guide the north coast  of Otranto along the Path of the Hermit, breathtaking coastal Trekking. Walking along scenic coastal paths, discover resurgences of freshwater and hidden caves, explore the famous Grotta della Monaca and the mysterious Cave of the Hermit, discover the natural swimming pool, relaxing break and a refreshing swimming in the hidden Beach in the Bay of the Turks. 

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit, independently, three of the most picturesque towns in Salento: Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli. A scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays and white Caribbean-style beaches.

With this exciting excursion we will do Trekking to discover Otranto and explore the Idro Valley, in the Otranto-Leuca Natural Park. Trekking on the coastal paths,  visit the legendary costal tower Torre del Serpe,  explore the world-famous Red lake in the Bauxite quarry. Trekking in the Natural Park, exploring the Tumara Wood and visit Masseria Scalelle. We will explore the Selva del Turchese and  Trekking in the Idro Valley.

Coastal kayak excursions to visit the sea caves along the Adriatic coast and the west coast of Salento. Departure from Leuca from the private beach of the Terziario hotel, a succession of evocative explorable caves and coves with crystal clear water to live a unique experience and enjoy swimming, sun and sea of Salento.

Some of Salento's — also called the Peninsola Salentina — loveliest towns lie just south of Lecce on the "heel" of boot-shaped Italy. With this tour, save time by visiting four of the region's most characteristic towns in one day, stopping at cathedrals, baroque churches, castles, and public fountains along the way. Let your guide takes care of the itinerary and a driver southern Italy's narrow highways.

ASD GALLIPOLI SCUBA DIVING was founded by a group of friends with an irrepressible love for the sea. Our experience as divers in all the seas of the world has allowed us to fully grasp the beauty and fragility of the underwater world. The association was born with the intent of letting as many people as possible know the wonders of the sea, being convinced that to make the unforgettable experience of the first breath underwater, to observe closely for the first time a colorful nudibranch and to swim in deep blue, it is the best way to fall in love and respect the greatest resource of all humanity. The sea.

The city of Lecce is known for both its Baroque architecture and excellent street food. With this experience, discover the best of both without getting footsore by combining sightseeing and food tasting in a single bike tour. Zip through the picturesque lanes of the old town to take in the historic palaces and churches, stopping to sample local delicacies like “puccia”, “taralli”, and “pettole” washed down with Puglian wines.

Get to know the sunny, seaside region of Salento through its most famous product: wine. Departing from Lecce, you'll be introduced to native grape varieties and learn how wines have flourished in the arid climate. Visiting two wineries with an expert sommelier, you’ll cover the ins and outs of local wine-making, with a chance to savor some of the keysest wine selections — paired with savory regional treats.

We will ride on gentle horses and in the company of an expert equestrian guide we will ride along the paths of the Park to discover the natural beauty of the area. We will arrive on the beach to take some photos and at the end of the excursion we will return to the Ranch. Participants will be accompanied by guides patented by E.N.G.E.A. The experience on horseback will have a total duration of about 1 hour and a half.

Baroque Lecce is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, often called the “Florence of the South”. Cover more ground and take in its sumptuous churches and palaces at your own pace with this independent bike rental from the heart of the old town. Pedal through Lecce or strike out further afield to explore the surrounding countryside and coastline on the bike of your choice.

ASD GALLIPOLI SCUBA DIVING was founded by a group of friends with an irrepressible love for the sea. Our experience as divers in all the seas of the world has allowed us to fully grasp the beauty and fragility of the underwater world. The association was born with the intent of letting as many people as possible know the wonders of the sea, being convinced that to make the unforgettable experience of the first breath underwater, to observe closely for the first time a colorful nudibranch and to swim in deep blue, it is the best way to fall in love and respect the greatest resource of all humanity. The sea.

Esploreremo Santa Maria di Leuca e le grotte marine lungo la Rotta Finibus Terrae di Ponente. Faremo un escursione in kayak e canoe con Snorkeling guidato e ti porteremo alla scoperta di un meraviglioso mondo sommerso, ricco di biodiversità e colori unici. Scopriremo la Grotta della Fonte e Baia Porcinara, con le sue piscine naturali e la famosa Grotta Porcinara. Esploreremo l’incredibile Grotta del Diavolo. Proseguiremo esplorando la Grotta delle Ossa, La Grotta Verde, la Grotta del Fiume con la spiaggia e la sorgente di acqua dolce all’interno. Faremo Speleo-Trekking e Snorkeling nelle grotte marine, addentrandoci nei fiumi sotterranei e nei canali semi-sommersi di questo fantastico ambiente sommerso. Visiteremo la Grotta del Presepe, la famosa Grotta delle Tre Porte, la Grotta della Stalla e la misteriosa Grotta del Drago. Da qui, pagaiando lungo la costa, sulla Rotta Finibus Terrae, rientreremo al punto di partenza dove terminerà l’escursione.

The Santa Maria di Leuca kayak trip is our most beatiful trip! It takes place along the last stretch of the ionian coast of Salento. It is suitable for those who have never gone kayaking. Included in the price is the SEA KAYAK COURSE FOR BEGINNERS guided by a 2nd level sea kayak instructor of the Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation. On the way we will show you hidden caves and ravines, all to be explored! After putting on the life jackets and entering our kayaks, we will be ready to sail south from Marina di Felloniche , alongside the splendid Ionian coast of Santa Maria di Leuca. We will enter many caves including: Dragon Cave, Lovers Cave, Three Doors Cave, Nativity Cave, River Cave. In the last one you will get off the kayaks for a short stop before going back to Marina di Felloniche.