Salento Experiences
where to go and what to see
Salento, located at the southern tip of Puglia, is a captivating land with its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear sea, and historic villages. If you’re wondering where to go and what to see in Salento, here you’ll find a comprehensive guide with ideas, tips, and experiences to discover and authentically experience our region’s most enchanting places.
for a complete relaxation
rich, healthy and tasty
flute of prosecco
stay from 1 to 3 nights
Your experience to Salento: a concierge at your service
Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient villages, or go trekking in nature, Salento offers unforgettable experiences in every season. To ensure you don’t get lost in the endless sea of options, we at Hotel Leone di Messapia have selected the most evocative and high-quality excursions to make your stay in Salento full of wonderful surprises.
Stop by our concierge desk: we’ll reveal the most beautiful beaches, unmissable events, and help you book the most exciting and evocative excursions!
Ideas and suggestions
Salento offers experiences for every type of traveler, from relaxing by the sea to nature excursions, but navigating the many options can be truly overwhelming, especially if you’re on vacation and want to unwind for a week.
That’s why we at the Best Western Plus Leone di Messapia offer our guests a carefully selected range of summer events and experiences, to help them make the most of their Salento holiday, surrounded by the sea, nature, and local culture.
Discover our proposals below. You can book the one you’re most interested in directly at the hotel through our concierge service.
Adriatic Sea
The itineraries we offer for exploring the Adriatic Sea are among the most captivating in Salento: a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and crystal-clear water. Experience and be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Adriatic coast.
Ionian Sea
Among the must-see destinations for those seeking a seaside adventure, the Ionian coast, with its crystal-clear waters, offers a pure and authentic vision of Salento.
On horseback in nature
You’ll be able to admire the silent greenery of an exceptional natural oasis, surrounded by trees and the scents of the Mediterranean scrub, until you admire the blue sea and hear the waves, the scent of the salt air, and the slow pace of the horse on the wet sand.
A regenerating experience, a moment of absolute freedom between sky and sea. An encounter between nature and freedom, hard to forget.
Authentic traditions in Salento
If you’re looking to put your craft skills to the test, Salento is the place for you. Here you can learn the secrets of the ancient art of fresh homemade pasta and savor the typical flavors of our region. Or create small ceramic or papier-mâché works of art.
Explore the universe and admire the stars
Evenings in Salento can be transformed into a unique journey among stars, planets, and galaxies. With projections and expert guides, you’ll discover the secrets of the sky as you’ve never seen them before. A magical experience for adults and children alike… just a step away from infinity!
Lecce, between art and history
Stroll through the heart of Salento and be enchanted by the timeless charm of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. Among churches carved like lace, elegant piazzas, and alleyways steeped in history, you’ll experience a unique journey through the “Florence of the South.”
The most beautiful beaches and seas in Salento
Salento is famous for its Caribbean-style beaches and crystal-clear water.
- Porto Cesareo and Punta Prosciutto, perfect for families thanks to shallow waters.
- Santa Maria di Leuca, with its amazing caves.
- Baia dei Turchi, a wild and uncontaminated stretch of coast near Otranto.
- Maldives of Salento, in Pescoluse, white sand and turquoise water.
Tip: visit the beaches in the early morning or at the sunset to enjoy the best light and less crowd.
Cities and villages you absolutely must visit
In addition to the sea, Salento boasts cities of art and history.
- Lecce – the capital of the Baroque, with elegant squares, richly decorated churches and a lively historic center.
- Otranto – seaside city with a medieval village and the famous Cathedral with the Pantaleone mosaic.
- Gallipoli – “the beautiful city”, with an ancient village on an island connected by a bridge.
- Galatina – a treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque churches, palaces, and historic courtyards, where the Lecce pasticciotto was born.
- Specchia – one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its great historical and artistic heritage.
Hotel Leone Messapia - Startegic position to explore Lecce and Salento
Best Western Plus Leone di Messapia Hotel Conference – Eventi
**** a Lecce – SP 23 Lecce – Cavallino