If you’re wondering where to stay in Lecce, Italy, I’m confident this travel guide can help you choose the best area and accommodation that matches your travel style and preferences, especially if you’re a mid-range traveler like me.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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Is It Worth Staying in Lecce?
If your time in Puglia only allows you to visit Lecce as a day trip from Bari or a one-day stop on a road trip, do it!
I beg of you – do not leave Puglia without visiting Lecce – I fell hard for it and cannot stop talking about how everyone should be exploring it.
That said, if you have more time, I think it’s 100% worth staying in this enchanting city, whether just for wandering Lecce more slowly or also using it as a base to travel through the gorgeous Salento Peninsula.
Quick Recommendations
You can dive into the rest of this post, or check out these quick accommodation suggestions: Le Caruse (where I stayed and would gladly stay again), or these other highly-rated options.
Check out AF Apartments, Elle Suite, and Casa Florean if you prefer staying in an apartment.
Alternatively, book a stay at Le Quattro Porte, Palazzo De Giorgi B&B, or Palazzo Paisiello Luxury Rooms if you prefer guesthouses, B&Bs, and boutique hotels.
Best Areas to Stay in Lecce, Italy
1. As this is the main area you’ll explore in Lecce, the pedestrianized historic center is the obvious choice when looking for a place to stay in the city, as you’ll be within a short walk from all the main sights.
Plus, you’ll have plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. You can also take a street food tour here – book it on GYG or Viator!
That said, I’d recommend using Google Street View and reading reviews on the exact location of the accommodation, because even though the historic center is gorgeous and enchanting, some nooks and crannies of it might be less appealing, and you wouldn’t want to stay in a tiny alley that makes you uncomfortable.
2. My next suggestion and personal preference would be to stay right outside one of the three city gates that lead into the historic center, my first choice being the lovely & conveniently situated Porta San Biagio & Piazza D’Italia.
It’s the perfect compromise between getting easily into the maze of streets of the old town, yet not being “stuck” in that maze (meaning it can be inconvenient sometimes to be in the middle of a pedestrianized area, whether in terms of luggage, transportation, etc.).
Porta San Biagio is also easy to walk to/from the train station and is surrounded by a variety of places to eat.
3. Some people choose to stay in the adjacent Mazzini neighborhood, which is more residential and also has a variety of shops & restaurants. However, I would still prefer the two areas I mentioned above.
Things to Notice Before Booking Your Accommodation in Lecce
Elevator: Some accommodations are housed in old buildings without an elevator, so if that’s a deal breaker for you, read all the details and reviews before booking your stay.
Parking: Note that even accommodations that say they do offer it might refer to public street parking instead of a private spot, so check that in advance (through the booking page, contacting the property, or reviews).
Plus, consult your local host regarding public parking, as you might get fined if you park on certain streets at certain hours.
As I’ve mentioned, the historic center is mostly a car-free zone, so if you’re staying there, you’ll also have some walking to do to get to your accommodation.
*I explored Puglia without a car.
Breakfast: If breakfast is offered for an additional cost, check what it consists of before paying for it. If it’s only coffee and a pastry, it will usually be cheaper to have it at one of the local cafes.
Some accommodations actually offer breakfast that’s served in a nearby cafe.
Where to Stay in Lecce, Italy – Suggested Spots
My Personal Choice – Le Caruse
This was such a lovely place to stay, and I would definitely return.
First of all, Le Caruse has a perfect location in Piazza D’Italia, right in front of the city gate Porta San Biagio, so there’s easy access to the old town.
The little piazza is super cute, with a cafe that works all day long and a gelateria. The guesthouse itself is in a building with an elevator.
Second, the hosts couldn’t be more welcoming and friendly, and the rooms are fantastic.
I initially booked a smaller room, which was super cozy, but I got upgraded for free, so I stayed in the suite with a terrace overlooking the city gate. It is super spacious, comfortable, and has great balcony views.
Prices are more than fair, although I have to say that Lecce in general boasts lots of affordable, highly-rated (9+) places to stay, even during the peak season.
Read more and book your stay at Le Caruse!
Here are other highly-rated options.
Le Quattro Porte
Right around the corner (so it’s also located near Porta San Biagio), you’ll find Le Quattro Porte, which offers clean, modern, double rooms, some with a balcony (with a table and chairs). A light breakfast is also included in the price.
Read more and book your stay at Le Quattro Porte!
Palazzo De Giorgi B&B
Located at the edge of the old town, only a few minutes’ walk from the train station, Palazzo De Giorgi B&B is housed in a renovated old palazzo.
You can book a superior or deluxe double room (the latter is super spacious and has a balcony), breakfast is served in the rooms (included in the price), and you can also sit and unwind on the rooftop terrace.
Read more and book your stay at Palazzo De Giorgi B&B!
AF Apartments
If apartments are more up your alley, AF Apartments are centrally located near the famed Piazza Sant’Oronzo & Roman Amphitheater of Lecce.
The cozy & modern apartments are almost fully equipped (no washing machine, for example) and are suitable for up to 4 people.
Read more and book your stay at AF Apartments!
Elle Suite
Elle Suite is a spacious, modern, and fully equipped apartment located in the historic center.
Amenities include everything you’ll need and want, even a washing machine, dishwasher, and spa bathtub. Breakfast is also included in the price, served at a nearby cafe.
Read more and book your stay at Elle Suite!
Casa Florean
Located at the edge of the historic center (in a 19th-century building), only a few minutes’ walk from the train station, Casa Florean is a spacious 2-bedroom apartment with a rustic yet modern decor (with some of the traditional Lecce stone incorporated throughout the house).
It is fully equipped, from a washing machine to kitchenware to a hair dryer.
Read more and book your stay at Casa Florean!
Dimora Vico Storella
Located right on the central Piazza Sant’Oronzo (literally a stone’s throw from the Roman Amphitheater), Dimora Vico Storella offers cozy double and family rooms, both well-equipped (even including a kitchenette).
If you also opt for breakfast, you’ll have it at a cafe right downstairs.
Read more and book your stay at Dimora Vico Storella!
Palazzo Paisiello – Luxury Rooms Lecce
Located at the northern edge of the historic center, Palazzo Paisiello offers modern yet cozy, boutique-hotel-style double rooms.
Know that breakfast is served at a nearby cafe, there’s a rooftop terrace where you can relax, and the friendliness of the staff is mentioned again and again in reviews.
Read more and book your stay at Palazzo Paisiello!
Azzurretta Guest House
Azzurretta Guest House is centrally located, a stone’s throw from the beautiful Church of Santa Chiara (and the adorable Piazzetta Santa Chiara) in the historic center, and is housed in a 16th-century building.
Apart from the cozy double and family rooms, it also offers an Italian breakfast served on the sun terrace (optional).
Read more and book your stay at Azzurretta Guest House!
Palazzo dei Tolomei
Also located close to Piazzetta Santa Chiara, Palazzo dei Tolomei boasts double rooms with minimalist decor (some with a balcony).
For an additional cost, you can also have breakfast there, which is highly rated and served on the rooftop terrace.
Read more and book your stay at Palazzo dei Tolomei!
“Puglia Without a Car” Digital Guide
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* I haven’t stayed at every hotel I mention in this post, but each one is well-researched (by me) and has high ratings of 9+ on Booking.com. That said, you should always read the reviews and all the details about the facilities and services to see if they match your needs.
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