Lecce and the sea just a few kilometers away

I went to Lecce mainly because my wife loves art. The baroque style there is abundant. I'm less into cultural stuff, though. I also went because Lecce is near the sea. Combining city and coast always appeals to me.

Sure, Lecce's beaches aren't cheap anymore. But they're beautiful, that's true. With some smart planning, you can mix sightseeing and beach days. You don't have to choose just one.

It's important to clarify something. If you're planning a mostly cultural vacation, it's better to stay in Lecce. The beaches aren't far, but traffic and crowded roads can be a hassle. Parking isn't always easy either, both in the city and at the beaches. You might waste a lot of time traveling.

Trying to do everything, city and sea, every day can be tiring. It takes away from both experiences. So, I chose a compromise. I spent more time in Lecce, enjoying its culture and baroque art, which my wife loves. I only set aside a couple of days for the beach.

I've returned to Lecce several times. First, eight years ago, then again four years later, and finally this year. This allowed me to see different beaches and notice how things have changed, especially prices.

Eight years ago, I mostly visited the Adriatic coast. From Lecce, it was just a 20-minute drive to San CataldoSan Cataldo. Back then, it seemed simple and much quieter than today. Now, I'd say the beach is well-equipped with facilities, cabins, and some bars. The central part of San Cataldo is often crowded, especially with local tourists. Overall, it's still a pleasant area with ancient Roman port remains and the lighthouse. The sea is beautiful, but not equally everywhere. The best spots are without rocks, as some areas have tricky water access. The beach is generally clean, though old buildings close to the sea can look out of place. The sea is often rough, thanks to the frequent wind.

This year, I chose Torre Specchia Ruggeri instead. Here, the coastline has small sandy coves nestled between rocks.

Most beaches are free and quite peaceful, mainly visited by locals. The sea is warm and clear, at least when the wind calms down. Another plus is some free parking spots right by the sea, which is rare now. Honestly, I dislike paying to park my car under the sun without any security.

The services here are minimal: no real facilities, just a few roadside bars. But if you love the sea with freedom, no strict rules, and no forced entertainment, this is the place for you.

Four years ago, I started exploring the Ionian Sea more. We were curious and wanted to compare different parts of Salento.

From Lecce, the trip takes about forty minutes. The scenery changes quickly. Forty minutes in the sun is a lot, so it's better to travel early in the morning. It's cooler and there's less traffic.

Places like Porto CesareoPorto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo impressed me with their clear water and fine sand, very different from the Adriatic. Even then, prices weren't low, but they were manageable if you chose wisely where to stop.

This year, going back, I confirmed a feeling I had before: the beaches are still beautiful, but a day at the sea costs much more now. I noticed this both on the Adriatic, in lively places like San FocaSan Foca, and on the Ionian, where famous spots like Punta Prosciutto have become almost mandatory stops, with all that entails.

My wife and I mainly look for free beaches to avoid crowded spots. That's why we often travel by car. Without a car, some areas are simply impossible to reach.

That said, if you want to enjoy the sea without the stress of driving and parking--and without missing out on Lecce's charm--there's a more relaxing option. In summer, Salento in BusSalento in Bus becomes a quiet yet effective ally. It starts from the center of Lecce, between the station area and Porta Napoli, and it's easy to use even if you're not familiar with the city. It quickly takes you directly to the coast, without unnecessary detours or worrying about where to park.