We set out from Lecce to explore two of Salento’s treasures—Gallipoli, where the sea shapes everything, and Galatina, where art, faith, and mystery linger on the walls.

Our morning takes us west to Gallipoli, the “beautiful city” perched on a limestone island and tethered to the mainland by a single bridge. Once a powerful maritime hub, its baroque churches, sunlit piazzas, and sea-facing ramparts tell stories of trade, conquest, and devotion. We explore its atmospheric lanes, where faded palazzi lean gracefully toward the sea and laundry flutters between balconies.

Lunch is at leisure—perhaps grilled octopus at a waterfront trattoria, or a plate of sea urchin pasta tucked into a stone-vaulted wine bar. Whatever you choose, let the sea set the pace.

In the afternoon, we trade salt air for silence as we head inland to Galatina, a town of elegant restraint and hidden marvels. At its heart lies the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a gothic treasure whose unassuming exterior conceals an explosion of frescoes—vivid scenes that rival Giotto, painted by unknown hands. We linger here, letting the centuries speak in pigment and prayer.

Return to Lecce in the late afternoon, with time to explore the corners of the city on your own.