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- Lecce
Lecce
Fully included in the Salento region, the end of the heel of the boot, the Province of Lecce is the second most populous in Puglia after that of Bari.
Its capital Lecce, cultural and social centre, is considered the cradle of the Baroque Pugliese and is a popular attraction for visitors during their holidays in the Province of Lecce. The territory is almost entirely flat, with hills that slightly go over 200 meters. A peculiarity of this area are Alimini Lakes, northern of Otranto City, in front of the homonymous beach.
Suggested Hotels: Mantatelure Dimora Esclusiva, DoubleTree by Hilton Acaya Golf Resort, Risorgimento Resort
Under the conventions nautical Cape of Otranto, or Punta Palascia, is the end of the Ionic Sea and the beginning of the Adriatic Sea. Both seas are very popular seaside destinations in the region. Among the beaches of the Ionian Coast we suggest you Gallipoli beach, Porto Cesareo beach in Frigole and the beautiful Maldives of Salento in Santa Maria di Leuca.
Suggested Hotels: Vivosa Apulia Resort (Ugento), Masseria Li Foggi (Gallipoli), Tenuta Centoporte (Otranto), Masseria Lentisco (Carpignano Salentino)
Within the beaches of the Adriatic Coast we advise to visit the rocky beach of Santa Cesarea Terme, named by the waters that characterize the coastal caves.
The presence of caves is very frequent in the region due to karst phenomena. During the holidays in the Province of Lecce we suggest you to visit Zinzilusa Caves.
What to visit in Lecce
Cradle of Apulian Baroque, which was developed here in a unique and totally original way, Lecce is called the Florence of the Baroque. Walking the streets of Lecce means admire the soft Salento stones, that have taken different shapes thanks to the work of local artists in the spectacular facades of churches and palaces. Among other things, the Basilica of St. Croce deserves a visit; it's one of the best examples of the Baroque of Lecce.
Santa Maria di Leuca
The name was given by the Greeks, who called it Leukos, "Sunlight." Santa Maria di Leuca is a very popular tourist resort, known for the old century villas built in different styles. Its position between two seas gives the chance to admire both sunrise and sunset from its beaches.
Otranto Cathedral
Otranto, the easternmost city in Italy, is a town of about 5,500 inhabitants. The old town has remained almost intact and is surrounded by walls that were built by the Aragonese to protect against invasions of the Turks in 1500. The Cathedral has the unmistakable imprint of the local Romanesque style, of particular interest is the mosaic floor, made of 600,000 multicolored tiles.
Zinzulusa Caves
It takes its name from the dialect "Zinzuli" rags, which resemble the stalactites in the cave. It 's definitely one of the most important caves of the Salento, Puglia exemplary manifestation ofthe karst, which has fostered over the centuries, the creation of several caves. Only a small part of it can be visited (for about 150 meters); the decision has been taken in order to protect certain species of great biological importance that dwell in the deepest cavity.
