Lecce, Italy

Lecce, often called "The Florence of the South," offers a wonderful blend of stunning Baroque architecture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality that makes it surprisingly family-friendly. Our family flew into the Bari airport and it's an easy one hour and forty-five minute drive to beautiful Lecce.  

Here's a summary of what makes Lecce special for families traveling with children:

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The historic center of Lecce is largely pedestrianized, making it safe and enjoyable to explore with children. Kids will be amazed by the elaborate façades of churches like the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Cathedral, with their stone monsters and fantastical creatures carved into the soft local limestone.

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Piazza Sant'Oronzo forms the heart of the city, where children can marvel at the partially excavated Roman amphitheater while enjoying a gelato. The evening passeggiate (strolls) are perfect for families, as locals and visitors alike wander the golden-hued streets.

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For a break from sightseeing, the Villa Comunale public gardens provide space for children to run around and play. Nearby beaches like Torre dell'Orso and Porto Cesareo offer crystal-clear waters and shallow entry points perfect for young swimmers.

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Food is a highlight in Lecce, with simple pasta dishes like orecchiette con le cime di rapa (ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops) that even picky eaters might enjoy. The local pastry shops sell pasticciotto leccese, a sweet pastry filled with custard that children invariably love.

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My family and I enjoyed a boat ride to the nearby caves taking in the bright blue water and the view of Lecce from the sea.  

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One of the highlights of our trip was taking a cooking class with a local chef where we learned how to make homemade orecchiette.  My children still make it for meals several years later!