30 Apr A day in the Salento on our Puglia Tour
What a day on a Puglia Tour Looks Like
One of the things that makes travelling in Puglia so rewarding is how varied each day can be, often without covering long distances.
On our Puglia small group tours, one of the most memorable days is spent exploring the Salento peninsula, the southernmost part of the region. Starting from Lecce, the day combines art, food, coastal scenery and history in a way that feels both relaxed and immersive.
A Surprising Stop in Galatina
Our first stop is the town of Galatina, a place many visitors to Puglia never reach, yet one that holds one of the region’s most remarkable artistic treasures.
The Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria is modest from the outside, but inside it reveals an extraordinary series of 14th-century frescoes. The walls and ceilings are covered with vivid biblical scenes, with a level of detail that often surprises visitors.
Nearby, we make a very different but equally memorable stop at Pasticceria Ascalone, widely regarded as the birthplace of the pasticciotto. This small custard-filled pastry has become a staple of Puglian cuisine, and tasting it here offers a direct connection to local culinary traditions.
Lunch by the Adriatic Coast
From Galatina, we cross the Salento peninsula towards the Adriatic coast, arriving in the small port town of Tricase.
Here, we stop for a relaxed lunch overlooking the harbour. Fishing boats come and go throughout the day, and the menu reflects the morning’s catch. Seafood is a natural choice, though there are always alternatives available.
It’s a simple but authentic experience, and one that reflects the slower pace of life in this part of southern Italy.
Exploring Otranto – The Eastern Edge of Italy
In the afternoon, we continue to Otranto, a fortified town on Italy’s eastern coastline, looking out towards the Balkans.
Otranto is an easy place to explore on foot, with narrow streets, small shops and views out to sea. The town’s cathedral contains one of the most unusual artworks in Puglia: a vast 12th-century mosaic known as the Tree of Life, created by the monk Pantaleone.
The mosaic blends biblical stories, mythical figures and scenes from daily life, creating something that feels both intricate and unexpected.
Otranto also carries a more sombre history. In 1480, the town was invaded by Ottoman forces, and around 800 inhabitants were killed after refusing to convert. Their remains are still preserved in the cathedral, offering a powerful reminder of the region’s past.
By late afternoon, we return to Lecce, where there is time to enjoy a stroll through the town or simply relax with an aperitivo.
It’s a day that captures the essence of a Puglia tour: varied, unhurried, and rich in both culture and local character.
Planning Your Own Puglia Tour
If you’re considering a Puglia small group tour 2026, this is just one example of the experiences included in our itinerary.
We have also released our Puglia tours for 2027, which follow a similar structure with some updated inclusions.