Things To Do
in Lizzanello

Lizzanello is a small, leafy commune in the province of Lecce, in Puglia, southern Italy, only a short distance from Lecce's Baroque center. Its quiet streets, traditional courtyards, and surrounding olive groves evoke Salento country life. The town links rural charm with easy access to beaches, historic sites, and farmers markets.

Visitors can use Lizzanello as a peaceful base for day trips to Lecce, Porto Selvaggio, and the Salento coastline.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Lizzanello and settle into your charming accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to absorb the sights, including the beautiful countryside and quaint streets adorned with traditional architecture. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pastries and Italian coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the local historical sites, including the charming Santa Maria delle Grazie church, followed by a leisurely lunch at a trattoria where you can indulge in regional specialties. Afterward, explore the picturesque surroundings, perhaps cycling or walking through the lush vineyards that characterize the area. Engage with locals, learning about their culture and traditions.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a family-owned restaurant in Lizzanello known for its authentic Apulian cuisine. Enjoy dishes made from locally sourced ingredients while sipping on a glass of fine Italian wine. Bask in the serene ambiance of the evening, soaking in the warm glow of street lamps illuminating the town.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the bustling local market, where you can interact with vendors and taste fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. This immersive experience will give you a glimpse into daily life in Lizzanello. Grab a hearty Italian breakfast from a local bakery to fuel your adventure.

afternoon
:

Participate in a cooking class offered by a local chef, where you will learn to prepare traditional Apulian dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch, relishing in the flavors you’ve created. After lunch, take some time to explore local artisan shops, picking up unique handcrafted souvenirs.

evening
:

Join a cultural event or festival if available, featuring local music and dance performances that celebrate the spirit of Lizzanello. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, chatting with fellow attendees and enjoying the lively energy. End your day at a quiet terrace, sipping limoncello and reflecting on your cultural experiences.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🧭Public transit ticket$1.50-2.50
Coffee$1.50-3
🍷Glass of wine$5-8
🍝Three-course meal for two$25-45

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Laid-back village feel with easy access to Lecce
  • Delicious Salento cuisine and olive oil culture
  • Limited nightlife within Lizzanello itself
  • Smaller town amenities compared to larger cities
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Dov'è la stazione?" - Where is the station?
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Lizzanello

Visit one of these nice places.

Piazza del Municipio (Lizzanello town square)

Cobbled lanes, light-coloured stone, and a quiet atmosphere ideal for street photography.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (parish church)

Elegant baroque facade and tranquil interior lighting for architectural shots.

Olive groves along Via Lizzanello-Lecce

Seasonal golden hour shots among ancient trees and rural fences.

Lecce Baroque architecture (short drive to Lecce)

Golden limestone façades, courtyards, and dramatic light in the historic center at dawn or dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lizzanello

Salento cuisine around Lizzanello is olive-oil rich, seafood-forward on the coast, and centered on simple, flavorful ingredients like tomatoes, burrata, friselle, and rustic bread.

Lizzanello Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Puccia Leccese

A round, soft bread sandwich usually filled with tomatoes, onions, mozzarella, and olive oil.

Must-Try!

Orecchiette con Cime di Rape

Pasta with turnip greens, garlic, chili, and pecorino cheese.

Friselle con Pomodoro e Origano

Twice-baked bread friselle topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano.

Bombette

Small rolled pork skewers grilled and seasoned with herbs.

Burrata with Tomatoes and Olive Oil

Creamy burrata served with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of local extra virgin olive oil.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lecce Central Market (Mercato di Lecce)

A bustling hub for fresh produce, seafood, bread, and regional specialties.

Coastal street food stalls near Lecce coast

Crispy fried seafood bites, friselle stands, and local pastries along the promenade.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lizzanello has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are comfortable for outdoor activities, while summer days can exceed 30 C (86 F). Rain is more common in late autumn and winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Religious sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly in sacred spaces.

Greetings

A polite hello with 'Buongiorno' or 'Salve' is common; a handshake is typical.

Dining etiquette

Meals are relaxed; wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

Safety Guide

Safety

As in any travel area, keep an eye on valuables in crowded places, especially near Lecce’s train station. Use licensed taxis, stay hydrated in summer heat, and follow local guidance near coastlines and beaches. Emergency numbers in Italy are 112.

Tipping in Lizzanello

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is often included; if not, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; many places add a service charge; ATMs are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and pleasant outdoor dining; expect brief showers.

Summer

Hot and dry, long days with beaches and evening strolls; carry sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Warm days, cooler evenings, harvest markets, and fewer crowds.

Winter

Mild with occasional rain; comfortable for city walks and museum visits.

Nightlife Guide

Lizzanello at Night

Lizzanello itself offers a quiet evening scene, with local cafes and gelaterias; for a livelier nightlife, Lecce's historic center provides bars, live music, and vibrant piazzas after sunset.

Hiking in Lizzanello

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Porto Selvaggio Nature Park

Coastal cliffs, pine forests, and clear waters; good for day hikes.

Le Cesine Nature Reserve

Protected coastal reserve with wetlands and birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Lizzanello by plane.

Brindisi – Papola Casale Airport (BDS)

Approx. 50-70 km from Lizzanello; major international connections and easy road access.

Bari – Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)

Larger international hub about 150-180 km away; frequent domestic and international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town is walkable in the center with pleasant pedestrian streets, but for extensive sightseeing and beaches you will rely on a short drive or public transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Long-time families and farmers involved in olive oil and agriculture.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists from Italy and Europe visiting Lecce and the coast.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (football)

The region loves football; many local teams and amateur leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in Lizzanello, with more congestion near Lecce during peak hours. Public transport connections by bus and regional trains serve the area.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lizzanello.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers will find abundant options like burrata, olives, friselle, fresh vegetables, and pasta dishes with tomato sauce; communicate clearly with staff, and ask for tomato, olive oil, and cheese-based dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via Lecce, with public hospitals such as Ospedale Vito Fazzi in the city. Pharmacies are common in Lizzanello; carry an EU-wide health card.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide