One of the best things about staying in Lecce is that some of Salento’s most beautiful beaches are surprisingly close to the city. Drive east and you will reach the turquoise Adriatic coast around Torre dell’Orso, Otranto and Alimini; head west instead and you can spend the day on the white-sand beaches of Porto Cesareo and Gallipoli. If you do not mind travelling a little farther south, the coast of Ugento offers an even more resort-style beach escape.
There are good public transport options to some coastal towns during the summer, and several hotels can arrange private transfers. However, renting a car is by far the most convenient option if you want to combine Lecce with the beaches of Salento. The coast is dotted with small bays, beach clubs and villages, and having your own car gives you the freedom to visit places such as Baia dei Turchi, Torre Sant’Andrea, Punta della Suina and the quieter beaches around Ugento without depending on seasonal bus schedules.
Here are 5 excellent beach resorts and hotels near Lecce to consider.
1. Green Paradise Alimini Resort — Otranto and Alimini
Surrounded by Mediterranean greenery near Otranto and the Alimini Lakes, Green Paradise Alimini Resort is a great choice if you want more of a resort atmosphere while remaining within easy reach of Baia dei Turchi and some of the finest beaches on the Adriatic coast. The property has just 33 accommodation units, including rooms, family rooms, bungalows, apartments and suites, many with their own terrace, balcony or small outdoor area. The standout feature is the huge swimming pool, complemented by a poolside bar, restaurant, gardens, parking and a partnership with the equipped Spiaggia Azzurra beach. Better still, the resort operates a shuttle to its affiliated beach, so you do not need to drive every time you want to swim. Why choose it? You get the peace of a countryside-style resort, a large pool and an organised beach service while staying just minutes from Otranto, Baia dei Turchi and the Alimini coastline.
2. Le Dune Suite Hotel — Porto Cesareo
For white sand and shallow turquoise water on the Ionian coast, Le Dune Suite Hotel is one of the most attractive choices near Porto Cesareo. The four-star property stands just opposite the famous Lido Le Dune and has 48 contemporary rooms divided into Deluxe, Superior and Family categories, plus a spacious Suite with a hydromassage bath. The interiors are modern and understated, while the rooftop pool and solarium, BeautyLife Spa, restaurant, lounge bar and nearby beach club make it easy to spend several days here without needing much else. The hotel explicitly offers a private transfer from Lecce station on request for an additional charge.
3. Grand Hotel Costa Brada — Gallipoli
Grand Hotel Costa Brada is a classic choice for travellers who want to combine Gallipoli with the convenience of a genuine beachfront hotel. Located a few kilometres south of the historic centre, it has direct access to a long private sandy beach and offers 75 rooms in several categories, from comfortable rooms with lateral sea views to Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites and Suites with large terraces facing the Ionian Sea. The facilities are particularly complete: private equipped beaches, a large outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness facilities, restaurants and bars, landscaped gardens, a gym and private parking are all available on site.
4. Posia Retreat & Spa UNA Esperienze – San Foca
For a more intimate and contemporary seaside stay, Posia Retreat & Spa | UNA Esperienze is one of the most appealing luxury options close to Lecce. Set directly on the waterfront in San Foca, around 22 km from the city, the hotel is particularly convenient if you want to combine sightseeing in Lecce with days on the Adriatic coast. Its stylish rooms and suites range from Deluxe rooms to larger Grand Deluxe options, sea-view rooms and spacious suites, while the Grand Deluxe Aqua rooms add a private terrace and mini-pool for an extra level of privacy. The facilities are a major part of the experience: there is a wellness spa with sauna, Turkish bath and an indoor hydrotherapy pool, a spectacular adults-only heated rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Adriatic, a second 23-metre Sky Pool suitable for families, restaurants and panoramic bars. Guests also have access to Mora Mora Beach, the hotel’s private white-sand beach club just a few hundred metres away, with its own bistro and bar.
5. Vivosa Apulia Resort — Marina di Ugento
If your idea of a beach holiday is a full resort experience where almost everything is taken care of, Vivosa Apulia Resort is worth travelling a little farther from Lecce for. Set inside the Litorale di Ugento Natural Park, the resort is surrounded by pine forest and dunes and leads to a private stretch of fine white sand on the Ionian Sea, in the area often nicknamed the “Maldives of Salento”. Rooms are arranged around ten Mediterranean-style courtyards and range from Classic doubles to spacious family accommodation, with balconies or gardens and plenty of space for longer stays. The resort’s Luxury All Inclusive concept includes meals and drinks, beach facilities, several swimming pools, sports activities, kids’ and teens’ clubs, entertainment and access to the VOS Organic Spa facilities; there are also restaurants, bars, fitness areas, tennis and padel courts and an adventure park. No beach shuttle is necessary: the private beach is reached on foot through the natural surroundings of the resort.
Which beach resort near Lecce should I choose?
- Green Paradise Alimini Resort – Best for nature lovers, couples and families who want to explore Otranto, Alimini and Baia dei Turchi.
- Le Dune Suite Hotel – Ideal for travellers looking for beautiful sandy beaches, a relaxed seaside atmosphere and easy access to Porto Cesareo.
- Grand Hotel Costa Brada – A great choice for couples who want a more refined beachfront stay combined with restaurants, sightseeing and nightlife in Gallipoli.
- Vivosa Apulia Resort – Best for families and travellers looking for an all-inclusive holiday with pools, activities, a private beach and plenty of services on site.
- Posia Retreat & Spa | UNA Esperienze – Perfect for couples, romantic getaways and wellness-focused stays, with a spa, rooftop pools and easy access to San Foca and Torre dell’Orso.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you are looking for relaxation, family-friendly facilities, nightlife or a romantic escape. Whichever resort you choose, staying near the coast is a wonderful way to combine Lecce’s cultural charm with the crystal-clear waters and laid-back atmosphere of Salento.
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