Salento is a stretch of land bathed by the sea, where unspoiled nature perfectly blends with the artistic beauty of its villages. Its capital, Lecce, is a treasure of wonder, characterized by a Baroque-style center filled with historically significant buildings. In the heart of Lecce, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s most iconic sites, stands the Hotel President—the perfect place for an elegant stay in the heart of the most authentic Salento.
Lecce is a treasure chest of beauty, a city with ancient origins full of monumental buildings and art. The distinctive feature of the Salento capital is its Baroque style, which adorns the most picturesque places in the historic center. Every corner of the city is worth exploring: from Piazza Sant’Oronzo to Piazza del Duomo, from the Roman Amphitheater and Theater to the Basilica of Santa Croce, from Palazzo Adorno to Convitto Palmieri. The narrow streets of the old town are filled with the aroma of freshly baked pucce and pasticciotti.
28 km from Hotel President
Galatina is one of Salento’s most precious gems. Its historic center, among the most beautiful in the region, is home to stunning churches, Baroque architecture, and grand palaces. The Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, for example, is a masterpiece born from the fusion of Gothic and Apulian Romanesque styles. Its interiors are adorned with a breathtaking cycle of frescoes. Galatina is also considered the birthplace of the famous pasticciotto leccese, and it still hosts traditional pastry shops that prepare it just as it has been for generations.
32 km from Hotel President
Among the most well-known and loved seaside destinations in the world is Porto Cesareo. In this area, the Salento coastline is lined with sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and numerous marine protected areas. The beauty of Salento seems to concentrate along the coast that borders the town. Punta Prosciutto, Torre Lapillo, and Isola dei Conigli are just some of the unmissable beaches of Porto Cesareo, perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets over the sea. The Marine Biology Museum is also highly recommended, where you can learn about many local marine species and gain a unique insight into the biodiversity of the Ionian Sea.
42 km from Hotel President
Gallipoli is one of the most famous and visited cities along the Salento coastline. Its unique feature is the historic center, built on a limestone island and connected to the mainland by an arched bridge. A visit to Gallipoli isn’t complete without exploring its artistic old town, the Baroque-style cathedral, the magnificent castle, and the ancient Hellenistic fountain adorned with bas-reliefs inspired by Greek mythology. And of course, the surrounding sea is a must-see as well, with its crystal-clear waters that mirror the sky every day.
46 km from Hotel President
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of history, art, natural beauty, and cultural events, Otranto is the ideal destination. Overlooking the stunning Salento sea, with an ancient town characterized by cobbled streets, Otranto attracts tourists from all over the world each year and hosts cultural events and international festivals. Just a few kilometers from the city, you’ll encounter landscapes and natural sites of unique and breathtaking beauty, such as the Alimini Lakes, the Punta Palascia Lighthouse, and the Hypogeum of Torre Pinta.
47 km from Hotel President
Located near Otranto, the Bauxite Quarry is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural treasures in Salento. It appears as a turquoise lake nestled between strikingly red rocks, within a stunning, rugged natural landscape. Discovered in 1940, this site never fails to amaze visitors whenever it comes into view.
48 km from Hotel President
Santa Cesarea Terme is known for two distinctive features: the caves from which natural thermal waters flow and the Liberty-style architecture of its beautiful town center. In addition, the area is rich in scenic beauty, with crystal-clear waters and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Not to be missed are Villa Sticchi, an Arabesque-style landmark known for its grand dome that dominates the city, and Villa Raffaella, an elegant historical residence from the late 19th century overlooking the stunning surrounding sea.
Sign up for the newsletter