What to do in Salento on a rainy day: 5 Best Places to Visit in Salento
Salento, Italy, is the Southernmost province of the heel of the boot in the region known as Puglia, which has recently topped all the industry “must-see” lists. No visit to Puglia could be complete without a trip to Salento. This Italian hotspot is known for the paradisiacal white sandy beaches of the Ionian Sea, the pizzica folk dance and music, the Baroque architecture of Lecce, and its Southern hospitality. The most popular time of the year to visit is from April-September, but with its mild Mediterranean climate, any time of year is just right for a visit. If you’re coming in the summer months it’s unlikely you will come across rain as the rainiest seasons are autumn and winter, and regardless rainfall is not abundant. Nonetheless, it’s best to be prepared in case your vacation is splattered with a few drops of rain. So, read on to find out what to do in Salento when it rains.
1. Visit the Baroque City of Lecce in the rain
There’s no better way to spend a rainy day in Salento than discovering the over 2,000 year old city of Lecce, one of the most important cities in Puglia. Known as the “Florence of the South” Lecce has a wealth of monuments, churches, basilicas and museums worth visiting, as well as some top-notch restaurants and cafes. Wander through Piazza Sant’Oronzo, home to the 2nd century Roman Amphitheater, the Sant’Oronzo Column, and the Baroque church of Santa Maria della Grazia. Of course, don’t miss one of the many churches and important basilicas like the Basilica di Santa Croce. For a completely indoor activity in Lecce, check out one of the many museums like the Jewish Museum or the Archaeological History Museum. Looking to sit down and relax? Then have a specialty coffee at Cafe Cittadino where the coffee is roasted on site and they also have some innovative cocktails.
2. Time travel with a trip to Otranto Castle
Go back in time to the 15th century and visit the Aragonese Castle of Otranto. You can go on a guided tour of the castle, wander through the Archaeological Museum, the Dungeons, and also check out one of the temporary exhibitions, which features world-famous Italian artists. With umbrellas in tow, you can have a stroll around the charming city surrounded by a crystal clear coastline.
3. Taste your way through Maglie’s Chocolate Tasting Room
Remedy your sweet tooth with a visit to the Maglio chocolate tasting room to try artisan chocolates with a history dating back to 1875. Afterwards take advantage and wander around this beautiful off-the-beaten track city.
4. Visit a Winery or an Olive Oil Farm
Salento has much to offer wine enthusiasts and foodies alike, with over 50 different grape varietals, including the most famous Negroamaro and Primitivo. Take advantage of a rainy day and visit Cantele Winery in Guagnano or do a wine tasting at Feudi di Guagnano, which was founded by five young entrepreneurs with a goal of saving the Negroamaro vineyards. You can also visit the over-100-year-old Zacheo Oleovinicola for an olive oil and wine tasting. What better way to spend a rainy day in Salento?
5. Local Experience at the Aia
Regardless of the weather, it’s always a good time to enjoy a local experience At the Aia. The Aia offers massage, yoga retreats and excellent farm to table food. You can do an overnight or take part in one of their different local experiences that combine food, wellness and local culture, together with Giulia Stasi, the half New Yorker, half Pugliese host.
Don’t let the weather ruin your vacation, there are so many things to do on a rainy day in Salento. Book your local experience At the Aia today!