Nestled right down in the heel of Italy’s boot, Lecce is called the “Florence of the South”, known for its extravagant Baroque architecture and winding old town. With a population hovering around 95,000, Lecce is big enough to offer a bit of buzz, but small enough that you’ll quickly recognise familiar faces at your favourite pasticceria. The town is just a breezy drive from some of Puglia’s best beaches, so you’re never far from the sea. 

If you’re after a slice of Italian life that’s as sunny as it is unpretentious, living in Lecce may be the place. Arguably one of Italy's most underrated cities, Lecce is best described as laid-back but lively, a place where community and local ties mean a lot. The city centre has a lived-in feel—pavement cafés, independent bookshops, and little groceries tucked down nearly every alley.