Lecce

Lecce earned its nickname thanks to its exuberant baroque buildings, carved from warm honey-coloured stone that is soft enough to sculpt into lace-like facades. Churches overflow with cherubs, flowers and beasts, and the old centre is a pleasure to walk. It is also a great food city, famous for rustic Pugliese cooking, coffee with almond milk and pasticciotto pastries. Beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts are close.

Talking points

• The local limestone is soft, which allowed incredibly detailed carving.
• The city is known for pasticciotto, a custard-filled pastry.
• Beaches on both coasts are a short drive away.
• Evenings in the old town are lively and easy.