Lecce
The Florence of the South, dripping in golden baroque and surrounded by olive groves.
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Stefanie
Lecce, Bari
👋 Ciao! I'm Stef 🇮🇹 I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Lecce to obtain my Italian citizenship and quickly fell in love with life in Puglia. As someone who is half Italian and half Asian, food has always been at the centre of my world. Some of my earliest memories revolve around long lunches, family gatherings and the belief that life's best conversations happen around a table. These days, you'll usually find me exploring a new restaurant, hunting down the best local produce, discovering hidden wine bars or planning my next Salento adventure. 🍝🍷 I'm also the founder of To Italy & Back (@italyandback), where I help people explore Italy through travel, lifestyle and relocation. I'm also a communications professional, ex food-writer and enthusiastic advocate for all things Puglia. I love helping travellers discover the side of this region that exists beyond the guidebooks... whether that's finding an unforgettable local restaurant, sharing an aperitivo in Lecce, exploring the city on foot, or simply helping someone experience Puglia a little more like a local. ☕🚶♀️ I especially enjoy connecting with food lovers, solo travellers, curious explorers and anyone wondering what it might be like to spend a little more time in Italy.
Riccardo
Bari, Lecce +3
5.0(4)Ex-professional basketball player, born in Northern Italy but living in Apulia for the love of my wife and this land. We renovated a trullo in Ostuni and started our Airbnb experience, welcoming amazing guests from all over the world. The thing we enjoy most is making our guests feel like they are in their “second home” in Apulia, not in a standard rental villa.
Isabella
Bari, Lecce +4
5.0(2)Ciao! I'm Isabella From Puglia. I grew up in a small town near Ostuni and have spent my whole life exploring every corner of Puglia — from the whitewashed streets of Locorotondo to secret coves along the Salento coast. I know where to find the best orecchiette, the most scenic sunset aperitivos, and beach clubs where locals actually go! I love helping tourists experience Puglia’s rhythm — slow, authentic, and full of warmth.
Rosa
Florence, Pisa +13
5.0(1)Hi, I’m Rosa - your local Italy travel planner based in Florence. I live in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Italy is not just where I live, it's what I love sharing with others. Over the years, I've explored many cities like Bologna, Milan, Venice, Rome Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia and many more. Each region has its own flow, flavors and traditions, and understanding these differeces is what makes a trip truly special. I help travelers experience Italy beyond the typical tourist path. From selecting the perfect area to stay, to reccomending authentic restaurants, wineries and hidden villages. I desing trips that feel personal and deeply Italian. If you want to experience Italy with local insight and thoughtful planning, I’ll help you create a journey you’ll never forget.