Easter Weekend in Puglia

What to do in Salento: Traditions, Food & Wine, and the Sea

If you’re looking for a unique destination for your Easter Weekend in Puglia 2025, Puglia is undoubtedly one of the best choices.

Our region, famous for its natural beauty, millennia-old traditions, and authentic gastronomy, offers everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

In the heart of Salento, your Easter will be filled with religious rites, sea excursions, typical dishes, and much more. Staying at Canudis will allow you to experience all that Salento offers in comfort and style. You’ll stay in elegant apartments and have easy access to explore the region.

Holy Week in Puglia: A Dive into Religious Traditions

Holy Week in Puglia is one of the most captivating celebrations of the year. During this period, the entire region prepares for religious events that recall the Passion of Christ. In particular, Salento is famous for its processions, which involve hundreds of people and take place in many cities and towns. Gallipoli and Lecce, the Baroque capital, host one of the most impressive processions. Here, the faithful walk through the historic center, carrying sacred images, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion. The celebrations reach their peak on Good Friday, with the Spolcri ritual, a typical Salento tradition. Churches turn into places of reflection, with altars set up in memory of Christ’s body.

In many Salento villages, the night processions are a true spectacle of faith and history. The streets fall silent, broken only by sacred chants and the sound of the faithful’s footsteps. Don’t miss these unique experiences that immerse you in the local culture. They blend spirituality with the beauty of Salento’s landscape.

Sea Excursions: The Coast of Salento

Easter in Puglia means enjoying the natural beauty the region offers. By the end of April, temperatures become pleasant, making it the perfect time for a sea excursion. The Salento coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and hidden coves. These are perfect for those who want a relaxing day in nature.

You can visit the stunning beaches of Porto Cesareo, Torre Lapillo, and Punta Prosciutto. The sand is fine, and the water varies from turquoise to deep blue.

To experience the local atmosphere, don’t miss a walk along the promenade in Nardò. It’s a great way to discover its charming marinas, Santa Caterina, and Santa Maria al Bagno. Here, you can enjoy a delicious artisanal ice cream while admiring the view. You can also explore Porto Selvaggio Park, a pristine corner of nature, perfect for an excursion immersed in Salento’s wild beauty.

For lovers of sea caves, the area of Santa Maria di Leuca offers amazing boat trips. These excursions let you discover caves and hidden inlets that are hard to reach by foot. For a more rugged experience, the Ugento Natural Parkprovides unforgettable thrills. The park is full of winding trails, all surrounded by breathtaking views of the coastline.

Puglian Food and Wine: Typical Dishes to Enjoy During the Easter Weekend

Salento cuisine is another reason your Easter weekend in Puglia will be even more special. Puglian cuisine is rich in authentic flavors and traditional dishes that tell the story and culture of the region. During Easter, the cuisine is enriched with typical dishes that are a true celebration of tradition.

A must during Easter lunch are the desserts.

Typical Salento Easter sweets include almond paste lambs, pupa and gallo in shortcrust pastry, and glazed sweet taralli. The Cuddhura, a cross-shaped form with a hard-boiled egg at the center, represents the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. Other traditional desserts are the scarcelle and panaredde, glazed biscuits with lemon-flavored sugar, shaped into symbolic forms.

If you’re in Salento during Easter Monday (Pasquetta), don’t miss the outdoor lunches. Grilled meat, onion omelets, sardizza, and fried panzerotti are the undisputed stars of the day.

Puglia is also famous for its wines. Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Salice Salentino are just a few of the fine local wines that will accompany your culinary journey.

Architectural Gems of Puglia: Churches and Monuments to Visit During Easter

Puglia is rich in history and monuments that showcase its cultural heritage. During the Easter weekend, the churchesof the region are not only central to religious celebrations but also extraordinary places to visit.

In cities like Lecce, renowned for its Baroque style, the churches are true architectural masterpieces, such as the Cathedral of Lecce. It leaves visitors breathless with its grandeur.

Salento is also home to many small medieval churches and romantic Baroque chapels. Many of these are tucked away in the smaller towns and speak volumes of centuries-old stories through their architecture and artwork.

Don’t miss a visit to the Cathedral of Otranto, famous for its beautiful mosaic flooring, and the Church of San Pietro in Galatina, which houses one of the most stunning frescoes in Salento.

Finally, no visit to Salento is complete without seeing its two iconic lighthouses: the Otranto Lighthouse and the Santa Maria di Leuca Lighthouse. These lighthouses are landmarks not only for sailors but also for representing the easternmost points of Italy. The Otranto Lighthouse marks the furthest eastern point, while the Leuca Lighthouse, located in the “heel” of Italy, is where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Both lighthouses stand as silent witnesses to the history and beauty of this extraordinary region, which overlooks crystal-clear waters.

Easter Monday in Puglia: The Sea and Nature Await You

Easter Monday (Pasquetta) in Puglia is the perfect time to celebrate outdoors. The mild weather at the end of April is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea or in the countryside. Many locals take advantage of this day to organize picnics in one of the many natural parks, where the landscape and tranquility create the perfect setting for quality time with family and friends.

If you want to take a dip in the sea, the beaches of Salento await you. Enjoy a day by the sea at Porto Selvaggio, one of Salento’s most scenic beaches. It’s known for its clear waters and the surrounding unspoiled nature.

A walk along the promenade of Santa Maria di Leuca will offer moments of relaxation, with breathtaking views of the sea. Stop by one of the many kiosks to enjoy a refreshing ice cream or an aperitif.

One of the best experiences to have is watching the sunset from Marina di San Gregorio Beach. This stunning spot, with its breathtaking view, is the ideal place to watch a memorable sunset. Every year, Bar del Moro organizes the traditional Easter Monday event, a fantastic opportunity to spend the day by the sea, with live music and aperitifs, surrounded by a festive or relaxing atmosphere.

Stay at Canudis: Your Easter Weekend in Puglia

If you want to experience Easter in Puglia with comfort and authenticity, Canudis is the ideal choice for your stay. The apartments we offer are elegantly furnished and refined, perfect for those looking for an ideal starting point to explore Salento. Located in a strategic position, our apartments will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the Salento culture, without giving up tranquility and comfort.

We are waiting for you!