Best Things To Do in Tricase Italy: Travel Tips & Places to Visit

Looking for a quieter slice of Puglia away from the tourist-packed hotspots? Tricase might just be your new favorite. Nestled in the heart of Salento, this coastal gem blends baroque charm, crystal-clear waters, and a deep maritime soul. From wandering the cobbled streets of the old town to sipping local wines at nearby Puglia wineries, Tricase invites you to slow down and enjoy the good life. In this guide, you’ll uncover the best things to do in Tricase, from scenic swims in Marina Serra to unforgettable day trips to Otranto or Santa Maria di Leuca. Expect lazy lunches by the sea, breathtaking coastal trails, and the kind of authentic hospitality that makes you want to stay forever.

What are the best things to do in Tricase?

Visit the Church of San Domenico

Right in the heart of town, the Church of San Domenico is impossible to miss, and even harder to forget. With its ornate Baroque façade and intricately carved main altar, this 17th-century church brings serious southern Italian flair to Tricase’s skyline. Beyond the beauty, it’s also a window into the town’s spiritual roots and the lasting Dominican influence in the region.

Relax at Marina Serra

Just a short drive from classic Tricase, Marina Serra offers the perfect escape for beach lovers. With its clear turquoise sea, rugged cliff formations, and hidden coves, this small seaside village is ideal for a peaceful swim or a scenic cycle along the coast. It’s a favorite among locals and one of the top nearby attractions around Tricase.

Walk to Tricase Porto

A walk to Tricase Porto is one of those simple pleasures that quickly turns into a highlight of your trip. This peaceful harbor town is dotted with colorful fishing boats, cozy seafood tavernas, and locals chatting along the quay. Grab a seat by the water, order a plate of just-caught fish, and sip a glass of local wine as the sea breeze rolls in. Don’t skip the walk to the lighthouse, it’s the perfect spot for sunset views and quiet reflection.

Visit Capo di Leuca lighthouse

Perched on a cliff where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, the Lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca isn’t just a beacon for ships, it’s a must-see landmark for travelers exploring southern Puglia. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the rugged coastline and turquoise sea stretching in both directions.

What are the best things to do around Tricase?

Raise a glass at a historic Salento soul

Just outside Tricase in the village of Depressa, Castel di Salve is a fourth-generation winery nestled in a restored 19th-century cellar carved in local stone. Since 1885, the Winspeare family has been handing down this wine-loving legacy, nurturing indigenous grapes like Negroamaro, Primitivo, Verdeca, and Malvasia Nera di Lecce across sandy-clay vineyards. Tour the historic estate and taste authentic Salento wines in a place where tradition meets character, without feeling stuck in the tourist track.

Walk to the scenic Ciolo Bridge and its dramatic cliff views

Just 20 minutes from Tricase, near Gagliano del Capo, the Ciolo Bridge is where thrill-seekers and nature lovers unite. Spanning a deep limestone gorge with impossibly turquoise water below, this spot is made for cliff diving (if you dare), coastal hikes, or simply soaking up the epic views. The narrow Ciolo inlet is one of the most Instagrammed places in Salento, and for good reason, it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Wander through Lecce

Less than an hour’s drive from Tricase, Lecce is pure eye-candy for anyone into grand architecture and lively southern charm. Nicknamed the “Florence of the South,” this baroque beauty wows with landmarks like Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, each carved with dizzying detail. But Lecce isn’t just for architecture nerds, it’s also a hotspot for wine tasting in Lecce, with enotecas and wine bars offering local Salento labels worth lingering over. Pop into artisan workshops, grab a rustico pastry on the go, or toast your day with a glass of Negroamaro.

If you’re planning your itinerary, don’t skip our full guide to the top things to do in Lecce Italy, this city has layers you’ll love uncovering.

Visit Santa Maria di Leuca

At the southernmost tip of Salento, Santa Maria di Leuca is where the Adriatic and Ionian seas shake hands, and it’s just a breezy drive from Tricase. Picture white villas perched above turquoise coves, a majestic lighthouse watching over the cliffs, and fishing boats bobbing in the bay. You can wander up to the historic monastery, hop on a boat tour to explore sea grottos, or simply swim in some of the clearest waters in Puglia. The promenade is perfect for a slow stroll and a scoop of gelato with a sea breeze.

Wander the sunlit streets of Gallipoli’s old town

About 30 minutes from Tricase, Gallipoli is where the Ionian Sea kisses centuries of history. Cross the old bridge into the fortified island-town and get lost among narrow alleys, crumbling palazzi, and baroque churches that glow golden at sunset. You’re here for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, swimming by Spiaggia della Purità, or simply soaking in the southern vibes with a glass of local wine, Gallipoli makes every moment feel like a postcard.

If you’re mapping out your Salento trip, don’t miss our guide to the things to do in Gallipoli Italy, because this town is a coastal classic.

Uncover the best towns in Puglia

When it comes to exploring Southern Italy, the region of Puglia offers a mosaic of unforgettable towns, each with its own personality and charm. From whitewashed hilltop villages to coastal gems and Baroque masterpieces, the best towns in Puglia offer a perfect mix of history, food, and slow-living vibes. Whether you’re wandering through the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, sipping wine in Locorotondo, or diving into seafood in Gallipoli, there’s a unique story waiting in every corner. Use this guide to plan your route through the most beautiful and authentic destinations across the heel of Italy.

Good to know before visiting Tricase