What’s it like to move to and live in Lecce?
I only briefly visited Lecce while working remotely from Italy, but I really liked this southern Italian city and remember thinking it could be a nice place to live.
So, I’m excited to interview Stefanie who decided to move to Lecce from Australia.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Lecce, Italy
Name: Stefanie Reilly
Age: 41
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Her Story:
“I grew up in a multicultural household; my mum’s side is Italian, and my dad is Asian, so navigating between cultures felt normal from the beginning. Italy was never abstract; it was always part of my family story.
I was eligible for Italian citizenship by descent and, instead of waiting years through the consulate system in Australia, I decided to relocate and apply directly in Italy.
It wasn’t a simple decision. In Australia, I built and ran my own PR agency. On paper, my life worked. I had a beautiful apartment, a strong circle of friends, and family close by. But as I approached 40, I realised I was running on momentum rather than excitement. Everything felt just slightly stale.
One month after turning 40, I said goodbye to my close-knit family and friends and moved across the world to Lecce, Puglia, in southern Italy.
What began as a legal process turned into something much more personal: rebuilding a life, learning how to belong somewhere new, and eventually launching To Italy & Back to support others navigating the same path.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad
Why Did You Move to Lecce?
“At first, I imagined Florence. Like many people, I was drawn to the romance, the beauty, and the memories of a holiday years earlier.
But once I began speaking to my lawyer and looking seriously at the citizenship process, I had to think strategically. Applying for citizenship by descent in Italy means establishing legal residency in a specific comune. Smaller comuni often have fewer applications moving through the system, which can make the process more manageable and generally more efficient.
Lecce made sense in a few different ways. It’s a smaller comune, which meant I could work closely with my lawyer on the ground and navigate residency and documentation in a more contained environment.
But it’s not a tiny village. It’s a baroque city with real infrastructure. There are hospitals, universities, year-round cultural life, and a community that isn’t built solely around tourism.”
What Do You Like About Living in Lecce?
“The way it slows you down.
In Melbourne, life was fast and I loved that, but it also took its toll, especially working in PR and running my own business.
In Lecce, it’s different. It’s less of a rat race. People here prioritise the day-to-day more, rather than what they’re trying to achieve long term. I find that refreshing.
I also love how walkable Lecce is and how it comes alive at night. There’s a real sense of community, and the expat community is incredibly welcoming. Summer evenings spill into the piazza and there’s always a small festival or event happening somewhere.
The locals are proud of their city and genuinely want you to experience everything it has to offer. It’s still deeply local, but there’s some diversity too; a Japanese restaurant next door to me, an Indian across the road. It’s different from Australia, but it’s evolving in its own way too.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Lecce?
“I wish we had an airport in Lecce. It’s really not that bad, but the closest airport is 30 minutes away. Bari is the main airport in Puglia and that’s about an hour and a half away. Travel is absolutely doable, and you do get used to it. It just requires a little more planning.
Winter surprised me. It’s sunny, but it can feel colder than you expect. I’m not used to 3-degree days (37 degrees Fahrenheit), and we had a few of those this winter!
Professionally, unless you work remotely or run your own business, opportunities are more limited than in northern Italy or larger international cities. You really do need a solid work plan before arriving. That’s something people often underestimate.”
Is Lecce Safe as a Place to Live?
“Yes, very much so.
Mostly, I feel safe walking home at night – more so than I ever did in Melbourne.
Sure, you still need to be aware of your surroundings, and in winter the streets are a lot quieter. But ultimately, it’s a city where people know their neighbours and shop at the same local places for years. That community feeling adds to the sense of safety.
Most streets are well lit and, particularly in summer, there’s so much life outdoors in the evenings.”
Is Lecce Expensive as a Place to Live?
“Compared to Rome or Milan, it’s more affordable.
Rent varies depending on location and condition, but you can live comfortably here without the financial pressure you might feel in larger cities. That contributes positively to overall wellbeing. Some people choose to work less because their expenses are much lower.
Coffee is still just over €1. Produce is reasonably priced.
It’s not “cheap Italy,” but it allows for a more balanced lifestyle.”
What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Lecce?
“An aperitivo with friends in the center or a long Sunday lunch is really lovely.
There are no strict time slots. Eating is sacred here, and people genuinely want you to enjoy not just the food but the entire experience. Italians take pride in what they do, and you feel that.”
Any Favorite Bars and Restaurants in Lecce You’d Love to Share?
“There are many.
Cafés
Caffè Alvino: An institution in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. It’s genuinely good and open all day. The rustico is fantastic.
Pinti: Beautiful décor and a wide range of Napoletana pastries. It’s the “pretty café,” and it happens to be on my street, which I love.
Restaurants
Le Zie: A charming trattoria with delicious pasta and an old-school feel. A group of aunties (Zie) make your food.
Osteria Da Angiolino: Simple, local and traditional food done well.
Bars
Delicatessen Lecce: My favorite for a casual drink. A deli during the day; in the evening they open the window and you order at the counter.
Pezzetto: A lovely little wine bar.
The beauty of Lecce is that even ordinary places become meaningful once they’re part of your routine.”
What is the Expat / International Community Like in Lecce?
“There’s a strong expat community and I was genuinely surprised by it.
There are WhatsApp groups, social events, and informal meetups, so you don’t have to feel alone. This Facebook group for expats in Lecce is a good place to start.
The community includes remote workers, artists, students and citizenship applicants passing through. But it doesn’t feel like an enclave.
That said, it’s important not to rely only on English. Lecce is still very Italian, and many people don’t speak English. Joining a language school or working with a teacher makes a huge difference.”
Any Tips For Moving to / Living in Lecce?
“Understand your legal pathway before you arrive. Residency, visas, and citizenship all operate on timing, and the sequence matters more than people realise.
Have your income structure clear in advance. Whether you’re self-employed, have found a job in Lecce, or are employed elsewhere, you need to know how you’ll sustain yourself here.
Also Read: How to Retire Early & Go Abroad
Start learning Italian, even just the basics. It changes everything socially and practically.
And if you can, spend time here before committing. Living somewhere and vacationing somewhere are very different experiences. Even a short, structured visit can give you clarity about whether it truly fits.”
Any Resources You Found Useful?
“The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for official visa information.
Your local comune’s website once you decide where you’re applying, because procedures are handled locally, not nationally. This is the website for Lecce.
Idealista and Immobiliare.it for housing research, just to understand pricing and neighbourhoods. You’ll need to connect with a real estate agency or relocation expert locally to help with a rental if you don’t speak Italian.
A good commercialista (accountant) early on, especially if you’re planning to work remotely or open a partita IVA (Italian VAT number).
And honestly, speaking to experienced professionals on the ground before making major decisions made the biggest difference for me. Italian bureaucracy isn’t impossible, but it’s procedural. Having someone who understands the sequence saves time and unnecessary stress.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You are in Lecce?
Have a warm pasticciotto for breakfast in Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
About Stefanie
Stefanie Reilly is an Australian writer and relocation consultant based in Lecce, Puglia.
After moving to southern Italy in 2025 to pursue citizenship by descent, she now supports English speakers navigating visas, residency and structured relocation planning.
Find her at Italyandback.com and on Instagram @italyandback.
About Lecce, Italy
Lecce is a beautiful historic city in southern Italy, located in the region of Apulia (Puglia in Italian), near the heel of Italy’s boot. Often called the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is famous for its Baroque architecture, lively piazzas, and relaxed southern Italian lifestyle.
The city has around 97,000 residents, making it large enough to have good infrastructure, services, and cultural life, while still feeling manageable and easy to navigate. The historic center is particularly charming, with narrow streets, limestone buildings, cafés, and restaurants everywhere you look. Life here tends to revolve around the piazzas, evening strolls, and long meals with friends.
Although the city itself is slightly inland, the beaches of the Salento Peninsula are only about 20–30 minutes away by car. From Lecce you can easily reach both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, with crystal-clear water, nice beaches, and small seaside towns.
The pace of life in Lecce is noticeably slower than in many northern Italian cities. Daily life often revolves around local markets, cafés, and family-run businesses, and many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon for riposo. At the same time, Lecce has a young and lively side thanks to its university, which brings students and cultural events to the city throughout the year.
Another big attraction for expats is the cost of living. Compared to cities like Milan, Rome, or Florence, Lecce is generally much more affordable, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. That said, salaries in southern Italy tend to be lower as well, which is why many foreign residents work remotely or run their own businesses.
In terms of travel connections, Lecce is about 30 minutes from Brindisi, where you’ll find the nearest international airport. From there, you can reach many European destinations, and the train network also connects Lecce with other Italian cities, although travel times to the north can be quite long.
Overall, Lecce appeals to people looking for sunshine, beautiful surroundings, excellent food, and a slower, more traditional Italian lifestyle, all while still living in a vibrant city with history and culture around every corner.
If you’d like to know more about what it’s like to live in the Puglia region, perhaps in a smaller town, I also have this interview with an expat about living in Puglia.
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