Let's start our journey by discovering the green lungs of Lecce, which are the perfect place for family outings and active recreation. The first point on our map is 'Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi'. This centrally located park is a true oasis of calm in the heart of the city. As one visitor points out: "After visiting many interesting places, here you can sit back, relax and enjoy nature. The park impresses not only with its lush vegetation, but also with its interesting fountains, which, especially on hot days, are a great place to cool off. It's the perfect place to start or end a day full of excitement, especially since, as another tourist notes: 'Most of the city's bus lines (SGM network) depart or terminate from here.

Another place worth noting is the 'Parco di Belloluogo'. This sprawling park, covering an area of about 12 hectares, offers much more space for active recreation. It is a place that combines elements of history and nature. At the center of the park is the medieval Torre di Belloluogo, which adds a unique charm to the place. The park is equipped with playgrounds for children, exercise areas for adults, and extensive green areas ideal for picnics. One visitor notes, 'A spectacular park of about ten hectares in the heart of Lecce. Equipped with dog runs, archaeological sites, children's playgrounds and food outlets.... all well cared for'.

For those looking for something truly unique, we recommend a visit to the 'Parco Naturale e Giardino Botanico in Acquaponica EZEN'. This place is a real gem for lovers of nature and innovative ecological solutions. The park offers a fascinating journey into the world of aquaponics - a system of plant cultivation combined with fish farming. As one visitor notes: 'Yesterday I discovered a new world, the new agriculture of aquaponics. I highly recommend visiting this place, which is not only a journey into the knowledge of aquaponic agriculture without soil and chemicals, but only with water and lots of love.' It's the perfect place to teach kids about ecology and sustainability in a practical and interesting way.

Lecce is a city best explored by bike. With its flat terrain and numerous bicycle paths, it's an ideal place for both beginners and advanced cyclists. One of the best ways to discover the charms of the city and its surroundings on two wheels is to use the services of 'Experience Hunter Lecce Salento'. This company not only offers quality bicycle rentals, but also organizes guided tours that allow you to explore the most interesting corners of the region.

As one customer notes: 'I had an amazing experience renting a bike from Gennaro in Puglia. He was extremely responsive and accommodating to our schedule. I was fortunate to rent a Pinarello with Ultegra Di2 - a super fast and responsive bike in amazing condition.' This is a testament to the high quality equipment the company offers, which is extremely important for a comfortable and safe ride.

One of the recommended bike routes is a trip to the southern tip of Salento. It's an approximately 80-kilometer route that passes through picturesque landscapes and charming towns in the region. As another satisfied customer points out: 'I rode a beautiful 80-kilometer ride to the southern tip of Salento and back - it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of my trip!'

For those who prefer shorter trips, we recommend the route around the city walls of Lecce. This roughly 15-kilometer loop allows you to see the city's most important sights from a different perspective. Along the way, it's worth taking a break at the 'Parco dei Colori', which is the perfect place to rest and relax. As one visitor notes: 'A great place, well maintained and clean. There's a bar, a playground, a basketball court and a large selection of toys to share!".

For families with children, we recommend the route to the 'Parco delle Cave di Marco Vito'. This park, created on the site of former quarries, offers a fascinating mix of nature and history. The bike route leading to the park is safe and well-marked, making it ideal for even the youngest cyclists. As one visitor points out: 'I had the opportunity to go a few days after the inauguration, to the ad hoc park, which faded because of the care and beauty of this quarry park, there is history all around.'

Lecce is not only a paradise for cyclists, but also an ideal place for hikers. The city and its surroundings offer a number of fascinating routes to discover the hidden treasures of the region. One of the most interesting places for hiking is the 'Torre di Belloluogo'. This 14th-century defensive tower, surrounded by a moat full of spring water, is one of the highest points of ancient Lecce. As one visitor notes: 'One of the unknown places of Lecce.... A quiet and peaceful place.... accidentally discovered on a map'. The route leading to the tower winds through a picturesque park, offering many attractions along the way, including the chance to see a traditional Apulian trulli.

For those who want to combine an active vacation with a discovery of history, a hike to 'Rudiae' is recommended. This is a fascinating archaeological site that offers insights into the ancient history of the region. As one visitor points out: 'An immersive experience in the Messapian and Roman world. An expert has described the site from both a technical, archaeological and cultural point of view. The route to Rudiae leads through picturesque countryside, making the journey itself as fascinating as the destination.

For families with children, a walk through the 'Parco delle Cave di Marco Vito' is recommended. This park, created on the site of former quarries, offers a fascinating mix of nature and history. As one visitor notes: 'An extraordinary place where you can relax in complete tranquility, doing outdoor sports, relaxing on a bench reading a book or listening to music while taking a healthy stroll. The park offers a number of paths of varying difficulty, making it ideal for both young children and more demanding walkers.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the 'Foresta Urbana di Lecce'. This urban forest, created on the site of a former quarry, is a true oasis of nature in the heart of the city. As one visitor points out: 'An amazing place, immersed in the urban fabric of Lecce, traversing it you can breathe in the nature and history of the city, between the hardship of the quarries and the shame of the degradation that turned it into a garbage dump in the past decades.' Hiking trails in this forest offer not only contact with nature, but also the opportunity to observe wildlife, including various species of birds.

All in all, Lecce offers countless opportunities for active recreation, whether you are a cycling or hiking enthusiast. Whether you choose a bicycle or your own feet, exploring the charms of this Apulian city will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Remember to always be prepared for changing weather conditions, take enough water and snacks with you, and above all - enjoy every moment spent in nature in this beautiful region of Italy.