Small guide to Otranto/Apulia - The splendid door to the Orient"

In this article, we will show this splendid old town, surrounded by a thousand years of history and by the bluest sea possible, in a few quick steps; that’s why we named it a small guide to Otranto/Apulia. Local people call it “The gateway to the Orient” or “Italy’s heaven.”

Do you want to know why? Let’s find out.

About Otranto

Otranto is a historic seaside town on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy, in the region of Apulia. This small place has a lovely holiday atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a one-day trip or a more extended stay. The picture-perfect blue waters, white buildings, and divine rocks make Otranto the frequent cover of books and articles about Puglia.

The town is in the province of Lecce (Salento peninsula) and is close to Italy’s easternmost point, known as the heel of Italy’s boot. Albania can be seen over the Strait of Otranto on a clear day.

The name Otranto is probably best known abroad for The Castle of Otranto.

Like much of Puglia, Otranto has a turbulent past. It was an important Greek and then Roman port called Hydruntum. Later, the Byzantines, the Normans, and the Aragonese ruled it. In 1480, the town was invaded by Turks (Seige of Otranto), and 800 locals were executed for refusing to convert to Islam. The bones and skulls of the martyrs of Otranto are now stacked behind glass in the cathedral.

Main sights

Duomo and other churches

Otranto’s leading attraction is the twelfth-century mosaic in the Romanesque Cathedral. It is famous for its mosaics, which include biblical stories like Noah’s Ark and other mythical and historical figures like Alexander the Great and King Arthur. Alongside the Cathedral is a small museum, the Museo Diocesano.

Hidden up winding alleys within the old part of town is a very different church, the little Church of San Pietro. This attractive small building contains Byzantine frescoes.

The Castello Aragonese (Castle)

The real-life ‘castle of Otranto,’ the Castello Aragonese, is a robust construction that forms part of the tough defense of Otranto. The building is from the fifteenth century, though it was built on one of Frederick II’s earlier fortresses. It is open to the public and sometimes houses temporary exhibitions. The Otranto’s small tourist information office (not helpful) lies close to the castle in Piazza Castello.

Historic old town – “Centro storico”

In addition to these tourist sights, visitors can roam the lanes of the historic town, coming across picturesque scenes and views. The center is still enclosed within its defensive walls, which gives a real sense of history. The busiest lanes are lined with decent souvenir shops (ceramics, sandals, that sort of thing) and with restaurants and bars. On summer nights, Otranto has a lively holiday scene. Out of the atmospheric alleys, explorers can stroll along the walls above the sea, where a couple of really idyllically sited bars allow you to sit and sip drinks or eat a light lunch while gazing over the harbor and bay. The different atmosphere can be appreciated among the crumbling ruins above the port, which include a stone altar open to the sky.

Down where the massive walls mark the entrance to the old town is a pleasant little park, the Villa Comunale. From this point, the seafront stretches around the bay to the north. These are more modern areas, without the charm of the historic center, but still pleasant for a seaside stroll with ice cream.

Otranto beaches

The beaches around the town are very small; nevertheless pleasant on a sunny May weekday, unfortunately highly crowded in the peak summer season. The coastline outside Otranto is renowned for its beauty, and many famous beaches are around. You can easily reach them by car. In addition, there is also a summer bus service to this popular seaside spot. To the north of Otranto lie the sandy beaches of Baia dei Turchi and the Laghi Alimini (large lakes close to the sea). The area remains a popular holiday base. Another excellent seaside destination nearby is Porto Badisco, a scenic rocky cavern.

How do you arrive in Otranto?

By plane:

The closest airport to Otranto is Brindisi. However, if you’re traveling around Puglia, Bari is another possibility. Budget flights from all over Europe serve both airports. Search in the Skyscanner Ryan Air, Volotea, or Easyjet. Those are some of the most budget-friendly ones.

By train

Otranto can be reached by rail. But the connections are not regular outside the primary season, so we prefer driving by car instead.

By Bus:

In the summer, a valuable service called “Salento in treno e bus” connects popular tourist destinations in the area. The language is Italian, but reading the timetable won’t be difficult. The routes usually operate from mid-June to early September, and several buses stop in Otranto, including buses to the Santa Cesarea Terme and to Laghi Alimini. The latest information can be found on the official website and at the tourist information office in Otranto.

When to visit?

Hot sunny summers and mild winters sum up this southern part of Italy. The Adriatic Sea frames them on the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. And the swimming begins as early as May. Many bloggers advise that the best time to visit is May to June. In our opinion, however, the best time to see it is in May or June. Nature is the prettiest, and there are no crowds, so you can admire the beautiful beaches yourself.

And last but not least, everything is cheaper then. The prices can increase in heaven in the summer, especially in August. It is not very budget-travel-friendly.

Around Otranto

There is so much to see around the little town, so we recommend renting a car. The larger cities of Lecce and Gallipoli are the two major destinations. Besides that, you can discover plenty of more minor coastal spots. You are going to love them for sure.

To-do list around Otranto

Hydra boat excursions: excursions to the charming Adriatic coast with many highlights such as caves, inlets, and sandy beaches. See the video below.
I Laghi Alimini are two interconnected lakes forming an Oasi Naturale just north of Otranto. They are home to a wide range of flora and fauna and a popular stopping-off point for numerous species of migratory birds, including the flamingos. Hence, they are popular places with nature lovers. The largest lake is connected to the sea and the beaches that can only be reached on foot. The most famous beach is Baia dei Turchi, where Gedik Ahmed Pasha and his fleet reportedly disembarked before attacking Otranto.
Just south of Otranto, Punto Palascia (also known as Capo d’Otranto) is Italy’s easternmost point. Numerous cliffs, stunning sea views, a lighthouse, and an unspoiled landscape make it an ideal spot for coastal walking.
Porto Badisco, just south of Punto Palascia, is a rocky inlet giving way to a slip of sandy beach and cavernous grottoes. Legend has it that Porto Badisco was where Aeneas first set foot on Italian soil on arrival from Carthage.
Santa Cesarea Terme—Santa Cesarea is one of Salento’s most prominent thermal bath centers. The use of the waters from four caves dates back to the 16th century. The whole town’s economy is based on the baths, which offer various facilities.

Useful links

One of the most popular ways of vacating in Puglia is by staying in “Masserie” (local village farms turned into the most beautiful boutique hotels). Check here for more.