Otranto: a romantic city with enchanting sea

We have an experience for you: DISCOVER AND TASTE THE TASTE OF OTRANTO

How to reach Otranto: The shortest way to see breathtaking views and taste tasty dishes of the typical cuisine of Salento

Reaching Otranto is very easy:

• by plane to Brindisi Papola Casale airport: you have to travel about 90 km of sliding road to reach your destination. We recommend you rent a car from the various international companies in the area or rely on private transfer services;
• by train: arrived in Lecce station with Trenitalia, you have to change train and rely on FSE – South East Railways. You will arrive directly to Otranto passing through several intermediate stops;
• by car: once you arrive on the motorway as far as Bari, take the Bari Nord exit and follow the comfortable Brindisi-Lecce state road. Once near Lecce you can enter the city (but we advise against it because of the heavy traffic) or take the East ring road in the direction of Otranto. After about 30 km you have to take the exit Maglie-Otranto and head towards the desired destination.

The map of Otranto: where we are exactly in Salento

This is the map. You can consult it from both desktop and mobile.

Otranto: a bit of history

Otranto, from the Latin Hydruntum, is a small tourist centre on the Adriatic, at the easternmost extreme of the Italian Peninsula. Renowned in recent years for the initiative “Dawn of Peoples” not only because it is the first Italian municipality to see the sunrise with the arrival of the new year but also because, over time, in this place have alternated different cultural influences: Messapi, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Aragonese.

Otranto: the founding fathers of this beautiful land

Among its founders, legend has it that Minos, Daedalus, Hercules, Japigio and Lizio are counted. Aeneas also landed on these coasts, exactly on the roadstead where once stood the Temple of the goddess Minerva, which stood out over the port and which gave its name to the hill. 
This sun-kissed land, in the remote centuries was a destination for migratory flows; you can find graffiti of the Paleolithic civilization in the Grotta dei Cervi (Deer Cave) of Porto Badisco or in the Romanelli Cave of Castro.

Saint Peter baptizes the first slaves of the west and the birth of one of the first universities in Europe

It is said that St. Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, baptized the first slaves of the West here. In these places, under the rule of Constantinople, colleges and schools were founded, art and culture flourished like never before. Just think that Otranto distinguished himself in the field of study because not far from it, was born one of the first European universities: the Monastery of St. Nicholas of Casole. Here the Niceta Hygumen built the student house in 1160 with the Accademia Talmudica and the Latin Italian and Norman Centres. 
It is said that St. Francis, on his way to Jerusalem, and Dante Alighieri, in exile, had passed through here.

“Mamma li Turchi”: the siege and conquest of Otranto by Mohammed II and the Aragonese reconquest with Alfonso of Calabria

In July 1480 it was conquered by the Turks of Mohammed II commanded by Achmeth Pasha Gedik, and Casole was razed to the ground and, with it, also the Christian cultural heritage. The siege for the conquest of the city lasted from July 28 to August 12, 1480. On August 14, 800 martyrs led by Antonio Pezzulla, the Primaldo (“the first to be heralded” – or beheaded) were beheaded on the hill of Minerva. Otranto, was reconquered by the Aragonese commanded by Alfonso di Calabria in September 1481.

Terra d’Otranto: Salento was called this way

Terra d’Otranto, so was baptized Salento under Roman rule centuries and centuries ago, enclosed the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi (except for the cities of Fasano and Cisternino) and the capital of Matera until 1663, when this city became the capital of Basilicata by decree of Philip IV of Spain. Geographically it enclosed the present-day Salento peninsula and, from Capo Santa Maria di Leuca (link to the post) extended its borders in the Itria Valley (the Murgia of the Trulli) and a part of the High Murgia stretched towards the Ionian Sea. Otranto continued to be the capital during the Kingdom of the two Sicilies and the Kingdom of Naples, until it was reorganized from the administrative point of view and took on great importance the County of Lecce and the Principality of Taranto. Thus Otranto passed the baton, from the point of view of administrative importance in Lecce, and remained important from the religious point of view for the presence of the archbishopric.

The importance of Lecce, today’s capital of Salento and its reorganization into districts and districts

Under Aragonese and later Spanish rule, Lecce became the political and administrative capital of the Land of Otranto, becoming a city famous from an artistic point of view (read our article on “Baroque in Salento: Lecce and Province”). With the reform of the administration of the provinces of the kingdom, (1806-1811) by Giuseppe Bonaparte, the provinces of the Kingdom were divided into districts and districts and, the province of Terra d’Otranto, was reorganized in the districts of Lecce, Brindisi, Taranto and Gallipoli. Only after the unification of Italy, the province of Terra d’Otranto and Lecce was reorganized into four districts: Lecce, Brindisi, Taranto and Gallipoli.

The coat of arms of the Terra d’Otranto and the coat of arms of the municipality of Otranto today

The coat of arms of the Land of Otranto initially depicted a dolphin. After the liberation of the territory from the Turks, the Ottoman crescent was inserted in the mouth of the dolphin on a background coloured yellow and red. Today the coat of arms of the municipality of Otranto has changed: the dolphin has left space for the Serpe tower, an existing watchtower still visible on the coast. It is said that, while the sentries slept at the foot of the tower, a sea snake entered the tower and, having climbed to the top, drank all the oil from the lamp, placed at its highest end. The symbolic reading of this herald has given way to different interpretations. The most accredited one would be the tower and its majesty, the city, the lamp oil would indicate the wealth of the hinterland resources and the snake the continuous raids to grab these resources. This shield is surrounded by the Latin inscription “Civitas fidelissima Hydrunti”, the faithful city of Otranto.

Otranto: a city with different tourist souls

Today Otranto is a fantastic city ready to welcome and intercept different types of tourism: from religious tourism and art tourism to eco-tourism without disdaining those who want to go to Salento for nightlife and nightlife. Over the years, the municipality of Otranto has always responded effectively and punctually to all requests from visitors.

Cultural and religious tourism: what to visit in Otranto

You can not visit Otranto and not see the historical and cultural beauties of this city, from the ancient village, enclosed by mighty walls, to get to the castle, passing through the churches and the cathedral where the remains of SS. Martyrs Primaldo and companions are exposed. 
You must absolutely visit the ancient churches of Otranto, beautiful for the artistic heritage enclosed in them.

The Cathedral of Otranto: its mosaic floor, the remains of the Holy Martyrs and the fabulous crypt

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata is spectacular. Latin cross plan, spaces divided by fourteen marble columns, Moorish ceiling with wooden coffers. Three naves and the floor is an asset of historical interest: 600 square meters of mosaic. A mosaic that tells a unique, fascinating story. Created by the monk Pantaleone, the artist was able to portray the Christian faith in a unique way, using the symbol of the Tree of Life, the Tree of Redemption and the Last Judgement. There are different scenes: the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, the work of man and the changing seasons, the tower of Babel, the signs of the zodiac, the Ark of Noah, King Arthur, Alexander the Great. A succession of small coloured pieces, recently restored, that make this artistic masterpiece unique and precious, on a world level. In the right aisle, you can find the three cases in which are preserved the remains and bones of 800 brave and valiant martyrs who, to remain firm in the Christian faith renouncing Islam, have met death, on the hill of Minerva.

A small pearl: the Byzantine church of San Pietro

In the heart of the historic center, in the town center, near Piazza del Popolo, climbing a small staircase, you can reach the Byzantine Church of St. Peter.. A small pearl. Beautiful. Entirely frescoed, this church dates back to the ninth century. Three naves, Greek cross plan and a monolithic dome. The frescoes depict the Annunciation, Mary Mother of Christ, the Apostles, the Last Supper, the Resurrection and St. Francis of Paola and St. Nicholas with the Virgin Mary.

Santa Maria dei Martiri, located on Minerva hill

The Sanctuary of S. Maria dei Martiri is located on the Minerva Hill, where 800 Martyrs were beheaded in 1480. Dating back to 1614, inside you will find several paintings, well kept and curated in which are portrayed St. Michael the Archangel, the Immaculate and the icon of Santa Maria dei Martiri (the latter work of 1992 was painted by Gurim Bazaiti, Albanian painter). Next to the church is the former Minimi convent. To visit absolutely.

The Diocesan Museum: Sacred Art of Historical Importance

Next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata there is the Diocesan Museum. 
Divided on two floors, on the first floor you will find statues in Lecce stone of Saints and a beautiful monolithic baptismal font. On the second floor, remains of mosaics found with the restoration of the mosaic floor of the cathedral.

The Castle: imposing and majestic

The castle of Otranto is a masterpiece for its grandeur and majesty. In 1088, during a great earthquake, many houses collapsed and landslide part of the castle, by Roberto il Guiscardo, called “Proto sword”. From that moment on, over the centuries, many took to heart the castle of Otranto: Frederick II, cared for the castle in 1228 as certified by the Bull of Alexander VI in 1256. In 1480, the Turks of Mohammed II destroyed the city walls and a large part of the castle. During the Turkish siege, historical sources, gathered over the centuries, speak of the great resistance of the Otranto, from the barbicans on the walls, threw pots of boiling oil against the Ottoman army. Ahmed Jedik Pasha, according to legends, entered with his army through the sewerage, but that’s all to prove.

Alimini Lakes: an open-air natural park

Near Otranto is the protected natural park of the Alimini Lakes or Limini Lakes: these are two lakes connected by a small strip of land called Lu Strittu. As we said, this is a protected wetland nature reserve because there are several rare plants found and catalogued: and there are several species of birds that stay in this beautiful habitat:

• the very rare Orchid of Swamp (Anacamptis Palustris);
• the White Water Lily (Nymphæa Alba) recently found by Prof. Medagli;
• the aquatic carnivorous plant (Utricularia Vulgaris).

There are numerous species of birds that stay in this beautiful habitat:

• the mallard, the water hen and the knight of Italy;
• flamingo, white stork, cranes and wild geese;
• reptiles such as vipers, tortoises and water turtles;
• wild cats, badgers, martens, foxes and several rodents.

The water of the lakes is salty and, according to biological measurements, its salinity is equal to that of the sea.

The Bauxite quarries: the Salento Grand Canyon

South of Otranto, in the direction of Orte, near Punta Palascia (where the lighthouse is located and the Alba dei Popoli is celebrated), you can admire the landscape of the bauxite quarries. These were mining fields in use from 1940 until the ’70s, bauxite was extracted, a mineral used to make aluminum. These are the places most photographed by tourists. It almost seems to be on the moon: large craters of red earth in which natural lakes of green water have formed where, it is not uncommon, you can admire herons and storks rest and stop. You can access it for free and we remind you that the water is not bathing. Take a camera and take as many pictures as you can. You will make your friends die of envy when they return from your holidays.

You can read also: Visit Otranto in one day

Seaside tourism: free beaches and equipped beaches

Otranto, as written earlier, is a city of a thousand faces. Beautiful in winter, fascinating in summer for its long and extensive golden sandy beaches. There are numerous beaches equipped as well as extensive are the free beaches. From the point of view of the sea, Otranto satisfies all tastes: lovers of sand, rock and diving, tourists who love to have all the services on the beach and travelers who like to hang their beach towel directly on the beach.

Free beaches in Otranto

There are numerous free beaches in the area of Otranto. We list some of them, although it is practically impossible to tell you how many they are because they are located between bathing establishments. For your convenience, we show you the most popular and renowned ones:

• near the town centre;
• just outside the city of Otranto

Free beaches near the town center of Otranto

There are several free beaches, easily accessible by those who live directly in the city:

1. the waterfront, near the canal where the Hydro river flows. It is a small beach, mostly frequented by many young people because there are different sports activities that can be carried out: beach volleyball and beach football;
2. Miramare beach: next to the Miramare accommodation facility, there is one of the largest free beaches in the town centre: being one of the largest, we recommend you take a seat in the early morning, especially in July and August;
3. Il Fascio: a group of rocks for diving enthusiasts. Continuing along the crowded seafront, you will find this group of rocks on your right. We recommend that you lay your beach towel during the early hours of the morning, no later than 10 am. The space available for bathers is limited so the rule of “whoever arrives first, first lodges” applies.
4. the beach near Atlantis Beach (which we will talk about later): fine sand, eye to the rocks invisible once you put your feet in the water.

Free beaches outside the town centre: go towards Alimini, north of Otranto

Just leave the town, but just a short time and you’ll come across breathtaking beaches with a large shoreline. We list the most famous ones, also because it would be impossible to number and name all of them.

1. Bay of Turks: just cross a green and fragrant pine forest and in your eyes a breathtaking view. This is where the Aragonese lookouts sighted the huge Ottoman fleet. Hence the name “Bay of Turks”, an exceptional sandy expanse, crystal clear water. Remember to bring with you mask and tube, fins for snorkelling;
2. Frassanito: the surf beach, a bit rocky, frequented by young people. Next to this free beach is the Giro di Boa Beach bar where you can find drinks and food to refresh yourself.

Free beaches outside the town centre: you go towards Porto Badisco, towards Santa Cesarea Terme, south of Otranto

If you love breathtaking views and want to be conquered by nature, we strongly recommend you go south of Otranto. You will have the opportunity to admire the bay of Orte. We are near the lighthouse of Punta Palascia. The coast is rocky, the water crystal clear. To access the Gardens, you will have to walk a small path between rocks and low wild vegetation. For those who are not used to walking among the rocks, we recommend wearing a pair of closed shoes or hiking shoes and make a small sacrifice: it is really worth bearing some inconvenience to have in return a unique natural spectacle.

Equipped beaches: sun by day, sports and recreation activities, night entertainment

Otranto is rich in beaches equipped with a wide range of services for bathers: baby park, catering, hot table, sports, recreation and especially relaxation for those who really want to unplug. The list we will provide you with is to be considered in a non exhaustive way also because it would be really difficult to understand all the shores and their activities.

La Castellana: Relax and tranquillity in the sea of Salento, near the inhabited center

La castellana, formerly Nike (a nightlife venue during the ’90s), is the VIP lido of Otranto until it opens the beach resort Twiga of Flavio Briatore. The entire location, purchased by the Salento designers Capasa of the fashion brand, Costume Nacional, was transformed into an exclusive beach resort. The services are different: restaurant with dishes of typical Salento cuisine, private beach and beach open to the public, service cabins. You can conveniently book online directly from the official website or call the seaside resort directly, hoping to find a place.

Baia dei Turchi Resort

Besides being a hotel, it also provides beach service open to the public outside. We recommend you to book your beach umbrella and sun beds because the beach service is free for hotel guests and the places available for outside visitors are limited. The property offers six different dining services.

Pasha: buffet restaurant with Arabic accents

Buffet restaurant with large windows and 70 seats.

Lu Salentu: typical Salento restaurant

Typical Salento restaurant on the land. You will find all the typical recipes of our land: vegetables, seasonal vegetables, typical recipes of Salento.

Gold: refined air-conditioned restaurant

The menu is particular, fusion and ethno-chic.

Salentu d’amare

The name is taken from the brand “Salento d’amare”, a fish restaurant where you will find fish dishes cooked as they once were.

Pool Restaurant

International fish and meat cuisine, by the beautiful swimming pool.

Il Pugliese (The Apulian)

The name could nicely evoke the settings of the police films of the 70s but don’t be fooled. It is served an excellent grilled fish, following the culinary traditions of Puglia.

Where to sleep in Otranto: hotels, accommodation facilities, farms and farmhouses

Otranto, as we said before, offers a range of offers regarding accommodation: hotels with Spa, Bed & Breakfast, guest houses, holiday homes, camping, farms and farm holidays. There are endless possibilities for those who want to stay in this little paradise and live the “Salento experience” at three hundred and sixty degrees, for every type of pocket. We provide you with a list of the most popular accommodation facilities.

Basiliani Resort &Spa: oasis of wellness

Modern in form, extremely respectful of the environment and the surrounding nature, Basiliani Resort offers catering and spa services. 128 rooms divided as follows:

• 55 superior rooms for 2/3 persons: equipped with double bed and single bed, all with pool view;
• 8 VIP rooms: for this type of room, all equipped with Jacuzzi bathtub, a dedicated package is provided;
• 56 comfortable rooms with private patio/balcony;
• among these, there are several rooms for people with mobility problems.

The different types of rooms have in common a series of basic services: free wi-fi, hairdryer, telephone, LCD TV, minibar. Prices per day range from 100 € of the comfort room to 310 € of the VIP room.

Il melograno Spa: a new concept of wellness

The Spa “Il Melograno” offers a wide range of services: we recommend you try the wellness package “Rituale Salentino”: a series of scrubs and mud treatments / grape must will put you back in sixth from the stress of the week.

Restaurant “Gli Ulivi”: ingredients of our land for really good dishes

The restaurant “Gli Ulivi” is open all year round and offers the possibility to try the typical dishes of our land inside the structure (250 seats) and outside on the terrace near the olive grove. The dishes and the taste are very refined. The philosophy of the restaurant is as follows: from simple ingredients of our land, you can create exceptional dishes.

Vittoria Resort & Spa Hitel: close to histotic center to unplug the plug

Vittoria Resort & Spa is a 4-star hotel that opened to the public a few years ago. Externally the accommodation is modern, inside the furniture are classic. Two different types of rooms: superior, with herbal tea, and classic. All are carefully furnished and inside there is nothing really missing because they are equipped with every comfort. Inside the structure you can find a swimming pool with a green area, a spa to disconnect the power from the frenzy of everyday life and a great restaurant.

Vittoria Spa: treatments and massages for everyone

It is really difficult to choose from all the valid treatments offered by the structure because the prices are suitable for all types of pockets: from 35 € for a facial treatment up to 220 € for a couple treatment. Try it out absolutely.

Vittoria restaurant: unmistakable flavors of the sea and the land of Salento

The chef is a predominantly Mediterranean cuisine, offering the flavours and knowledge of our land in a contemporary key. A very rich breakfast with the typical pastry shop of Salento: pasticcioni and pasticciotto cakes. Prices range from 45/50 € and the restaurant is open all year round..

Hotel degli Haethey: 4 stars only 80 mt. from the sea

Hotel degli Haethey is a gem just 80 meters from the sea. Far from the chaos of the historic center, the hotel is presented to tourists as modern and full of all comforts. Hotel Degli Haethey is a two-seven structure: traditional hotel on the one hand, and Apart Hotel on the other. Close to the beach “La Castellana”, it offers a good restaurant service and a massage room.

The rooms: different types

The tourist offer includes four types of rooms

• Standard: one double bed and one single bed for a child; inside the structure there are 4 additional rooms for disabled people with internal view
• Superior: equipped with every comfort and located on the ground floor and first floor, can accommodate three adults and one child;
• Junior suites: with private terrace and different furnishings compared to other types of rooms, they can accommodate two adults and two children;
• Apart Hotel: studio apartments separated from the main body of the structure, equipped with all comforts and, in addition to the double bed, inside you can find a comfortable sofa bed for your guests.

“Perla del Salento”

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are centered on typical recipes of the Salento tradition. Those staying in the hotel can request a personalized vegan and vegetarian menu. The gluten-free menu is available on request at an extra charge.

Corte di Nettuno: the house of the sea god near the marina

A hotel of recent construction and modernization, 4 stars, just to not miss anything. Inside, the owner has exhibited pieces of his collection of maritime finds: rostrums, rudders, divers’ suits, corals of extraordinary beauty. The hotel’s furnishings are in a sober and elegant marine style. In the inner patio you can see a beautiful statue of the god Neptune. Outside, in the space in front of the private parking, are exposed anchors of different ages and sizes. The restaurant inside the structure, precisely on the ground floor, is welcoming and elegant. The cuisine is traditional.

Palazzo Papaleo: a luxury 5 stars in the heart of historic center

Palazzo Papaleo is an ancient noble palace behind the Cathedral of St. Mary Annunciation. The elegance of the interior is linear and inside the structure you will find a restaurant and a wellness center. The rooms are divided into Basic, Classic and Papaleo. Obviously the top of comfort will be achieved by opting for the Papaleo room, the real suites: choosing this option in addition to having all the services provided for other types of rooms, you will have an extra parking space, the bathroom with shower-whirlpool jacuzzi and free entry to the spa every day. The restaurant (max 20 seats) offers a traditional menu of Italian cuisine. Prices of the stay are in relation to the low or high season: from a minimum of 150/200 € / night up to 500 € / night.

Miramare Hotel: 3 stars on the sea

This is the oldest hotel in Otranto: a comfortable three-star hotel by the sea. Equipped with a private beach, in the heart of the seafront, the structure has its rooms, comfortable and simple. The ideal hotel for those who want to spend little and live the nightlife otrantina.

Albania Hotel: a three star hotel, clean and well located, near the Alfonsine wall

The Albània hotel is comfortable, clean, simple. It offers 28 spacious, well-furnished and comfortable rooms. Breakfast is at the rooftop of the hotel and from there you can enjoy a sensational view. Recommended for those who want to forget the car and live Otranto 100%.

Masseria Bandino: a country house hotel

The Bandino Masseria is near Otranto, surrounded by a pine forest property. It offers different types of rooms as well as different activities that can be done in the open air: such as horseback riding and nature walks. The restaurant offers half board and is open to those who do not reside in the structure with a la carte catering service.

Masseria Montelauro: old farmhouse with spa

Twenty-nine rooms are on this 1800 farm, all well furnished, with attention to detail. A swimming pool surrounded by a green area where you can sunbathe and a spa where you can relax, these are just some of the facilities offered to guests. The restaurant’s cuisine is excellent, where the scents and flavours of the Salento area are exalted.

Masseria Panareo: farmhouse with view on the Sant’Emiliano tower

Immersed in 5 hectares of pine forest, the farm Panareo is the ideal place to spend your holidays and leisure moments in total relaxation. Three types of rooms: classic, comfort and junior suite. The three types of rooms differ in size (ranging from 23 sqm in the first two to 40 sqm in the suite) and in the view they have (the first two overlook the patio and garden, while the junior suite overlooks the coast). The restaurant attached to the structure offers the flavours of the farm’s agricultural land. This farm is very charming and worth visiting: a system of ancient Byzantine caves has been discovered that arouses, to this day, the cultural interest of visitors and scholars.

Where to eat in an Otranto: get ready to taste the flavours of Salento

Otranto is rich in restaurants present in a homogeneous way in the territory of Otranto. We suggest only some of the most popular and popular. We remind you that you need to book in order to taste delicious dishes with the flavors of Salento.

The gourmet devil: excellent cuisine, beautiful location surrounded by greenery

Paolo and Simona, father and daughter, run this restaurant in an exemplary way (we have talked about it in this article). We are outside the historic center of Otranto, in the open countryside. The location is well cared for, the furnishings are shabby-chic and the walls are adorned with works of art from Collective Form 1. The cuisine is really good, the dishes are presented in a spectacular way: chef Gullone assembles in the menu the products and fish that Paolo, the owner of the restaurant, collects from his garden and fishing from the sea otrantino. We recommend booking well in advance if you do not want to stay dry.

The Cantico dei Cantici Restaurant: traditional cuisine in the heart of the historic centre

The restaurant presents the dishes of the territory in a spectacular way. Guests have lunch and dinner sitting comfortably outside on the few tables arranged on the main artery of the old town. We are in the heart of Otranto and we can guarantee that it is really suggestive to taste the flavours of Salento and its sea, in a centre rich in history. The traditional dishes are excellent. Fresh fish makes the difference. Costs are low, on average a couple lunch or dinner (starter raw, two first or two second courses, sweet), excellent wine included can cost around 60/70 €. The staff, led by Valentina, is really courteous and knows how to advise guests adequately and honestly. We recommend that you book your table in good time so as not to get on an empty stomach.

Altro Baffo Restaurant: castle view restaurant, fairytale food

L’Altro Baffo is a great fish restaurant in the heart of Otranto, near the castle. Elegant and well furnished, in winter lunch and dinner are served strictly inside, in the small room while with the advent of summer you can have lunch and dinner in the outdoor castle view or on the “lammia” on the terrace of the restaurant. The fish raw dishes are excellent, as are the other dishes skilfully cooked by Cristina with creativity and imagination. We recommend booking because it is one of the most popular restaurants.

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Some beautiful pictures of Otranto

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