Otranto is an historical fortified city positioned within the far southeastern nook of Puglia, Italy. The city’s combination of historical past and tradition makes it a implausible place to discover, and there are many issues to do in Otranto.
Whether or not you’re trying to discover the city’s historic sights and expertise its tradition, gorge on scrumptious meals, calm down on a sunny Mediterranean seashore, or all the above, you’ll discover sufficient locations to go to in Otranto to maintain you busy for at the least a couple of days.
The city is house to a shocking Outdated City however receives fewer vacationers than a number of the different extra popular destinations in Puglia. This is among the issues that I like most about it, because it’s doable to discover the city with out having to take care of crowds of different guests.
Finest Issues To Do in Otranto
Otranto is a reasonably small city but it surely has much more to supply than its dimension might counsel. Right here’s my choose of the highest issues to see and do in Otranto and the encircling space:
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the City
One of many first issues I love to do each time I discover a brand new vacation spot is to take a walking tour. It is a nice approach to orient and familiarize your self with the place, and the guides have a wealth of native data, suggestions, and suggestions that you simply won’t discover out in any other case.
This highly-reviewed walking tour is run by a pleasant and educated native information who will present you some hidden gems and some of their favourite locations, along with the traditional vacationer sights in Otranto.
It’s positively top-of-the-line issues to do in Otranto!
2. Uncover the Centro Storico
The historical center of Otranto (or Centro Storico, in Italian) is extremely well-preserved, with twisting streets and alleyways, historical monuments, and a number of other stunning church buildings to get misplaced amongst.
It’s a paradise for historical past buffs, with a sequence of prehistoric homes positioned close to the harbor, and quite a few historical Greek ruins scattered right here and there. Even should you’re not large into historical historical past, it’s nonetheless a shocking place to discover and is splendidly atmospheric.
Remember to take your time wandering the cobbled streets, testing the various hidden little squares and passageways, and absorbing the environment. Don’t neglect to convey your digital camera – it’s extraordinarily photogenic!
Deal with: Centro Storico, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
3. Go to the Cathedral of Otranto (One of many Most Well-known Locations to Go to in Otranto)
The Cathedral of Otranto is among the city’s most iconic monuments. Inbuilt 1088, it’s a tremendous mix of Norman, Romanesque, and Renaissance structure, with intricate sculptures on its façade.
Inside, the ground of the cathedral is roofed in a sequence of gorgeous and well-preserved Twelfth-century mosaics. The massive rose window on the entrance of the cathedral is a phenomenal piece of paintings alone.
Deal with: Piazza Basilica, 1, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
4. Discover the Aragonese Fortress
The Aragonese Castle (or Castello Aragonese) is one among Otranto’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by a deep moat and constructed with thick stone partitions, the fortress was erected in 1485 by King Ferdinand I and is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city’s harbor.
It was modified and strengthened over the centuries, with diversifications mirroring the advances of know-how and weapons all through time. Beneath the fortress lies a maze of hidden passageways and chambers which were used as each a jail and a meals retailer in distinction.
The fortress partitions supply superb views of the Outdated City, the harbor, and out to sea. This is among the high issues to see in Otranto, and it’s positively price spending at the least an hour or so right here. Entry prices €3 per grownup and is free for under-18s.
Deal with: Piazza Castello, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
5. Head to the Seashore
The world round Otranto is house to some unimaginable seashores. Heading out for a day on the seashore is among the greatest issues to do in Otranto for households and anybody on the lookout for a repair of sand, sea, and solar.
There are a couple of seashores positioned simply north of the city inside pretty straightforward strolling distance from the Centro Storico, together with Spiaggia dei Gradoni, Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei, and Lido della Staffa.
Nonetheless, when you’ve got a automotive and don’t thoughts touring somewhat additional, you possibly can go to some really spectacular seashores. Alimini beach is a protracted stretch of white sand backed by dunes and a pine forest. The water is heat, crystal clear, and ideal for swimming (so long as the wind isn’t blowing an excessive amount of).
When the wind picks up – because it usually does on this a part of Puglia – Alimini seashore (amongst others within the space) turns into a perfect spot for windsurfing. You’ll discover a handful of operators alongside the seashore providing windsurfing classes and leases, and the pure settings couldn’t be higher.
Lastly, Castro Marina has a number of the most completely azure-colored water in all of Italy. It’s very sheltered, so you possibly can swim right here even when the ocean elsewhere begins to get a bit too uneven. A ‘correct’ seashore is missing, however the water is so unimaginable right here I needed to point out it.
6. Swim within the Grotta della Poesia
Grotta della Poesia (or Cave of Poetry) is a tremendous pure pool surrounded on all sides by steep limestone cliffs. The pool is fed by water from the ocean by way of a sequence of tunnels and caves. It jogged my memory a little bit of the Mexican cenotes, or the Bimmah Sinkhole in Oman, however with saltwater.
To get right down to the pool, there’s a set of steps carved into the encircling rockface. Or, should you’re feeling courageous, you are able to do what the native daredevils do and leap in. In fact, watch out, and solely leap the place the water is deep sufficient and it’s protected to (if doubtful, watch the place different individuals land).
This is among the hottest issues to do round Otranto and it could possibly get busy, particularly on weekends. Attempt to go to midweek should you can, because it’s often nicer and fewer crowded.
Deal with: Strada Statale San Cataldo, 73026 Roca Vecchia LE, Italy
7. Cycle By the Salento Countryside
Salento is the title given to the southeastern half of Puglia which stands proud into the Mediterranean forming the “heel” of Italy. It’s a peaceable, engaging area with gently rolling hills, quaint outdated villages, stunning seashores, and a wild, rocky shoreline.
Certainly one of my favourite methods to discover the countryside round Otranto is on two wheels. You may rent a motorbike from one of many numerous cycle retailers on the town – this store comes extremely reviewed and is near the historic middle – and head out by your self.
Or, should you’d fairly exit on a guided journey, this full-day bike tour takes you to a number of the greatest native spots. You’ll get to go to prehistoric ruins, swim within the turquoise waters of Porto Badisco, style regional delicacies, and discover some lesser-known areas alongside the magnificent Salento shoreline.
8. Go Mountain climbing
The world round Otranto options some implausible hiking trails. The Costa Otranto Regional Nature Park is an space spanning greater than 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres) and over 50 kilometers of shoreline.
It’s an ideal place to discover by foot, with trails passing historical olive groves and pine forests alongside the rugged cliff tops, and thru historic villages and hamlets the place you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot for lots of of years. Preserve an eye fixed out for native wildlife and seabirds.
If you wish to head out by your self, I like to recommend downloading Maps.me (my favourite offline map app) after which heading out south from town in direction of the ruined Torre del Serpe lighthouse. From right here, there’s a phenomenal coastal path that runs alongside the glowing, azure waters of the Adriatic.
Alternatively, you possibly can be a part of this guided hiking trip which takes you on a half-day mountaineering tour of the realm. It begins in Otranto city and also you’ll go to Torre del Serpe, Cava di Bauxite (an outdated quarry lake surrounded by vivid pink and orange-colored rock), and numerous different picturesque spots within the ldro Valley.
9. Catch Sundown from the Lungomare
Many Italian coastal cities have a Lungomare, or seafront promenade, and Otranto’s one is especially particular. The deep azure sea, vivid blue sky, and dazzling white stone buildings of the Outdated City mix to create a sight that appears like one thing straight out of a journey journal.
It’s a beautiful place for a stroll at any time of the day, however my favourite time to come back right here is sundown. Because the solar goes down it paints the southern Mediterranean sky shades of pink and purple, which replicate within the sea and onto the white buildings alongside the seafront.
Every night time guests are handled to a distinct show, and there are benches the place you possibly can sit and revel in nature’s present. It’s actually superb and is an ideal factor to do pre-dinner.
Deal with: Lungomare Terra D’Otranto, 73028 Otranto, Province of Lecce, Italy
10. Take a Cooking Class
Puglian food is amongst my favourite sorts of Italian delicacies. A few of my favourite native dishes embody orecchiette with broccoli rabe, focaccia, polpette, and tiella. The flavors are simply so recent and scrumptious, and actually showcase the perfect of the native produce.
For those who’d wish to discover ways to make conventional Puglian meals your self, I like to recommend taking a cooking class throughout your keep. This is among the greatest issues to do in Otranto for {couples} or mates, (though you might positively attend by your self should you’re touring solo).
There are a couple of totally different choices to select from. On this small group pasta and tiramisu-making class, you’ll discover ways to roll recent pasta (recognized domestically as sfoglia) by hand, easy methods to make common and crammed pasta, and easy methods to put together your very personal tiramisu.
For those who’re on the lookout for one thing much more genuine, check out this cooking class which takes place in a conventional native house. Your trainer will present you easy methods to make three regional recipes, which you’ll then get pleasure from along with a number of native wines.
11. Stroll Across the Historical Marina
Porto di Otranto is among the oldest pure harbors in Italy. The truth is, town of Otranto lies on the location of an historical Greek port metropolis generally known as Hydrus which was an vital political and commerce hub, being the closest level to Greece on the Italian peninsula.
At the moment, Otranto harbor is used principally as a marina for fishing and pleasure boats, and taking a stroll across the marina is one among my favourite free issues to do in Otranto.
You’ll probably see locals portray their boats, repairing nets, and chatting with their neighbors. It’s a really nice, slow-moving place, good for absorbing the environment of this stunning historic city.
Deal with: Via del Porto, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
12. Go to the Torre Pinta Tower and Tunnels
The Ipogeo di Torre Pinta is an interesting historical complicated that’s properly price a go to. Its precise objective is unknown, however the tower itself is believed to have been used as a dovecote for housing service pigeons, which had been probably utilized by the navy for sending messages.
Beneath, there’s a community of underground passages, chambers, and tombs that are regarded as at the least 2,000 years outdated. It comprises an oven (presumably used for cremation), in addition to lots of of cavities within the partitions, probably used to deal with the cremated ashes of the lifeless.
This superb place was solely found in 1976 and lies on privately-owned land. To go to, head to the Tenuta Torre Pinta guesthouse (which is positioned subsequent to the location) and ask for the important thing in alternate for a small donation.
Deal with: Via Memorie, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
13. Style Ciceri e Tria
Otranto has loads of fantastic eating places that serve scrumptious Puglian dishes comparable to orecchiette, focaccia, and recent seafood. One different dish that’s significantly in style in Otranto is thought domestically as “ciceri e tria”.
Made with thick ribbons of pasta, a few of which is boiled and a few of which is fried ciceri e tria is created by mixing the pasta along with chickpeas and a beneficiant serving to of the best native olive oil. It’s fairly uncommon, I’ve by no means had something fairly prefer it earlier than, but it surely’s very tasty.
You’ll discover ciceri e tria on menus throughout this a part of Salento. Probably the greatest locations in Otranto to attempt it, and a spread of different Puglian classics, is Il Pumo restaurant. It’s one among my favourite locations in townnand having fun with a meal right here is among the greatest issues to do in Otranto at night time.
Deal with: Via Presbitero Pantaleone, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
14. Make a Day Journey to Santa Cesarea Terme
Just some kilometers south of Otranto lies the small spa city of Santa Cesarea Terme. It’s a tiny place that’s extremely picturesque and is thought for its sizzling springs and superb thermal baths.
You may bathe within the sizzling springs that are wealthy in sulfur and iodine, and supposedly nice for curing an entire host of illnesses. The baths are open between Could and November and you too can deal with your self to quite a few massages, mud, and sizzling mineral remedies.
It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme. To make the journey by public transport, you want to take the prepare from Otranto to Maglie, then catch a bus from Maglie to Santa Cesarea Terme. The journey takes about 90 minutes in whole.
Deal with: Santa Cesarea Terme, 73020 Province of Lecce, Italy
Otranto can also be near the Nineteenth-century Punta Palascìa lighthouse which stands on the easternmost level of Italy. The entire place feels very rugged and distant, and it’s one other implausible spot to observe the sundown.
That is additionally the purpose the place the Adriatic Sea turns into the Ionian Sea. You may see a great deal of seabirds right here, together with gulls, terns, and cormorants.
To get to the lighthouse, it’s a straightforward 10-minute drive from the middle of Otranto. For those who don’t have a automotive, you might additionally stroll, though it’s about 5 kilometers (3 miles) every method.
Deal with: SP87, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
Fast Journey Itineraries For Otranto
Listed below are a couple of recommended Otranto journey itineraries that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time there:
1 Day in Otranto Itinerary
You may see many of the most important Otranto sights in at some point, though you received’t have time to go to all the locations within the surrounding space which can be talked about on this submit.
Begin by taking a walking tour of the city to orient your self and get your bearings. Most strolling excursions go to the Cathedral, so afterward, it’s time to take a look at the Aragonese Fortress. Spend the remainder of the morning exploring the Centro Storico.
Within the afternoon, you possibly can both take a cooking class or go to one of many spectacular seashores close by. End your day with a meal in one of many eating places I can suggest under, adopted by a night stroll via the traditional marina.
2-3 Days in Otranto Itinerary
Spend your first day sightseeing in Otranto itself, as recommended above.
On day two, you possibly can both go for a hike or take a long bike ride to discover the gorgeous Salento countryside.
When you have a 3rd day (and a automotive), take a day journey out to Torre Pinta, then head throughout to the Grotta della Poesia for a refreshing dip. End off your final day by having fun with the sundown from the Punta Palascìa lighthouse.
1 Week in Otranto Itinerary
With every week in Otranto, you possibly can comfortably do all the issues listed on this submit. You’ll have loads of time, so you possibly can take issues straightforward and actually get pleasure from every exercise.
The order you do issues is completely as much as you, however I like to recommend spending at the least two full days within the city so you will get a great sense of the place. Then, make sure to spend a full day mountaineering and/or biking within the surrounding countryside, and one other on the seashore.
Offered you could have your individual automotive, it’d be pretty straightforward to mix seeing Grotta della Poesia, Grotta dei Cervi, Torre Pinta, and the Punta Palascìa lighthouse in a single (pretty lengthy) day – pack snacks!
Lastly, I counsel taking a full-day journey to go to Santa Cesarea Terme for a soothing spa therapy (you’ve earned it!) to spherical off your week.
The place to Keep in Otranto
These are a couple of of the perfect neighborhoods in Otranto for vacationers:
Centro Storico – Finest for First-time Guests
Otranto’s Outdated City is the perfect place for many guests to remain. You’ll be inside straightforward strolling distance of all the city’s main sights and most of its greatest eating places. The environment is fantastic and it’s a beautiful place to discover always of the day, proper via the night time.
Try this amazing mid-range apartment that has an unbeatable location and a terrace with gorgeous views out over the Centro Storico.
Outskirts of Otranto – Finest for Finances Vacationers
Otranto isn’t a very large place and the vast majority of lodging choices are positioned within the metropolis middle. Nonetheless, there are a couple of locations somewhat additional out that are typically cheaper and so is likely to be higher for funds vacationers to contemplate.
This is a wonderful one-bedroom budget apartment that’s solely a 15-minute stroll from the historic middle.
Northern Suburbs – Finest for Seashore Lovers
There are a number of nice seashores simply north of the city, throughout the Bay of Otranto. This could be an excellent place to remain if you wish to be inside straightforward strolling distance of the seashore. From right here, it’s a couple of 30-minute stroll (or a 10-minute drive) to the middle of city.
Try this fantastic apartment that’s proper subsequent to the seashore and includes a terrace with implausible sea views.
Finest Eating places in Otranto
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Otranto:
Il Pumo Restaurant
Il Pumo is by far my favourite restaurant in Otranto. It’s elegant and fancy, however not overpriced, and serves a spread of native specialties. Their seafood is superb they usually often have a number of glorious dishes of the day.
Retro Gusto
Retro Gusto is an upmarket restaurant positioned on the sting of the Centro Storico. It’s greatest recognized for its scrumptious recent seafood, and each dish is superbly introduced. It’s somewhat on the expensive aspect, however I believe it’s price it as the standard is admittedly glorious. Attempt the spaghetti with lobster and the grilled grouper fish.
Icon Restaurant Otranto
Situated near the marina and the fortress, Icon is primarily a seafood restaurant (attempt their seared tuna) but it surely additionally provides quite a few tasty vegetarian choices. Their wine checklist is nice too, they usually have a balcony/terrace space the place you possibly can eat whereas having fun with a implausible view of the Outdated City.
Nelson Park
A brief stroll from the middle of city, Nelson Park is among the greatest pizzerias within the space. It’s in style with the locals (which tells you all you want to know) and has a reasonably backyard space. In addition they serve a scrumptious antipasti platter of native cheeses, cured meats, and breads – most Italian!
Pasticceria Merola
Pasticceria Merola is a tremendous bakery that serves a spread of scrumptious pastries in addition to gelato. Attempt their ricotta pasticciotto (a sort of pastry stuffed with candy ricotta) – it’s unimaginable; you received’t remorse it.
Getting To Otranto
The closest worldwide airport to Otranto is Brindisi, which is served by a number of main European airways together with Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, and Finnair. From there, it’s a 1-1.5 hour drive to Otranto.
I extremely suggest hiring a automotive on the airport if doable as the general public transport choices in Salento are considerably restricted. Though make sure to test that your condo has parking services earlier than reserving something.
For those who’re utilizing public transport, you’ll must journey by way of Lecce and might do the journey by both bus or prepare. It takes something from 2.5-4 hours, relying on the time of day and day you’re touring.
For these arriving from one other area of Italy, you possibly can take a long-distance, high-speed prepare to Bari (the capital of and largest metropolis in Puglia), then one other prepare to Lecce. Then, make the ultimate leg of the journey both by regional prepare or bus.
For those who’re coming from Lecce, you too can take this convenient private transfer service. Alternatively, take a look at this full-day guided day trip from Lecce that features Otranto and three different picturesque Salento cities: Leuca, Gallipoli, and Galatina.
When you get to Otranto, you possibly can stroll to all the main locations within the city itself. Nonetheless, to get to lots of the different locations described on this submit, you’ll most likely both want to rent a automotive or join a guided tour that features transport from Otranto.
Issues To Do in Otranto: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Otranto:
Otranto is especially recognized for its gorgeous Eleventh-century cathedral, its engaging historical harbor, and its imposing Aragonese fortress. The city can also be near a number of stunning seashores and has many nice eating places.
The very best time to go to Otranto is in Could or September (i.e. late spring or early autumn). It’s often heat and sunny, not too sizzling, and far much less crowded than through the peak summer time season. September is my favourite month in Otranto as the ocean continues to be pretty and heat from the lengthy, sizzling summer time.
Sure, Otranto is certainly price visiting. There are various stunning locations to see in Otranto, and it’s additionally only a actually nice little city to spend a while in.
There’s sufficient to do in Otranto to maintain you busy for at the least at some point. Nonetheless, as you possibly can inform from this submit, there are lots of different implausible issues to do and locations to go to close to Otranto.
I’d suggest staying for at the least two or three nights should you can. It’s an excellent place to base your self to discover extra of the broader area.
Sure, Otranto is a very safe city. In fact, petty crimes comparable to pickpocketing can occur anyplace, so it’s all the time a good suggestion to take the standard precautions when touring.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the Cathedral and the Fortress, is the preferred factor to do in Otranto.
There are a couple of nice seashores positioned simply north of the primary city, together with Spiaggia dei Gradoni, Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei, and Lido della Staffa. Nonetheless, should you don’t thoughts touring somewhat additional afield, Alimini beach is even higher.
I like to recommend attempting some conventional Puglian and Salento specialties throughout your time in Otranto. These embody orecchiette pasta (particularly if it’s served with broccoli rabe), ciceri e tria, focaccia, sfogliatelle, and panzerotti.
In Closing
Now you already know what to see and do in Otranto, one among my favourite locations in Puglia. It’s an excellent vacation spot in its personal proper, with many enjoyable issues to do in Otranto and the encircling space.
Otranto isn’t precisely off the crushed observe, though it not often feels too crowded, particularly in contrast with many different in style locations in Puglia.
When you have your individual automotive, Otranto is a good place to base your self when exploring the broader area, particularly should you favor staying in smaller, quieter cities versus large cities. I might simply spend a number of weeks right here having fun with the pleasant, laid-back vibe and the leisurely tempo of life. I hope this submit lets you plan your journey!
