Otranto is an historic fortified city situated within the far southeastern nook of Puglia, Italy. The city’s combination of historical past and tradition makes it a unbelievable place to discover, and there are many issues to do in Otranto.
Whether or not you’re seeking to discover the city’s historic sights and expertise its tradition, gorge on scrumptious meals, loosen up on a sunny Mediterranean seashore, or the entire above, you’ll discover sufficient locations to go to in Otranto to maintain you busy for not less than just a few days.
The city is dwelling to a shocking Outdated City however receives fewer vacationers than among the different extra in style locations in Puglia. This is without doubt one of the issues that I like most about it, because it’s doable to discover the city with out having to cope with crowds of different guests.
Greatest Issues To Do in Otranto
Otranto is a reasonably small city nevertheless it has much more to supply than its dimension might recommend. 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 every time I discover a brand new vacation spot is to take a strolling tour. This can be a nice approach to orient and familiarize your self with the place, and the guides have a wealth of native information, suggestions, and suggestions that you just may not discover out in any other case.
This highly-reviewed strolling 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 among the finest issues to do in Otranto!
2. Uncover the Centro Storico
The historic middle of Otranto (or Centro Storico, in Italian) is extremely well-preserved, with twisting streets and alleyways, historic monuments, and a number of other lovely church buildings to get misplaced amongst.
It’s a paradise for historical past buffs, with a sequence of prehistoric homes situated close to the harbor, and a variety of historic Greek ruins scattered right here and there. Even should you’re not massive into historic historical past, it’s nonetheless a shocking place to discover and is splendidly atmospheric.
Remember to take your time wandering the cobbled streets, trying out the various hidden little squares and passageways, and absorbing the environment. Don’t overlook to carry your digital camera – it’s extraordinarily photogenic!
Handle: 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 without doubt one of the city’s most iconic monuments. In-built 1088, it’s an incredible 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 lovely and well-preserved Twelfth-century mosaics. The massive rose window on the entrance of the cathedral is an exquisite piece of paintings alone.
Handle: Piazza Basilica, 1, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
4. Discover the Aragonese Fortress
The Aragonese Fortress (or Castello Aragonese) is certainly one of Otranto’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by a deep moat and constructed with thick stone partitions, the citadel 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 citadel lies a maze of hidden passageways and chambers which have been used as each a jail and a meals retailer in distinction.
The citadel partitions provide superb views of the Outdated City, the harbor, and out to sea. This is without doubt one of the high issues to see in Otranto, and it’s positively value spending not less than an hour or so right here. Entry prices €3 per grownup and is free for under-18s.
Handle: Piazza Castello, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
5. Head to the Seaside
The world round Otranto is dwelling to some unbelievable seashores. Heading out for a day on the seashore is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Otranto for households and anybody on the lookout for a repair of sand, sea, and solar.
There are just a few seashores situated 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 automobile and don’t thoughts touring a bit additional, you possibly can go to some actually spectacular seashores. Alimini seashore is an extended stretch of white sand backed by dunes and a pine forest. The water is heat, crystal clear, and excellent for swimming (so long as the wind isn’t blowing an excessive amount of).
When the wind picks up – because it typically does on this a part of Puglia – Alimini seashore (amongst others within the space) turns into a really 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 among 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 unbelievable right here I needed to point out it.
6. Swim within the Grotta della Poesia
Grotta della Poesia (or Cave of Poetry) is an incredible 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 all the way 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 soar in. In fact, watch out, and solely soar the place the water is deep sufficient and it’s protected to (if doubtful, watch the place different individuals land).
This is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do round Otranto and it will possibly get busy, particularly on weekends. Attempt to go to midweek should you can, because it’s normally nicer and fewer crowded.
Handle: Strada Statale San Cataldo, 73026 Roca Vecchia LE, Italy
7. Cycle By means of 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, enticing area with gently rolling hills, quaint previous villages, lovely seashores, and a wild, rocky shoreline.
Certainly one of my favourite methods to discover the countryside round Otranto is on two wheels. You possibly can rent a motorcycle from one of many varied cycle retailers on the town – this retailer comes extremely reviewed and is near the historic middle – and head out by your self.
Or, should you’d moderately exit on a guided journey, this full-day bike tour takes you to among 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 Climbing
The world round Otranto options some unbelievable mountaineering 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 historic 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 a whole bunch of years. Preserve a watch 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 the town in the direction of the ruined Torre del Serpe lighthouse. From right here, there’s an exquisite coastal path that runs alongside the glowing, azure waters of the Adriatic.
Alternatively, you possibly can be a part of this guided mountaineering journey 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 previous quarry lake surrounded by vivid purple and orange-colored rock), and varied 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 mirror within the sea and onto the white buildings alongside the seafront.
Every evening guests are handled to a unique show, and there are benches the place you possibly can sit and luxuriate in nature’s present. It’s actually superb and is an ideal factor to do pre-dinner.
Handle: Lungomare Terra D’Otranto, 73028 Otranto, Province of Lecce, Italy
10. Take a Cooking Class
Puglian meals is amongst my favourite varieties of Italian delicacies. A few of my favourite native dishes embody orecchiette with broccoli rabe, focaccia, polpette, and tiella. The flavors are simply so contemporary and scrumptious, and actually showcase the most effective of the native produce.
In the event you’d wish to learn to make conventional Puglian meals your self, I like to recommend taking a cooking class throughout your keep. This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Otranto for {couples} or buddies, (though you would positively attend by your self should you’re touring solo).
There are just a few completely different choices to select from. On this small group pasta and tiramisu-making class, you’ll learn to roll contemporary pasta (identified regionally as sfoglia) by hand, the way to make common and stuffed pasta, and the way to put together your very personal tiramisu.
In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing much more genuine, check out this cooking class which takes place in a standard native dwelling. Your trainer will present you the way 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 without doubt one of the oldest pure harbors in Italy. In reality, the town of Otranto lies on the location of an historic Greek port metropolis generally known as Hydrus which was an essential 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 certainly one of my favourite free issues to do in Otranto.
You’ll seemingly see locals portray their boats, repairing nets, and chatting with their neighbors. It’s a really nice, slow-moving place, excellent for absorbing the environment of this lovely historic city.
Handle: Through del Porto, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
12. Go to the Torre Pinta Tower and Tunnels
The Ipogeo di Torre Pinta is a captivating historic complicated that’s effectively value a go to. Its actual function is unknown, however the tower itself is believed to have been used as a dovecote for housing provider pigeons, which have been probably utilized by the army for sending messages.
Beneath, there’s a community of underground passages, chambers, and tombs that are regarded as not less than 2,000 years previous. It accommodates an oven (presumably used for cremation), in addition to a whole bunch of cavities within the partitions, probably used to deal with the cremated ashes of the useless.
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 situated subsequent to the location) and ask for the important thing in alternate for a small donation.
Handle: Through 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 contemporary seafood. One different dish that’s significantly in style in Otranto is understood regionally 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, nevertheless it’s very tasty.
You’ll discover ciceri e tria on menus throughout this a part of Salento. Among the best locations in Otranto to attempt it, and a spread of different Puglian classics, is Il Pumo restaurant. It’s certainly one of my favourite locations in townnand having fun with a meal right here is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Otranto at evening.
Handle: Through Presbitero Pantaleone, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
14. Make a Day Journey to Santa Cesarea Terme
Only a few kilometers south of Otranto lies the small spa city of Santa Cesarea Terme. It’s a tiny place that’s extremely picturesque and is understood for its sizzling springs and superb thermal baths.
You possibly can bathe within the sizzling springs that are wealthy in sulfur and iodine, and supposedly nice for curing a complete host of illnesses. The baths are open between Might and November and it’s also possible to deal with your self to a variety of massages, mud, and sizzling mineral therapies.
It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme. To make the journey by public transport, it’s essential to take the practice from Otranto to Maglie, then catch a bus from Maglie to Santa Cesarea Terme. The journey takes about 90 minutes in whole.
Handle: Santa Cesarea Terme, 73020 Province of Lecce, Italy
Otranto can 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 unbelievable spot to look at the sundown.
That is additionally the purpose the place the Adriatic Sea turns into the Ionian Sea. You possibly can see a great deal of seabirds right here, together with gulls, terns, and cormorants.
To get to the lighthouse, it’s a simple 10-minute drive from the middle of Otranto. In the event you don’t have a automobile, you would additionally stroll, though it’s about 5 kilometers (3 miles) every approach.
Handle: SP87, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
Fast Journey Itineraries For Otranto
Listed here are just a few instructed Otranto journey itineraries that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time there:
1 Day in Otranto Itinerary
You possibly can see many of the predominant Otranto sights in at some point, though you received’t have time to go to the entire locations within the surrounding space which might be talked about on this put up.
Begin by taking a strolling 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 advocate beneath, adopted by a night stroll by means of the traditional marina.
2-3 Days in Otranto Itinerary
Spend your first day sightseeing in Otranto itself, as instructed above.
On day two, you possibly can both go for a hike or take a lengthy bike trip to discover the attractive Salento countryside.
When you’ve got a 3rd day (and a automobile), 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 per week in Otranto, you possibly can comfortably do the entire issues listed on this put up. 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 not less than two full days within the city so you will get a very good sense of the place. Then, remember to spend a full day mountaineering and/or biking within the surrounding countryside, and one other on the seashore.
Supplied you’ve gotten your personal automobile, 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 recommend 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 just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Otranto for vacationers:
Centro Storico – Greatest for First-time Guests
Otranto’s Outdated City is the most effective place for many guests to remain. You’ll be inside straightforward strolling distance of the entire 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 by means of the evening.
Try this superb mid-range residence that has an unbeatable location and a terrace with gorgeous views out over the Centro Storico.
Outskirts of Otranto – Greatest for Price range Vacationers
Otranto isn’t a very massive place and nearly all of lodging choices are situated within the metropolis middle. Nonetheless, there are just a few locations a bit additional out that are usually cheaper and so is perhaps higher for funds vacationers to contemplate.
This is a superb one-bedroom funds residence that’s solely a 15-minute stroll from the historic middle.
Northern Suburbs – Greatest for Seaside Lovers
There are a number of nice seashores simply north of the city, throughout the Bay of Otranto. This may be an incredible place to remain if you wish to be inside straightforward strolling distance of the seashore. From right here, it’s a few 30-minute stroll (or a 10-minute drive) to the middle of city.
Try this unbelievable residence that’s proper subsequent to the seashore and encompasses a terrace with unbelievable sea views.
Greatest 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 and so they normally have a number of wonderful dishes of the day.
Retro Gusto
Retro Gusto is an upmarket restaurant situated on the sting of the Centro Storico. It’s greatest identified for its scrumptious contemporary seafood, and each dish is fantastically offered. It’s a bit on the dear aspect, however I feel it’s value it as the standard is actually wonderful. Strive the spaghetti with lobster and the grilled grouper fish.
Icon Restaurant Otranto
Situated near the marina and the citadel, Icon is primarily a seafood restaurant (attempt their seared tuna) nevertheless it additionally presents a variety of tasty vegetarian choices. Their wine checklist is nice too, and so they have a balcony/terrace space the place you possibly can eat whereas having fun with a unbelievable view of the Outdated City.
Nelson Park
A brief stroll from the middle of city, Nelson Park is without doubt one of the greatest pizzerias within the space. It’s in style with the locals (which tells you all it’s essential to know) and has a fairly backyard space. Additionally they serve a scrumptious antipasti platter of native cheeses, cured meats, and breads – most Italian!
Pasticceria Merola
Pasticceria Merola is an incredible bakery that serves a spread of scrumptious pastries in addition to gelato. Strive their ricotta pasticciotto (a sort of pastry crammed with candy ricotta) – it’s unbelievable; 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 advocate hiring a automobile on the airport if doable as the general public transport choices in Salento are considerably restricted. Though remember to verify that your residence has parking services earlier than reserving something.
In the event you’re utilizing public transport, you’ll have to journey by way of Lecce and might do the journey by both bus or practice. 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 practice to Bari (the capital of and largest metropolis in Puglia), then one other practice to Lecce. Then, make the ultimate leg of the journey both by regional practice or bus.
In the event you’re coming from Lecce, it’s also possible to take this handy personal switch service. Alternatively, try this full-day guided day journey 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 the entire main locations within the city itself. Nonetheless, to get to most of the different locations described on this put up, you’ll in all probability both want to rent a automobile or be a part of a guided tour that features transport from Otranto.
Issues To Do in Otranto: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Otranto:
Otranto is especially identified for its gorgeous Eleventh-century cathedral, its enticing historic harbor, and its imposing Aragonese citadel. The city can be near a number of lovely seashores and has many nice eating places.
The most effective time to go to Otranto is in Might or September (i.e. late spring or early autumn). It’s normally heat and sunny, not too sizzling, and far much less crowded than throughout the peak summer season season. September is my favourite month in Otranto as the ocean continues to be beautiful and heat from the lengthy, sizzling summer season.
Sure, Otranto is certainly value visiting. There are various lovely 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 not less than at some point. Nonetheless, as you possibly can inform from this put up, there are various different unbelievable issues to do and locations to go to close to Otranto.
I’d advocate staying for not less than two or three nights should you can. It’s an incredible place to base your self to discover extra of the broader area.
Sure, Otranto is a very protected 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 just a few nice seashores situated simply north of the principle city, together with Spiaggia dei Gradoni, Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei, and Lido della Staffa. Nonetheless, should you don’t thoughts touring a bit additional afield, Alimini seashore 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 recognize what to see and do in Otranto, certainly one of my favourite locations in Puglia. It’s an incredible vacation spot in its personal proper, with many enjoyable issues to do in Otranto and the encircling space.
Otranto isn’t precisely off the overwhelmed monitor, though it not often feels too crowded, particularly in contrast with many different in style locations in Puglia.
When you’ve got your personal automobile, Otranto is a superb place to base your self when exploring the broader area, particularly should you desire staying in smaller, quieter cities versus massive cities. I may 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 put up lets you plan your journey!
