Otranto is an historic fortified city positioned within the far southeastern nook of Puglia, Italy. The city’s combination of historical past and tradition makes it a improbable 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, chill out on a sunny Mediterranean seaside, or the entire above, you’ll discover sufficient locations to go to in Otranto to maintain you busy for at the very least a number of days.
The city is dwelling to a shocking Outdated City however receives fewer vacationers than among the different extra fashionable locations in Puglia. This is likely one of the issues that I like most about it, because it’s potential 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 measurement could 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 each time I discover a brand new vacation spot is to take a strolling tour. This can be a nice method to orient and familiarize your self with the place, and the guides have a wealth of native data, ideas, 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 basic vacationer sights in Otranto.
It’s undoubtedly among the finest issues to do in Otranto!
2. Uncover the Centro Storico
The historic heart 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 collection of prehistoric homes positioned close to the harbor, and quite a lot of historic Greek ruins scattered right here and there. Even in case you’re not large 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, testing the numerous hidden little squares and passageways, and absorbing the environment. Don’t overlook 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 likely one of the city’s most iconic monuments. In-built 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 collection of gorgeous and well-preserved Twelfth-century mosaics. The big rose window on the entrance of the cathedral is a ravishing piece of art work alone.
Deal with: Piazza Basilica, 1, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
4. Discover the Aragonese Citadel
The Aragonese Citadel (or Castello Aragonese) is one among 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 expertise and weapons all through time. Beneath the citadel lies a maze of hidden passageways and chambers which were 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 likely one of the prime issues to see in Otranto, and it’s undoubtedly value spending at the very 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 realm round Otranto is dwelling to some unbelievable seashores. Heading out for a day on the seaside is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Otranto for households and anybody searching for a repair of sand, sea, and solar.
There are a number of seashores positioned simply north of the city inside pretty simple 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 may go to some really spectacular seashores. Alimini seaside 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 seaside (amongst others within the space) turns into an excellent spot for windsurfing. You’ll discover a handful of operators alongside the seaside 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 may swim right here even when the ocean elsewhere begins to get a bit too uneven. A ‘correct’ seaside 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 a tremendous pure pool surrounded on all sides by steep limestone cliffs. The pool is fed by water from the ocean through a collection 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, in case you’re feeling courageous, you are able to do what the native daredevils do and leap in. After all, watch out, and solely leap the place the water is deep sufficient and it’s protected to (if unsure, watch the place different folks land).
This is likely one of the hottest issues to do round Otranto and it might get busy, particularly on weekends. Attempt to go to midweek in case you can, because it’s often nicer and fewer crowded.
Deal with: Strada Statale San Cataldo, 73026 Roca Vecchia LE, Italy
7. Cycle By means of the Salento Countryside
Salento is the identify 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 previous villages, lovely seashores, and a wild, rocky shoreline.
One among my favourite methods to discover the countryside round Otranto is on two wheels. You possibly can rent a motorbike from one of many varied cycle retailers on the town – this retailer comes extremely reviewed and is near the historic heart – and head out by your self.
Or, in case you’d slightly 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 Mountain climbing
The realm round Otranto options some improbable climbing 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. Hold 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 direction of the ruined Torre del Serpe lighthouse. From right here, there’s a ravishing coastal path that runs alongside the glowing, azure waters of the Adriatic.
Alternatively, you may be part of this guided climbing journey which takes you on a half-day climbing 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 crimson 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, shiny 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 an exquisite place for a stroll at any time of the day, however my favourite time to return 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 special show, and there are benches the place you may sit and luxuriate 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 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 perfect of the native produce.
Should you’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 likely one of the greatest issues to do in Otranto for {couples} or buddies, (though you might undoubtedly attend by your self in case you’re touring solo).
There are a number of totally different choices to select from. On this small group pasta and tiramisu-making class, you’ll discover ways 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.
Should you’re searching for one thing much more genuine, check out this cooking class which takes place in a conventional native dwelling. Your instructor will present you the way to make three regional recipes, which you’ll then get pleasure from along with a collection of native wines.
11. Stroll Across the Historical Marina
Porto di Otranto is likely one of the oldest pure harbors in Italy. In actual fact, the town of Otranto lies on the location of an historic Greek port metropolis often called Hydrus which was an necessary political and commerce hub, being the closest level to Greece on the Italian peninsula.
As we speak, 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 doubtless 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 lovely historic city.
Deal with: By way of del Porto, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
12. Go to the Torre Pinta Tower and Tunnels
The Ipogeo di Torre Pinta is an enchanting historic advanced that’s properly value a go to. Its actual objective is unknown, however the tower itself is believed to have been used as a dovecote for housing provider pigeons, which had been presumably utilized by the army for sending messages.
Beneath, there’s a community of underground passages, chambers, and tombs that are regarded as at the very least 2,000 years previous. It accommodates an oven (presumably used for cremation), in addition to a whole bunch of cavities within the partitions, presumably 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 change for a small donation.
Deal with: By way of Memorie, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
13. Style Ciceri e Tria
Otranto has loads of fantastic eating places that serve scrumptious Puglian dishes similar to orecchiette, focaccia, and contemporary seafood. One different dish that’s notably fashionable 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, but it surely’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 one among my favourite locations in townnand having fun with a meal right here is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Otranto at night time.
Deal with: By way of 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 understood for its scorching springs and superb thermal baths.
You possibly can bathe within the scorching springs that are wealthy in sulfur and iodine, and supposedly nice for curing a complete host of illnesses. The baths are open between Could and November and you can too deal with your self to quite a lot of massages, mud, and scorching mineral therapies.
It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme. To make the journey by public transport, it is advisable 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.
Deal with: 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 improbable spot to observe 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 straightforward 10-minute drive from the middle of Otranto. Should you 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 here are a number of advised Otranto journey itineraries that will help you get probably the most out of your time there:
1 Day in Otranto Itinerary
You possibly can see a lot of the most important Otranto sights in at some point, though you received’t have time to go to the entire locations within the surrounding space which can be talked about on this submit.
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 Citadel. Spend the remainder of the morning exploring the Centro Storico.
Within the afternoon, you may 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 beneath, adopted by a night stroll via the traditional marina.
2-3 Days in Otranto Itinerary
Spend your first day sightseeing in Otranto itself, as advised above.
On day two, you may both go for a hike or take a lengthy bike journey to discover the gorgeous Salento countryside.
You probably 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 per week in Otranto, you may comfortably do the entire issues listed on this submit. You’ll have loads of time, so you may take issues simple 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 very least two full days within the city so you may get a great sense of the place. Then, you should definitely spend a full day climbing and/or biking within the surrounding countryside, and one other on the seaside.
Offered you’ve your personal automotive, it’d be pretty simple 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 remedy (you’ve earned it!) to spherical off your week.
The place to Keep in Otranto
These are a number 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 simple strolling distance of the entire city’s main sights and most of its greatest eating places. The environment is fantastic and it’s a stunning place to discover always of the day, proper via the night time.
Try this superb mid-range condominium 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 heart. Nonetheless, there are a number of locations somewhat additional out that are typically cheaper and so may be higher for funds vacationers to think about.
This is a wonderful one-bedroom funds condominium that’s solely a 15-minute stroll from the historic heart.
Northern Suburbs – Finest for Seashore Lovers
There are a number of nice seashores simply north of the city, throughout the Bay of Otranto. This might be a terrific place to remain if you wish to be inside simple strolling distance of the seaside. From right here, it’s a few 30-minute stroll (or a 10-minute drive) to the middle of city.
Try this improbable condominium that’s proper subsequent to the seaside and encompasses a terrace with improbable 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 and so they 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 identified for its scrumptious contemporary seafood, and each dish is fantastically offered. It’s somewhat on the dear facet, however I feel it’s value it as the standard is actually glorious. Strive the spaghetti with lobster and the grilled grouper fish.
Icon Restaurant Otranto
Positioned near the marina and the citadel, Icon is primarily a seafood restaurant (attempt their seared tuna) but it surely additionally provides quite a lot of tasty vegetarian choices. Their wine checklist is nice too, and so they have a balcony/terrace space the place you may eat whereas having fun with a improbable view of the Outdated City.
Nelson Park
A brief stroll from the middle of city, Nelson Park is likely one of the greatest pizzerias within the space. It’s fashionable with the locals (which tells you all it is advisable to know) and has a reasonably backyard space. Additionally 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. Strive their ricotta pasticciotto (a kind of pastry stuffed 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 suggest hiring a automotive on the airport if potential as the general public transport choices in Salento are considerably restricted. Though you should definitely examine that your condominium has parking services earlier than reserving something.
Should you’re utilizing public transport, you’ll have to journey through Lecce and may 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 may 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.
Should you’re coming from Lecce, you can too take this handy non-public switch service. Alternatively, take a look at 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 may stroll to the entire main locations within the city itself. Nonetheless, to get to lots of the different locations described on this submit, you’ll in all probability both want to rent a automotive or be 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 engaging historic harbor, and its imposing Aragonese citadel. The city can be near a number of lovely 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 scorching, and far much less crowded than through the peak summer season season. September is my favourite month in Otranto as the ocean continues to be pretty and heat from the lengthy, scorching summer season.
Sure, Otranto is unquestionably value visiting. There are numerous 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 at the very least at some point. Nonetheless, as you may inform from this submit, there are various different improbable issues to do and locations to go to close to Otranto.
I’d suggest staying for at the very least two or three nights in case you can. It’s a terrific place to base your self to discover extra of the broader area.
Sure, Otranto is a very protected city. After all, petty crimes similar to pickpocketing can occur anyplace, so it’s all the time a good suggestion to take the same old precautions when touring.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the Cathedral and the Citadel, is the preferred factor to do in Otranto.
There are a number of nice seashores positioned simply north of the principle city, together with Spiaggia dei Gradoni, Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei, and Lido della Staffa. Nonetheless, in case you don’t thoughts touring somewhat additional afield, Alimini seaside is even higher.
I like to recommend making an attempt 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 realize what to see and do in Otranto, one among my favourite locations in Puglia. It’s a terrific 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 hardly ever feels too crowded, particularly in contrast with many different fashionable locations in Puglia.
You probably have your personal automotive, Otranto is a good place to base your self when exploring the broader area, particularly in case you desire staying in smaller, quieter cities versus large 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 submit lets you plan your journey!