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 the entire above, you’ll discover sufficient locations to go to in Otranto to maintain you busy for at the least a number of days.
The city is dwelling to a surprising Outdated City however receives fewer vacationers than a few of the different extra fashionable locations in Puglia. This is among the issues that I like most about it, because it’s potential to discover the city with out having to deal 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 could counsel. Right here’s my decide of the highest issues to see and do in Otranto and the encompassing 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. It is a nice strategy to orient and familiarize your self with the place, and the guides have a wealth of native information, 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 traditional vacationer sights in Otranto.
It’s undoubtedly probably the greatest 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, historical monuments, and several other lovely 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 a lot of historical Greek ruins scattered right here and there. Even for those who’re not large into historical historical past, it’s nonetheless a surprising place to discover and is splendidly atmospheric.
Make sure you take your time wandering the cobbled streets, testing the numerous hidden little squares and passageways, and absorbing the ambiance. Don’t neglect to deliver your digicam – 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 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 gorgeous and well-preserved Twelfth-century mosaics. The massive rose window on the entrance of the cathedral is a phenomenal piece of art work alone.
Deal with: Piazza Basilica, 1, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
4. Discover the Aragonese Fort
The Aragonese Fort (or Castello Aragonese) is certainly one of Otranto’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by a deep moat and constructed with thick stone partitions, the fort 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 fort lies a maze of hidden passageways and chambers which were used as each a jail and a meals retailer in distinction.
The fort partitions provide 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 undoubtedly value 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 Seaside
The realm round Otranto is dwelling 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 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.
Nevertheless, if in case you have a automotive and don’t thoughts touring a bit additional, you may go to some actually spectacular seashores. Alimini seashore is a protracted 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 usually does on this a part of Puglia – Alimini seashore (amongst others within the space) turns into an excellent 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 few of 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’ 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 an incredible pure pool surrounded on all sides by steep limestone cliffs. The pool is fed by water from the ocean through 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 encompassing rockface. Or, for those who’re feeling courageous, you are able to do what the native daredevils do and bounce in. After all, watch out, and solely bounce the place the water is deep sufficient and it’s secure to (if doubtful, watch the place different folks land).
This is among the hottest issues to do round Otranto and it will probably get busy, particularly on weekends. Attempt to go to midweek for those who can, because it’s normally nicer and fewer crowded.
Deal with: Strada Statale San Cataldo, 73026 Roca Vecchia LE, Italy
7. Cycle By way of the Salento Countryside
Salento is the title given to the southeastern half of Puglia which stands out into the Mediterranean forming the “heel” of Italy. It’s a peaceable, enticing area with gently rolling hills, quaint outdated villages, lovely seashores, and a wild, rocky shoreline.
One among my favourite methods to discover the countryside round Otranto is on two wheels. You may rent a motorcycle from one of many numerous cycle retailers on the town – this retailer comes extremely reviewed and is near the historic heart – and head out by your self.
Or, for those who’d quite exit on a guided journey, this full-day bike tour takes you to a few 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 Mountaineering
The realm round Otranto options some implausible 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 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 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 phenomenal 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 outdated quarry lake surrounded by vivid purple 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, vibrant 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 special show, and there are benches the place you may 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 meals is amongst my favourite kinds of Italian delicacies. A few of my favourite native dishes embrace orecchiette with broccoli rabe, focaccia, polpette, and tiella. The flavors are simply so recent and scrumptious, and actually showcase the very best of the native produce.
When 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 among the greatest issues to do in Otranto for {couples} or associates, (though you may undoubtedly attend by your self for those who’re touring solo).
There are a number of completely different choices to select from. On this small group pasta and tiramisu-making class, you’ll learn to roll recent pasta (identified domestically as sfoglia) by hand, the best way to make common and crammed pasta, and the best way to put together your very personal tiramisu.
When you’re on the lookout 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 best way to make three regional recipes, which you’ll then get pleasure from along with a collection of native wines.
11. Stroll Across the Historic Marina
Porto di Otranto is among the oldest pure harbors in Italy. In reality, the town of Otranto lies on the positioning of an historical Greek port metropolis often called Hydrus which was an vital political and commerce hub, being the closest level to Greece on the Italian peninsula.
At present, Otranto harbor is used largely 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 probably see locals portray their boats, repairing nets, and chatting with their neighbors. It’s a really nice, slow-moving place, excellent for absorbing the ambiance of this lovely historic city.
Deal with: Through del Porto, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
12. Go to the Torre Pinta Tower and Tunnels
The Ipogeo di Torre Pinta is an enchanting historical advanced that’s properly value a go to. Its actual goal 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 navy for sending messages.
Beneath, there’s a community of underground passages, chambers, and tombs that are considered at the least 2,000 years outdated. It accommodates an oven (presumably used for cremation), in addition to a whole bunch of cavities within the partitions, probably used to accommodate 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 positioned subsequent to the positioning) and ask for the important thing in trade for a small donation.
Deal with: Through Memorie, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
13. Style Ciceri e Tria
Otranto has loads of fantastic eating places that serve scrumptious Puglian dishes corresponding to orecchiette, focaccia, and recent seafood. One different dish that’s significantly fashionable in Otranto is understood 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, nevertheless it’s very tasty.
You’ll discover ciceri e tria on menus throughout this a part of Salento. Top-of-the-line locations in Otranto to attempt it, and a variety 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 among the greatest issues to do in Otranto at night time.
Deal with: Through 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 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 a complete host of illnesses. The baths are open between Might and November and you may as well deal with your self to a lot of 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, it is advisable 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 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 look at 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 simple 10-minute drive from the middle of Otranto. When you don’t have a automotive, you may additionally stroll, though it’s about 5 kilometers (3 miles) every approach.
Deal with: SP87, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy
Fast Journey Itineraries For Otranto
Listed below are a number of prompt Otranto journey itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your time there:
1 Day in Otranto Itinerary
You may see many of the foremost Otranto sights in someday, though you gained’t have time to go to the entire locations within the surrounding space which can 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 Fort. 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 advocate 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 prompt above.
On day two, you may both go for a hike or take a lengthy bike trip to discover the attractive Salento countryside.
If in case 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 per week in Otranto, you may comfortably do the entire issues listed on this put up. 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 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 climbing and/or biking within the surrounding countryside, and one other on the seashore.
Offered you’ve gotten 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 counsel 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 very best neighborhoods in Otranto for vacationers:
Centro Storico – Greatest for First-time Guests
Otranto’s Outdated City is the very best 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 ambiance is fantastic and it’s a beautiful place to discover always of the day, proper via the night time.
Try this superb mid-range condo that has an unbeatable location and a terrace with beautiful views out over the Centro Storico.
Outskirts of Otranto – Greatest for Finances Vacationers
Otranto isn’t a very large place and the vast majority of lodging choices are positioned within the metropolis heart. Nevertheless, there are a number of locations a bit additional out that are usually cheaper and so could be higher for finances vacationers to contemplate.
This is a wonderful one-bedroom finances condo that’s solely a 15-minute stroll from the historic heart.
Northern Suburbs – Greatest for Seaside Lovers
There are a number of nice seashores simply north of the city, throughout the Bay of Otranto. This could be a fantastic place to remain if you wish to be inside simple 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 implausible condo that’s proper subsequent to the seashore and incorporates a terrace with implausible 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 variety of native specialties. Their seafood is superb they usually normally 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 recent seafood, and each dish is superbly introduced. It’s a bit on the dear aspect, 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
Situated near the marina and the fort, Icon is primarily a seafood restaurant (attempt their seared tuna) nevertheless it additionally presents a lot of tasty vegetarian choices. Their wine record is nice too, they usually have a balcony/terrace space the place you may 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 fashionable with the locals (which tells you all it is advisable 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 an incredible bakery that serves a variety of scrumptious pastries in addition to gelato. Strive their ricotta pasticciotto (a kind of pastry full of candy ricotta) – it’s unimaginable; you gained’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 automotive on the airport if potential as the general public transport choices in Salento are considerably restricted. Though make sure to examine that your condo has parking services earlier than reserving something.
When you’re utilizing public transport, you’ll must journey through 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 may 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.
When you’re coming from Lecce, you may as well 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 may stroll to the entire main locations within the city itself. Nevertheless, to get to most of the different locations described on this put up, 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Otranto:
Otranto is especially identified for its beautiful Eleventh-century cathedral, its enticing historical harbor, and its imposing Aragonese fort. 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 in the course of the peak summer season season. September is my favourite month in Otranto as the ocean continues to be pretty and heat from the lengthy, sizzling 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 least someday. Nevertheless, as you may inform from this put up, there are a lot of different implausible issues to do and locations to go to close to Otranto.
I’d advocate staying for at the least two or three nights for those who can. It’s a fantastic place to base your self to discover extra of the broader area.
Sure, Otranto is a very secure city. After all, petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing can occur anyplace, so it’s at all times a good suggestion to take the same old precautions when touring.
Exploring the Centro Storico, together with the Cathedral and the Fort, is the most well-liked 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. Nevertheless, for those who 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 embrace 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 a fantastic vacation spot in its personal proper, with many enjoyable issues to do in Otranto and the encompassing space.
Otranto isn’t precisely off the crushed observe, though it not often feels too crowded, particularly in contrast with many different fashionable locations in Puglia.
If in case you have your personal automotive, Otranto is a superb place to base your self when exploring the broader area, particularly for those who desire 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 put up lets you plan your journey!
