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What to see in Otranto: the attractions not to be missed
Gli ulivi, l’odore di salsedine, i pranzi al mare con la puccia salentina e la frisa al pomodoro.
Otranto incanta con i suoi panorami e le antiche tradizioni che sono sopravvissute alle epoche e persino al grande turismo, che ogni anno porta qui centinaia di migliaia di persone da ogni dove.
Le bellezze da scoprire sono tante, e una semplice guida che ne sintetizza alcune può essere utile per capire cosa vedere a Otranto e dintorni.
Visiting the historic city centre of Otranto
One of the first things to do in Otranto is definitely a stroll through the splendid historic city centre. It is like a fortress on the sea and is a labyrinth of streets, little crossing points and just so many little white houses, one on top of the other. The historic city centre of Otranto is like a postcard - one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy. As well as the Cathedral which dates back to the year 1000, you also have to visit the Aragonese Castle, which was built to defend the city, after the famous invasion of the Turks in the Bay of the Turks. The attractions in Otranto also include the many local arts and crafts workshops and the bistros offering local gastronomic delights at all hours of the day.
The nicest beaches in Otranto and nearby
If you stay in Otranto, you simply have to visit the Bay of the Turks, one of the nicest beaches in the region, in all Italy, in fact. The sand is extremely white, the water is clear and, despite the presence of various facilities, retains a wild charm, due to the large pine forest protecting it, which you have to pass through to get to the Bay.
Secondly, but no less lovely, we have the ‘Torre dell’Orso’, a splendid beach bathed by clear turquoise water. This seaside location is perfect for kids and families and has both private facilities and open areas - though it fills up pretty quick, from midday on.
One-day or two-day itineraries: practical advice
If you don’t have much time, maybe because your travel plan includes various stop-offs in Puglia, here is some good advice for a one-day or two-day tour discovering the city.
A short itinerary: what to see in Otranto in a day
In just a day, it is in any case possible to taste a little of the typical atmosphere of Otranto. You might spend the morning visiting the city centre, stopping off at both the Aragonese Castle and Otranto Cathedral. After a nice lunch in one of the local spots, the afternoon might be a good time to have some relaxation in nature: either stopping off at the Bay of the Turks, or visiting the Alimini nature park, a unique spectacle where two lakes come together, one soft-water and one salt-water.
If, instead, you have a few days’ time, near Otranto we have the Cava di Bauxite quarry, a site made incredible by a special triumph of colours: the lake is emerald green while the land all around is fiery red.
Where to stay in Otranto and nearby
When planning a holiday, the itinerary is as important as where you stay, to ensure relaxation and the pleasure of discovery. There are just so many resorts in Puglia, so you must choose well. Right beside Otranto, and the lovely beaches described above, we have both the VOI Alimini Resort and the VOI Daniela Essentia, two very fine examples of great Hospitality.
VOI Alimini is amidst the Mediterranean scrub and looks onto a beach bathed by the water of the Adriatic Sea. VOI Daniela Essentia is also immersed in green nature, an age-old pine forest this time, and has a splendid private beach set between the cliffs and the turquoise water.
