The cultural, political and economic centre of the Salento for centuries, Otranto is located on the easternmost section of Italy’s coast, at around 30 km from Lecce, on a rocky point above the sea. This city has been considered a natural bridge between the Mediterranean and the Orient since ancient times and it still contains traces of the encounter among different cultures. The Aragonese Castle, the defensive walls, the entire appearance of a Medieval town which seems like a fortress, like a rampart sitting over the sea, tells the story of the permanent danger represented by the Turks which ended with the tragic 1480 siege and invasion. Here there are winding stone paved alleys, bright houses and gem of a Romanesque Cathedral, all overlooking a beautiful sea.
Activities:
Diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and water sports in general are the ideal activities for a holiday in the Otranto area. Diving, in particular, with tanks or snorkels, through shoals, precipices, grottos and wrecks, is best at Palombara, especially recommended for beginners and at Punta Facì, reserved for the more expert due to the strong currents. The area also offers splendid natural routes for hikers, including the Laghi Alimini natural reserve, to the north of Otranto.
Coast Type:
The Channel of Otranto is characterised by a very rough sea. Along the coast to the south of the city, before the Cape of Otranto, stands the Torre del Serpe, or Torre dell’Idro, the symbol of the city. Even further south, amidst the grottos, promontories, coves and inlets, is Porto Badisco, which legend identifies as Aeneas’ first landing spot on the Adriatic during his journey to Italy. The Grotte dei Cervi were discovered here in 1970, remains of the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras, with ancient graffiti on the walls.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 14/05/2012
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia