Otranto

Latest page update: 10 December 2024
By: Dion Protani
The historic coastal town of Otranto lies in the province of Lecce and is one of the unmissable stops on any tour of the Salento. It is renowned for its stunning seaside scenery, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Otranto is most famous for its majestic Aragonese Castle, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and its remarkable Byzantine-era cathedral with its intricate mosaic floor, the largest of its kind in Italy. The town also offers beautiful beaches, charming streets, and delicious seafood cuisine.
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Otranto: the Salento's historic coastal town
​Otranto, nestled in the province of Lecce, is a coastal town renowned for its rich history, stunning beaches, and cultural heritage. Its main attraction is the majestic Otranto Cathedral, with its mesmerizing mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town's historic centre boasts charming narrow streets, medieval walls, and elegant buildings, providing a glimpse into its past. Visitors can relax on the sandy beaches, swim in the clear turquoise waters, or explore the nearby sea caves and grottoes. Otranto promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty in Puglia.
Comune di Otranto
Province: Lecce

Region: Puglia

Population: 5,610​ (in 2024 - source)

​​Size: 77 km²

Highlights: Castello Aragonese, Otranto Cathedral, Lungomare

Close by: Lecce, Gallipoli, Torre Sant'Andrea, Salento Beaches

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Papaleo
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Fascino d'Oriente (Eastern Charm)
What are the most popular activities in Otranto and the local area?
Otranto:

  • Castello Aragonese: Explore the historic Castello Aragonese, a medieval fortress overlooking the town and the sea, with panoramic views from its ramparts.
  • Cathedral of Otranto: Admire the stunning Cathedral of Otranto, known for its intricate mosaic floor depicting biblical scenes and its Romanesque architecture.
  • Otranto Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Otranto's old town, lined with whitewashed buildings, artisan shops, and quaint cafes.
  • Harbour: Relax at the picturesque harbour of Otranto, where colourful fishing boats bob in the clear blue waters, offering a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
  • Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches near Otranto, including Baia dei Turchi and Porto Badisco, with their golden sands and turquoise waters.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Torre Sant'Emiliano: Visit the nearby Torre Sant'Emiliano, a coastal watchtower offering panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside.
  • Cape Otranto: Explore the rugged coastline around Cape Otranto, where you can find hidden coves, sea caves, and scenic hiking trails.
  • Santa Cesarea Terme: Relax at the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme, known for their healing waters and luxurious spa treatments.
  • Lecce: Take a day trip to the Baroque city of Lecce, with its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene.
  • Alimini Lakes: Discover the Alimini Lakes, a natural oasis surrounded by pine forests, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking amidst nature.
What are the best restaurants in Otranto?
  • Ristorante Donna Rosa: Situated in the heart of the historic centre, Ristorante Donna Rosa offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional Salento dishes. Guests can enjoy dishes like risotto with scampi, grilled fish, and local specialties such as orecchiette with seafood.
  • Ristorante Porta Terra: Located near the Aragonese Castle, Ristorante Porta Terra boasts a charming setting and serves a mix of seafood and Apulian cuisine. Visitors can savour dishes like seafood linguine, stuffed calamari, and grilled fish while enjoying views of the castle.
  • La Bella Idrusa: Found along the Lungomare degli Eroi, La Bella Idrusa offers an elegant dining experience overlooking the sea. Specialising in seafood, the restaurant serves dishes such as seafood risotto, grilled swordfish, and octopus salad, along with a selection of local wines.
  • Trattoria del Porto: Positioned near the harbour, Trattoria del Porto is a cosy eatery known for its warm atmosphere and traditional Salento cuisine. Diners can feast on dishes like pasta with seafood, grilled fish, and local specialties like ciceri e tria (a pasta dish with chickpeas).
  • Ristorante il Galateo: Located in the historic centre, Ristorante il Galateo offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on seafood and creative cuisine. The restaurant serves dishes such as fish carpaccio, seafood linguine, and grilled prawns, accompanied by an extensive wine list.

​Otranto  Gallery

What are the best places to stay in Otranto?
  • Hotel Palazzo Papaleo (Otranto): Situated in the historic centre of Otranto, Hotel Palazzo Papaleo offers guests a luxurious stay in a restored 16th-century palace. This boutique hotel provides elegant rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the town and the Adriatic Sea. Guests can explore the nearby attractions, including Otranto Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle, and enjoy easy access to the town's restaurants, shops, and beaches.
  • Masseria Panareo (Otranto): Located just outside Otranto, Masseria Panareo offers guests a peaceful rural retreat amidst olive groves and Mediterranean gardens. This farmhouse accommodation provides comfortable rooms and suites with traditional furnishings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, dine at the on-site restaurant serving local cuisine, and explore the nearby beaches and countryside.
  • Hotel Miramare (Otranto): Positioned near the seafront of Otranto, Hotel Miramare offers guests a convenient seaside stay with easy access to the town's beaches and attractions. This hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities, some offering views of the Adriatic Sea. Guests can relax on the hotel's terrace overlooking the sea or explore the historic centre of Otranto just a short walk away.
  • Hotel Pietra Verde (Otranto): Situated in a quiet area just outside the historic centre of Otranto, Hotel Pietra Verde offers guests a peaceful stay within walking distance of the town's main attractions. This hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore Otranto and its surrounding areas. Guests can also relax in the hotel's garden or terrace area.
  • Agriturismo Tenuta Sant'Emiliano (Otranto): Nestled in the countryside near Otranto, Agriturismo Tenuta Sant'Emiliano offers guests a rural escape surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. This agriturismo provides comfortable accommodation in traditional stone buildings, as well as facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and cooking classes. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in nature while still being within easy reach of Otranto's beaches and attractions.
What are the closest airports to Otranto?
Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS): 

1 hour 7 minutes by car (97 km)

Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI): 

2 hours 14 minutes by car (215 km)
What's the closest train station to Otranto?
Stazione di Otranto
​
  • Located in Otranto town centre
  • Regional trains connect to Maglie with journey times of around 30 minutes
  • Trains from Maglie connect to Lecce with an additional 55 minutes of journey time
What private transfer options are there for Otranto?
A private transfer from Brindisi Salento Airport to Otranto takes around one hour 10 minutes. 

If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
​
  • Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
  • Arrival date
  • Arrival time
  • Number of passengers
  • Destination (either town or specific hotel)

Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Otranto?
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