07 Set 5 things to do in Otranto, top tips to discover the town

Holidays in Puglia? Here are 5 things to do in Otranto, one of the most popular destinations in Salento.

The small town, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is recognised as one of the most beautiful in Italy, so much so that it won the prestigious award in 2017.

Things to do in Otranto: Cocobuk’s tips

Pen and paper in hand, here are five tips on what to do in Otranto.

The first thing to do is undoubtedly to discover the sea of Otranto. The town overlooks the sea and offers a breathtaking panorama of art and nature. We are in the heart of the eastern coast of Salento, in the Regional Park of Otranto- Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase. Nature, sea and beauty reign supreme here.

Between high promontories, coves and a few sandy beaches, here you are spoilt for choice. The panorama that can be enjoyed from the Otranto seafront promenade that skirts the village and offers unique views is also very beautiful. These are undoubtedly among the most beautiful beaches in Salento.

The second thing to do in Otranto is, without a doubt, to watch the sunrise from the Punta Palascia Lighthouse. This is the easternmost point in Italy and therefore the first to enjoy the sunrise. The lighthouse, which is a landmark in the Otranto Channel, is one of the symbols of the Salento.

Among the 5 things not to be missed in Otranto, we cannot fail to mention a visit to the old town centre. The city, in fact, has very ancient origins and over the centuries underwent various dominations including that of the Byzantines, the Normans and then the Aragonese and the Turks. The traces of these passages are still clearly visible and have made Otranto the beautiful city it is today.

To defend itself from the Turkish invasion, the town was fortified and assumed the appearance we all know and appreciate today.

Undoubtedly one of the symbols of the city is the Cathedral of Otranto, a must-see. It is located in Piazza Basilica and is characterised by three naves and 14 granite columns topped by Romanesque capitals. This is why it is one of the main examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture. The mosaic floor is very beautiful and iconic.

The fourth thing we suggest is to visit the Otranto Castle, which is often the venue for very interesting art exhibitions. This is also one of the symbols of the city. Its three circular towers with three corners are peculiar and from the ramparts you can have a perfect view of the Otranto Channel.

Finally, we recommend getting lost in Otranto’s narrow streets and tasting the typical Salento cuisine in one of the many trendy restaurants and bars around the old town and along the seafront. In this way, you can also discover the city through its flavours and all it has to offer in terms of hospitality.

These 5 suggestions for visiting and enjoying Otranto are good both in summer, the perfect period for sea and fun, but also in all other seasons as the city is always beautiful to visit and full of things to see and do.