Otranto

Otranto is the easternmost city on the boot. The strength of this charming seaside town is its excellent mix of art, history, culture and nature. Let's go and discover it! One of the reasons to stay in Otranto is undoubtedly the Aragonese Castle.

Surrounded by defensive walls that protected the city from invaders, the inner parts can be visited, including the ramparts, dungeons and towers.

Stroll through the old town centre made up of white houses leaning against each other overlooking cobbled streets amidst hanging laundry and small shops. While you are in the centre, take some time to visit the Cathedral, which dates back to the second half of the year 1000. It is partly dedicated to the memory of the 800 Christian martyrs who, in 1480, were killed during the Turkish invasion - Otranto, in fact, is also known as the 'city of martyrs'.

Just a few kilometres from Otranto, reach the Alimini lakes and be captivated by the natural beauty of this protected natural park. Here you can observe many species of migratory birds and other animals that inhabit the waters of the lakes.

Moving to the coastal side, you will find one of Otranto's most famous beaches: the Baia dei Turchi, so called because it appears to be the place where the Turks landed before invading the area in the 15th century. This uncontaminated area is endowed with an inestimable landscape value, so much so that it has been included by the Fund for the Italian Environment in the 100 places to safeguard in Italy.