Otranto is a small, lively and fascinating seaside town situated in the Province of Lecce, on the east coast of Salento peninsula. The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas, and connects Italy with Albania. The small harbor is mostly used for fishing activity and tourism.
Around 35 miles/ 56 km away on the southeast lies the promontory of Santa Maria di Leuca, which is the southeastern extremity of Italy.
The Province of Lecce is a fertile region and the land is covered with vineyards and olive groves. The province is famous for quality olive oil, and it was once famous for its breed of horses.
It is surrounded on three sides by water, and a visit to this place will help you enjoy the the sea and the golden beaches.
The View of Otranto
A Little Bit Of History
Otranto, a Greek town by origin, is situated on the site where once the ancient city Hydrus was located.
A detail of the facade of De Monti Castle Of Corigliano D’Otranto in Puglia
During Roman times Otranto was considered an important point of embarkation for the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, because it was closer to Apollonia.
It was under the Byzantine emperors until 1068, when it was captured by Robert Guiscard.
The city and its fort were taken by the Turkish fleet in 1480.
The Pope called for a Holy War and the Neapolitan force met with the Turks in 1481. The city was utterly destroyed in the two battles.
A French garrison was established here in 1804, to watch the movements of the English fleet.
In 1809, the city was given the current French name and was created a Duche Grand-Fief de l’Empire in the Napoleonic kingdom of Naples for Joseph Fouche, Napoleon’s minister of Police.
Where is Otranto?
- 27.9 miles/ 45 km from Lecce, Italy
- 124.8 miles/ 201 km from Bari, Italy
- 30.4 miles/ 49 km from Gallipoli, Italy
- 54 miles/ 87 km from Brindisi, Italy
- 287 miles/ 462 km from Naples, Italy
- 131.7 miles/ 212 km from Bari Palese Airport, Italy
- 59 miles/ 95 km from Brindisi-Salento Airport, Italy
- 283.3 miles/ 456 km from Naples International Airport, Italy
Things to See
De Monti Castle Of Corigliano D’Otranto
- The Castle
- The Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta
- The Church of San Pietro
Beaches
- The Central Beach
- Alimini Beach
- I Due Mori
Excursions
- Faro della Palascia
- Cycling Tour
- Historical Tour of Lecce
Otranto is not only famous for its castle and the ancient buildings with fine architecture, but also for the its coastline with incredible beaches.
It’s been a gate to the Adriatic from the Mediterranean for centuries, and the influence of different cultures can be seen in this interesting city.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
