Otranto is one of the most gorgeous towns in Salento, Italy. It sits on the easternmost edge of Italy’s coast and for this reason, remained one of Italy’s most conquered locations for many centuries. The lingering medieval fortifications are now a modern-day tourist attraction, as is the beach, and many places to eat and drink.
Take A Tour Of Otranto Italy With These Fabulous Photos
Even though I was only in Otranto for a few hours, I long to return so I can spend more time exploring its historical monuments (ahem, castles and cathedrals!), wandering the cobblestoned streets, and sampling regional cuisine. Allow the romance and beauty of this place to take hold of your heart, as it did mine.
Castello Aragonese
Castello Aragonese, once the heart of the town’s defensive capabilities, now serves as a cultural venue that hosts events and art exhibits. I think it would be an incredible place to get married! I’m not really sure if they allow for weddings there, but a girl can dream.
The castle is surrounded by a large moat, thankfully now dried up and not stinking up the town as it would have during medieval times. As you walk through the castle, you’re led down to the sea.
Port of Otranto
Walking along the port area in Otranto Italy, you’ll see bicyclists riding by and the stunning blue hues of the Adriatic Sea. You can easily imagine yourself spending warmer summer days at the beach.
This modern-art boat installation seemed out of place in its surroundings but was still quite interesting.
The Streets of Otranto Italy
Walking these cobblestoned streets of the historical center, you almost want to pinch yourself. You’ll wonder if the charm of these streets and this town are real and not something that you invented in your dreams.
Pasta, pasta, and more pasta! I left with two bags, which I brought home to Canada with me. Better yet, they were only a couple of euros each.
Otranto Cathedral
One of the more enjoyable things to do in Otranto is visit the weird and offbeat Skull Cathedral. There’s an altar of human skulls and a large tile floor mosaic with unknown meaning
The Final Word
This place is much more happening during the spring and summer months, when warmer weather brings the locals out to play, as well as the tourists. I’d love nothing more than to enjoy endless days at the beach, tasty dinners outside with a view of the Adriatic, and walk hand in hand with a tall, dark handsome stranger under the stars … can’t wait to be reunited with Italy, which is seemingly my one true love (as far as countries go).
Have you been to Otranto Italy? What did you think? Do you have any tips about the place? Drop us a comment below.
Good to Know
1) Find a place to stay when you’re in Otranto Italy.
Booking.com2) Book yourself on a guided tour when you’re in the Salento region.
3) If you like to travel in Italy, read some of our most popular posts about the country.
- Eating Lunch At Tschötscherhof Farm In The Italian Alps – Stop for lunch, eat locally grown produce, & visit a historical museum at the remote Tschötscherhof Farm in the Italian Alps.
- Marmore Falls In Italy Is Home To The World’s Tallest Manmade Waterfall – Marmore Falls is the largest manmade waterfall in the world. Created by the Romans, this 2000-year-old waterfall is 165 meters high.
- Yes, There Are Cats In the Roman Coliseum And They Live There – As you tour the ancient structure, you’ll notice various cats in the Roman Coliseum, and yes, they happen to call this place home.
*Disclosure – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel through any of these links, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Italy in general is gorgeous, it’s so full of these kind of little towns and villages I’ve never heard of, but which would all be worth a visit! I especially loved that street image with the Fiat, soooo Italian…. 🙂
Yes, the Fiat image is classic Italy. I hope you can make it to Otranto someday, it’s well worth the visit. 🙂
Good shot! Very nice place.
Love the street photos! So typically Italian.
Thank you so much Junalin!
Thank you so much! I love the Fiat shot especially.
Otranto is definitely gorgeous. The architecture is so regal. Haha And who know perhaps you will meet your tall handsome stranger and be able to get married at Castello Aragonese.
Mary, I certainly hope so! I’m still waiting. 😉
mmm those dried pastas look great, are those sweets behind and underneath them? I see something that says “al chocolato” mmm.
The pasta was so fresh and oh so good!
Cheryl! Great post about Otranto. I live in Lecce and usually go the one of my favourite Salento beach which is near Otranto: the Turkish Bay (Baia dei Turchi), go there please, it’s a paradise! If you’ll come in october here and want to discover the great negroamaro and primitivo region near Lecce or the Ionio coast with sandy beaches just ask me 😉 A presto, Fabio.
Thank you Fabio! I must admit, that I fell in love with Puglia and in particular Salento. I’m not yet sure if I’ll be there in October but if I do return, I’ll drop you a line! It would be great to have a wine drinking companion of course, especially if I can consume copious amounts of primitivo! Mmmmm, so good.
Those first couple of images remind of me the castle in Belgrade, Serbia.
Hmmm, have not seen that one yet. Someday!
Hi Cheryl ! I ve just seen your Otranto Photo Tour, I find it truly amazing…..! Really congrats.
Tommaso
http://www.facebook.com/pugliafuturaitaly
Thanks Tommaso! I really enjoyed my time on Otranto. <3