Otranto

Travel Guide
Lecce which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Learn about a history rife with invasions and war in this town’s historic center. Take a romantic stroll through the port.

Otranto is a port town with a quaint harbour and picturesque sea views. The pace of life slows to a crawl in this historic area, featuring a castle and churches from centuries ago. Visit the town for its picturesque seafront and beaches beside vestiges of the historic medieval centre.

Stroll through the pedestrianized alleys of the town centre for a sense of its old-world charm. Many quaint shops and restaurants lie within the commune’s high walls. Marvel at the impressive Castello Aragonese, immortalized in The Castle of Otranto, one of the world’s first gothic novels, written by Horace Walpole in 1764. The castle was constructed along with the old town walls.

Another town icon is the Otranto Cathedral. Note the variety of styles of its façade, including Romanesque elements. Dating back to the 11th century, the religious structure has Byzantine frescoes and a crypt beneath the nave. Admire glorious mosaics on the floor depicting Biblical tales.

For a change of scenery, bathe in the clear waters of Alimini Beach. Rent deckchairs and umbrellas for relief from the summer heat. Dine at a restaurant or bar facing the shore. The beach, with shallow water, is ideal for families. Stroll along the Otranto waterfront to see yachts harbored in the port. Capture photos of the town’s skyline, including its tall walls and medieval buildings.

Learn the history of the town, once famous for horse breeding and fertile agricultural grounds. Its intriguing past includes an Ottoman invasion and a role in the Napoleonic Wars.

In the province of Lecce, Otranto is located on the eastern flank of the large Salento Peninsula in southeastern Italy. It is near the Strait of Otranto, where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet between Italy and Albania. This area has an appealing climate with long, hot summer days and mild winters. Arrive at Brindisi-Salento Airport and drive south for 75 minutes to reach the town.

Otranto is typically Italian, with muddled history, marvellous relics and a summer rush to the beach.

Where to stay in Otranto

Otranto Castle featuring heritage architecture and a castle

Otranto Historic Centre

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and monuments in Otranto Historic Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Otranto Cathedral or Otranto Waterfront.

Otranto Historic Centre
Hotel Vittoria Resort Pool & Spa
Hotel Vittoria Resort Pool & Spa
4 out of 5
via Catona, Otranto, LE
The price is RM414 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM414
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Otranto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Otranto Cathedral are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
Second time - would book again.
"Very convenient location close to historical Centro. Lots of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. Great reception staff. Big very clean room. Swimming pool fantastic to relax after exploring. Breakfast OK."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2023

Hotel Vittoria Resort Pool & Spa
Baglioni Masseria Muzza
Baglioni Masseria Muzza
5 out of 5
Via Muzza 7, Otranto, LE
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Otranto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mulino d'acqua beach and Baia Dei Turchi ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
"O staff é excelente , muito gentil e são muito atenciosos. O restaurante gourmet é muito bom . A localização é boa, mas não fica próximo das melhores praias da região"

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2022

Baglioni Masseria Muzza
Masseria dei Monaci
Masseria dei Monaci
4 out of 5
Litoranea Otranto- Porto Badisco S.P.87, Otranto, LE
The price is RM633 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM633
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Otranto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Cava di Bauxite and Torre Pinta are located nearby. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
Clean, friendly, good location
"Lovely quiet place, just outside of the city. We had the best breakfast that we’ve ever had in Italy. Fabulous choice and very fresh. Dinner and wine was very good, although limited to a fish menu. Thought it was good value for money."

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2023

Masseria dei Monaci
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence La Pineta - Campsite
Residence La Pineta - Campsite
3 out of 5
Via Frassanito, Località Frassanito, Otranto, LE
Stay at this 3-star beach residence in Otranto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Frassanito and Spiaggia di San Giorgio ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
"nydelig og velholdt bassengområde, flotte strender i nærheten, fantastisk lunsjrestaurant med sjømat ved stranden og hyggelig autentisk agriturisme restaurant like ved hotellet."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2023

Residence La Pineta - Campsite
2483 La Casa di Maristella - Trilo by Barbarhouse
2483 La Casa di Maristella - Trilo by Barbarhouse
Via Vincenzo De Donno, 5, Otranto, Puglia
Stay at this apartment in Otranto. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Otranto Cathedral are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
2483 La Casa di Maristella - Trilo by Barbarhouse
3262 Il Fortino by Barbarhouse
3262 Il Fortino by Barbarhouse
Vico Antonio Corchia, 4, Otranto, Puglia
Stay at this apartment in Otranto. Enjoy 2 bedrooms, an in-room washer/dryer, and a rainfall showerhead. Popular attractions Spiaggia di Porto Craulo and Spiaggia ...
3262 Il Fortino by Barbarhouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Otranto

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 72.72727272727273%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 18.181818181818183%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 9.090909090909092%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Sep 2019

What a lovely historic town, with beaches, castle and a marina

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Sep 2019

What a great place to visit would highly recommend

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Sep 2019

Amazing town

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Sep 2019

The perfect holiday destination. Beach, culture, great food and lots and lots of sunshine. What's not to like?

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Sep 2019

We really liked Otranto. Plenty to see and enjoy, it’s own beach and a great atmosphere- particularly in the evening

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 May 2019

Charming seaside town and interesting castle.