Otranto

Travel Guide
Lecce featuring 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 harbor 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 center.

Stroll through the pedestrianized alleys of the town center 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, marvelous relics and a summer rush to the beach.

Where to stay in Otranto

Otranto Castle which includes heritage architecture and chateau or palace

Otranto Historic Centre

5/5(2 area reviews)

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
VOI Daniela Essentia
VOI Daniela Essentia
4 out of 5
Loc. Conca Specchiulla, Otranto, Lecce
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Otranto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Alimini Beach and Spiaggia di San Giorgio ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
"Good hotel. Great position. Eccellent food and service."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2020

VOI Daniela Essentia
Hotel Palazzo Papaleo
Hotel Palazzo Papaleo
5 out of 5
Via Rondachi 1, Otranto, LE
The price is $134 per night from May 2 to May 3
$134
$152 total
includes taxes & fees
May 2 - May 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Otranto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Alimini Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"The staff was extremely attentive, friendly a d helpful"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

Hotel Palazzo Papaleo
Baglioni Masseria Muzza
Baglioni Masseria Muzza
5 out of 5
Via Muzza 7, Otranto, LE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $585 per night from May 15 to May 16
$585
$647 total
includes taxes & fees
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Otranto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Alimini Beach are ...
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 Sep 10, 2022

Baglioni Masseria Muzza
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.
Otranto, very central, 50 m from the sea luxurious apartment
Otranto, very central, 50 m from the sea luxurious apartment
Otranto
Stay at this apartment in Otranto. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Alimini Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (29 reviews)
If you find yourself visiting Otranto, this is a GREAT spot
"I recently stayed for three weeks at this VRBO and it was great! The place itself has everything you need for a short or long term stay. Maria was great prior to check in, day of check in and during my stay. The location cannot be beat you are short walk away from everything Otranto has to offer. ..."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

Otranto, very central, 50 m from the sea luxurious apartment
Vacation home Salento 2023/24 All Inclusive, even in winter periods.
Vacation home Salento 2023/24 All Inclusive, even in winter periods.
Otranto
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Otranto. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Alimini ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
Nice apartment
"It was so quiet in a quaint small town. The aparment had everything we needed"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2023

Vacation home Salento 2023/24 All Inclusive, even in winter periods.
Unique apartment with 2 large terraces,  4 min walk from Otranto centre and sea
Unique apartment with 2 large terraces, 4 min walk from Otranto centre and sea
Otranto
Stay at this apartment in Otranto. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Otranto Waterfront and Alimini Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
Otranto is amazing
"We fell in love with Otranto. The apartment was the perfect location."

Reviewed on May 12, 2022

Unique apartment with 2 large terraces, 4 min walk from Otranto centre and sea
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

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 29, 2019

Such a beautiful place with great food, architecture, and crystal blue water...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 8, 2019

Cute little marina town, walking distance to everything. 1 day visit is just enough.

4/5 - Good

rose
Sep 8, 2018

I really like Otranto. This is the second time we have been there. I'm only rating it 4 because it was overcrowded with people. Most of Europe is on vacation in August so you can imagine how crowded it was. Mid September is a better time to go.

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