23 Beaches of Otranto
Spiaggia di Calamuri
Salento, Otranto: The Calamuri Beach is a stretch of free beach on the eastern coast of Salento, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, near the Torre del Serpe. We are in Otranto, the gateway to the east, a town that needs no introduction and is a shining gem of this wonderful land called Salento. These areas are all worth visiting both for the historical importance they contain and for the beauty of the panorama that can be admired from different vantage points. Over the years, Otranto has almost become a tourist resort for VIPs. The likes of Messi, the famous Argentinean footballer, has been immortalised among the tables of some of the clubs, but also internationally famous actors and artists have been spotted in the streets of this beautiful town. The Calamuri beach can be easily reached after a short walk, it is located in a small inlet just south of Otranto; it is not actually a real beach, on the contrary, the coast has all the characteristics of a reef, the sea is blue and clean and soon becomes deep after a few strokes; the small stretch of beach has mostly sea pebbles so it is a bit uncomfortable to lay your towel on it. In comparison, the panoramic view deserves all due attention, a tranquillity and relaxation reigns here that is hard to find in other places, it is a mix of unspoilt nature with the green of the Mediterranean maquis and the low cliffs that outline this fascinating landscape; take advantage of it for snorkelling or even simply for a healthy swim, after which you can find a comfortable rock and let the warmth of the Salento sun dry you out. I do not recommend it to families with children, and to those who obviously prefer the comforts of an organised lido, for the rest this place is all to experience, for a refreshing dip in the blue of this wonderful sea. Welcome to Salento and have a good summer.
Spiaggia di Punta San Nicola
Salento, Otranto: Otranto, the gateway to the East, is a town in Italy that certainly needs no introduction. We are talking about a town that is a gem that sparkles in all its facets, in terms of history, tourism and landscape. Over the years, this municipality has grown in popularity thanks to a skilful management of sustainable tourism combined with planning through its accommodation facilities that have been established for decades, and also thanks to its timeless charm that endures over time. The Salento, a land rich in multiple resources, thus pampers its undisputed star in the wide range of tourist proposals that every year satisfy thousands of travellers who decide to spend part of their summer holidays (and not only) in this wonderful area. The beach of Punta San Nicola or Filu de Mienzu as it is called by the locals is a stretch of coastline in the municipality of Idruntino and precisely behind the harbour, characterised by several inlets with a wide reef and a sea so transparent that you can see your reflection in it. From these beautiful inlets it is possible to catch a glimpse of the suggestive panorama offered by the town of Otranto in the distance so you can contemplate it while taking a refreshing swim. The place is not very crowded, and even in the height of summer it maintains a rather detached appearance compared to the confusion that one finds in other tourist facilities in Idruntine. A typical feature of the Punta San Nicola beach is the seabed rich in fauna, so take advantage of it for a dive so you can also contemplate all those wonderful plays of light that filter through the cracks of this reef thanks to the bright rays of the sun. To find a flaw in this beautiful and lonely place, perhaps its lack of usability when the sea is a little rough and it is a little difficult to find a comfortable opening to enter the water, but otherwise, if the day is calm, the place deserves five stars, so relax and enjoy your day at the sea. Scent of summer and positive feelings... we are in Otranto... happy holidays.
Spiaggia degli Scaloni
Salento, Otranto: The Spiaggia degli Scaloni is located in the heart of Otranto, on the south-eastern coast of Salento in the province of Lecce. Bathed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful beach is ideal for families with children as the sea remains shallow for long stretches. In the high season, the Spiaggia degli Scaloni becomes very crowded as it is easily accessible as it is right in the centre of town. The clear blue sea and the fine white sand make this small beach the main characteristics for enjoying a well-deserved day at the beach; it is also possible to rent beach umbrellas and sunbeds as well as inflatables of all kinds. The Spiaggia degli Scaloni owes its name to the fact that large steps separate the beach from the city"s seafront; over the years, this small beach has been the first stop both for locals and for those who usually come to visit the city of Otranto. In addition to the various services listed above, the Spiaggia degli Scaloni also offers a disabled service thanks to a volunteer association that manages the full usability of the sea for people with disabilities. So, if you happen to be in Otranto, as well as admiring the picturesque old town or visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata with its spectacular mosaic by Pantaleone, don"t forget to drop by the Spiaggia degli Scaloni for a refreshing swim to capture the true essence of a Salento summer... Happy holidays.
Riviera degli Haethey
Salento, Otranto: Otranto is a diamond that shines brightly from any perspective; this stretch of coastline bathed by the Adriatic Sea is one of the many tourist attractions this town offers the traveller intrigued by the eternal beauty of these places. The Haethey Riviera, named after an ancient people from the Balkans, lies just north of Otranto and has all the typical characteristics of this wonderful stretch of coastline. These areas are a succession of stretches of white and golden beach alternating with beautiful inlets surrounded by a sea so transparent that you can see your reflection in it, and the Haethey Riviera is the most obvious representation of this with its crystal-clear water; the sea is shallow for long stretches so that parents can let their children play in peace, and the place is quite crowded in high summer, being only a few minutes from the town centre. A natural landscape from which to enjoy every single moment of your day at the sea, have a good summer from Otranto.
Faro di Punta Cràulo
Salento, Otranto: How many stories are known and told about a lighthouse, one of the many fishermen"s compasses that as a fundamental landmark warns boats that they are approaching port. Well, yes, modern and contemporary literature is wasted on this coastal instrument, and so are the legends and tales of elderly fishermen, adding to the curiosity that revolves around the lighthouse. Otranto, with its historical and scenic beauty, is no less impressive. Like all the towns along the coast, it has its lighthouse as a point of convergence so that it can safely land on dry land. This is the Punta Craulo lighthouse, also known as Faro Bianco, which rises at a beautiful inlet surrounded by low cliffs on one side and by free and private beaches on the other. At this characteristic stretch of coastline, it is possible to choose a spot where you can lay out your towel and take advantage of the enchanting and relaxing spot that is the Faro di Punta Craulo. The sea becomes deep after a few strokes and the water retains that transparent blue colour so that in some places it looks like a real natural open-air swimming pool. The place is quiet even at the height of summer; here you can breathe an air of absolute relaxation and while sunbathing you can admire all the beauty of Otranto in its complexity from afar. The Punta Craulo Lighthouse is frequented both by families with children and by different tourists; the spot is convenient in that one can choose whether to prefer the beach or the cliff and in this way satisfy different needs. These are just a few of the beauties that this fantastic town has to offer. Otranto"s peculiarities are not in dispute, and every year they attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to admire not only the sea and the coastline but also the timeless charm of a glittering pearl such as Otranto... Have a good summer.
Atlantis Beach
Salento, Otranto: Atlantis Beach is a bathing establishment in Otranto and is located in a characteristic inlet with fine white sand on one side and a low cliff on the other side; the clear blue sea frames this wonderful corner of paradise, and the water maintains a shallow depth for long stretches, making it ideal for families with children. This lido is located right at the foot of the Punta Craulo lighthouse and is equipped to ensure that your day at the beach is one of relaxation and comfort. The Atlantis Beach lido has umbrellas, sunbeds and deckchairs all positioned at the right distance so as to maintain privacy, especially in high season when the beach is most crowded. The restaurant serves a range of raw fish dishes as well as classic Salento cuisine. You can book for lunch or dinner and take advantage of the wonderful sea view while you enjoy your favourite dishes; the place is quiet and you can breathe in a real holiday atmosphere, the view of the blue sea fully repays the choice of spending part of your day at this well-equipped establishment... so what can I add... happy holidays at Atlantis Beach in Otranto.
Fuorirotta Beach
Salento, Otranto: Fuorirotta Lounge Beach is a well-equipped lido set in a beautiful natural inlet with a crystal clear blue sea and fine white sand. We are in the heart of Otranto, a location that certainly needs no introduction, and the Fuorirotta Lounge Beach has beach umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, a parking area, as well as a series of inflatable games for the amusement of the little ones. The facility maintains the necessary standards to ensure that your day at the beach is one of absolute relaxation and fun. The bar provides a range of drinks to be enjoyed comfortably seated at the tables while admiring the impressive view of the surrounding panorama, and in the afternoon from 16:30 there is the usual Sunset Beach Party with parties and fun on the beach and music selected by DJ sets. The ambience is nice, the lido is well-equipped and there is a buzzing atmosphere. Looking around, the surrounding landscape fully satisfies the choice of spending our day on the beach at the Fuorirotta Lounge Beach... have a good summer.
Lido la Castellana
Salento, Otranto: The Lido La Castellana is located in Otranto on the south-eastern side of Salento along a characteristic stretch of coast washed by the Adriatic Sea. This bathing establishment is set in a beautiful inlet surrounded by green vegetation with a blue sea so transparent you can see your reflection in it and with stretches of beach with soft white sand. The sea is shallow for long stretches, so you can let your children play in peace. The elegant and well-kept facility is equipped to ensure that your day at the beach is a comfortable one, with a range of services from beach umbrellas and sunbeds well spaced out, to changing cabins, showers and even beach towels for hire. The La Castellana Lido also offers a reception service under the beach umbrella, so you can enjoy your favourite dishes comfortably stretched out on your sunbed while admiring the wonderful view. What more could you ask for from a day at the beach... Otranto, a fabulous sea and a turnkey service... Have a good summer at La Castellana Lido.
Lido della Staffa
Salento, Otranto: Continuing our virtual tour towards the north coast of Otranto along a beautiful stretch of coastline bathed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea and made up of small coves, characteristic inlets and sea caves, we come across Lido della Staffa, a free beach located between Lido La Castellana and Cala del Canale del Cafaro. This corner of paradise encapsulates in little more than a few dozen metres all the beauty and charm of the magical land that is Salento. The Lido della Staffa has long maintained its wild and uncontaminated appearance, surrounded by the greenery of the typical Mediterranean scrub and with a small beach characterised by fine white sand. The crystal-clear sea, with shades of colour that change according to the time of day, frames this solitary glimpse of a marvellous landscape, highlighting all the beauty and above all the incomparable purity of this suggestive beach. This place transmits hidden and primitive sensations in each of us, and the surrounding area, light years away from the invasive and crowded tourism often seen in the height of summer, retains an enchanting charm that stimulates and intrigues the traveller who decides to spend a few hours of pure relaxation at Lido della Staffa. Visiting this natural environment in person, I have serious difficulty in sponsoring and promoting such a beautiful remote corner as if to preserve that distinctive trait of an unspoilt environment. This place deserves all our attention, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, relax carefree, but please take care of it... have a good summer at Lido della Staffa.
Cala del Canale del Càfaro
Salento, Otranto: The Cala del Canale del Càfaro is an enchanting natural inlet just north of Otranto, about a fifteen-minute walk from the town centre. This stretch of coastline represents a wide range in terms of the needs and desires of any traveller as low cliffs with hidden coves with typical sea caves alternate with stretches of soft, golden beach and a clear, blue sea. The Cala del Canale del Cafaro, so called because it resembles a giant natural gully, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the unspoilt surroundings; the water maintains a shallow depth for long stretches, so let your children play in peace. For diving enthusiasts, the surrounding cliffs offer interesting spots from which to try your hand at the unique thrill of being thrown into the water in a fraction of a second. The seabed of this marvellous sea lends itself very well to those who practice diving, thus experiencing enchanting moments in close contact with the wealth of marine flora and fauna, as well as admiring the beautiful play of light that is produced through the cracks in the various reefs. Relaxing and unforgettable moments at the Cala del Canale del Cafaro, happy holidays from Otranto.
Spiaggia della Cattapìgnula
Salento, Otranto: The Cattapignula Beach is located in Otranto, in the province of Lecce. This beach lies within a beautiful inlet and its name, Cattapignula, derives from the local dialect meaning bat. In fact, at this stretch of coastline it is possible to see a cave in which several bats live and nest. Some stretches of the surrounding cliffs are covered in the green of the typical Mediterranean maquis and the view of the surrounding landscape is truly fascinating. The crystal-clear blue sea immediately becomes deep after a few strokes, and the sea bed so rich in life is ideal for snorkelling. The beach of Cattapignula is a true corner of lost paradise. Of course, one suggestion would be to rent a small boat and explore the most beautiful corners of this wonderful stretch of coastline. Summer is just around the corner, what are you waiting for, greetings from Otranto.
Cala di San Pietro dei Canali
Salento, Otranto: The Cala di San Pietro dei Canali is located just north of Otranto and is a natural inlet with crystal-clear waters and low cliffs. This corner of paradise encloses real natural open-air pools; the water retains the clarity that is a constant feature of the entire Otranto area. The sea opens blue to our eyes for a burst of colours that excite the soul of anyone who comes to visit the Cala di San Pietro dei Canali. The place is quiet and although there are cliffs everywhere, it is not difficult to find a spot where you can plant a beach umbrella, spread your towel, and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach under the warm Salento sun. The water immediately becomes deep and the constant massage of the gentle waves of the sea is a pleasure that cannot be described with mere words. Otranto remains one of the most fascinating towns in Italy, so if you are planning a holiday in these parts, do not forget to drop by the Cala di San Pietro dei Canali, have a good summer.
Cala di Grotta Monaca
Salento, Otranto: The Cala di Grotta Monaca is a shallow reef inlet north of Otranto; we are in the province of Lecce along a beautiful stretch of coastline masterfully designed by Mother Nature, with evocative inlets full of caves and bays to visit, alternating with stretches of fine white beach, framed by the contagious blue of the mighty Adriatic Sea. The Cala di Grotta Monaca, the most famous cove in the area for its splendid seabed, rich in life and crystal-clear sea, appears to our eyes as a gem set among the cliffs covered in the green of the typical and spontaneous Mediterranean scrub. On the northern side of this bay, we can admire the Grotta Monaca, a sea cavity formed over time and about 80 metres deep. This cave can be admired directly from the sea in all its beauty although, it must be said, being a rocky and impassable stretch of coastline, access to the sea is not exactly one hundred per cent guaranteed. However, for the most daring, taking the opportunity to dive into these wonderful waters and admire the Grotta Monaca is an experience worth having because it is full of strong emotions. The name Grotta Monaca is said to derive from the fact that once upon a time these waters were inhabited by the monk seal and this would signify the specificity of this clean and transparent sea. Glimpses of a Salento all to be visited and enjoyed, have a good summer from the Grotta Monaca Cove.
Grotta dell Eremita
Salento, Otranto: The Salento is a land of a thousand resources, kilometres of coastline with specific characteristics where stretches of soft, golden beaches alternate with capricious, natural cliffs that end directly in the sea. Unspoilt nature surrounds much of this beautiful coastline with its typical Mediterranean scrub that spontaneously draws and colours the surrounding cliffs green. A corner of paradise just north of Otranto amidst many natural inlets with a crystal-clear blue sea is home to the Grotta dell"Eremita, a large, mysterious cave clearly visible from the sea and whose shape on the inside almost resembles the vault of a Romanesque church. On the surface at the far end of the cave, one can admire the evocative paths for trekking lovers that characterise this wonderful area, completely engulfed by wild and solitary nature. The Grotta dell"Eremita opens majestically before our eyes in all its natural beauty. We can admire it in all its complexity directly from the sea, diving into these pristine, clean waters and perhaps taking a selfie to preserve in the memories of a beautiful holiday in Otranto. The area is quiet and you can breathe an air of absolute relaxation even in the height of the season. A few kilometres separate us from the city centre and to fully enjoy this suggestive stretch of coastline, the ideal thing would be to rent a small boat to discover the most remote and hidden parts of this corner of Salento. The scent of summer, the sun warming and colouring our skin for a perfect tan, and a perfect setting represented by this wonderful stretch of coastline Happy holidays from the Grotta dell"Eremita.
Scoglio di Sapunerò
Salento, Otranto: The Scoglio di Sapunerò (Sapunerò Rock) is located just north of Otranto on the south-eastern side of Salento, along a wonderful stretch of coastline where broad cliffs falling sheer to the sea alternate with stretches of fine white beach. The clear, transparent blue of these fabulous waters frame this stupendous landscape, conveying a sense of freedom and strong emotions when you make that sparkling contact through a liberating dive. The Scoglio di Sapunerò is a founding part of this area, this rocky monolith covered in the green of the spontaneous Mediterranean scrub, highlighting an evocative contrast of colours, stands as a constant sentinel of an area that amazes in all its beauty. If you love uncontaminated and wild nature, the tranquillity and relaxation that some walks along small paths convey, combined with that sense of satisfaction in having chosen to spend a few hours discovering glimpses of an enchanting Apulia, then the Scoglio di Sapunerò is the place for you. Of course, considering the high rocks that fall into the sea and the less than comfortable access to the water, the ideal would be to rent a small boat to fully enjoy these fantastic places and contemplate the sea with all its beauty. For the rest, the place deserves all our consideration and you will certainly be rewarded through vibrant and positive sensations, have a good summer from Otranto.
Spiaggia di Mulino d Acqua
Salento, Otranto: The Mulino d"Acqua beach is located at a characteristic bay in a lonely and wild spot on the eastern coast of Salento, and lies along a beautiful stretch of coastline in close contact with unspoilt nature. We are in Otranto, a wonderful town that offers strong emotions in all respects to the traveller who decides to spend part of his time visiting this area of incomparable charm. The Mulino d"Acqua beach owes its name to the presence in the past of a mill that functioned thanks to the constant current that the sea produced. Today this mill no longer exists, but the enchanting place that this bay represents conveys emotions that go beyond past and future time; the high rocks that fall sheer to the sea shelter this characteristic beach from windy days and the whole surrounding environment is therefore calm and cosy. The fine white sand is a constant feature of these places. Add to that a sea so clear and blue that you can see your reflection in it, and you have the perfect place to lose yourself in and savour moments of pleasure of an unforgettable holiday. At the Mulino d"acqua beach the sea maintains a shallow depth so it is ideal for families with children, the place remains calm even in the height of the season and you can breathe an air of absolute relaxation. The right thing to do to reach this bay would be to rent a small boat, as the coastline is not very practicable. Alternatively, if you are a guest at the nearby campsite, you can access the Mulino d"Acqua beach via a footbridge through the undisturbed greenery of the surrounding nature. Apart from anything else, these places really convey something wild and lonely and there are no words to describe the timeless beauty of this wonderful bay, happy holidays.
Grotta Sfondata
Salento, Otranto: The Grotta Sfondata, so called because the vault above it was completely missing following a collapse, thus producing a particular effect of the cave itself, is located by a beautiful bay, surrounded by unspoilt nature with spontaneous stretches of Mediterranean scrub and indigenous vegetation. We are on the outskirts of Otranto, far from the hustle and bustle that occurs in almost every tourist town in the Salento region every year in the height of the summer season; and this place conveys a sense of absolute relaxation and primitive enjoyment if one takes into account the surrounding environment and the beauty that characterises this corner of paradise. The peculiarity of Grotta Sfondata can be perceived by looking at it from above, perhaps through a drone and photographing that special attraction and charm that is reproduced with this beautiful blue hole represented by the sea surrounded by the green of the surrounding nature. An indescribable spectacle that fills thousands of travellers with emotion every year who, intrigued by this singular natural phenomenon, decide to visit this place; it all takes on the appearance of a large natural open-air swimming pool and the visual impact is guaranteed. This is the Salento, a magical and marvellous land that always reserves hidden surprises, and when one believes or has the presumption to know it in all its complexity, one exclaims, I missed this! Have a good summer from Otranto"s Grotta Sfondata.
Baia Imperia
Salento, Otranto: Baia Imperia is a beautiful inlet surrounded by unspoilt nature located in Otranto in the province of Lecce. We are on the south-eastern side of the Salento and this stretch of coastline is characterised by high cliffs falling sheer to the sea; Baia Imperia has this specific characteristic, the place is hardly practicable if seen from the perspective of the mainland, as the coastal stretch is wild, solitary and practically impossible to access from the sea; the ideal thing would be to rent a small boat and go exploring the most hidden corners of this suggestive bay, surrounded by a crystal-clear sea, the pride and beauty of much of the Otranto area. The fact remains, however, that the area, from whichever side you look at it, transmits strong sensations if you consider the contrast of colours that draw this marvellous landscape; ranging from the green of the typical Mediterranean scrub that grows spontaneously almost everywhere to the white of the limestone rocks and the contagious blue of these cool waters. Baia Imperia is a secluded paradise, and perhaps the fact that it is little or not at all frequented, given its wild appearance, is the real strength of this area, thus preserving that tenuous environmental balance that preserves its integrity. Views of an undiscovered Salento and places that look like natural postcards, a greeting from Baia Imperia
Abil Beach
Salento, Otranto: Abil Beach is located in Otranto on the Lungomare Kennedy promenade and represents a very valid project aimed at making the beach and the sea as a whole liveable for persons with disabilities, thus eliminating any type of barrier that could compromise a normal and well-deserved day at the beach. The facility has all the necessary tools to guarantee safe access to the sea for patrons, such as hippocampi chairs, and also has the presence of classic beach umbrellas, sunbeds and changing rooms to guarantee all the comforts for a relaxing stay. Qualified personnel support this activity on a daily basis, which in any case originates and develops along a stretch of free beach, promoting the needs and requirements of anyone wishing to take advantage of this commendable service. It must be remembered, however, that to access the services of Abil Beach it is necessary to book in advance. Happy summer from Otranto.
Lido Camillo
Salento, Otranto: Lido Camillo is a bathing establishment located in Otranto, in the province of Lecce, and is situated along a stretch of coastline characterised by fine golden sand and crystal clear blue sea. Lido Camillo has all the comforts to make your day at the beach complete and relaxing from all points of view; the facility offers its patrons all the necessary services ranging from beach umbrellas and sunbeds to large changing cabins as well as coin-operated hot or cold showers. The place is quiet and well-equipped, you can breathe an air of absolute relaxation and the sea has a shallow depth so that families with children can rest easy and let their little ones play in the water; we are practically in the city centre so that during the quietest hours of the day anyone who wants to can visit the historic centre of Otranto with all its characteristic bazaars. The Lido Camillo also has a restaurant overlooking the sea so you can enjoy the best dishes of traditional Salento cuisine while admiring the fabulous surrounding landscape. Scent of summer and positive feelings from Otranto, happy holidays.
Lido Miramare
Salento, Otranto: The Lido Miramare is located right in the centre of Otranto, a wonderful town in the Salento region that certainly needs no introduction. We are located on the south-eastern side of the Salento coast and as we walk along stretches of golden sand alternating with stretches of cliffs that end directly in the blue waters of this beautiful sea we come across the Lido Miramare, a facility that has all the necessary comforts to make your day at the beach complete and relaxing. The place is cosy, with beach umbrellas and sunbeds all placed at the right distance to maintain some privacy, especially in high season; the sea is quite shallow, making it ideal for families with children. Since it is right in the centre, it is possible to take advantage, between a swim and a dip, to visit the town of Otranto, which deserves a visit from all points of view, so it is pleasant to get lost in the small alleys of the historic centre visiting the characteristic shops. Otranto has a timeless charm so if you are planning your next holiday, the Lido Miramare is at your complete disposal, have a good summer.
Torre del Serpe
Salento, Otranto: A place that is dear to me when I want to get out of the chaos of the city without going very far from Otranto, in the direction of Porto Badisco, is Torre del Serpe, which is located on the hill surrounding the city and is linked to so many legends of Otranto that it is depicted on the city"s coat of arms. Torre del Serpe first came into being as a garrison tower for the territory and secondly was used as a lighthouse for navigation precisely because of the hillside position in which it was built
Grotta delle Conchiglie
Salento, Otranto: The Grotta delle Conchiglie is a fantastic example of a sea cave located in Otranto, in the province of Lecce. We are on the eastern side of this marvellous land, in the deep south of an area that alternates stretches of soft, fine beaches with impervious cliffs falling sheer to the sea, and the Grotta delle Conchiglie, like a small gem, fits perfectly into the middle of this typical natural landscape. Unfortunately, since the surrounding cliffs are impassable and access to the sea is impassable, like most of the sea caves in this area, the cave can only be reached by sea and it is possible to visit it in all its complexity, taking the opportunity to take a selfie to be immortalised and preserved in the memories of a beautiful holiday. Of course, the ideal thing would be to rent a small boat and explore all the suggestive inlets that characterise the Idruntine coastline and admire the beautiful contrasts of colour ranging from the green of the typical Mediterranean maquis to the white of the limestone rocks or the golden of the splendid beaches; the contagious blue of these cool waters that deserve all our attention and admiration frame this landscape. Corners of a wild and lonely Salento all worth visiting, greetings from the Grotta delle Conchiglie.