Otranto

Otranto is a town in the province of Lecce, Apulia, Italy.

It is located on the east coast of the Salento peninsula. The Strait of Otranto, to which the city gives its name, connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and separates Italy from Albania.

Otranto is a Greek town by origin and the site where the ancient city Hydrus was located.

Attractions include the 12th century mosaic in the 11th century Romanesque cathedral, the small Museo Diocesano, Castello Aragonese and Villa Comunale, a pleasant little park.

Visitors can roam the historic town, the centre is still enclosed within its defensive walls. The busiest lanes are lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and bars.

Otranto's small tourist information office lies close to the castle in Piazza Castello.

Hidden up winding alleys within the old part of town is the little Byzantine Chiesa di San Pietro, containing Byzantine frescoes (varying opening times).

Cape Palascìa, (Capo d'Otranto), is Italy's most easterly point, the lighthouse here has recently been renovated and is often visited by tourists.

Quite difficult to find but worth a look is Cave di Bauxite, an old quarry, transformed by nature and time. The contrasting colours of emerald green and blue waters with the unusual red earth is an unusual sight, especially early morning and evening.

The beaches within the town are very small and extremely crowded in the peak summer season. There are more stretches of beach to both the north and south which can be reached by car or the summer bus service. To the north of Otranto is Baia dei Turchi beach and to the south is Porto Badisco, a picturesque rocky cove.

Good buys include the locally made olive oil and wine, leather goods and ceramics.

Typical Italian cuisine such as pasta, risotto and pizza can be found as well as international options.

Fish (swordfish, tuna, bass, mullet) and meat are typically barbecued on olive tree hot coals, giving it a unique taste and aroma. Sea urchins, mussels, clams and squid are often eaten raw by locals, with just few drops of lemon juice. Barbecued octopus, dressed with extra virgin olive oil, parsley, lemon juice or vinegar is another popular choice.

The port of Otranto is around 1.5km away from the centre of town.