Itria Valley

It extends to the center of Puglia between the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, coinciding in the southern part with the Murge plateau. We are talking about the famous Itria Valley, also called “Trulli Valley” due to the presence of these typical cone-shaped buildings.

In this large and flat karst basin, in which the trulli, the verdant countryside, carefully cultivated with vineyards, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, the dry stone walls, the tiny country lanes contribute to the definition of a pleasant and fascinating landscape picture.

The climate is characterized by harsh winters and hot, long but often windy summers, with interesting temperature variations.

Itria Valley among vineyards and olive groves

The Itria Valley welcomes visitors with a large expanse of vines and olive groves. Viticulture tends to be based on white grapes, with the famous wines of Locorotondo DOC and Martina Franca DOC; the main variants are Verdeca and Bianco d’Alessano.

In Lower Murgia, however, we return to the classic Apulian vocation for reds with the Primitivo grape, the cornerstone of the Gioia del Colle DOP.

Surrounded by rows of dry stone walls, from the milky white lime of the unmistakable trulli stand out extensive countryside of olive groves that produce delicious extra virgin olive oil.

Unmissable stops in the Itria Valley

• In the heart of the Itria Valley, an obligatory stop is Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1996 with its fascinating trulli which, in a fairy-tale setting, hosts the Living Nativity scene in December and the Living Passion during the Easter period.

• Not least are Cisternino with its countryside dotted with these trullo-shaped buildings, together with nearby Locorotondo; a beautiful village called this way precisely because of the characteristic round shape of the town.

• Not far away, in the municipality of Castellana Grotte you can visit the famous Castellana Caves. The Grave, the first and largest cave of the underground system naturally connected to the outside; and the last and most beautiful cave, the White Cave, defined as the brightest in the world.

• A few kilometers from the province of Bari, we find Martina Franca (TA), the most populated municipality in the Itria Valley. Known for its baroque architecture and music festival held in summer.

• The only city in the valley with an outlet to the sea is the beautiful Ostuni: the so-called “White City”, due to its historic centre, once painted completely with white lime.

• Towards the province of Brindisi, in the Fasano plain, full of farms, resorts and ancient homes, lies the forest of the same name within which the Zoo Safari is located, a park that is home to over 40 species of animals in the wild.

• Very close is the Archaeological Park of Egnazia which is located a few kilometers from the sea. The rooms of the museum preserve over 30 centuries of history dating back to the Bronze Age, passing through the Roman era up to the late ancient period.

Typical products and tourist routes

Currently the Itria Valley is one of the areas with the greatest tourist attendance; rich in numerous historic centres, as are numerous farms (masserie) that offer walks, workshops and tastings.

Being one of the most evocative places in the Apulian territory, it also offers characteristic dishes such as gnummareddi, lamb or veal meat rolls; the lampascioni omelette, a type of wild onion; the orecchiette with turnip greens and the delicious capocollo of Martina Franca, pork loin.

The territory of the valley is dotted with wooded areas and lesser-known views but which represent a cross-section that distinguishes the murge of the trulli.

In fact, there are several itineraries that can be followed for trekking or mountain biking enthusiasts, which include the districts of the municipalities of the Itria Valley.

Among the most interesting itineraries are those along the Apulian Aqueduct canal in the various practicable sections or along the Pirro Canal, offering unforgettable scenery.

Among the most famous summer tourist locations in Salento, Porto Cesareo is certainly one of the most loved. It is located on the Ionian coast of Salento and is characterized by kilometers of crystalline beaches and natural dunes where you can breathe an almost Caribbean atmosphere.

The climate is particularly lenient, offering hot, humid and dry summers and cool, breezy winters.

Porto Cesareo: attractions, beaches and events

Opposite the seafront of Porto Cesareo stands an archipelago of islets. Among these, the best known is the so-called “Rabbit Island” which can be reached via a special boat service. In fact, the town has a small port which also houses the fish market and several boats.

The suggestive watchtowers also stand out in the territories, preserved in excellent condition, including Torre Cesarea, Torre Chianca and Torre Lapillo.

The town and the coastal area are full of small clubs, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the exquisite typical Apulian dishes, as well as numerous hotels and tourist villages.

As for the events, these often revolve around what is organized in the beach establishments, with many different offers to meet the different tastes of tourists.

The most important religious event is that in honor of Santa Cesarea, patron saint of the town.

There is also a small “Shopping Street“, where you can make purchases.

An attraction for many holidaymakers is also the Museum of Marine Biology which was inaugurated in 1966, where valuable finds are on display ranging from Mediterranean and exotic marine fauna to invertebrates and vertebrates.

What to see in the surrounding area

A few minutes from Porto Cesareo it is possible to reach the wonderful white sand beaches of Punta Prosciutto. The Palude del Conte Park was also established here.

For those wishing to spend a day or evening in the nearest locations, Porto Cesareo has the peculiarity of being in a strategic position. Just 30 km away you can reach the historic city of Lecce and 30 minutes away the so-called “Pearl of the Ionian” Gallipoli.

Whoever decides, therefore, to spend their holidays in Puglia, or rather, in Salento, will never have time to be bored but rather will always have the opportunity to feel at home, pampered by the warmth of the people of the South.

Otranto located on the Adriatic coast, is the easternmost municipality in Italy, where it is said there is the separation point between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, almost a bridge between East and West. On the clearest days it is possible to glimpse the mountains of Albania from the coast, only 70 nautical miles away.

The historic center of Otranto

The city has its roots in very ancient times, which have left important historical and artistic testimonies in its streets, an object of admiration for the curious and tourists.

Otranto develops around the imposing Aragonese Castle and the Norman Cathedral completed and opened for worship in 1088, with its notable size it is considered the largest church in Puglia.

Walking through the streets, the alleys, the evocative monuments and the magic of the historic center give it an unparalleled charm.

The city is able to offer numerous places of interest both day and night. In fact, it is possible to spend the daytime hours on the wonderful beaches that run along the eastern coast of Salento for about 20km.

The most beautiful bays

There are numerous bays that follow one another in Otranto:

• Torre Sant’Andrea, formed by a sandy inlet, after which follows a coast characterized by high cliffs immersed in the Mediterranean scrub.

• Conca Specchiolla the coast is high and rocky, with small sandy coves. After a short while it is possible to reach Frassanito, a town with a campsite with a long sandy beach known for being a meeting place for many surfers.

• Baia dei Turchi is the place where, according to legend, the Turkish warriors landed during the 15th century siege. The bay belongs to the precious protected oasis of the Alimini Lakes, one of the most important ecosystems of Salento and Puglia.

• Santo Stefano Bay is rocky with a small beach and lots of vegetation.

• On Baia dell’Orte with a view of Capo d’Otranto, or Punta Palascia, the easternmost point of Italy, there is a cliff overlooking the sea. Here, there is a lighthouse which constitutes the access point to the “Grotta dei Cervi“, a natural coastal inlet. Furthermore, on New Year’s Eve you can witness the first sunrise of the year on the Italian peninsula.

A place not to be missed near Punta Palascia are the Bauxite Caves, a now abandoned mining deposit in which an emerald green lake has formed. The color of the water creates a very fascinating contrast with the surrounding rock walls, which shine with a beautiful intense red.

• Porto Badisco is a well-known seaside resort, a tourist destination of notable historical and landscape interest, 35 km from Lecce, 8 km from Santa Cesarea Terme and 15 km from Castro.

In the space of a few years, Otranto has become one of the most sought after destinations in Puglia, where it is possible to find everything you need for a perfect holiday.

Called the “White City” due to its characteristic historic center entirely painted with white lime, Ostuni is located in the province of Brindisi in Puglia.

Since 2009 it has received the Blue Flag and the 5 Sails of Legambiente for the cleanliness of the waters of its coast and for the quality of the services offered.

The historic center

Picturesque and renowned tourist destination, it boasts a medieval village with winding streets and whitewashed houses. Divided between the old city known as the “land” and the more recent “marina” one, it offers evocative views of stairways, alleys and small squares overlooked by shops, small shops and typical restaurants.

The fascinating city stands on three hills in the Itria Valley, at whose center stands the fifteenth-century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace.

In the historic centre, among alleys and intricate streets, there are numerous churches and stately homes.

Masserie of Ostuni

The most dynamic economic activities are tourism and agriculture. In fact, there are numerous “farms”, i.e. ancient fortified farms, present in the forest and on the coast, many of which have been transformed into luxurious resorts or farmhouses (masserie).

Since the early 1900s, Ostuni has been the tourist hub of the province of Brindisi, as well as one of the tourist destinations par excellence, being an integral part of the Itria valley and upper Salento.

Here, along the coast of the area, sandy beaches stand out in a play of colors among the Mediterranean scrub; among all Costa Merlata for its line of extremely jagged coasts, which form unusual and intimate sandy coves.

Naturally, hotels, B&Bs and tourist villages cannot be missing, as well as numerous restaurants and pubs.

Among the typical dishes, originating from the White City, there is the famous dish Broad Beans and Chicories; Focaccia Ostunese is also famous, which differs from the Bari one due to the addition of mozzarella.

Gallipoli from the classical Greek “beautiful city” is known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”. To welcome you in the oldest Gallipoli you will find the Angevin Castle, almost completely surrounded by the sea. This charming defensive structure in which past and present merge, houses large rooms, the original catapults and cannons used to defend the city.

What to see in the historic center of Gallipoli

Once outside the Castle, many suggestive streets open up in a tangle together with a series of churches, including the cathedral of Sant’Agata, located at the highest point of the island, representing one of the main monuments of the Baroque expression of Salento.

Worthy of note, without doubt, are the city’s two ports. Landing and mooring places for boats, the oldest port (the fishing port) is located near the Greek Fountain on the border between the modern village and the old city.

The transition to modernity is given by the “Skyscraper” located at the entrance to Corso Roma, the nerve center of the city with its shops, bars and restaurants, theater and cinema, a meeting place for young people but also for families .

The city is able to offer different types of accommodation, in order to satisfy the most diverse needs, with hotels, B&Bs and campsites.

Most beautiful beaches of Gallipoli

In Gallipoli not only art, culture and history blend together. The sea is one of the main elements: an expanse of blue and very fine sand covers the coast from south to north, where the town of Rivabella is located, known for the most important bathing establishments.

In the southern part there is an alternation of sand and rocks where the most famous discos and beaches in the area are located.

The Mediterranean scrub with typical plants and pine forests surround the beaches, including a beautiful protected oasis which is the Regional Natural Park of the island of Sant’Andrea and the coast of Punta Pizzo.

The most important events

Among the traditions and folklore we can mention the typical Gallipoli “Cuccagna a mare” and the Carnival dating back to 1941.

Gallipoli cuisine

Cuisine is a fundamental “ingredient”: it happens that the inhabitants and tourists immerse themselves in the succulent dishes typical of the place, where we can taste the scapece, fried fish marinated between layers of breadcrumbs soaked in vinegar and saffron, the Gallipoli-style fish, pittule and puccia.

In addition to good food, we must not forget the excellent local wine (Malvasia, Negroamaro, Lambrusco) which among other things are the protagonists in the typical festivals and celebrations of the town.

The sun, the wind, the sea are an exceptional triad in favor of a favorable climate all year round. You cannot help but be fascinated, enchanted and seduced by a city that describes itself as magical!

Characterized by an entire neighborhood of Trulli, its historical importance and architectural uniqueness, the city of Alberobello has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The history of Trulli

The history of these buildings dates back to very distant times, when farmers were forced to build dry, thus having to use only stone. They therefore found the best configuration in the round shape with a self-supporting domed roof, composed of circles of overlapping stones.

The roofs were then embellished with decorative pinnacles, inspired by spiritual, symbolic and mystical motifs.

What to see in the historic center

Being very small, the village can be visited on foot, navigating the very narrow streets that compose it and enjoying all the beauties that belong to it.

Walking you will discover an almost magical and fairy-tale world, where the color white reigns supreme and where trulli of all sizes alternate with souvenir shops, restaurants and clubs.

Two places that most deserve attention are Rione Monti district and the Aia Piccola district.

The Rione Monti district to the south of the city is home to the fascinating trullo-shaped Church of Sant’Antonio, dating back to 1927. The oldest trulli are located here, via Monte Nero and via Monte Pasubio. Among these, the Trulli Siamese, two trulli joined at the top, with entrances on two different streets.

One of the unmissable stops is Casa Pezzolla, a real museum, made up of 15 trulli recognized by UNESCO as an artistic heritage of global interest. It is designed as a container of tools, finds and testimonies relating to history, traditions and folklore.

Also not to be missed are the Trullo Sovrano in Aia Piccola, the only two-storey trullo and the Basilica of Love and the Belvedere of Alberobello, a splendid balcony overlooking the historic center of the Rione Monti.

Wandering around the shops, you can’t help but take a break in the trulli used as restaurants, to enjoy some of the most varied cuisine in Europe and typical local products such as turnip greens and Apulian burrata.

What to see near Alberobello

For those wishing to stay for several days, you can move to nearby cities such as Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Castellana Grotte to discover the beauty of these places and enjoy the beautiful sea of these areas.

Vieste is a small town on the Gargano coast which every year attracts numerous holidaymakers due to its hotel and seaside facilities which satisfy the needs of tourists: not only hotels, bed and breakfasts and tourist villages but also campsites and bungalows for the more adventurous, a close to expanses of sandy beaches and shady pine forests.

What to see

• Vieste is famous for its wide and well-equipped sandy beaches suitable for families, groups of young or elderly people who want to enjoy the summer with beach games and crystal clear waters. Of particular beauty is the stretch of beach located south of Vieste, characterized by Pizzomunno to which the legend of Cristalda and Pizzomunno is linked, also sung in Sanremo by the famous singer Max Gazzè.

• In addition to the beaches, Vieste has no shortage of historical beauties such as the Castle, built by Emperor Frederick II which stands in the highest part of the city or the 11th century Cathedral, built where a pre-Christian temple once stood.

• Another church is that of Santa Maria di Merino, 6 km from Vieste, located in a place where the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the first century BC were found: the people of Vieste are very attached to this Madonna and on May 9th they celebrate the procession of the 15th century canvas depicting the Virgin.

• For all lovers of narrow streets where you can walk and buy souvenirs, the historic center is the ideal place. The point of interest here is Piazzetta Petrone from which it is possible to admire the beautiful expanse of sea or stop for a romantic candlelit dinner.

• One of the places of Vieste nightlife where concerts or live musical events often take place is Marina Piccola, a bay from which it is also possible to observe the islet of Santa Eufemia and its lighthouse.

• Again, for museum lovers, the Civic Archaeological Museum where tomb kits and dating back finds are preserved or, again, the Malacological Museum where shells from different seas are exhibited, beautiful to visit even in the company of your children.

What to do in Vieste

There are many activities that tourists can carry out in Vieste or in its immediate nearby locations: for all explorers who want to immerse themselves in uncontaminated nature, the Umbra Forest which is part of the Gargano National Park and which extends for over 11,000 hectares of surface at 800 meters above sea level is unmissable: here it will be possible to practice trekking or excursions on foot or by bike in a dense vegetation of tall trees such as the old beech forests, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO or observe the fauna that lives in the forest, composed, among others, of deer and fallow deer and aquatic animals from the park lake. Furthermore, visitors will also be able to admire photos and other artefacts kept in the Forest Natural History Museum.

In the many areas equipped for picnics it will be fantastic to eat your packed lunch, breathing the pure forest air and listening to the singing of the many birds that are part of the local fauna or improvising a game of football with your children and socializing with the others families singing songs (perhaps with a guitar), will make the experience even more fun and unforgettable.

Furthermore, an activity that can be practiced in Vieste that will certainly not be easily forgotten is that of taking part in a fishing trip in one of the Trabucchi, wooden structures used for fishing, which further enrich the coastal scenery of the Gargano: it has been a widespread trend lately that to use the Trabucchi as scenic restaurants where you can go for an aperitif at sunset or have a lunch or dinner based on freshly caught fish.

What to eat

In addition to the natural and historical beauties of the place, Vieste also satisfies the most refined palates with excellent Mediterranean cuisine and appetizing dishes that will remain in the hearts of all those who visit the small town, to be consumed in breathtaking locations served with kindness and hospitality by the people local.

The typical cuisine of Vieste is the Apulian one with some very tasty dishes made with local products: tomato bruschetta, the inevitable appetizer, with strictly Apulian extra virgin olive oil (remember to stock up on it before returning to casa) accompanied by caciocavallo podolico obtained from the milk of podolica cows reared in a semi-wild state; excellent both fresh and in its roasted variant. Obviously, being in a seaside city there is no shortage of excellent fresh fish and cuttlefish, octopus, oysters that will brighten up any dinner accompanied by an excellent glass of local wine.

Worth trying is the fish soup called “Ciambott” which will be an excellent alternative to the famous orecchiette with turnip greens (among other things, excellent in Vieste). And for pizza lovers, the “Paposcia” cannot be missed, so called because it resembles a slipper, made with type 00 flour, water, salt, extra virgin olive oil and crescenza (natural yeast): in its original version it is topped with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and a drizzle of oil but there are different variations, all very tasty.

As for desserts, in addition to the delicious artisanal ice creams to be tasted in the cloisters and bars of the town, there is no shortage of “K’lustr“, fried folders covered in honey and almonds.

How to reach Vieste

To reach the town of Vieste, depending on the means of transport used, there are several possibilities:

• by car, for those coming from the North, take the A14 Bologna-Taranto motorway and exit at Poggio Imperiale, then continue along the Strada Veloce del Gargano to reach Peschici. Vieste can be reached via the coastal road, a road full of beautiful coastal scenery and thick vegetation.

For those coming from the South, you need to take the A14 Taranto-Bologna, then the Cerignola Est exit until you reach Manfredonia via the state road. At this point, continue towards Mattinata and then via the coast road to Vieste.

• By train, first you need to reach Foggia and then take a local bus to Vieste (Ferrovie del Gargano or Sita).

In the city, in fact, it is not essential to use a car but you can easily get around on foot or by bicycle as all services are within walking distance.

On the northern coast of the Gargano there is a small town, Peschici, which attracts numerous tourists especially during the summer season and has become a very popular seaside tourist resort where, in addition to hotels and residences, there are campsites and tourist villages. The town is full of beaches where landscapes of uncontaminated nature and crystal clear waters alternate but also historical and artistic beauties with finds of great value.

What to see in Peschici

Peschici is a small town with some very beautiful views to admire and photograph and narrow streets where you can get lost among craft and souvenir shops. The terracotta and wood are worked by master craftsmen to create beautiful subjects including the fish and the bird defined as the symbols of the Gargano, but it is also among these streets and alleys that it is possible to find restaurants and places where you can taste excellent typical dishes.

Among the historical beauties to admire, there is certainly the 13th century Castle which enjoys a beautiful view of the sea, together with the Torre del Ponte but also churches of historical value such as that of Sant’Elia and that of Santa Maria del Suffragio ( also called Purgatory) or, again, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, counted among the most important monuments of the Gargano.

For history lovers we mention the Necropolis of Monte Pucci, once used as a burial place where 24 hypogea were found. A place full of history and emotion where it is possible to relive the past thanks to the signs left by man.

The most beautiful beaches

Not only art and history in the beautiful Peschici but also breathtaking bays and beaches with crystal clear waters certified Blue Flag which have made the town one of the jewels of the Gargano.

• An example is the Bay of Manaccora, one of the largest caves on the entire northern coast of the Gargano, which can be reached with organized tours to visit the caves or by boat.
• Again, Marina di Peschici, an expanse of sandy beach that extends from the promontory on which the town stands to the Monte Pucci area. This is one of the famous Trabucchi of the Gargano coast, structures used for fishing and which today have been transformed into spectacular restaurants overlooking the sea.
• Next is Jalillo Beach, a small inlet suitable especially for the more adventurous who seek greater tranquility and a more isolated beach that also enjoys coolness and shade.
• A short distance from the town, there is San Nicola Beach, another beautiful sandy beach which also hosts a Trabucco. From this Trabucci is possible to observe a small inlet, that is, another beach, that of Procenisco.
• Also worth mentioning is Zaiana Beach, known above all by young people. In the morning it is the ideal place for great dives, in the evening it is the perfect location for summer parties.
• Finally, Calalunga and Gusmay, true natural paradises especially suitable for families with children.

Activities to do

• Peschici not only offers relax and beautiful beaches to its tourists but also satisfies lovers of water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. Sfinale Bay, one of the largest here, is well suited to these sports thanks to its favorable currents and its exposure to the South East.

• You can also carry out other adrenaline-filled activities: in fact, by renting a dinghy or taking part in organized tours, it will be possible to dive to discover the Gargano caves among crystal clear waters and uncontaminated nature. Not far from Peschici there are the beautiful Tremiti Islands which can be reached by motorboats or by taking part in organized tours.

• Diving enthusiasts will be able to admire the statue of Padre Pio on the seabed of the island of Capraia. It is 14 meters deep and since 1998 it has risen 3 meters high in the crystal clear waters of this sea. But it will also be wonderful to take a guided tour of the picturesque caves of the islands or go for a swim.

• Again for nature lovers, a trip away from the sea and the shady Umbra Forest cannot be missed. This offers the possibility of hiking or cycling or trekking among the majestic trees and pure air of this place.

Typical dishes

In Peschici it’s possible to taste the typical cuisine of Gargano with dishes that will remain in the hearts of the tourists who try them. A simple but tasty cuisine with local raw materials as protagonists.

As an appetizer, bruschetta made with slices of toasted bread, tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil and peppered mussels, served in terracotta pans, cannot be missing.

Furthermore, Paposcia, typical of many towns in the Gargano, is a bread ciabatta made with sourdough and cooked on stone. His classic seasoning is with capers, anchovies, escarole and olive oil or even with caciocavallo podolico.

Among the typical desserts, we mention the Cartellate which are covered with almonds, honey or cooked wine. Again, the taralli which, in addition to their savory variant, are also sweet.

How to reach Peschici

Reaching the town of Peschici is possible in several ways:

• by car, for those coming from the North, take the A14 towards Bologna-Bari and exit at Poggio Imperiale. From there, take the highway to Vico del Gargano and continue on the SS89 Gargano state road up to Peschici.

Even for those coming from the South, take the A14 towards Pescara and always exit at Poggio Imperiale.

• By train, the closest railway station to Peschici is San Severo or Foggia. Once you reach these cities, it will be possible to arrive in the Gargano seaside resort, using the Sita or Ferrovie del Gargano buses.

• By plane, the closest airport to Peschici is Bari Palese (which is just over 200 km from the town). With the transport seen above it will be easy to reach the beautiful jewel of the Gargano.

A splendid place that takes its name from the landing of Turkish warriors in the 15th century, Baia dei Turchi has now become a location known for its crystal clear water beaches.

It belongs to the protected oasis of the Alimini Lakes and holds the Blue Flag and the 5 Sails of Legambiente.

The sandy and uncontaminated bay with clear waters and surrounded by a Mediterranean scrub cliff has nothing to envy of international tourist destinations. It can be reached up to a certain point by public transport; the last stretch of about 4 minutes on foot.

Overlooking the sea there are some beaches, but also free beaches although a little crowded.

Furthermore, for those who have a lot of free time, it is possible to reach Punta Palascia or the nearby beaches of the Alimini Lakes very easily.

How to get to Baia dei Turchi

• From Brindisi:

SS613 direction Lecce; before entering the city, take the West Ring Road towards Maglie-Otranto; take exit 11B towards Maglie. Just before arriving in Maglie, take the SS16 for Otranto. Once in Otranto, take the coastal road (SP366) towards Torre dell’Orso, past the Le Cale Resort, parked in the large car park near the pine forest. From there continue for a few minutes on foot along the path that will take you to the beach.

• From Bari:

Take the SS16 towards Brindisi; without turning, continue towards Lecce. From here follow the directions above.

Punta Palascia or Capo d’Otranto, an unmissable location in the province of Lecce, is the easternmost point in Italy where you can admire the suggestive lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1867 and then replaced by a solar-powered light located at the headquarters of the Navy. Here, on December 31st many young people meet to await the first dawn of the new year, a symbol of good omen, during the “Dawn of the People” event.

The European Community has declared this lighthouse among the five most important in the Mediterranean. This nomination has redeveloped it, making it a destination for many tourists. In fact, many stop right here to admire the sunset and take wonderful photos.

In fact, there are many professional or amateur photographers who, enchanted by the beauty of the scenery, never miss the opportunity to take shots.

A scenography much appreciated also by the world of cinema, in fact the lighthouse appeared in the “Mine Vaganti” movie and in the TV-series “Braccialetti rossi 2″.

History of the Lighthouse

The name Palascia perhaps derives from Panagia, the Virgin venerated in a rock church. Until the 19th century, near the lighthouse, there stood a medieval watchtower from which possible incursions by Turkish pirates could be monitored. Between 1700 and 1800 the tower was no longer used and this, together with the wear and tear of time, reduced it to a wreck. Today nothing remains of the old carparo structure. The current lighthouse, however, was built in 1867, positioned lower than the watchtower.

Until the 1960s the lighthouse was powered by oil but then, with the arrival of electricity, rooms were built inside it for the families of the lighthouse keepers. Now it is powered by a solar cell instead.

What to see in Punta Palascia

From the terrace of the lighthouse, anyone will be left breathless by the spectacle that will appear before their eyes: the meeting between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea and, on clear days and good weather, even the coasts of Albania. The lighthouse also represents the access point to an unmissable path for all archeology lovers, namely the “Grotta dei Cervi” (Deer Cave). Inside the cave, traces of art from the Paleolithic era have been discovered. It is a point particularly popular with trekking and nature walks enthusiasts, among the colors and scents of the Mediterranean scrub.

A short distance from the lighthouse is the Multimedia Museum of the Sea with multimedia stations that allow visitors to learn news about nature, the marine environment, the fauna and flora of the province of Lecce.

How to reach Punta Palascia

If you stay in Otranto, you can reach Punta Palascia with one of the city buses (in about 13 minutes) or use the taxi service. In fact, the lighthouse is only 3 km from the city.

To reach it by car, just proceed along the SP87 provincial road which from Otranto leads to Santa Cesarea Terme.