Otranto Bauxite Quarry
Another example of Salento industrial archeology is the Bauxite quarry in Otranto, built in the early 1940s, thanks to the chance discovery of a mineral. Located near the Punta Palascia lighthouse, this deposit, now abandoned in 1976 due to high extraction costs, represents one of the most visited places in Salento.
The visual impact between the dark red sedimentary rock and the emerald green lake is impressive, so much so that it is one of the most photographed places in Otranto and the entire coast.
Since this is a disused area, it is advisable to exercise maximum caution especially near the pond. We would also like to remind you that it is not suitable for swimming, and there are also wonderful beaches to discover nearby.
How to get to the Bauxite Quarry from Otranto
The bauxite lake is located just south of Otranto, but is not well signposted, it is therefore recommended to equip yourself with a device with GPS (smartphone, navigator, etc.); above you will find the exact coordinates. Once you have parked your car, just walk a few hundred meters to reach the red lake.
Otranto: the easternmost town in Italy
Otranto located on the Adriatic coast, is the easternmost municipality in Italy, where it is said there is the separation point between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, almost a bridge between East and West.
Punta Palascia: useful information
Punta Palascia, a few kilometers from Lecce, is a place famous for its lighthouse, counted among the five most important in the Mediterranean, from which it is possible to admire breathtaking scenery framed by uncontaminated nature and expanses of water.
Porto Badisco: a paradise three steps from Otranto
Seaside location between Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro, according to legend, linked to Virgil's narrative, Aeneas landed here together with his father and son.