Otranto

Day 1: Historic Otranto, rooftops and spa reset

Arrive and settle into your base, either a countryside masseria or a boutique stay in the centro storico. Embrace the slower Salento rhythm: long lunches, warm sea breezes, and late-evening strolls. If driving, note the ZTL in the old town and arrange parking or a luggage drop with your hotel.

• Morning: Wander the centro storico before tour groups arrive, visiting the cathedral to admire the vast 12th‑century mosaic and crypt, then the Aragonese Castle and seafront bastions. Pause for coffee and a pasticciotto by the harbour; dress modestly for church visits and bring a hat for the ramparts.
• Midday: Long, light lunch overlooking the water; reserve ahead in July–August. If you’re staying in town, retreat to your rooftop or spa; if you’re at a masseria, return for pool time among the olive groves.
• Afternoon: Join a private walking tour (60–90 minutes) to decode Otranto’s Byzantine and Aragonese layers, then browse artisan ceramics and olive‑oil boutiques during the cooler hours. Shops may close 13:00–17:00 for riposo outside peak season.
• Evening: Sunset aperitivo on a rooftop terrace with views across the bay, then dinner of cucina salentina (book well in advance in high season). Even in summer, a light layer is useful for the sea breeze on the ramparts.

Day 2: Baia dei Turchi and the Adriatic by boat

Today is for sand and sea. A car makes the day effortless, and early starts beat both heat and crowds. Pack reef shoes for rocky coves and pre‑book any beach club sunbeds during peak weeks.

• Morning: Head early to Baia dei Turchi, walking through the pinewood to the pale sand and turquoise water; parking is limited, so arrive before 09:00. If your hotel partners with a lido, use their reserved section; otherwise choose spiaggia libera and set up by the dunes.
• Midday: Beach‑club lunch (simple crudi, salads, grilled fish) or a picnic in the shade. In strong Tramontana winds, the sea is crystal but cooler; Scirocco brings warmer, wavier water—ask your concierge for the best protected spot.
• Afternoon: Private boat from Otranto marina to swim off limestone cliffs and explore sea caves; on longer charters, push to Castro and Grotta Zinzulusa. Book a skipper the day before; sunscreen and cash for the fuel supplement are wise.
• Evening: Unwind back at your masseria with a spa circuit or a dip at golden hour, then a farm‑to‑table dinner under fairy lights in the courtyard. Sample local negroamaro or primitivo; designate a driver if you’re dining off‑property.

Day 3: Megaliths, olive oil and cliff‑coast villages

Venture inland for quiet villages and ancient stones, then trace the dramatic coast south of Otranto. Today blends culture, tastings and swims in postcard‑perfect coves.

• Morning: Drive to Giurdignano to see megalithic sites like Dolmen Li Scusi, then coffee in the piazza. Pre‑book an olive‑oil tasting at a nearby masseria and visit an underground frantoio if available.
• Midday: Country‑style lunch of orecchiette, fave e cicoria and seasonal vegetables in a trattoria garden. In July–August, aim for shade and a slower pace during the hottest hours.
• Afternoon: Continue to Castro for the belvedere and a dip at Cala dell’Acquaviva, or choose Porto Badisco’s natural pool; water shoes help on the rocks. Alternatively, stop in Santa Cesarea Terme for Moorish‑style villas and sea‑view strolls.
• Evening: Return to Otranto for a final aperitivo on the seafront, then a seafood dinner overlooking the harbour or a private candlelit set‑up at your masseria. Enjoy a late passeggiata and gelato; buy any ceramics or oil now as many shops close by 21:00 outside peak months.

By Air

• Brindisi (BDS, Salento Airport) – approx. 90 km. Drive 60–75 min. Frequent flights from major Italian and European hubs. Options: hire car, pre‑booked private transfer, or Pugliairbus shuttle to Lecce (about 40–50 min) then train/bus to Otranto (total 2–2.5 hrs).
• Bari (BRI, Karol Wojtyła Airport) – approx. 200–210 km. Drive 2–2.5 hrs. Train from Bari Airport to Bari Centrale, then to Lecce (1 hr 40–2 hrs), then onward to Otranto.

By Train

• High-speed/InterCity to Lecce: from Rome 4.5–5.5 hrs (Frecciarossa/Italo), from Bari 1 hr 40–2 hrs, from Naples typically 4–5 hrs (via Bari).
• Lecce to Otranto: regional services operated by Ferrovie del Sud Est (often via Maglie), 1 hr 15–1 hr 40; limited frequency, especially on Sundays/holidays.
• Otranto station is a small terminus about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the historic centre.

By Bus

• Regional buses (FSE/TPL) run Lecce–Otranto in about 1–1.5 hrs; roughly hourly on weekdays, reduced service on Sundays.
• Airport shuttles: Pugliairbus links Brindisi Airport to Lecce year‑round; seasonal direct services to coastal towns (including Otranto) may operate in summer.
• Long‑distance coaches (e.g., FlixBus, Marino) connect major cities to Lecce; transfer to local bus/train for Otranto.

By Car

• From Lecce: SS16/SS611 to Otranto, 45–55 min.
• From Brindisi Airport: SS16 via Lecce, 1 hr 10–1 hr 20.
• From Bari Airport: SS16/E55 southbound, 2–2.5 hrs.
• Note ZTL restrictions in the historic centre; use hotel‑arranged parking or public car parks near the waterfront. Summer traffic can be heavy; allow extra time.

By Taxi/Private Transfer

• Widely available from Brindisi Airport and Lecce; pre‑book recommended. Typical journey times: Brindisi Airport–Otranto 60–75 min; Lecce–Otranto 45–55 min.