Otranto town is near the Strait of Otranto, where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet between Italy and Albania.

Discover colorful alleys of Otranto, like Corso Garibaldi street and walk along the boardwalk or the medieval walls. Explore thick perimeter walls of the imposing Castle of Otranto, which dominates much of the town, giving way to a small port. Don’t miss the delightful Romanesque Cathedral of Otranto, boasting extensive 12th century floor mosaics.

Set course for calm walks in the series of sea-front promenades with excellent fish restaurants and the town's very own beautiful white sandy beach and turquoise waters. Try Puglia wines sitting high above the coast on the fortified walls in the outdoors cafes of Otranto. Try any of the fantastic seafood dishes in Otranto’s restaurants that are proud to serve mussels, shrimps, clams, squid, and sea urchin.

Discover the many beaches of the area, like Apulia beach or sneak into one of the many coastal grottos, like Grotta della Poesia. Get amazed at the unusual colors of the Bauxite mine. Interpret many ancient inscriptions and paintings at the Deer Cave. Reach the heel of the country, Santa Maria di Leuca, the southeastern extremity of Italy, featuring Punta Meliso that divides Adriatic and Ionian seas, monumental staircase and fountain, Basilica Sanctuary of Santa Maria, Dragon’s cave and Devil’s cave. 

 

In reference to Virgil's Aeneid, the Trojan hero Aeneas first landed in Italy precisely in Porto Badisco, then named Cave of Aeneas and later Deer Cave. The cave is full of prehistoric wall paintings. Aeneas was a Trojan hero, the son of the prince Anchises and the goddess Aphrodite. His father was a first cousin of King Priam of Troy (both being grandsons of Ilus, founder of Troy). Aeneas receives full treatment in Roman mythology, most extensively in Virgil's Aeneid, where he is cast as an ancestor of Romulus and Remus. Thus, he became the first true hero of Rome.

By giving the various rulers in Italy, including King of Naples, Ferdinand I, time to amass their forces, the long drawn-out siege of Otranto had arguably saved Rome in the period when Constantinopole had fallen. The Ottomans continued sacking other towns in Puglia province but quickly realised that time was no longer on their side. Leaving a garrison in Otranto, they set sail for home with the intention of returning the next spring.

Running on Waves

A three-mast sailing vessel, rigging type – barquentine. With the length of 64 metres, she is one of the biggest sailing yachts in the world. Unique superyacht designed to provide amazing experience for its guests.