This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Otranto.
Located along the eastern Adriatic coast of the Salento peninsula, the town of Otranto is a traditional seaside town with an ideal holiday atmosphere. When the weather is clear, tourists in Otranto can see Albania across the Strait of Otranto.
With the beautiful coastlines both north and south of Otranto, the town is a popular summer destination. Local tourists as well as international visitors flock to the beaches around Otranto, making getting around the area a bit of a challenge during peak travel times.
However, if you can find a hostel or hotel in the town of Otranto, you can take advantage of the nearby beaches and water activities even during the busiest time of year. Tourists can take advantage of a wide range of accommodation options here, from inexpensive hostels to exclusive resorts or vacation rentals.
Historians will enjoy taking in the sights in the older part of town – including a large-scale 12th century mosaic located within Otranto’s Romanesque cathedral. Tourists can also explore the Castello Aragonese, an impressive 15th century structure which remains open to visitors. Enclosed within its ancient defensive walls, Otranto provides a wealth of opportunities for history buffs to discover.
Otranto offers a variety of dining options, and is particularly lively during the summer holidays. The town’s historic lanes are lined with restaurants and bars, which provide visitors with a chance to enjoy some local cuisine while taking in some of the picturesque views in this quaint seaside town.
Travel to Otranto is easiest if visitors rent a car to drive themselves up and down Italy’s Adriatic coast, but shuttles and trains are also available to bring tourists to their hostels or hotels from the nearby Brindisi airport. Summertime travelers can take advantage of a bus service, Salento in treno e bus, which allows tourists to visit a variety of popular destinations in the area.
Written by local enthusiast for Otranto hostels
Jakob Lombardi