Things to do in Otranto
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Cathedral
Don’t leave Otranto without visiting the extraordinary Romanesque cathedral, built by the Normans in the 11th century, though given a few facelifts since. A vast 12th-century mosaic covers its floor, a stupendous tree of life balanced on the back of two elephants. It was created by a young monk called Pantaleone (who had obviously never seen an elephant), whose vision of Heaven and Hell encompassed an amazing (con) fusion of the classics, religion and plain old superstition, including Adam and Eve, Diana the huntress, Hercules, King Arthur, Alexander the Great, and a menagerie of monkeys, snakes and sea monsters. Don’t forget to look up; the cathedral also boasts a…
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La Bella Idrusa
In a prime position right by the huge Porta Terra, this may seem like an obvious tourist trap. But go inside and you'll see it's one of Otranto's most popular pizzerie serving enormous pizza Napolitana. It is also the one place that will be full outside high season when many restaurants are pitifully empty.
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Da Sergio
Smart, chic and favoured by locals, this is Otranto’s most famous fish restaurant, situated in an ace position for people-watching, smack bang in the centre of the touristy corso. There is no menu, instead you will be provided a choice of the day’s catch which is then charged by weight.
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Navera
The countryside around Otranto is wild and unspoilt, especially if you head south towards the Cape of Otranto and Porto Badisco. The local cooperative Navera can organise a whole range of excursions from horse-riding around the cape and trekking up the Valle d'Idro to guided tours of Otranto.
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Zia Fernanda
Tucked up a side street just off the lungomare, Zia Fernanda is another formal-feeling restaurant with a heavy leather-bound menu and an extensive wine list. Again the emphasis is on fish with favourites like the seafood risotto, fish soup and octopus filling the menu.
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Castle
The well-restored and central Aragonese castle, is a squat thick-walled fort, with the Charles V coat of arms above the entrance. There are some faded original murals and original canon balls on display, plus good views from the ramparts.
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Dal Baffo
A busy trattoria on the seafront with sea-themed décor and a menu devoted to fish including a delicious salted seafood risotto. It gets mixed reviews from the locals as it is quite expensive, but in a mixed restaurant scene it's an OK choice.
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Italian Language School
The Italian Language School offers a whole range of courses from one to 12 weeks. It provides accommodation and runs a whole range of excursions which include anything from horse-riding to visiting the local market or nearby towns.
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Anima Mundi
Anima Mundi sells stunning photography (and other) books about the region, as well as local music. Massimiliano Morabito is a good bet if you are looking for traditional tarantella folk music.
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Scuba Diving Otranto
The clear waters and rocky coast around Otranto are good for diving, and Scuba Diving Otranto offers day or night dives as well as introductory courses and diving courses.
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Chiesa di San Pietro
Within the tiny Chiesa di San Pietro are more vivid Byzantine frescoes. It is signposted off the corso. If it’s closed, ask for the key at the cathedral.
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Diocesan Museum
Just opposite the cathedral is the small diocesan museum where you can see segments of a 4th-century Roman mosaic that was recently discovered under the cathedral floor.
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LaltroBaffo
A new kid on the block with a more fashionable look than some of the old timers. The excellent seafood is recommended; go for the daily fish option prepared with pasta.
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La Botte
Has a large wooden terrace and reliably good pizzas. It is located just outside the touristy pedestrian loop on the road leading from the port.
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Il Covo dei Mori
A popular bar serving aperitivi and snacks is Il Covo dei Mori.
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Market
Every Wednesday from 07:30 to noon the local market sets up in the Villa Comunale.
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Spiaggia Azzurra
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Otranto nel Mondo
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