Otranto

Private tours

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit 4 of the most picturesque towns in Salento on a comfortable minivan with air conditioning and a professional driver who will give you information about the history of the towns and the places to visit. A scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays and white Caribbean-style beaches. The first stop of the tour is Galatina a real gem of art, history and traditions. The wonderful Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is second only to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi for the presence of many frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples. Other monuments to visit are the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and the ancient "courtyard houses" and the buildings situated in the historic centre. The second stop is Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Salento.The town of Otranto is full of history and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Aragoneses. You will have free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions and the Walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city. After Otranto you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and bays with rocky bottom. Along the way you will admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina and the Ciolo Fiord. Santa Maria di Leuca is truly the heel of Italy, the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, you will admire spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de "Finibus Terrae". After Santa Maria di Leuca, along the Ionian coast, you will reach Gallipoli, considered the pearl of the Ionian Sea. This Greek city can be divided into two areas: the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old city. The old part of the city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre characterized by a labyrinthine weave of narrow streets, home to traditional shops of local handicrafts, numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, one of the best examples of Baroque in Salento, the Angevine Castle built in the 13th century and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy.

Chera Dreams infopoint in Lecce offers a tour of Salento, departing from Porta San Biagio at 9.15am. Our Driver will pick you up and from there your journey of fun and discovery will begin. After having admired some areas of the Adriatic coast, the first stop with a one-hour stop will be one of the most evocative cities, "Otranto" which will enchant you with its village. Continue to the wonderful Castro marina, where you will visit the Aragonese castle, its panoramic terrace and the caves, the most famous of which is the Zinzulusa Cave. The journey continues towards the end of the heel of Italy "Santa Maria di Leuca" which from its terrace you can admire the line where the two seas meet, finally proceeding towards the famous Gallipoli, the Pearl of the Ionian. Today Gallipoli is one of the most attractive centers of tourism in Puglia and Salento, in particular with its port which has landing places for both pleasure boats and fishing and merchant vessels. The return to Lecce is expected at 6.30pm.

The tour on board our van is characterized by numerous free stops of variable length between 1 hour, 30 minutes, and very short spot stops to take a nice photo, therefore giving you the opportunity to take advantage of your time and optimize your day as best as possible. We leave at 9:30 AM from Lecce. The first stop is Otranto with its rich historic center where you can visit the Cathedral, the Castle, and the Basilica of St. Peter. We then begin the journey along the Adriatic Coast, admiring landscapes, natural views and small villages that leave you breathless. You can stop at the Palascia Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Italy. The longest stops are in Castro, a jewel nestled on the coast, where, if you want, you can enjoy a lunch overlooking the sea (extra, not included). We set off again for Santa Maria di Leuca which celebrates the meeting between the two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian. Here, the Sanctuary Square with the lighthouse welcomes the tourist who is fascinated by an extraordinary panorama. The last stop on the tour is Gallipoli, whose ancient village, an islet connected to the mainland thanks to a seventeenth-century bridge, houses historic buildings, courtyard houses, small churches, the Aragonese Castle, and the baroque Basilica of Sant'Agata. The return is at approximately 6:30 PM in Lecce.

Embark on our VanTour Costa Adriatica for a hassle-free exploration of Salento. Departing from Lecce, choose between morning or afternoon shifts for a 5-hour tour. The tour kicks off with Roca and its Grotta della Poesia, a natural swimming pool nestled amidst breathtaking rocks (entrance ticket not included, available for purchase on-site). Descending along the Adriatic coast, our next stop is Torre dell'Orso, home to Le Due Sorelle, two twin rocks steeped in legend. According to folklore, these rocks represent young women who tragically drowned and were transformed into stone by the gods. Torre Sant'Andrea follows, boasting awe-inspiring sandstone stacks sculpted by wind and sea over centuries. Concluding our journey is Otranto, where you'll have approximately an hour to explore its enchanting historic center. Wander through narrow alleys, visit the Cathedral, the Castle, and St. Peter's Basilica, soaking in the town's rich history and charm. Return to Lecce with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning photographs capturing the beauty of Salento's Adriatic coast. Experience the wonders of Salento effortlessly aboard our VanTour, offering convenience and exploration in equal measure. Meeting point in Lecce.

Get ready for a culinary experience like no other at a local home in Otranto. Over 3 hours, enjoy exclusive cooking instruction from your genial host and taste authentic Italian dishes. Treasured in family cookbooks, these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation.  Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you make a genuine connection with locals. Enjoy a 4-course menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, desert, plus a selection of regional wines and coffee.

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruits of your labor, accompanied by local wines.  During the lesson, the cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic local recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test.  You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Taste everything you have prepared with a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Described as the “Gateway to the East” and the most Oriental of all Italy’s cities, Otranto was founded by Greeks from Crete thousands of years ago. Explore this fascinating history on a 2-hour walking tour of all its main sights. Discover the Norman cathedral, consecrated in 1088 and still the largest Romanesque building in Apulia. Admire the mosaic floor, formed of thousands of pieces of stone that depict scenes from the Old Testament and figures from Breton legends. Admire columns that are said to have come from a Temple of Minerva, and the bones and relics of the Martyrs of Otranto, who perished in the 15th-century siege of the city. Marvel at the 42 marble columns that support the crypt, and more. Continue to the Church of St. Peter and the Aragonese Castle, reinforced by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt by Alphonso II of Naples in 1485-1498. Look at the irregular plan of 5 sides, with a moat that runs along the entire perimeter. Enjoy the panoramic views out to sea. If the weather is good you can see all the way across the Adriatic to Greece and Albania.

Step aboard our 9-seater minivan for a captivating journey along the breathtaking Salento coastline, departing from Lecce or a location of your own choosing at 9:30 a.m. Our tour offers the flexibility to begin your adventure from the heart of Salento, ensuring a seamless start to your day of exploration. Our first stop immerses you in the charm of Otranto, a coastal town renowned for its historic architecture and stunning seaside vistas. Wander through its picturesque streets, adorned with quaint shops and cafes, and soak in the coastal atmosphere that permeates the town. Right next is a pause for a photo at the captivating Bauxite Cave, where you can marvel at the unique geological formations and capture breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Continuing our journey, we'll venture to the mesmerizing Grotte della Zinzulusa, a network of sea caves celebrated for their unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Upgrade your experience with an optional boat tour to explore the caves up close, immersing yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. Next on our itinerary is Castro, a quaint seaside village steeped in rich history and boasting breathtaking coastal scenery. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, admiring the charming architecture and tranquil ambiance of this coastal gem. Our adventure continues with a brief stop at Ponte Ciolo, an iconic bridge offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline below. Capture the stunning vistas with your camera before we proceed to our next destination. Punta Palascia beckons as we reach the easternmost point of Italy, where you'll have the opportunity to stand at the edge of the continent and gaze out upon the endless expanse of the Adriatic Sea. Afterwards, we'll arrive at Santa Maria di Leuca, a picturesque seaside town renowned for its historic lighthouse and stunning coastal views. Spend some time exploring the town's charming streets and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere that pervades the area. Our final stop brings us to the coastal town of Gallipoli, famous for its historic old town, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the labyrinthine streets lined with historic landmarks, or unwind on the sandy shores of its pristine beaches. Hop aboard our lilliputian train to conclude your scenic tour. Enjoy a leisurely ride back, soaking in the last glimpses of Salento's beauty before bidding farewell to this enchanting coastal paradise. As the day draws to a close, we'll journey back to Lecce or your chosen pick-up point, leaving you with cherished memories of a day filled with discovery and adventure along the captivating Salento coastline.

The workshop takes place in the Amore di Puglia store, in the historic center of Otranto. The expert cook and connoisseur of traditional recipes will explain to you how to roll up the orecchietta and how to create the dough which will also allow you to prepare your favorite Apulian dish at home with a little flour and a lot of love. Furthermore, different flours will be proposed and an accurate explanation of the particularity of Otranto's Orecchietta, which has a slight difference to that prepared in northern Puglia.

Trace Otranto's Greek, Roman and Byzantine history on a walking tour: explore the main sites of the "Gateway to the East," discover the Norman Cathedral with its floor mosaic and admire the bones of the Otranto Martyrs. Visit Otranto Castle to enjoy a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea. Finally, admire a splendid panoramic view of the sea and in good weather, your view may extend across the Adriatic to Greece and Albania.