"There's a castle in Otranto" Top 5 Page for this destination Otranto by craic

Otranto Travel Guide: 31 reviews and 79 photos

One hears of the gothic horror novel The Castle of Otranto all the time. (Not that I've read it.)
So I was well pleased when I was told while staying in Lecce that we were doing a day trip to Otranto.
"Is there a castle?" I earnestly enquired.
Of course there is a castle.
But we didn't get to see inside because we arrived at the tricky time of day (about 1pm) when everything closes for 3 hours.

So we strolled a round the foreshore which was most pleasant.
My friends told me that the train line from Rome was meant to go as far as Otranto - it was on the plans - but for some reason it stopped at Lecce.
So Otranto is still quite sleepy and peaceful and undiscovered.
But I did notice many many restaurants and cafes on the foreshore. So maybe I mean relatively peaceful and undiscovered.

The park was full of these blossom trees which have the most beautiful and overpowering scent.
I have noticed the same trees in Rome - but they don't flourish there.
Here in the south they achieve their full potential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:What a charming place.
Cons:I wasn't here very long.
In a nutshell:Of course there is a castle in Otranto.

Intro Updated Aug 10, 2008
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Reviews (3)

A lovely little town. Things to Do (3)

In March the weather was balmy and fresh. The streets weren't crowded. The proprietors of the cafes and restaurants... more travel advice

Flourishing wildlife Things to Do (3)

One's stroll is enlivened by lizards - perfectly camoflauged for wild fig trees - pausing to inspect one as they soak up... more travel advice

View of the castle and a house. - Otranto

I didn't get a pic of the Duomo - sorry, Things to Do (3)

But I must tell you about it because it is rather special. And then you will have the pleasure of seeing it for yourself... more travel advice

Have you been to Otranto? Share your travels with the world!

Comments (11)

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deecat Nov 28, 2009 at 6:05 AM

Can't wipe the smile off my face as I envision your adventures because wherever you go, you do encounter adventures.
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TheWanderingCamel Dec 18, 2008 at 7:15 AM

Nothing quite like the taste of sun-warmed figs straight from the tree. I'm watching the green figlets on our tree swelling day by day. It'll be a race to see who gets to the ripe ones first - me or the birds, but really there's enough for both of us.
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Manara Aug 13, 2008 at 1:37 PM

I see March must be the best time of the year in Otranto. It is certainly hot when the figs ripen.
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JLBG Aug 9, 2008 at 10:58 PM

Haha, not always easy to adjust to the local pace of life! Nice quiet place!
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mikelisaanna Dec 10, 2007 at 7:42 PM

We had never heard of Otranto befor reading your page. Thanks for the quick education!
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TheLongTone Nov 9, 2007 at 3:03 AM

Smartypants here has read 'the Castle of Otranto'. An agreeable bit of nonsense.
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Fra.da. Jul 12, 2007 at 10:20 AM

I'm going to visit Otranto soon and I can't wait!! Thanks for sharing, Francesca
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SLLiew Jul 9, 2007 at 9:22 AM

Enjoyed a virtual tour of this castle tour and a dash of ghastly history :) SL
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diocletianvs Jul 8, 2007 at 10:34 AM

"In the South one doesn't criticize the pace of life." Very true. You should never criticize destination's local customs and biggest qualities ;)
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Bwana_Brown Jun 25, 2007 at 8:04 AM

Jenn, I had to laugh when I learned that your criticisms respect no geographical boundaries! Otranto looks like a very nice place indeed in which to relax - even if the coffee IS slow in coming.