Otranto is on the eastern coast of Italy’s boot, just three miles from the Faro della Palascia lighthouse, which marks Italy’s most easterly point. From here you can see both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and panoramic views are key reasons some of our recommendations made it onto the list of the best places to stay in Otranto. We have also included a number of masseria hotels in serene, rural settings just outside town, a beautifully converted grand palazzo in town, and some really excellent value properties.

Otranto is filled with fascinating historic sites: there’s an 11th century cathedral; Byzantine frescoes and mosaic tiled floors; catacombs and a five sided castello. This is a place of narrow alleyways, small piazzas, small bars and restaurants and pale stone architecture that contrasts dramatically with the colour of the ocean. Otranto also has some seriously dramatic stories to tell — it was founded by the Greeks, flourished in Roman times, was owned by the Ottomans and Napoleon, and was the site of action during both world wars, so there’s plenty of interesting history to get ones teeth stuck into. This is also a wonderful spot for a beach break, and some of the best places to stay in Otranto are minutes away from sand and sea. Otranto has its own white, sandy beach, but there are numerous other beaches along the coast, and Otranto’s two interconnected inland lakes both have picturesque sandy beaches too.

Otranto makes an excellent base for exploring the Salento region of Puglia, which is the bit around the boot heel, though it does really help if you have a car, or want to explore by bike. Its summer holiday atmosphere is relaxed during the day and pleasantly buzzy of an evening, but this is when the best places to stay in Otranto will be at their busiest. So if you want to guarantee a room, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Otranto

For a Rural Escape

• Masseria Montelauro is a smart rural hotel. The traditionally, square, white washed exterior dates from when the masseria was a monastery, while the interiors are chic and contemporary, in a simple monochrome featuring white walls and soft furnishings, and black furniture. Surrounded by farmland cultivating olives, dates and wine grapes, the views benefit just as much as the restaurant tables, and if you enjoy the local cuisine they offer cooking classes so you can hone your skills. Idyllic and tranquil, with fragrant gardens.

For Romantics

• The Tenuta Centoporte Resort is another idyllic, serene place to stay on the outskirts of Otranto. The resort’s 37 rooms and suites are light, airy and spacious, stylishly decorated in white, with gauzy drapes and romantic details. Some rooms have private pools, but the large lagoon pool, with an elegant sun terrace and garden, is impossible to resist for long — even if you have your own pool. The restaurant serves local specialties, and the location makes for an easy base to explore the Salento region.
• If you’re looking for a romantic hotel n the historic heart of Otranto consider the Palazzo de Mori, which has been charmingly converted from a grand family home overlooking the port. The Palazzo has just ten rooms and suites, all decorated with white furniture against white walls. Our favourites have private terraces with sea views, but they’re all elegantly designed. The fabulous roof terrace has some of the best views in town, and you’re close to the beach and the cathedral etc.. No under 12s.

For Great Value

• The Masseria Panareo is a beautiful farmhouse conversion with 18 excellent value rooms and suites, and a pool with a stunning view. Expect wonderful original details in the white rooms with their black, wrought iron furniture, plus vaulted stone ceilings, four-poster beds and surprisingly large windows. The restaurant and terrace serves classic Italian dishes, alongside views of olive groves and farmland.
• For great value in town consider the Relais Valle Dell’idro, an unfussy, 27 room hotel with a white and natural colour scheme, and a rooftop solarium with panoramic views of Otranto. Close to the beach and just five minutes stroll from the centre of town.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Brindisi Airport is the closest airport to Otranto, just over an hour away by car, but almost three hours by bus. Bari Airport is another regional option, but it’s two and a half hours away by car, or almost five hours away by public transport.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Otranto‘s Mediterranean climate, and proximity to the temperature regulating sea, means there’s not really a bad time to visit as far as the weather is concerned. It’s hot in summer, but only really hot – 30°C+ – in July and August. Spring and autumn are more temperate, with temperatures in the 20°Cs – the perfect conditions for walkers and cyclists. April and May, and September and October are quieter, as far as visitor numbers goes, and accommodation tends to be much better value.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Puglia or just some of the best places to stay in nearby Lecce
• You might want to refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the the best beach hotels in Puglia, the most romantic hotels in Puglia or the best hotels in Puglia with a private beach?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.