Baia dei Turchi
A curved white-sand bay behind pine woods north of Otranto, with clear green-tinted water. Legend says it is where the Ottoman fleet landed in 1480.
Baia dei Turchi lies within the Alimini Lakes Nature Reserve, about 6 km north of Otranto. Legend says the Ottoman army landed here in 1480 to attack the city, hence the name. From the roadside car park, it is roughly a 10-minute walk through a Mediterranean pine forest. Before you lies a stretch of fine white sand and low rocky reefs, with the water shifting from pale green to deep blue. It is often rated among Italy's most beautiful beaches. Some sections have paid beach clubs, while the rest are free, but there is no natural shade, so bring your own umbrella and water. Waves can be high on windy days, so watch the warning flags. Parking fills up on August weekends, so arrive early.
Opening hours
Open all day (parking fee in peak season)
Nearby sights
- Otranto
- Otranto Cathedral
- Aragonese Castle of Otranto
- Faraglioni di Torre Sant'Andrea
- Bauxite Quarry Lake
- Torre dell'Orso
- Grotta della Poesia
- Punta Palascia Lighthouse