Bauxite Quarry Lake
Ex Cava di Bauxite
A green lake filling an abandoned bauxite pit, ringed by red soil. Its vivid contrast of colors makes it a trendy photo spot in Salento.
Bauxite Quarry Lake lies about 2 km south of Otranto. Bauxite was mined here from 1940, and the quarry closed in 1976. The abandoned pit gradually filled with groundwater to form a small emerald-green lake, surrounded by iron-oxide-rich red soil and wild vegetation. The striking color contrast makes it feel like an alien landscape. Admission is free. Park by the road and walk a few minutes to reach it. The water is not suitable for swimming, and the slopes are loose, so keep back from the water's edge when taking photos. It can be combined with Punta Palascia Lighthouse and the old town of Otranto on the same day.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Aragonese Castle of Otranto
- Otranto Cathedral
- Otranto
- Punta Palascia Lighthouse
- Baia dei Turchi
- Faraglioni di Torre Sant'Andrea
- Grotta Zinzulusa
- Castro