Punta Palascia Lighthouse
Faro di Punta Palascia
The easternmost point of mainland Italy, where a white lighthouse built in 1867 stands on the cliff. It is the place to watch Italy's first sunrise.
Punta Palascia (Punta d'Otranto) is the easternmost point of mainland Italy and is also considered one of the dividing lines between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The white lighthouse was built in 1867. It is now decommissioned, though it occasionally opens as a Mediterranean ecological observation station. From Otranto, drive south along the coastal road for about 10 minutes, park, then walk about 20 minutes down a gravel path to the lighthouse. On clear days you can see the mountains of Albania across the water. Every New Year's Day, many people gather here to greet Italy's first sunrise. The path has no shade and the wind can be strong, so wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
Open all day (lighthouse interior only open on select days)
Nearby sights
- Bauxite Quarry Lake
- Aragonese Castle of Otranto
- Otranto Cathedral
- Otranto
- Baia dei Turchi
- Grotta Zinzulusa
- Castro
- Faraglioni di Torre Sant'Andrea