Baia dell’Orte

One of Salento ‘s most beautiful bays, Le Orte is located two miles south of Otranto harbor and is a must stop for sea lovers.

The bay is wide, bounded to the north by Punta Facì and to the south by Capo d’Otranto, the extreme eastern edge of the Italian peninsula. Two buildings that are easily recognizable even from a distance characterize the inlet: the Palascia lighthouse built on the Capo d’Otranto and the Torre del Serpe, one of the many ancient watchtowers that tower over the Apulian coast. Orte Bay is a natural ports, a shallow inlet exposed to winds from the II and III quadrants, while it is a good shelter for winds from the north. The seabed is shallow for an abundant stretch, and then gradually deeper until it reaches more than 20 meters near an overhang that is very popular with divers. The seabed is mostly sandy; there are numerous reefs near the coast.

Ashore, the bay has a very long beach, or rather a succession of sometimes sandy and sometimes rocky beaches. The beaches are not equipped, except for a diving center that also has a small refreshment stand. Behind the beach a large pine forest provides shade and a spectacular view of the contrast between the colors of the sea and the characteristic red of the land in this area. In summer the bay is very busy, especially in the central area, while the beaches and coves toward the Palascia Lighthouse remain quieter.

Stopping at Orte Bay allows for a variety of activities both on land and at sea. In fact, the richness of the seabed and the presence of numerous underwater caves make diving and snorkeling very interesting. On land it is possible with a short walk to reach the lake that was formed over the years on the site of the bauxite quarry that was decommissioned in the 1970s. The presence of the bauxite colors the water of the lake a deep green that creates a beautiful color contrast with the red of the earth and walls. Not far from the lake stands an ancient fortified farmhouse, built above a cave accessible from the ground.

Orte Bay is also not far from Otranto by land, about four kilometers, and it is possible to use one of the shuttles that connect the beach to the town. In Otranto it is possible to find all the services for boating and tourism: supermarkets, stores, restaurants, rentals, etc.