{"id":36434,"date":"2026-01-29T15:08:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/otranto-the-surrounding-area-pine-trees-turquoise-bays-and-the-mysterious-alimini-lakes\/"},"modified":"2026-06-21T10:02:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T08:02:52","slug":"otranto-the-surrounding-area-pine-trees-turquoise-bays-and-the-mysterious-alimini-lakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/italy\/puglia\/otranto-the-surrounding-area-pine-trees-turquoise-bays-and-the-mysterious-alimini-lakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Otranto & the surrounding area: pine trees, turquoise bays, and the mysterious Alimini Lakes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Otranto in Puglia: Baia dei Turchi, the Alimini Lakes, and the famous cathedral<\/h1>\n\n

Otranto in Puglia<\/a> is one of those little towns where you naturally start to walk more slowly\u2014and not just because of the warm weather. In the old town, cobblestone alleys crunch beneath your shoes; down below, fishing boats bob in the harbor; and outside the walls, a coastline awaits that is sometimes soft and sandy\u2026 and sometimes rugged, rocky, and wild. Add to that the Alimini Lakes\u2014a green-blue oasis nestled between dunes and pine forests\u2014and you\u2019ll understand why I find this corner of Salento so irresistible. <\/p>\n\n

In this blog, you’ll find the most beautiful natural spots, beaches, and trails around Otranto, including tips on how to enjoy them in a sustainable and relaxed way.<\/p>\n\n

The Alimini Lakes: Two Worlds Side by Side<\/h2>\n\n

Just outside Otranto lie the Laghi Alimini, a protected Nature reserve covering approximately 1,000 hectares.The best part: they are two completely different lakes, separated by a narrow strip of land and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.<\/p>\n\n

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\"Otranto<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Otranto<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Alimini Grande: brackish water, pine forest, and marsh<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Alimini Grande is partly fed by seawater and is therefore brackish; a unique mix that is also reflected in the landscape.Surrounding the lake are pine forests, dunes, and the Traguano marshland, where springs flow into the lake.<\/p>\n\n

Alimini Piccolo (Fontanelle): freshwater springs and shallow waters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Alimini Piccolo, also known as Fontanelle, is mainly calm and shallower because it is not affected by tides.<\/p>\n\n

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\"Otranto<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Sardinia<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

For botanists and birdwatchers (yes, this is one of those places)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

This area is a dream come true if you love nature: you can spot rarer plants here, such as the marsh orchid and the water chestnut.And with a little luck, you might also see larger (migratory) birds<\/a> here, such as flamingos and cranes during certain times of the year. <\/p>\n\n

Important:<\/strong> The lakes are primarily intended for walking, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting. If you want to swim, it\u2019s best to do so at the beach, on the beaches right next to the Nature reserve. <\/p>\n\n

Beach Hopping Around Otranto: From City Beaches to Caribbean Sands<\/h2>\n\n

Around Otranto, you can go in two directions: south along cliffs and secluded coves, or north along sandy beaches, rock formations, and iconic viewpoints.<\/p>\n\n

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\"Otranto<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Otranto<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Otranto<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

In and around Otranto<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Bastioni Beach is literally at the foot of the city walls\u2014perfect for a quick dip against a historic backdrop (though it can get crowded during peak season).La Punta is a lovely mix of sand and rock; it\u2019s often quieter and perfect for a sunset stroll.<\/p>\n\n

The Classics (and Why You’ll Want to See Them Anyway)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n