Visiting the Aragonese Castle in Otranto was a wonderful experience. The art exhibition was truly fascinating – the painter drew inspiration from the prehistoric cave paintings of the Otranto area, and the works beautifully reflected that ancient spirit. There was also a captivating display of objects from the local caves, dating from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic period. A perfect blend of history, art, and culture in an impressive setting.

It was a dull, rainy day with no sunshine until we stumbled upon the Aragonese Castle of Otranto. From the castle, we enjoyed scenic views of yachts and the shimmering sea. Inside, the lively atmosphere was filled with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and beautiful trees. A perfect spot for a half-day excursion. There’s a large public car park about a 10-minute walk away, with meters operating even on public holidays.

The castle was beautiful but sadly it wasn't kept clean. There were bird feathers and papers on the floor. The dust on the artworks was sad to see.

I haven't visited it inside, but from the outside it looks impressive and beautiful.

The castel of otranto and walls inclose the old city which dates from the 1500,s is a wonderful imposing structure which has many walk ways and view points to see, inside you can visit the turrets, and theres many rooms with artworks, the view fron the very top is amazing which you can see otranto fully, not very busy so is relaxing, the old town has many shops, bars and has a turkish eastern europiean feel to it, with narrow streets and cobble stone walkways. Plenty to like, and night life has many clubs and bars. Cost 12 euros to vist but children are free. Great exlerience.

The Aragonese Castle in Otranto was built during the Spain rule in late 15 c. It occupies a commanding position above the old town protecting the harbor entrance. It's a classic turret castle with a moat around it. Great views of the old town and entire bay from the tower

The Aragonese Castle is beautifully presented with a great permanent exhibition of the local area, local history and more. We were fortunate to see a photo exhibition of Frida Kahlo on the second floor. On the third floor we great artefacts and amazing views from the very top.

Beautiful place, colours lived up to expectations! Lucky to see it when it was very quiet. Refreshments sold at entrance, very glad of the freshly squeezed orange juice and water after we arrived by bike. Unforgettable experience, would highly recommend 👌

Cava di Bauxite offers spectacular, Martian-like views. There’s a car park conveniently located about a nine-minute walk from the main attraction, with a €4 entry fee. Be prepared for your shoes to end up looking like they’ve battled a giant wad of gum! It’s wise to bring an extra pair of shoes and a laundry bag for your muddy footwear.

Interesting spot for cool pictures and a pleasant hike with a view. It’s usually not too crowded. The red soil makes it rather unique. A short hike down to the water and you feel part of wild nature with lots of frogs and different types of birds. Plenty of parking available. Can be part of an itinerary of spots on the east coast of Puglia to visit in one day.

What a rip-off. Looks nothing like in the pictures. Non-existent signage. Parking costs 4 euros. Don’t waste your time. There are way more beautiful places to visit in Puglia.

It's very pretty, yes. But, when you get there it is surrounded with signs and barriers saying Private Property and Keep Out. It couldn't be less welcoming. To see the lake you have to climb over or around the barriers. And yet this place is advertised everywhere as a yop tourist attraction. Very bizarre.

Arrived an hour before sunset. It was too late to see the colors. It was in September and parking was 4€. It’s badly indicated. Use satellite maps view to find paths to the place. You need to take perpendicular path around halfway between parking and sea. You can’t see the colors of the water if too close or after sunset. Plan to be there around noon or at least few hours before sunset.

We visited in Oct, fantastic place .. well worth seeing… lovely walking area.. the colours of the scape was out of this world

'worth a detour' (as Michelin would class it) stunning collection of frescoes of different eras. Should have taken a photo of the opening hours posted on the door (sorry) but changed somewhat from photo amongst these reviews - now €5 admission with entry to Diocesan Museum too (or vice-versa) but only cards taken at church (by guardienne just inside door). Detailed (loan) guide to frescoes in several languages available.

The most beautiful frescoes I’ve ever seen. Reminds me a bit Saint Sophia in my dear Kyiv💛

We looked from the doorway, it was absolutely beautiful, but a small one room building (some photos on maps are of a different bigger church). 5 euros seemed a bit much with currency exchange in mind for this activity given the size. Also some people were turned away an hour before the sign outside said it would be closed.

Definitely worth a visit. The church is as impressive as the story when the Turks conquered the city and killed all the men and boys in the village, along with the 800 people who gathered at the church and resisted to change their faith to the Islam. Also they where killed… Their skulls and bones are still displayed inside the church…

Pay no attention to the times they open and close when they want to, good luck

Little ancient church with beautiful wall paintings. It is not crowded so you can take time and enjoy this special place.

Tourist trap! Asking now 5€ to enter the church! The ticket is suppose to be combine with the cathedral but the cathedral is free.

(Translated by Google) A shop inside a historical site that presented details of art related to Frida Kahlo, at reasonable prices. The service provider was kind and pleasant (Original) חנות בתוך אתר היסטורי שהציגה פרטי אומנות הקשורים לפרידה קאלו, במחירים סבירים. נותן השירות היה אדיב ונעים

(Translated by Google) A well-stocked and welcoming bookstore, nestled in the charming Aragonese Castle. The extremely friendly staff is ready to recommend books for any genre and taste, and is always available for a pleasant chat. If you're in Otranto, I highly recommend stopping by for a good, light read under the umbrella! (Original) Libreria ben fornita e accogliente, in una realtà come quella del castello aragonese molto suggestiva. Il personale, gentilissimo, è pronto a consigliare letture per qualsiasi genere e gusto personale e disponibile per una piacevole chiacchierata. Se siete ad Otranto, consiglio vivamente di farci un salto anche per un buon libro leggero da leggere sotto l'ombrellone!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful experience, well-kept and welcoming bookshop, the details are really what make the difference, in addition to the very kind staff. I brought two of my dear English friends and Antonio, the manager, was really available to answer everything he was asked. An experience definitely worth repeating (Original) Bellissima esperienza, libreria curata e accogliente, i dettagli sono davvero ciò che fanno la differenza, oltre al gentilissimo personale. Ho portato due miei cari amici inglesi e Antonio, il responsabile, è stato veramente disponibile a rispondere a tutto ciò che gli viene chiesto.Esperienza sicuramente da ripetere

(Translated by Google) A welcoming bookstore located in the heart of Otranto, inside the Aragonese Castle. The display is tidy, but dynamic, catches the eye and highlights the goods for sale. The staff, courteous and professional, will help you find what you are looking for. I highly recommend! (Original) Libreria accogliente situata nel cuore di Otranto, all’interno del Castello Aragonese. L’esposizione è ordinata, ma dinamica, cattura lo sguardo e mette in evidenza la merce in vendita. Il personale, cortese e professionale, vi aiuterà a trovare quello che cercate. Consiglio vivamente!

(Translated by Google) Welcoming and well-ordered bookshop, immersed in the magic of the Aragonese castle of Otranto. Well supplied with professional, competent and polite staff. (Original) Libreria accogliente e ben ordinata, immersa nella magia del castello Aragonese di Otranto. Ben fornita con personale professionale, competente ed educato.

(Translated by Google) Super-stocked bookshop with engaging and knowledgeable staff. From their experience I deduced that it is an independent bookshop from Salento, a wonderful project (Original) Bookshop super fornito con personale coinvolgente e preparato. Dalla loro esperienza ho dedotto che si tratta di una libreria indipendente salentina, progetto meraviglioso

(Translated by Google) Beautiful bookshop inside the castle. If you are walking around the historic centre of Otranto, stop by, it's worth it (Original) Bellissima libreria all'interno del castello. Se siete in giro per il centro storico di Otranto fateci un salto che ne vale la pena

We glad to spend our time in this wonderful restaurant. We have great opportunity to taste exceptional flavors in elegant ambience!!!

Hmm there are certainly other places in Otranto with a much more attractive setting (tables outside are on a fairly busy and unattractive road). The food was only OK. I did not get the Michelin-level wow factor. Style over substance comes to mind. Looked the part but the flavours just not there. I think on one dish they may have forgotten to bring salt and olive oil which was sorely needed! And service was pretty charmless. Overall underwhelmed and a wasted opportunity to try somewhere more authentic and atmospheric in lovely Otranto.

It’s a shame that this restaurant is recommended by Michelin. Expensive dishes with no flavor at all. We ordered a shrimp pasta that tasted like seawater, and the shrimp were tiny. A completely tasteless meat dish. All four dishes we ordered were bad. We really got pissed off. The only positive aspects were the wine and the service.

Fantastic dinner. We had the full Italian dining experience: appetiser, primi, secondi, and dessert. The wine was fantastic; the pasta and fish courses were perfect and the tiramisu was the best we had in Italy.

Visited the Michelin recommended @retrogusto_otranto for lunch, and their house made pasta was amazing! I love how simple and beautiful the presentations are, and they tasted super flavorful and chewy. Really enjoyed the fish as well. Very fresh and well cooked!

Beautiful food and professional service. Fresh seafood and beautiful presentation. The Antipasti menu is particularly interesting in my opinion - some dishes that were not seen in other restaurants. The seasoning for all dishes is perfect whilst keeping the freshness of seafood. Really delightful dining experience and we’d hope to return again during our stay in Otranto.

Great experience at Retrigusto Restaurant. The dishes were well presented, and the seafood was fresh and delicious. I particularly loved the dish of the day, pasta with dentice, and the seafood salad. Everything was complemented by a bottle of white wine. My friends ordered a risotto al nero di seppia, which was equally good. The restaurant is 200 meters away from a parking area and a 5-minute walk from the historical center of Otranto. Highly recommended!

We glad to spend our time in this wonderful restaurant. We have great opportunity to taste exceptional flavors in elegant ambience!!!

Hmm there are certainly other places in Otranto with a much more attractive setting (tables outside are on a fairly busy and unattractive road). The food was only OK. I did not get the Michelin-level wow factor. Style over substance comes to mind. Looked the part but the flavours just not there. I think on one dish they may have forgotten to bring salt and olive oil which was sorely needed! And service was pretty charmless. Overall underwhelmed and a wasted opportunity to try somewhere more authentic and atmospheric in lovely Otranto.

It’s a shame that this restaurant is recommended by Michelin. Expensive dishes with no flavor at all. We ordered a shrimp pasta that tasted like seawater, and the shrimp were tiny. A completely tasteless meat dish. All four dishes we ordered were bad. We really got pissed off. The only positive aspects were the wine and the service.

Fantastic dinner. We had the full Italian dining experience: appetiser, primi, secondi, and dessert. The wine was fantastic; the pasta and fish courses were perfect and the tiramisu was the best we had in Italy.

Visited the Michelin recommended @retrogusto_otranto for lunch, and their house made pasta was amazing! I love how simple and beautiful the presentations are, and they tasted super flavorful and chewy. Really enjoyed the fish as well. Very fresh and well cooked!

Beautiful food and professional service. Fresh seafood and beautiful presentation. The Antipasti menu is particularly interesting in my opinion - some dishes that were not seen in other restaurants. The seasoning for all dishes is perfect whilst keeping the freshness of seafood. Really delightful dining experience and we’d hope to return again during our stay in Otranto.

Great experience at Retrigusto Restaurant. The dishes were well presented, and the seafood was fresh and delicious. I particularly loved the dish of the day, pasta with dentice, and the seafood salad. Everything was complemented by a bottle of white wine. My friends ordered a risotto al nero di seppia, which was equally good. The restaurant is 200 meters away from a parking area and a 5-minute walk from the historical center of Otranto. Highly recommended!

Overrated tbh. The butter was good, bread was hard and flaky. Sea bass was delicious but didn’t come with any sides so quite pricey. My friend got the uni carbonara and we were both disappointed by the bland taste. Personally wouldn’t go back here. Server also poured us the wrong wine (staff were friendly and corrected it).

Friendly service and well-prepared food with great attention to detail. We shared one primo (orecchiette with shrimp) and two secondi (monkfish and prawns). The secondi portions were quite small for the price, and the grilled vegetables we ordered on the side didn’t really complement the dishes – I’d recommend going for two primi instead. The panna cotta for dessert was delicious. Overall, a nice and welcoming place.

A refined spot in Otranto for anyone who loves seafood, wine, and thoughtful service. Our lunch began with the waiter presenting the day’s catch. We paired a crisp, floral Fiano d’Otranto with a rare Susumaniello rosé (hard to find in the US), and compared them side by side. Both wines had depth and balance, and the staff clearly took pride in guiding us to excellent choices. The food was outstanding. A raw fish sampler showcased the freshness of the region’s seafood, my spaghetti with sea urchin carbonara was rich and creamy, and my wife’s orecchiette with shrimp was equally memorable. To finish, we sampled Amaro Salento which was herbal with bitter orange notes that lingered. Elegant, creative, and truly unforgettable. Strongly recommended if you want to experience Otranto at its best.

Very nice fine dining seafood restaurant, found by chance while walking down town! The waiters were friendly, the food was tasty and the presentation creative. My partner had the orecchiette and they were super tasty. My sea urchin carbonara sounded very appealing, but then I think I ended up preferring sea urchin and carbonara.. on their own! Overall a great experience. Would love to go there again to try the other plates!

Incredible and inventive preparation of fresh fish from a beautiful fusili and tuna, to gorgeous shrimp with sweet pepper sauce and crunchy fresh beetroot and raddish. Great hospitality in a gorgeous Otranto setting. Would fully recommend to taste the waters of Puglia with artistry and vibrancy.

The marinated mackerel was the best. Tuna tartare wasn’t as good as the others.

Wonderful seafood restaurant! Every bite was absolutely incredible. It’s also excellent value for money considering the quality. Nice setting on the upstairs terrace. To start I had tuna tartare - fresh & a generous helping of fish. We then shared the orecchiete with raw shrimps which had a delicious herby almond sauce on it. For mains: monkfish marinated with fig leaves, potatoes & fish béchamel with a side of grilled vegetables. The monkfish was cooked to perfection and everything to go with it lovely. To finish, ‘lecesse’: almond panna cotta with coffee mouse & other bits. Nice & light but wasn’t as special as any of the savoury dishes. We also enjoyed a Verdeca white wine. €130 for 2 felt like good value given how much we enjoyed the meal. Highly recommend

4.3/5 (4/5 food; 5/5 service; 4/5 atmosphere). Decent restaurant in middle of city center. The appetizers and mains were good. I would have liked a little more generous portions but it was good! Nothing to complain about. Staff were friendly and helpful. Although smack down in city center, the atmopshere is very old fashioned and super tight to each other (thus the 4 stars). Overall good experience

Location and visual representation are nice and simple. Waiters are nice friendly and helpful, but can notice a manager or person in charge with a grumpy face walking around. Food not nice at all, portion of pasta over salted and lack of flavour ( very salty) other dish pasta with prawn was lacking proper flavour as well it tasted like extremely fishy water with diluted tomatoes and prawn. Good location, most the stuff are nice but did not enjoy food at all. Wine list only per bottle

I have never left a review but I had to today. Small servings, the prawns were not fresh, they were also served cold- we took them to give to the local cats they were so inedible. We found a CHEWED ON OLIVE PIP IN OUR BREAD, Not our olive! Someone else’s chewed olive pip in the bread we had been eating. Disgusting. We told the waiter and he offered no apology at all. 0/10 do not go here

I was not very convinced at the beginning since it is in the old city. Food was delicious, even the one from the day menu! Staff is OK. The wine was not cold enough, but they brought us a wine cooler, so nothing to complain about really!

Great restaurant in Otranto. We started out with a glass of Rose and a beer. Try the orrechiette and the side of tomatoes & onions. You can dress it with the balsamic, oil and vinegar. So good, tomatoes in season. Finish it off with a cappuccino or a limoncello.

The food was delicious and the personnel very nice and helpful - special thanks for Rafaele, he recommended an delicious starter ( antipasti gritty di mare hot and cold) . The food came fast. The place is also recommended for good fish 🐟

The food was not good. Very large portion sizes and not fresh. We regret our decision to go here.

Absolutely delicious Italian food! The pasta was fresh and flavorful, the fritto misto was perfectly crispy and light, and the coffee was just amazing – rich and aromatic (caffe al latte di mandorla). Also the tiramisu was amazing, soft and tasty. A wonderful spot for authentic taste and a cozy atmosphere at this bistro!

Really enjoyed our lunch here! We were aimlessly wandering the streets of Otranto looking for a restaurant and this place called to us. Friendly staff, great local beer (needed a break from the spritz), and the food came to the table with beautiful presentation. I ordered the burrata ravioli atop red fish carpaccio and my fiancé wanted something a bit lighter and ordered the fava bean and vegetable garden dish. Both were delicious and unique.

Really nice place in the center of Otranto. Great service and advice by Mateo and his team. We shared the Zuppa Reale with 3. This really was an excellent tomato based Suppa with mussels , vongole, crab , shrimps, scampi . Great homemade bread to dip in the lovely sauce. As secondi we had fritto misto which was great as well. Location is great to watch people strawl by. Price also nice for the food offered (30-40 euro pp) . We will go back ..

Amazing experience! The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. Really enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely come back

Beautiful restaurant, brilliant food, great staff, very friendly with a lovely atmosphere. We had the linguine vongole which was absolutely stunning and the beer & wine was decent too 👌🏻 All at a very reasonable price. Would highly recommend!

Had a fantastic locally cooked meal with a large group of cyclists. Meet the mother and son who owned the restaurant. Very helpful in suggesting local cuisine, great service and atmosphere.

Incredible Seafood Experience! From the moment we stepped into this charming seafood restaurant, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The owner's passion for fresh, delicious seafood was evident in every dish. The waiters were incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu and ensuring we had an unforgettable experience. The food was simply divine. The seafood was incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection. The flavors were bold and balanced, and the presentation was impeccable. Every bite was a delight. If you're looking for a truly exceptional seafood dining experience, I highly recommend this restaurant. It's a must-visit for any seafood lover!

A hidden gem. Great food and drinks. I enjoyed the Caffe Leccese, and I had been to a lot of Caffe bars in Salento and it was only here that someone explained to me how to drink it. Very kind and nice people. Thank you.

This rustic tavern is a fantastic place to slow down with a bottle of local wine and a platter of regional specialties. The vaulted stone interior creates an authentic old-world atmosphere, but the real magic is on the multi-level terrace shaded by pergolas, where you can sit back and savor the moment. We ordered a cheese board with a bottle of Negroamaro Terra d’Otranto, which was deep ruby, full of blackberry, herbs, and earth. The platter featured local pecorino and caciocavallo cheeses. You can also get cured meats like capocollo, all served in generous portions and full of character. It’s exactly the kind of spread that makes you feel connected to the region. It feels authentic, relaxed, and deeply local. Highly recommended for wine, meats, cheeses, and atmosphere after exploring Otranto.

Great Place if you want to do a quick break during the day or have a glass of wine in the evening. Friendly service and lovely garden.

It is definitely one of the best places I have ever been to. Amazing people, beautiful atmosphere and most delicious wines and spumante we could taste in the area 🥰it’s a must visit! DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE ❤️

Wonderful place, lovely garden in the back. You have to get the food yourselves, but that's not a problem at all. Very friendly staff. We spend a very enjoyable evening with good local food and drinks there.

This is easily the best place in Otranto! The wine list is fantastic and the food is absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is unmatched – the yard in the back has the coziest Italian vibe you could ask for. A perfect spot to enjoy great food and wine. Highly recommended

Nice staff who took the time to speak English to us, and let us taste the wine before ordering. Great cheese and meat board. The patio is stunning on a sunny day with very minimalist rustic decor and beautiful plants. Highly recommend it. Order at the front and go pick up your food when it’s ready.