Looking for a dream sea with Caribbean colours, turquoise water and fine white sand? The Baia dei Turchi in Salento is the place for you!
Here, the wonderful sea caresses the white beach set into the rock and embraced by the thick pine forest of Mediterranean scrub. A truly evocative place much loved by tourism in Salento. If you are planning your holiday in Salento, this article will give you all the information you need to include a stop at the Baia dei Turchi in Otranto in your travel itinerary.
ind out where it is located, the origins of its name, how to get there, where to park, what to do and see in the area, and where to eat with our local tips!
Why is it called Baia dei Turchi?
The Baia dei Turchi owes its name to the landing of Turkish troops headed by Commander Acmet Pasha who, in 1480, landed his fleet in this pretty bay and attacked Otranto. The siege lasted two weeks, at the end of which the citizens of Otranto were killed or used as slaves while 813 martyrs, who did not want to renounce the Christian religion, were beheaded on Minerva Hill. Their relics are still kept today in the cathedral in Otranto and every year between August 13th and 14th the feast in honour of the Holy Martyrs is celebrated.
Where is the Baia dei Turchi located
The Baia dei Turchi in Apulia is located a few kilometres north of Otranto, it is part of the protected Oasis of Laghi Alimini and is one of the 100 places protected by the FAI in Italy. The coastline on which it is located, the Adriatic, is among the most beautiful in Italy. In fact, some of the most beautiful beaches in Salento are located on this very coast, such as Torre dell’Orso, Sant’Andrea, the Grotta della Poesia, Porto Badisco, Castro and many others.
Baia dei Turchi Otranto: how to get there?
How do you get to the Baia dei Turchi? To reach the Baia dei Turchi you can take the bus that leaves from Otranto or Lecce. Or, if you are travelling by car in Salento, you can arrive near the Baia dei Turchi and leave your car in one of the car parks in the area.
How to get there by bus
To reach the Baia dei Turchi from Lecce you have to take the Salento in bus line 101 (direction Porto), get off at the entrance to Club Med and walk 2.2 km.
If you need to reach the Baia dei Turchi from Otranto instead, take bus 101 again but from Via Alimini near the Eurospin, get off at the entrance to Club Med and continue on foot.
How to get there by car
If you can get to the Baia dei Turchi by car from Lecce, just take the SS16, then take the SP48 towards Martano and continue towards Otranto until you come to the junction with the SP341. Here take the road that will take you to the Baia dei Turchi. It is about 50 km from Lecce so in about 45 minutes you will have reached your destination.
Baia dei Turchi: where to park
Near the Baia dei Turchi beach there are several car parks where you can leave your car. Some, being far from the beach, offer a shuttle service included in the price of parking. From here, there is then a walk of about 200/300 metres (depending on the car park, the distance to the beach varies).
Here are some of the car parks:
- Car park de Benedetto: located 500 metres from the Bay, it offers a shuttle service included in the price of parking (at a single rate). It also has video surveillance, wi-fi and a refreshment point.
- Car park Tenuta Schito: located a few steps from the pine forest, it is equipped with a shower and foot wash and has a fixed rate for the entire day.
- Baia dei Turchi car park De Marco: the closest to the bay, shady and cheap.
Baia dei Turchi: beach
The Baia dei Turchi beach is disarmingly beautiful: awarded the Blue Flag and 5 Sails by Legambiente, it is characterised by crystal-clear water that is hard to resist. The bay is a succession of sandy coves alternating with stretches of low cliffs, sheltered by a jagged cliff rich in thick vegetation. Although it is a rather wild area, there is also a beach resort, which offers all the amenities to fully enjoy a day at the beach. Our advice is, if you want to see it in all its splendour, to go there when the sirocco blows so that you will find ideal conditions for the calm, crystal-clear sea.
Precisely because of its characteristics, the Baia dei Turchi is an ideal place for holidays in Salento with children, but it is also very popular with groups of young people.
Baia dei Turchi: beach clubs
The only beach club along the coast is the one named after the place: Resort Hotel Baia dei Turchi. The beach is equipped with beach umbrellas, sunbeds, ecological toilets and a small kiosk bar.
What to do at the Baia dei Turchi
There are several activities to do at the Baia dei Turchi precisely because the landscape in the area offers many opportunities for fun and entertainment. You can go for walks in the pine forest and maybe have a picnic, go horse riding, go on a boat tour, trekking, kayaking, cycling or snorkelling. Not only that, there are many things to see near the Baia dei Turchi, including nature, sea and small towns. Here are some things not to be missed:
- Otranto 7 km away;
- Bauxite quarry 10 km away;
- Alimini Lakes 5 km away;
- Alimini beaches 5 km away;
- Sant’Andrea 11 km away;
- Torre dell’Orso 15 km away;
- Roca and Grotta della Poesia 17 km away;
- Porto Badisco 18 km away;
- Santa Cesarea Terme 23 km away;
- Porto Miggiano 32 km away;
- Castro 33 km away;
- Martano 18 km away.
- Alimini beach near Baia dei Turchi
Baia dei Turchi: where to eat
There are no restaurants where to eat at the Baia dei Turchi, but you’ll find the right one nearby. Just move to Otranto for a wide choice, including fast food, fish restaurants, trattorias serving typical Salento cuisine, and pizzerias. Here are some restaurants near the bay:
- Cicerietria just 2 km from Baia dei Turchi, for those who love the traditional flavours of Salento cuisine;
- L’altro Chef – Alla Risacca in Otranto, ideal if you love fresh fish;
- La Bella Idrusa in Otranto, with an extensive menu of Salento dishes, pizzas and fish.
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