Otranto and the Alimini Lakes: unspoiled nature in Puglia
Between the Adriatic Sea of Otranto and the quiet weave of its countryside, the Alimini Lakes draw a natural boundary rare in the Salento: not a simple “lake near the sea,” but a coastal system where dunes, pine forest, and inland water coexist just steps apart. Their strength lies in proximity and contrast: in the morning you can walk through the historic center, taking in the main things to see in Otranto — the cathedral, the castle, the panoramic viewpoints along the walls — and in the afternoon find yourself on shaded paths where the Mediterranean scrub brushes the water. It is a landscape that fully belongs to the most interesting nature reserves in Puglia for those seeking accessible biodiversity without giving up a wide shoreline, perfectly suited even for families. In other words, the itinerary doesn’t just ask to “see”: it invites you to observe, recognize, and understand how sea and land shape each other.
What are the Alimini Lakes and why are they a unique ecosystem
The Alimini Lakes are two basins connected by lu Strittu, a narrow channel linking environments with different characteristics: Alimini Grande, coastal in origin, and Alimini Piccolo (also called Fontanelle), fed by springs and groundwater. Alimini Grande stretches for about 2.5 km and reaches depths of around 4 meters; it is influenced by exchanges with the Adriatic and maintains a salinity close to seawater, with seabeds where Ruppia maritima has also been recorded. In the northern sector, the Traguano Marsh is a low, sandy area with springs contributing to the lake’s supply. Alimini Piccolo, about 2 km long and shallower (up to 2 meters), contains generally fresh water but can become more saline in summer due to evaporation: a variability that creates ecological niches and explains the richness of the oasis. Botanical species cited for the area include the marsh orchid (Anacamptis palustris), Trapa natans, and Utricularia vulgaris, species that highlight the value of Mediterranean wetlands. Birdlife and small vertebrates — amphibians included — accompany mammals typical of Mediterranean mosaics; a profile that led the area to be proposed as a pSIC, a site of community importance at the European level.
How to visit Alimini from Otranto among pine forest, dunes, and the Bay of Turks
Visiting Alimini means adopting a simple approach: alternate observation and movement, without chasing “postcard” views at all costs. Walking or cycling along small roads and coastal paths allows you to read the territory in layers, from lake to pine forest to beach; the dunes, beyond shaping the coastline, protect the wetland behind them and explain why the landscape appears so intact. Swimming here concerns mainly the sea: Alimini Beach is known for long stretches and gently sloping seabeds, while the lakes remain an environment to respect and contemplate, ideal for birdwatching. In spring and autumn, when the light is softer and the air more stable, the walk between pine forest and water becomes one of the most rewarding excursions in the Otranto area. Practically speaking, it’s best to choose cooler hours for walking and save the beach for midday; with westerly winds the sea tends to be calmer, while scirocco and tramontana can make the water rougher. Among the most iconic points of the coastal stretch is the Bay of Turks, reachable on foot, which concentrates in a few meters the signature traits of the Adriatic Salento: pale sand, dense vegetation, sharp light.
Where to stay between Otranto and Alimini: the VOIhotels offer
To experience this coastline with services aligned to the setting, VOIhotels offers two complementary properties. VOI Alimini Resort, about 10 km from Otranto, overlooks two beaches of very fine sand, reachable with a short walk; the layout divides a more active area from one designed for relaxation. The property includes freshwater pools and a wellness area with sauna, Turkish bath, and cascade pool, along with bars and restaurants accessible also via app. For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, VOI Daniela Essentia in Conca Specchiulla, dedicated to guests aged 12 and up, combines renovated spaces, two pools, and a wellness center with sauna and whirlpool; the beach is about 1 km away and easily reachable, with concierge services useful for excursions in the area.
