Author: freedombird

Sunday 25th October 2026 – a walk to Lake Alimini….

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The forecast for today was not good but by late morning the grey clouds had come to nothing so we set out northwards through the pine forest and along Spiaggia Azzurro….

The beach ends at what would appear to be the overflow from Lake Alimini….

Here we had to join the road to cross the inlet and had planned to perhaps walk around the lake a bit but with no obvious access we contented ourselves with this view from the bridge….

To be fair it didn’t look to be the most interesting lake so we crossed back over the road and joined Spiaggia Alimini to continue our walk instead….

We walked on until the beach literally ran out, sat for a while watching a lone windsurfer and trying to work out what the wreckage in front of us was (a Greek Cargo Ship that ran aground in 1978)….

At this point the rain (only light rain) that was promised did catch up with us and kindly accompanied us most of the way back though the sun reappeared as we were nearing the end of Spiaggia Azzurro and thanks to the chasing wind we were fully dry by the time we got back to the van, though I rather think that a swim is off the cards today!….

Today’s stats:

  • Miles walked –
  • Beaches – 2
  • O/N – £15

Saturday 24th October 2026 – another beautiful day at Baia dei Turchis….

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This weather is just perfect so we are going to stay and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this location. It is ideal not having to walk out onto or along any roads with seemingly miles of pine forest and coastline to explore from our doorstep. Today we make our way to the beautiful Baia dei Turchis….

This time heading south we mix between walking along the beach and along a path, leading us through bamboo tunnels and hedgerows….

Across rock beds with natural arches and stunning aquamarine pools….

Along to the hidden sandy inlet – Spiaggia dei Porticeddhri….

And finally around a headland onto the moonlike plateaux Caletta Toraiello….

At this point we decide to turn back and return to site for lunch before returning to Baia dei Turchis to catch the last of the afternoon sun and for a swim….

What a perfect day.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles walked – 6
  • Beaches – 3
  • O/N – £15.00

Friday 23rd October 2026 – a few miles north to Baia de Turchis….

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We are struggling a bit to find places to stay as many campsites are now closed for the winter and the weather looks a little stormy the further north we go. Having found a little campsite just a few miles up the road on the coast by the Baia of Turchis we bid farewell to Otranto the town and follow the coast road to the somewhat remote Agriturismo Fontanelle….

The campsite is a small holding offering fresh fruit and veg and of course Olives from the farm, along with daily deliveries of bread and croissants and is actually a little gem sitting behind a belt of pine forest and the rather stunning beach – Baia dei Turchis, a collection of rock backed beautiful white sandy bays….

We quickly get settled and set off for a walk down to the sea – what a sight for sore eyes….

We venture along the beach to the north passing the petite Lido dei Pini….

Onto the beautiful wide expanse of white sand that is Spiaggia Azzurro….

As the sun is warm and the sea beautiful and clear we pop back to the van for a quick bite to eat and change, before heading back to Spiaggia Azzurro to spend the afternoon playing, sitting and relaxing on the beach with the occasional dip in the sea (for me) – I honestly can’t think of a better way to spend our time….

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 6
  • Miles walked – 6
  • Beaches – 3
  • O/N – £15.00

Thursday 22nd October 2026 – moving across to the east coast and Otranto….

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After a grey day yesterday with occasional showers, which incidentally was much better than forecast with far less rain, where we didn’t really do a lot, today has dawned bright and sunny. Time to move on, though I should say that if there was a decent beach within walking distance, we possibly would have stayed a few more days. Anyway we settled our account and headed across country to the east coast and the small historic town of Otranto.

By midday we were settled onto our Aire for the night (just a car park really but gated and close to the centre) and headed straight out into the glorious sunshine to explore what is Otranto – the Castle was an impressive sight and sits on the corner of the fortified wall which encloses the old town of Otranto….

Typically the old town is a series of narrow streets and alleyways surrounding the Cattedrale di Otranto….

Walking down through the streets takes you out onto the seafront…

A wide pedestrianised boulevard with busy bars and restaurants offering alfresco dining to suit all and views back over the walled old town….

The beaches are as you leave the old town and sheltered by stone groins in the bay. The main beach is Spiaggia degli Scanloni, followed by (heading north) Spiaggia della Riviera, a tiny little bay and finally outside the harbour walls one that I could take Tilly onto for a run, Spiaggia di Porto Craulo….

The sea looked very enticing but unfortunately there wasn’t really the option to leave Tilly safely so I had to make do with a paddle before we sat in the shade of the rocks for a break and to cool down as it is pretty warm today.

Revived we made our way back and around to the other side of the port to look back over the walled town….

Before making our way back to the van for something to eat and drink. Later we did venture back into town just as it was getting dark and as expected the town was well lit and preparing for the evening trade….

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 30
  • Miles walked – 7
  • Beaches – 3
  • O/N – £10.06
  • O/N – £21.70 (last night)

Tuesday 20th October 2026 – as far south as we go – Santa Maria di Leuca…

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Today we achieved what we set out to do yesterday and this time drove straight to the most southerly point of the ‘heel’ of Italy and our most southerly point of this journey – Santa Maria di Leuca….

After parking up we walked towards the most southerly point and were greeted by the Scalinata Monumentale – a rather steep and beautiful double staircase to take us up to the highest point….

On special occasions a fountain feeds a waterfall down the centre stones, which I’m sure looks absolutely stunning, though it wasn’t to be today. In fairness, I rather think we deserved a display, having climbed up all those steps! Instead we had to make do with a spectacular view down over the harbour and historic town of Leuca….

Perched at the top is the Basilica Santa Maria di Leuca….

The Lighthouse stands taller still and you just cannot get enough of this view….

We did though and made our way back down to the harbour and van….

Our next stop was the allegedly ‘Maldives Beach’ of Italy or Spiaggia Pescoluse – not dog friendly and even though I have never been to the Maldives, I’m pretty sure they top this….

I can think of plenty nicer beaches that we have visited – but hey! A little further down the road we found the ‘Seychelles Beach’ – Spiaggia Marina di Pescoluse – dog friendly, deserted and nicer in my opinion, though I have been to the Seychelles and it is not a patch.

Anyhow, we are happy with our little find and after a wander a long to look at Spiaggia Torre Pali, the next little village along….

We popped back to the van to change and returned to spend a delightful couple of hours on the beach, swimming (me), chasing sticks (Tilly) and just being (both)….

A pleasant drive along the coastal road back to site with the added bonus of being able to get diesel, well limited to 100 euros worth as many garages down here are out of fuel following the truck driver and tractor protests (about the high prices of fuel) hampering supply. We at least have enough fuel now to take us further north.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles driven – 66
  • Miles walked – 6
  • Fuel – £84.30
  • Groceries – £45.18
  • O/N – £16.00