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….
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….
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 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.
As another beautiful day dawned, it is much more comfortable weather wise, noticeably cooling down overnight to 13 ish degrees and during the days reaching highs of 22 or 23 degrees which for me and Tilly is just perfect and if it can stay like this until December we shall be just grand!
We had big plans for the day, planning to finish up at the most southerly point of Italy, however our first and as it turns out, only stop was just perfect….
The car park though huge and almost empty was cordoned off into car sized slots which do not work for a 6m camper, fortunately though we found a couple where the middle rope had been taken down so we managed to wedge ourselves in diagonally and with that set off for a walk through the pine forest to this beauty….
Spiaggia di Punta della Suina did not disappoint, a glorious combination of craggy rocks, white powdery sand and turquoise seas….
This beach was a little busy as it is only small and is nearest the car park and has a beach bar so we ventured back through the pine trees to find access to the quieter beaches beyond – Spiaggetta della Grotta….
And our ideal beach a quiet long strip of lush sand and sea with only a few other takers – Spiaggia Grande del Pizzo…..
Now we had a decision to make as we returned to the van and I had a coffee whilst Tilly belatedly ate about half her breakfast. Do we stay and just enjoy the day here, as who knows how many beautiful warm days we have left or do we press on with our plans?
Not a tough decision at all really, so I changed into my swimming costume and we headed back to a nice quiet spot by a rock to provide Tilly with some shade and spent a lovely afternoon just being….
The water was delicious, a little fresh when you first get in for maybe 2 seconds and then just lovely. There is something about swimming in calm clear waters with just sand beneath you and the odd little fish darting about, Gallipoli Lighthouse visible on the horizon….
Tilly sits patiently in the shade of the rock until she realises I am getting out and then is so excited to see me….
We play awhile as she chases some driftwood until she has had enough and then she either lies in the shade of the rock or beside me in my shade. The sea is gentle enough that she is not alarmed and quite content to sit just a few yards away.
Such a shame to leave and return to site but hunger spurs us on. A perfect day.
