beach

Monday 26th October 2026 – a walk to Alessia Bay….

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A mostly sunny, if a little breezy day today so after a lazy start we headed out around 11 with our sights set on walking along the rocky coastline southwards towards Otranto.

Baia dei Turchi was looking absolutely stunning, though with few takers as the wind was blowing straight down the beach…

Somehow we ended up losing the coastal path as we approached the large seemingly private and closed Holiday Park of Villagio Club Med with all access points closed and ended up walking for several miles along a very quiet lane with olive groves on either side. It was quite a pleasant albeit not very interesting walk as it was pretty flat and with no passing traffic, in fact it almost felt like we were the only people about! Eventually using a combination of Apple Maps and Ordnance Survey we walked across a couple of fields (according to OS a footpath) until we could get no closer to the sea….

Quite frustrating but the edges did look a little precarious and again any access continuing south was blocked by another closed holiday park. However as we have been walking for well over an hour, I decided that we would abandon any plans to continue further south as access to the coastline didn’t seem to be possible. Instead we continued to walk along the edge of the field, that could or could not have been a diversion for the closed coastal path and managed to catch a couple of glimpses of Alessia Bay (one of the bays we had been trying to reach) – how stunning….

We did somehow end up inside the Club Med Holiday Village, which was very definitely closed for the season but fortunately the gate buzzer was still functional, allowing us to get out rather than retrace our steps! From here it was a case of retracing our steps along the lane and back into the open pine forest to pick up the warren of footpaths from Caletta Totaiello….

Back to a still windy and now mostly in the shade, Baia dei Turchi….

A little frustrating but actually quite enjoyable 8 mile round trip.

Today’s stats:

  • Miles walked – 9
  • Beaches – 3
  • O/N – £15.00

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)