Private Day Trip: Castro & Otranto from Lecce with Driver

Summary

Castro and Otranto Private Tour: Coastal Sights & Local Flavors

You’ll get to see Castro’s peaceful harbor and ancient castle before heading along Puglia’s coast to Otranto—where history meets seaside charm. This private tour lets you explore at your own pace with a local driver handling all the details.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Lecce was still cool when we hopped into the minivan—pickup was right on time, 8:30 sharp. Our driver greeted us with a friendly “Buongiorno” and we set off towards Castro. The drive itself felt like a slow reveal: olive groves, flashes of turquoise sea between the trees, and the faint smell of salt drifting in through the window. When we arrived, Castro’s old port looked almost sleepy, fishing boats bobbing quietly. We wandered narrow lanes lined with pale stone houses—some locals were already out chatting over coffee at Bar Grotta Azzurra (I grabbed an espresso myself). The Aragonese Castle loomed above us, its walls weathered but solid, and our driver pointed out the Byzantine church tucked just behind it. If you’re up for it, there’s Zinzulusa Cave nearby—a real highlight if you like caves or just want to dip your toes in clear water. I skipped the swim (it was still a bit chilly), but saw a few brave folks jump in.

Back on the road, we hugged the coast past Santa Cesarea Terme—those art nouveau villas are hard to miss—and Porto Badisco, where fishermen were hauling in nets by hand. By lunchtime, we rolled into Otranto. Our driver dropped us near “Le Creste,” a local farm spot where you can grab something hearty (the orecchiette with tomato sauce hit the spot). Otranto itself is easy to explore on foot; I wandered along the old city walls and caught glimpses of turquoise water below. The cathedral is worth ducking into—the mosaic floor is wild, full of strange creatures and symbols from centuries ago. There’s no guide included on this trip, so I’d recommend bringing a guidebook or just following your nose through town. After a lazy stroll along the promenade (gelato in hand), our driver met us for the ride back to Lecce as the afternoon sun started to dip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Castro and Otranto Day-Trip

• Visit Castro: Aragonese Castle, Byzantine Church, Zinzulusa Cave boat tour
• Drive along coast via Santa Cesarea Terme and Porto Badisco to Otranto
• Explore Otranto: castle, walls, promenade, cathedral, beach

Top questions

Is there a tour guide included?

No guide is included—you’ll explore on your own. A guidebook or audio app is handy for extra info.

Can I swim at Zinzulusa Cave?

If weather allows, yes! Bring swim gear if you want to take a dip—it’s chilly early season though.

What time does pickup start?

Your driver will pick you up at 8:30am from your chosen spot in Lecce.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch isn’t included but there are plenty of local places to eat in Otranto around midday.

What’s included

This private experience covers pickup and drop-off at your preferred Lecce location, all transport by comfy minivan with air conditioning, plus an experienced local driver. Infant seats available if needed—just let us know ahead of time.