Gallipoli and Otranto two gems of Puglia

I've visited Salento many times. I've seen sunrises and sunsets from both sides, eaten fish at the port, and swum in different seas. Between Gallipoli and Otranto, I don't have a clear favorite. Both have unique charm and are worth experiencing. But honestly, I've ended up in Otranto more often recently, and I've always had a great time there. Here's why.

Gallipoli is an island connected to the mainland by an old bridge. On one side, there's the baroque historic center, and on the other, the lively new part. The Ionian Sea here is spectacular--turquoise, warm, with fine white sand and gently sloping seabeds, perfect for hours of swimming. Beaches like Punta della Suina or Baia Verde look like the Caribbean, and in summer, the seafront buzzes with aperitifs, music, and young people.

In the old town, you stroll among flowered balconies, hidden courtyards, and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, with the Angevin Castle reflecting in the canal. The atmosphere is dynamic, trendy, with nightlife lasting late--ideal if you're looking for energy and fun.

But in high season, it gets crowded, prices rise, and parking can be a challenge. It's a perfect destination for those who want dreamy beaches and a summer vibe.

Otranto is Italy's easternmost point: sunrise before anyone else, an ancient village enclosed by Aragonese walls, white uphill streets, and an almost mystical atmosphere. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata houses the Tree of Life mosaic (a 12th-century masterpiece), and the Aragonese Castle offers amazing views of the port.

The Adriatic Sea is intense, often rougher, with dramatic cliffs and wild coves like Baia dei Turchi. It's not "Caribbean" like Gallipoli, but it's suggestive and varied--perfect for those who love nature and history.

Here's a video I shot during a walk in Otranto's center. It captures the charm of the alleys, the walls, and that sense of peace you feel while walking.

My video of the walk in Otranto:

And here, the beauty of its beaches: fine sand, crystal-clear sea, and that wild touch making the Adriatic in Salento unique.

My video on Otranto's beaches

Why do I often end up there? It's super convenient: easy parking (I often find a spot near the center without stress), I swim practically in the city (coves reachable on foot), eat with a sea view at port trattorias, and hardly need to move the car all day. Total relaxation, no rush.

Talking about the sea, the contrast between the two is clear, but each has its charm.

In Gallipoli, the sea is Ionian: warm, crystal-clear, with that fine white sand underfoot and gently sloping seabeds. It's the classic place where you can swim for hours without touching the bottom, perfect for relaxing all day, especially if kids play safely near the shore.

In Otranto, it's Adriatic: the color is more intense, the water a bit cooler, with cliffs diving straight into the sea and hidden coves that seem secret. It's a wilder, more varied sea, with a slightly harsh charm that makes you feel immersed in true nature.

The cuisine is a tie: both towns are delightful, with fresh fish, handmade orecchiette, and crispy puccia. In Gallipoli, don't miss polpo alla pignata eaten right at the port, with the sea's scent filling your nostrils. In Otranto, grilled fish has that extra touch, almost "oriental," thanks to the city's history facing Albania and Greece.

In the end, choosing depends on the vacation you have in mind:if traveling with kids, Gallipoli makes life easier with its well-equipped, comfortable sandy beaches;if looking for romance, Otranto wins with its narrow alleys, fiery sunsets, and the silence that envelops the evening;if you crave nightlife, aperitifs, and people, Gallipoli gives you that energy;if you love culture, history, and practical relaxation without too much moving around, Otranto is my frequent choice lately - and I always feel at home there.

In summary: Gallipoli for paradise beaches and energy. Otranto for historical emotion, intense nature, and daily convenience. I don't choose a "better" one - I do both when I can. But based on recent experiences, Otranto wins for practicality and that sense of "everything at hand."