Help me choose: Otranto or Gallipoli?
 

Hi everyone!

I've scoured the forums and while there is a wealth of information, I still can't make a decision - please help!

I've got 2 nights in Matera, 3 in Ostuni and another 3 nights to go.

I think I've decided against staying in Lecce as I'd prefer to stay closer to the coast.

I'm torn between Otranto and Gallipoli, my dates are in early July.

Which one has proximity to the better beaches? I'm in love with images of cliffs / sea caves with people kayaking, but can't exactly figure out which beach they're from!
Better food?
"Nicer" town?

If anyone would like to provide me with a detailed itinerary, that would be FABULOUS! :D

Janice

Porto Badisco is near Otranto; is this more or less what you had in mind?


http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q...Q&ved=0CCEQsAQ


I think that the Otranto coastline is more rugged than the Gallipoli side, which has more sandy beaches.

I will return to elaborate further later today; meanwhile, you might want to to read my report from last September, if you have not done so already.

Hi ekscrunchy,

Yes, Porto Badisco is one of the places I was looking at :) Lido Pizzo by Gallipoli looks beautiful too though!

I think I won't go wrong with either location, just having a hard time picking one of them. Otranto does have a Wednesday market which could be a deciding factor for me to stay there! However, the restaurants in Gallipoli get generally better reviews.. I know there's a fish market in Gallipoli, but haven't found information about any other markets there.

I am almost certain that Otranto has a fish market, too. Will you be buying fish to cook in an apartment, or do you just want to look?

I bet we can dig up a list of the daily markets in the various cities/towns of the Salento---

If you are interested in restaurants, I will tell you that Otranto is a bit of a tourist mecca. There are lots of restaurants in the town, but one of the best meals I had that week was in an agriturismo about 15 minutes away...the entire area is an eating mecca...

No, I wouldn't be cooking. That's why I was hoping Gallipoli would have a regular daily market as well -- I just want to buy cheese, bread and olive oil! A list would be fantastic if you can let me know!

Yes, I've heard Otranto can be a bit touristy that's actually why I'm leaning towards Gallipoli but I know that driving through the new town won't be pleasant. Which town is better to come home to for an evening stroll?

Thanks for your help :)