Among the most beautiful stretches of Adriatic coastline in Puglia, that of the Alimini Lakes is a true oasis of unspoiled nature, beauty and excellent facilities, harmoniously set in the territory. Alimini grande and Alimini piccolo are the two lakes that give their names to the sandy beaches that, together with the Baia dei Turchi, make up much of Otranto's sandy sea.
The coast runs along the two basins: why visit the Alimini Lakes
Kilometers of fine beach, clear sea and a breeze that gives surfers small waves to ride. What a dream, the Alimini Lakes area in Puglia, surrounded by greenery, lush with Mediterranean scrub that gives shade and fragrant essences.
At Laghi Alimini, the beach is more than 6 kilometers long. It is located north of Otranto and takes its name from the lakes behind it that are not swimmable and provide the perfect habitat for the nesting of various species of waterfowl such as white storks and imperial eagles.
Renting a vacation home at Alimini Lakes will also be a chance to experience an ancient suggestion: here, in fact, was the hunting ground of Emperor Frederick II and the Aragonese. But also fishing at Laghi Alimini is a hobby that gives satisfaction. Important, too, is the breeding of fish such as sea bass, gilthead, bream, mullet and carp.
The Laghi Alimini beach and its lidos
Blue Flag and 5 Sails of Legambiente: these Otranto beaches win hearts and awards, for their beauty, but above all for the quality of the environment and services offered. The water of this sea is always transparent. Its green reflections reflect the thick foliage of the pine forest that runs along the entire coastline and on the dunes, some as high as 12 meters.
The beach of Laghi Alimini in Otranto, where - according to one version of history - the Turks landed during the 15th-century assault, offers long stretches of free beach as well as crowded equipped lidos with entertainment, especially in the evenings when some turn into beach bars with live music or DJ sets, if not even into seaside discos.
The best wind for swimming is the west wind, which reveals the shallow waters for several meters, making it a very suitable beach for children, those who need to walk a long way in the sea and those who cannot swim well. Waves and rough sea, much loved by surfers, when the sirocco or tramontana winds blow strong.
Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will also have satisfaction: in the depths of the Alimini there is still some remnant of the wreck of the Greek cargo ship "Dimitrios," which ran aground here in 1978 a few meters off the coast, of which there are in truth only a few pieces of the carcass remaining.
Stretching further north, still on the Otranto stretch of coast, we come to Frassanito, another wonderful beach with sand and low, outcropping rocks. Here, too, free beach and equipped lidos alternate, and it is a favorite destination for surfers, even in winter.
Alimini Lakes, origins and history
If you experience a vacation home stay in Otranto's Laghi Alimini, you'll certainly want to know how the two lakes near the coast came to be. The etymon of the word "alimini" indicates precisely a body of water, from the Greek "limni" meaning lake. Already Galen, in the second century A.D., referred to the Alimini as "limne thalasses," meaning sea ponds.
Today when people talk about vacations at the Alimini Lakes they mean two distinct freshwater basins: Alimini Grande further north, and Alimini Piccolo called Fontanelle, because of the numerous springs that feed it. The origins of these bodies of water date back to the Quaternary, about 2 million years ago. They were probably even larger and appeared as a gulf on the Adriatic.
Findings from 1967 onward show that the entire lake area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. The Alimini Grande springs from the abrasive action of the sea, has depths of up to 4 meters and is populated by many mollusks. Its waters are almost as salty as the sea. It is connected to Alimini Piccolo by a natural channel called "lu strittu," 1.5 km long.
Alimini Piccolo is of karst origin and has an elliptical shape. The depth of the seabed does not exceed 1.20 m. The waters are not very saline, so it has a completely different type of fauna and flora than the Grande. The seabed consists mainly of crustaceans and cladocerae, while it is possible to see the marsh orchid and water chestnut here.
How to get to the Alimini beach
To reach the free beaches of Alimini and the main lidos, you have to cross the pine forest, where of course you cannot park, as it is a protected naturalistic area of enormous value. So, you have to leave your car in one of the large parking lots that are on the coast road, close to the forest, from which free trains and shuttles to the beaches depart.
Everything is ready for your vacation in Otranto! All you have to do is book a vacation home with us and enjoy all the natural beauty that the area in the Alimini Lakes area offers.
Alternatively, you can choose from Barbarhouse's rental catalog a vacation home in Torre dell' Orso, a little further north of Otranto, and be enchanted by the white beaches of this wonderful corner of paradise, immersed in absolute quiet and relaxation.
Latest articles
News
National Turn for BarbarHouse: Holiday Homes in Italy
BarbarHouse: a success storyEstablished in Casarano in the heart of Puglia, BarbarHouse has always had customer satisfaction as its main goal. Its mission is to offer the tourist a level of service and selection of properties that can meet every expectation.Through our selection of unique properties and attention to detail, we've built a solid reputation that has allowed us to grow and dream big. A passion for hospitality and a love for our area have been the pillars upon which we've built our success.Discover our ever-growing selection of accommodations, including vacation homes, apartments, B&Bs, residences, farmhouses, luxury homes, villas and cottages, all exclusively BarbarHouse.READ ALSO:BarbarHouse triumphs at Stars of Southern Italy 2024.A New Chapter: Holiday Homes throughout ItalyToday, we are proud to say that our vacation rentals are no longer limited to the region of Puglia. We have expanded to other regions of Italy, from north to south, including Marche, Lombardy, Liguria, Lazio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, Sardinia, Tuscany, Trentino, Valle d'Aosta, and Veneto.Whether it's a villa with a sea view on the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia or a lake view on the shores of Lake Maggiore, a farmhouse nestled in the Tuscan countryside or an apartment in the heart of Rome, we have the perfect solution for every need and desire for a vacation.Comfort and Quality everywhere: our commitment to the futureEach property in our portfolio has been carefully selected to ensure the highest standardsofquality and comfort. We offer a wide range of options, from the most economical to luxury solutions, all characterized by impeccable service. In addition, we are committed to maintaining a direct and transparent relationship with our clients, ensuring support and assistance at every stage of the stay.This expansion represents only the beginning of a new adventure. We will continue to work with dedication and passion to constantly improve our services and further expand our offerings. Our goal is to make every stay in our vacation homes synonymous with relaxation, discovery and happiness.Discover our new destinations and book your next vacation with us!YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: The most beautiful lakes in Lombardy The 7 castles to visit in Lombardy The most Instagrammable places in Milan Sardinia Airports 5 things to know before leaving for Puglia Puglia AirportsLooking for more tips to make the most of your vacation?Click here!BarbarHouse has an extensive catalog of vacation homes and villas in Italy. Its offer covers all kinds of needs: from apartments in the city or in historic centers to villas by the sea, to budget and luxury accommodations such as hotels, residences and B&Bs.Authors: the BarbarHouse editorial staffMarcello De Vincenti Silvia Lazzari
Read more
Guides
Affordable places in Italy for retired U.S. citizens: top destinations
MilanThose who are not ready to give up the energetic nightlife, vibrant city lifestyle and wealth of activities will feel right at home in Milan. This Italian city offers a high quality of life, quality health care, and an exciting atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. Although the cost of living is slightly on the higher end of this list, it is still worth considering for U.S. citizens.ApuliaHeading south to the "heel" of Italy's iconic boot shape, Puglia's Mediterranean landscape and rich coastline make it the perfect destination for a lively but relaxed retirement. Those who desire Italian sunshine and relaxing days on the beach in luxury without spending a fortune will find the perfect balance in Puglia. Whether it's a seaside villa or a country home nestled in an olive grove, Puglia offers the best of both worlds, including a low cost of living, cultural charm, and slow-paced living.Must-see towns and beaches in PugliaLocated in southeastern Italy, Puglia offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. Its enchanting medieval villages, Baroque towns and restored farmhouses offer a fascinating immersion in Italian history and culture. From Lecce, with its superb examples of Baroque architecture, to Ostuni, the "White City," with its picturesque winding streets and whitewashed houses, Puglia is a region full of treasures to discover.For retirees who wish to spend their days relaxing on the beach, Puglia does not disappoint. Its beaches, with their crystal-clear sea and long stretches of golden sand, offer the ideal environment for enjoying the Italian sun and soaking up the dolce vita. From Pescoluse beach, affectionately known as "The Maldives of Salento," to Porto Selvaggio beach, surrounded by a protected nature reserve, there are options for all tastes.In addition, Puglia is renowned for its delicious and authentic cuisine. From orecchiette with turnip greens to fresh seafood caught daily, retirees can delight in the authentic flavors of Apulian cuisine without spending a fortune. And with the many local markets and traditional festivals held throughout the year, there's always something new to taste and discover.Puglia embodies the perfect balance of vibrant and relaxed living, offering U.S. retirees an unforgettable retirement experience. With its breathtaking landscape, rich culture, and gentle, authentic lifestyle, Puglia is a destination that never disappoints.Le MarcheLocated on the Adriatic coast, Le Marche offers breathtaking scenery, enchanting medieval villages and a peaceful pace of life perfect for retirees. With a combination of mountains, hills, and coastline, this region has much to offer in terms of natural beauty. In addition, property prices and cost of living are generally lower than in other, more touristy areas of Italy, making Le Marche an affordable option for U.S. retirees.Must-see villages and landscapes in Le MarcheLe Marche, located along the Adriatic coast, offers a unique and fascinating retirement experience for U.S. citizens seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This enchanting region features breathtaking scenery, well-preserved medieval villages and a peaceful pace of life that makes it perfect for retirees.One of Marche's strengths is its scenic diversity. Here you can find majestic mountains, hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, and an enchanting coastline with golden beaches and cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This diversity offers endless opportunities to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.The medieval villages of Le Marche are a true treasure to discover. From Urbino, with its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, to Gradara, with its well-preserved castle and narrow cobblestone streets, every corner of Le Marche tells a fascinating story of the past.In addition, Marche boasts a low cost of living and affordable property prices compared to other, more touristy regions of Italy. This makes the region particularly attractive to U.S. retirees who wish to enjoy a comfortable life without spending a fortune. A wide range of housing options can be found here, from country homes nestled in the quiet of nature to scenic villas overlooking the sea.But what really makes Le Marche special is its authentic Italian lifestyle. Here retirees can immerse themselves in local culture, participate in local traditions and enjoy genuine Marche hospitality. From food festivals to cultural festivals, there's always something to do and discover in Le Marche.Book your vacation in Italy nowIf you'd like to have an unforgettable experience in these fascinating destinations, we invite you to book one of our vacation rentals. With a wide selection of properties from the BarbarHouse catalog to choose from, from scenic villas with sea views to rustic country homes surrounded by nature, we guarantee you a comfortable, authentic and unforgettable stay.Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, taste delicious regional cuisine and discover the hidden treasures of Milan, Marche and Puglia. Book your dream stay now and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Italy!
Read more
