Spread the love

Post Views: 40

The Italian region of Puglia has become a hot destination in recent years, not just because of rising temperatures. The heel of Italy’s boot has a rich history, beautiful beaches, superb regional cuisine, and a relaxed attitude toward living life to the fullest. No wonder its popularity has grown among travellers in the know, in no small part due to a marked increase in nonstop flights from other parts of Europe.

One of the most attractive cities in Puglia is Otranto, the easternmost point of Italy, which was a significant port for commerce with faraway lands centuries ago. As a result, Otranto has always been rather cosmopolitan for its size, thanks to the international contact with different cultures that still make the region of the Adriatic Sea fascinating to this day. Being a city whose history and cultural patrimony are closely linked to the sea, there is no better way to arrive in Otranto than aboard a ship, preferably one whose scale suits the small city. Sea Cloud Cruises’ Sea Cloud II yacht is the perfect vessel for travel to this part of Italy, where the country’s high-speed train services do not reach. Otranto’s main attraction is its cathedral, which has remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors and is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this part of the Salento coast. The cathedral and the mosaic floor are so crucial as a vestige of history that they have a detailed website.

: Otranto harbour with Sea Cloud II

: Otranto monument in one of the scenic town squares

Because Sea Cloud II is a small ship compared to the enormous cruise vessels catering to thousands of passengers at a time, Sea Cloud passengers can benefit from the convenience of pierside docking just a short and easy walk along the harbourfront to Otranto’s historical city centre. A quaint maze of narrow pedestrian streets combined with the sudden appearance of squares lined with fine architecture and a lungomare waterside promenade make Otranto a beautiful place. This being Italy, the food and wine are of course excellent, as is the gelato, especially the homemade licorice gelato found at several ice cream shops around town; the old sights may be majestic, but the taste of fresh gelato is among the most rewarding of memories of any visit to Italy.

: Otranto cathedral’s impressive exterior

: Otranto cathedral mosaic floor

: Otranto cathedral ceiling detail

Back on board Sea Cloud II, the day’s activities are shared among fellow passengers, some of whom opt for an excursion to Lecce, another UNESCO World Heritage Site whose cathedral is similarly extraordinary. Naturally, having received deliveries from Italian suppliers, the night’s dinner on board Sea Cloud as it sets sail toward the next destination is a delightful taste of la dolce vita.