Cover Picture © istock/staraldo
Cover Picture © istock/staraldo

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Cave of Bauxite – the most colorful hiking spot in Apulia

2 minutes to read

There is probably no better way to recharge your batteries and clear your head than spending time in nature. Apulia is the perfect area to enjoy a regenerating getaway. The southern-Italian region offers many beautiful beaches and views along the Adriatic, as well as across the Ionian coast and beautiful hilly countrysides. One natural place in Apulia that particularly stands out thanks to its unreal colors is the Cave of Bauxite.

© istock/vololibero
© istock/vololibero

Cave of Bauxite is probably the most colorful hiking spot in Apulia and a perfect place for a stroll in nature. The site is located close to Otranto, in the Salento peninsula. What makes this place so extraordinary are the many colors of the stone and the lake itself. The green lake is surrounded by red bauxite stone and untouched nature. The red-colored stone is quite unusual for the region and truly remarkable. The area is not very big and an easy hike, about a 30-minutes long. It is not a hidden gem anymore but usually also not too crowded. If you visit it outside the main tourist season (July & August), you might even have the colorful, natural spectacle to yourself. 

Lago di Bauxite  Otranto
Lago di Bauxite Otranto
Via Orte, 73028 Otranto

In the forties, it was used to mine Bauxite as a component for the aluminum production. The mining in the south of Otranto continued for forty years. Afterward, nature took over and transformed it into the breathtaking natural area it is now. Along with the colorful bauxite and the many shades of green of the water, there is also a diverse and charming flora to be explored.

If you arrive by car, you can use the private parking space close to the lake for 3 € a day. From the beautiful seaside town Otranto, it is also possible to reach it by foot. Once you are there it is recommended to wear sturdy and preferably old footwear- the red sand there leaves stains which are very hard to remove. 

© istock/EunikaSopotnicka
© istock/EunikaSopotnicka

A visit at Cave of Bauxite can be perfectly combined with a beach day or a day trip to Otranto. The surrounding area is famous for its beautiful beaches and natural, raw beauty. Finish off the day with a sundowner drink in the picturesque city of Otranto. The historical center of the town offers marvelous sea and port views and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. 





The author

Sandra Marx

Sandra Marx

My name is Sandra and I grew up in Austria. I started a Bed and Breakfast in Puglia, Italy, with my partner. I will tell you about all my favorite places and I hope that this wonderful region will fascinate you.

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