Punta Palascìa lighthouse
Capo d’Otranto: mainland Italy’s easternmost point and the narrowest stretch of the Otranto Channel. Palascia lighthouse, built in 1867 and reopened to the public in 2008 after years of neglect, now also houses a small sea museum.
At a glance
- Easternmost point of mainland Italy
- 1867 lighthouse, reopened 2008
- Otranto Channel
- View towards Albania
From the RIB you pass close to the headland: the most open leg of the South tour, after the sheltered bays.
On a clear day your view crosses the Channel towards Albania — about 70 km — and the lighthouse is the silhouette everyone photographs.
Then you run down the coast towards Torre Sant’Emiliano, last stop before heading back to the harbour.
Location on the route
Approximate offshore route
More stops on the SOUTH tour
A few stops on the SOUTH tour — swipe for more or open the full list.
SOUTHGrotta Palombara
Just after Torre del Serpente you skirt the cliff to Grotta Palombara’s entrance — the second stop on the South tour.
SOUTHBaia dell'Orte
Bay between Punta Facì and Punta Palascia, about 4 km from the harbour: red bauxite earth, green scrub and sea that often turns emerald here. The name "Orte" comes from "where the sun rises," for its easterly position.
SOUTHTorre Sant'Emiliano
Last stop on the South tour before heading back: a ruined 16th-century tower on a spur, with the Sant’Emiliano islet offshore.
