Enjoy a beautiful three-hour excursion aboard the comfortable and well-equipped Hydra boat, departing from the port of Otranto and heading north along the Adriatic coast, where Salento’s spectacular shoreline reveals turquoise waters, lush vegetation, white cliffs, and hidden beaches. The first sight admired from the sea is Otranto, one of Puglia’s most popular destinations, home to about 5,600 inhabitants and shaped over the centuries by Greek-Messapic, Roman, Byzantine, and Aragonese influences, developing around its imposing castle and Norman cathedral; an important archbishop’s seat and vibrant tourist center, it gave its name to the Canale d’Otranto and Terra d’Otranto and, thanks to its historical significance, was recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 2010 and is a proud member of “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia.” Just outside Otranto lies the first stop, La Staffa, a quiet, unspoiled beach set among rocks near a deep inlet known as Il Canalone, followed by the Canale San Pietro and Grotta Monaca, named after the monk seals that once frequented these waters, whose inviting colors encourage a refreshing swim. The tour continues to Remito, a sheltered cove with sheer cliffs showcasing the erosive power of the sea, and then to the bay of Mulino d’Acqua, named after the ancient water mill once used to generate energy from the sea, where sandy beaches lie between a series of historic caves and guests can swim in warm waters before exploring further. Heading north, the boat reaches Baia Imperia, with its distinctive circular rock formations rising from the sea, and Baia Morrone, famous for its shallow sandy bottom and striking fluorescent hues reminiscent of the Caribbean, also known for natural spring waterfalls and special clay rocks traditionally used for skin mud massages, both accessible only by sea. The journey continues to the area of Santo Stefano, where the ruins of the historic Torre Santo Stefano watchtower can be seen, before reaching the Baia dei Turchi, named after the Turkish troops who landed here in 1480 and today renowned for its Mediterranean vegetation, fine sandy beaches, and pristine turquoise and emerald-green waters. The final stop of the tour is the beach of Alimini, one of Salento’s most popular destinations, located near two lakes—one freshwater and one saltwater connected to the sea by a channel—and celebrated for its white sands, lush surroundings, and warm waters; before returning to Otranto, guests can also observe Il Relitto, the remains of the merchant ship Dimitrios that ran aground here in 1978, and after the swimming stops, an aperitif is served on board during the relaxing return to the port.