La Casa Del Gelso Bianco

The smell of croissants baking fresh in the morning was a real highlight at La Casa del Gelso Bianco. Domenico and his daughter Erika were accommodating hosts. We stayed there in early October while cycling around the region with Salento Bici Tour. The bright, clean B&B is just a short walk from Otranto's beachfront.

The rooms are upstairs, with the owners living below, and they're very clean and spacious. Breakfast was generous and fantastic. Erika, one of the owners, is also a tour guide and knew so much about the town and what to see. It can be a little tricky to find at first, but once you know where to look it's easy. The spot is set back from the main strip, which makes it quieter. We came in low season, though I can imagine the strip gets hectic in summer. Highly recommend.

The location worked perfectly, around a five-minute walk to town and the sea, with great restaurants and beautiful azzurre beaches within walking distance. Don't miss the quaint artisan shops inside the old castle walls. Domenico was a wonderful host and went out of his way to make us comfortable and at home. Domenico and his daughter Erika welcomed us warmly and were readily available for our questions. They know a lot about Otranto's history. Both speak fluent English and Italian, and Erika also speaks Spanish. The room was spacious, comfortable and very clean. Breakfast was homemade and delicious, with fresh-baked croissants, cappuccino, plenty of fresh fruit and other goodies. Thank you, Domenico.

The breakfast was amazing, with local cheeses and delicious pasticcoto. Domenico and Erika are the best hosts. The B&B is very well placed, right beside Otranto's main beach, a short walk from the center, and easy to reach when driving in or out of town.