Hidden in the Salento hinterland, precisely between Otranto and the Punta Palascia lighthouse, the Cava di Bauxite stands out as a pristine jewel of a landscape. Once an open-pit mine for the extraction of precious mineral, today the quarry is a natural oasis that offers breathtaking scenery and a surreal atmosphere.
Its emerald waters, surrounded by red jagged rocks, create a unique chromatic contrast that has earned the quarry the nickname of “Red Lake”. A suggestive landscape that evokes extraterrestrial atmospheres and that can not escape from a itinerary in Salento.
General information
The Cava di Bauxite in Otranto is a fascinating natural site, known for its extraordinary beauty and historical importance. Bauxite is a sedimentary rock used mainly for the production of aluminium. It owes its name to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, in southern France, where the first mines were discovered in 1822. This rock is distinguished by the presence of various minerals, including oxides and hydroxides of aluminum and iron, and has a characteristic dark red color with whitish spots.
The Otranto bauxite quarry is named after the presence of this mineral, which was extracted on site, contributing to the industrial development of the area. Today, the cave has become a particularly popular attraction for tourists, thanks to its unique landscape and the striking color play of the surrounding rocks and waters.
The history of the Cava di Bauxite
The Cava di Bauxite in Otranto was discovered in 1940, giving rise to a major mining activity that continued until 1976, when high costs made extraction untenable. After the quarry closed, the site gradually transformed into the fascinating landscape we see today. The famous bauxite lake, with its striking emerald green colour, was formed by water infiltration from the many aquifers in the area. This phenomenon, combined with the presence of bauxite and the reflection of the surrounding vegetation, has created a suggestive and picturesque environment that attracts many visitors.
Legend of the Bauxite Quarry
The Cava di bauxite in Otranto is linked to a tragic legend that tells the story of Asmodeide, Teofante’s young bride to be . Asmodeide had the ability to dream about the future, a gift that caused her great anxiety. On her fifteenth birthday, just before the wedding, she met a mysterious figure, Destiny, in the form of an old shepherd, who announced to her the death of Teofante if he had proceeded with the marriage. Ignoring the warning, Asmodeide married Teofante and, as expected, the attic collapsed killing him on their wedding night. Upset by the pain, Asmodeide returned to the quarry where Destiny was waiting for her. Refusing to give in, Asmodeide threw himself into a well, from which water began to pour out, forming the lake that now adorns the quarry.
Timetables and prices
The Cava di Bauxite in Otranto is accessible all year round without specific opening hours, being a natural site with free entry. There is no need to pay a ticket for the visit, but there is a cost of 3 euros for the secure parking until 19:30. After this time, parking becomes free but is not guarded. Often, during the low season, there is no parking ticket.
The parking lot where you can leave your car is the “Parcheggio Orte-Cava di Bauxite” located about 6-7 minutes walk from the quarry.
Tips for visiting the Cava di Bauxite
- The best time to visit the quarry is when the sun is high and the colours are bright and vibrant.
- The time of your visit depends on how much time you decide to spend with her, we recommend that you discover her from different perspectives.
- Wear comfortable shoes and watch out for slippery terrain.
- The Cava di Bauxite is not swimming, so bathing is prohibited.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during summer.
What to do at the Cava di Bauxite
One of the most interesting experiences you can do at the Cava di Bauxite is horseback riding, an extremely suggestive and exciting activity that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the place. Different companies offer this opportunity during different time slots, allowing you to choose the best time for you, whether it’s during sunrise or sunset. Here are some suggestions on which companies you might consider:
- Tour Eventi Italia
- Circolo Ippico Tumara
- Circolo Ippico Malepezza
Where is the Cava di Bauxite and how to get there
The Cava di Bauxite is about 2.6 km away from Otranto and about 45 km from Lecce. The best way to reach it is by car, but you can also get there by bike or, departing from Otranto or nearby areas, on foot.
To arrive at the Cava di bauxite from Lecce by car, take the SS16 Adriatica and follow the road until you reach the junction for Maglie Centro/Otranto. From there, continue on the SS16 Adriatica towards Otranto and then take the SP87, following the signs for Santa Cesarea Terme/Porto Badisco. After a few meters, you take a small country road that becomes dirt. Leave your car in the parking lot and walk to the right until you reach the bauxite lake.
