The Bauxite Lake of Otranto is one of the hidden gems of Puglia. In fact, although little known, it is among the most fascinating and picturesque natural attractions in the region. When you arrive on this body of water, you get the impression that you are in one of those great American parks, but instead we are right on Apulian soil!

It is a small lake with emerald green water that contrasts with the bright red color of the rock walls that surround it. The characteristic coloring comes from the fact that the lake lies within an old bauxite quarry now disused for many years that is located not far from the Punta Palascia lighthouse and Monte Sant'Angelo.

Bauxite Lake between history and legend

The discovery of this bauxite quarry in Otranto and the subsequent quarrying date back to 1940. Exploitation of the deposit continued in the following decades and until 1976, when the quarry closed due to high costs. From then on, the quarry remained in a state of neglect and took on its present appearance.

The pond is therefore nothing more than the consequence of water infiltration from one of the many aquifers in this area of Salento. Due to the bauxite and the reflection of the surrounding vegetation, the water has developed a very intense green color that creates an obvious chromatic contrast with the bright red Of the rock walls rising around it.

Actually, the Bauxite Lake of Otranto is linked to an ancient and sad legend starring the young Asmodeid who was supposed to marry Theophant. The girl, however, concealed a mysterious secret, namely, the ability to dream the future at night with horrible visions, but without having the power to change the future.

On her 15th birthday, the maiden leaves the walls of Otranto to go to the quarry and encounters a strange shadow representing Destiny, who invited her not to marry Theophant as she was already his betrothed. Moreover, if she had married the boy, the latter would have died on the wedding night crushed by the attic.

Asmodeid decides not to heed the prophecy and marries her beloved anyway. Unfortunately, the young man dies that night in the rubble. Angry, Asmodeid goes to the quarry again and rather than marry Destiny, she jumps into a well. Later, water comes out of the well that will go on to create the Bauxite Lake.

Curiosities about Bauxite Lake

For those who do not know, bauxite is a type of sedimentary rock used mostly for aluminum production. It was named after the small French village of Les Baux-de-Provance, where the first bauxite mines were opened in 1822.

This material contains different minerals, including oxides and hydroxides of aluminum and iron, hence the red coloration. Bauxite deposits, however, were present not only in the vicinity of Otranto, but also in the Gargano and the Murgia area. Commercially, the former quarry played an important role in the local economy until the 1970s, when mining then became too expensive.

It is important to say that today Bauxite Lake. is not swimmable and it is therefore not possible to dive into its waters. This is because there are bauxite residues inside it that are harmful to health. On the other hand, for those interested in visiting it, it is useful to specify that there are no special hours and no ticket is required, as it is an open-air natural area.

One can then enter freely without reservation. At most there will be a charge for parking which is located not far from the quarry. The best way to admire the pond is to walk around it from above to observe all the magnificent nuances. If you wish, there is also a small path leading to the lowest point for a closer look at the lake.

How to get to Bauxite Lake by car

To get to Bauxite Lake from Lecce, take the SS16 Adriatica and follow it until you reach the junction for Maglie Centro/Otranto. From here, continue on the SS16 Adriatica to Otranto and then continue on the SP87, following the signs for Santa Cesarea Terme/Porto Badisco. After a few meters take a small country road that becomes unpaved further on. Leave the car in the parking lot and walk on the right until you reach the small lake.

How to get to Bauxite Lake by public transportation

From Lecce station take bus 101 and get off at Otranto. Proceed on Via Orte/SP369 and follow the road for 1.5 km until you reach Bauxite Lake.