About 8 kilometres north of Otranto lie the two Alimini lakes — Alimini Grande, which connects to the sea, and the freshwater Alimini Piccolo (also called Fontanelle), fed by underground springs. Together they form one of the most important wetland habitats in Puglia, a stopover for migrating waterfowl including herons, cormorants, and the occasional flamingo.
A network of tracks and quiet roads runs through the surrounding pine forest and dunes. It is a fine place for a half-day of walking, cycling, or canoeing — and a useful contrast to the heat and bustle of summertime Otranto. The beaches around the mouth of Alimini Grande, on the seaward side, are also among the cleanest on this coast.