Faro di Punta Palascìa
The lighthouse represents the easternmost point of the peninsula, the place where the first sunrise in Italy rises.
Punta Palascìa, commonly known as "Capo d'Otranto," is the easternmost point of Italy. From here, the Albanian coast is only 73-74 km away, so close that on some days, you can see the Albanian mountains from the Otranto coast.
The recently renovated lighthouse located there is one of five lighthouses in the Mediterranean Sea protected by the European Commission. It is a frequent destination for tourists and the curious, thanks in part to the tradition that, every New Year's Eve, draws crowds of people to the foot of the lighthouse to await the dawn of New Year's Eve, the first sunrise in Italy.
According to nautical conventions, this location (40° parallel) marks the dividing point between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea.
How to get to Faro Palascìa?
Faro Palascìa is located on the coastal road from Otranto to Badisco. Just follow Provincial Road 87 for a few kilometers and you'll easily spot the military structures guarding the sea at this strategic point. You can easily park your car on the branch road leading to the lighthouse.