New Year's Eve in Otranto – the first sunrise

The question where to spend the New Year’s Eve is always complicated – the expectations are high and while some prefer it cozy, others want to party all night. The apulian town of Otranto is the perfect place to welcome the New Year and it offers something for everyone. 

You can enjoy calm and delicious menus with several courses in a local masseria or party all night close to sea. Either way, there is one special thing about spending New Year’s Eve in Otranto that you must not miss: since the city is the easternmost point of the Italian mainland, the city sees the light of the new year first. That special sunrise is accompanied by live music and a vivid, lighthearted atmosphere. 

Otranto beach

73028 Otranto LE, Italien

During the entire night there are many events and festivities, live music, electro music, video installations and a live DJ set starting from sunset to sunrise. At midnight you get to enjoy a spectacular firework while overlooking the sea of Otranto. The entire night is characterized by the special experience of the first sunrise of Italy (la prima alba d’Italia). On the first of January the sun rises at 07:09 am and a special priming coat starts at 5:45 to welcome the first light of the new year. It starts with projections on the lighthouse and it continues with sound spectacles. Since the sea and water is such a big part of Otranto, they integrate it by making the underwater world perceptible and play sounds of dolphins and the marine life. 

Despite the comprehensive entertainment program, the sunrise itself is incredibly beautiful. The sun starts to outline the incredible scenery of Capo d'Otranto with the mountains of Albania, Sazan Island and the Greek Islands of Othonoi and Merlera. This stunning view and the magic of the first light of the new year will surely be something to always remember!