Orte
Cultivating Salento’s natural paradise: organic KM0 food, sustainable farming, preserving heritage, enriching experiences.
Orte is a vast and breathtaking 120-hectare estate located at the easternmost tip of the Italian Adriatic coast, within the expansive Costa d’Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase Regional Nature Park in Apulia. Nestled between the Punta Palascia lighthouse and the town of Otranto, the estate lies in one of the largest parks in the region. The bay, like the entire park, is home to natural treasures of striking beauty, including the bauxite mine, partially submerged karst caves, and the crystal-clear waters of the Salento sea. Since 2021, Orte has been passionately dedicated to caring for this “piece of paradise.” Guided by the belief that only by restoring and valuing the land can new opportunities for regional growth emerge, neglected areas have been carefully renewed and brought back into cultivation.
At the heart of this vision is their agricultural company, RAPA ITI, which carries forward the sustainable farming dimension of the project. RAPA ITI tends to the estate’s cultivated fields and the unique Bosco Didattico (Teaching Forest) with care and commitment. The company practices and promotes sustainable methods aimed at organic production, bringing out the authentic flavor of KM0 fruits and vegetables. They honor the deep knowledge of local farming traditions that have nurtured this land and its seeds for centuries. In harmony with the principles of eco-sustainability, their farming methods encourage mindful water use, minimize waste, and enhance the natural richness of Salento’s soil. This dedication ensures that their organic and KM0 products capture the true taste of the bay, while at the same time promoting an innovative and responsible approach to agriculture. Thanks to the estate’s unique position within the nature park, the soil is naturally enriched with mineral salts and trace elements carried by the sea, giving their products a distinctive, savory, and iodine-rich character.
Alongside its agricultural strength, Orte offers an immersive experience that restores a healthy relationship with nature and invites guests to enjoy the calm rhythm and energy of the Adriatic Sea. The Orte Bosco Didattico (Teaching Forest) is a central part of this experience and is officially recognized as Forest No. 50 in the “Boschi didattici” register of the Apulia region. This unique forest, set along a striking stretch of coastline, has for centuries symbolized the “gateway” to the East and a meeting place for the peoples of the Adriatic. Rich in diverse fauna and a familiar stopover for migratory birds, it also serves as an ideal open-air laboratory for environmental education. Its goal is to inspire new generations with a mindful and sensitive perspective on the endless variations of nature’s wonders.
The Bosco Didattico also features several relaxation areas: “Le tamerici” with sea views, “Le acacie” for forest-bathing practices, “Gli eucalipti” designed for families, and “Palascia,” which offers total relaxation with a privileged view of Italy’s easternmost lighthouse. These spaces are equipped to support comfort, focus, and self-care, while also providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, yoga, and cooking classes.
Complementing these experiences is the Orte Refreshment Point, located on the estate and serving visitors to the Bosco Didattico. Here, guests can enjoy a food service inspired by the bay’s natural products, the estate’s organic fruits, and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu highlights healthy, seasonal ingredients and includes vegetarian options, as well as meat and fish dishes, fresh fruit snacks, and delicious drinks that emphasize the natural flavors of the bay. The Refreshment Point is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and aperitifs (with dinner and private events available by reservation) and offers the perfect opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of Orte’s fields.
The estate also hosts a variety of cultural and sporting events — from cycling races and trekking to book presentations and water sports — further enhancing its appeal as a holistic destination. Orte thus represents a comprehensive project, dedicated to the land, its people, and the preservation of Salento’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
For more information, you can also visit Orte’s official website.