12 Beaches of Castro
Grotta della Zinzulusa
Salento, Castro: The Grotta della Zinzulusa is the most important cave in Salento, as well as being the most visited, with thousands of tourists deciding to embark on this wonderful experience every year. The Grotta della Zinzulusa is located along the south-east coast of Salento, specifically between the marina of Castro and Santa Cesarea Terme, and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. We are talking about one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline in Salento, here where the surrounding landscape blends with the beauty of nature trails, a crystal clear blue sea and a whole tourism organisation that has been tried and tested for years. These are the areas where the most renowned discos on the Salento coast are located, Castro is a shining gem set amidst these suggestive cliffs, and Santa Cesarea Terme is above all a destination for thermal tourism thanks to the chlorinated, sulphurous and iodine waters of the various springs in this area. We are therefore about to describe a stretch of coastline that has an almost magical and fairy-tale quality in revealing itself as an area undisputed for its beauty and charm; and the Grotta della Zinzulusa fits masterfully into this context, representing one of the most famous anchialine (i.e., near the sea) caves in southern Italy. The cave"s formation by sea erosion can be traced back to the Pliocene period, and its discovery dates back to 1793, although the first studies began in the 1950s with the cave opening to the public in 1957. Already from its entrance, the Grotta della Zinzulusa shows the presence of stalactites and stalagmites, and it is to this characteristic that it owes its name, from the local dialect zinzuli meaning rags, and the whole environment looks like rags hanging from the walls. The Grotta della Zinzulusa is a true miracle of nature, which over the centuries has been able to give life to a rock formation of such beauty; words are wasted and do not convey the idea of the magnificence of this cave, the only valid alternative is to visit it in person and be attracted and engulfed by the emotions that the Grotta della Zinzulusa is able to give. The visit to the cave lasts about thirty minutes for a distance of about 150 metres. The ticket costs 6 euro for adults and 3 euro for children over 11 years old. The cave can also be reached by boat with various organised excursions. Have fun and a happy summer at the Zinzulusa Cave.
Lido la Sorgente
Salento, Castro: The Lido La Sorgente is located in Castro Marina in the province of Lecce, and is situated on a beautiful and characteristic stretch of coastline made up of ample cliffs that blend in with the surrounding nature and a crystal-clear sea. It offers all the necessary comforts to ensure that your day at the beach is one of relaxation and tranquillity. The beach umbrellas and sunbeds are placed at the right distance from each other to maintain the privacy of guests, especially in high season, and there are changing cabins as well as hot and cold water showers. The La Sorgente lido is as if set in a beautiful bay, the location is truly suggestive, located in a central area of Castro and access to the sea is guaranteed by a series of artificial platforms to get into the water safely. The sea becomes deep almost immediately, and the wonderful seabed lends itself willingly to those who love snorkelling and discovering the characteristic inlets in this area. The La Sorgente lido also has a kiosk bar for your favourite drinks to be enjoyed comfortably stretched out on a sunbed while admiring the beautiful panorama. Summer is just around the corner... what are you waiting for... the La Sorgente lido is in Castro Marina... happy holidays.
Porto di Enea
Salento, Castro: Puglia is a varied region with kilometres of coastline to discover. This land represents a unique wealth of culture linked to the territory, of historical and architectural beauty, of the clear blue sea, of the sun that pleasantly colours our summer tan, and of the surrounding landscape that leaves the traveller who decides to spend a few days in these remote corners of Italy speechless. The Salento in particular jealously preserves much of this heritage and Castro Marina is the ultimate representation of it, representing the result of quality tourism aimed above all at safeguarding the characteristics of the area. I have an enormous difficulty in describing this stretch of coastline and the wonders of a place like Castro Marina precisely because firstly, it is difficult to find the words to give the right dimensions to the reality that surrounds us, and secondly, my precious advice is to experience this place first hand to gather the emotions that only the air and breath of Castro Marina can convey. Strolling along this stretch of coastline as if by magic, it will not be difficult to come across the Port of Aeneas, a magnificent example of a well-kept harbour situated in a characteristic inlet. In the height of the summer season, the port fills up with tourists and holidaymakers who decide to spend a day at the beach in Castro Marina, or if you prefer, the Pearl of Salento, as it has been called for years. The water in the Port of Enea is clear and transparent and maintains a shallow depth, making it ideal also for families with children. You may be wondering why the name Porto di Enea (Aeneas" Harbour), and well, among the various theses on which beach Virgil wanted his Aeneas to arrive after the Trojan War, the most accredited is certainly the coast of Castro Marina for its characteristic promontory and some details given in the famous book, which suggests that it is precisely the harbour of Castro that is the desired land.
Grotta Palombara
Salento, Castro: The Salento is a marvellous land, kilometres of coastline from west to east all with their own specific characteristics, ranging from golden beaches with high dunes covered in Mediterranean maquis to steep cliffs falling sheer to the sea, from the crystal-clear water that characterises much of this area to the beautiful inlets, bays or tiny gulfs that enclose the beauty of an enchanting landscape. The last described features include Castro Marina, a pretty town on the south-eastern side of the Salento, overlooking the imposing Adriatic Sea. This stretch of coastline seems like a graceful embroidery executed by Mother Nature. The blue of the waters is reflected in the ravines and sea caves that characterise this place, and one of them, the Grotta Palombara, a typical example of a sea cave, deserves our full attention. Grotta Palombara can be reached by swimming or by the various boats that organise excursions during the summer season. This cave is very wide and deep, as is the sea that surrounds it, and was formed over the centuries following the collapse of the walls above. The typical green of the Mediterranean maquis outlines the upper parts, while the entrance looks almost like that of a theatre with curtains tied up to delimit the entrance (in fact, it is not for nothing that it is also called Cave with Curtains). The name Grotta Palombara is said to derive from the fact that pigeons (palombi in the local dialect) would have found the right environment for nesting in the past, thanks mainly to the presence of freshwater springs dripping from the walls. Today, this cave is one of the many tourist destinations in the beautiful Castro Marina; for snorkelling enthusiasts, the seabed is ideal for exploring the various inlets or admiring the beautiful play of light reflected between the cracks of this characteristic reef. Positive sensations, the freshness of a beautiful sea, the sun that burns and warms our emotions in summer - what more could you ask from a holiday... the Grotta Palombara is in Castro Marina... enjoy your stay.
Grotta Azzurra
Salento, Castro: The Grotta Azzurra is located in Castro Marina in the province of Lecce. We are in Lower Salento along that stretch of coast characterised by low cliffs, beautiful inlets and numerous sea caves overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Here the water is deep almost immediately and for diving enthusiasts in search of adrenalin rushes, this place lends itself willingly with several thrill spots. The Grotta Azzurra can only be reached by boat, so steep and capricious is the cliff that it cannot be accessed by land. This cave owes its name to the wonderful play of light reflecting off the sea to give the waters a cobalt blue colour, and the sight one gets when visiting this beautiful cave is truly full of surprising emotions and sensations. The Grotta Azzurra is just a few hundred metres from the more famous Grotta Zinzulusa, and can be visited either by renting a local boat or by booking one of the many excursions that are organised in summer and taking advantage of the beauty of this coastline. Hardly recommended for beach lovers, however, the charm of these places with the promontories of Castro Alta that can be admired from the sea, with the wind gently caressing our summer wishes as we cross this suggestive stretch of coast at the speed of a few knots. Salento, like the whole of Puglia, is also beautiful for this reason, because it satisfies every desire and offers passing visitors corners of paradise to experience and enjoy in the right dimension. Happy holidays from the Grotta Azzurra.
Grotta Romanelli
Salento, Castro: The Romanelli Cave is one of the many sea caves along the Salento coastline, with a higher concentration mainly on the south-eastern side of the Salento, along that stretch of coast from Santa Maria di Leuca up the coast northwards to Castro Marina, the natural home of the Romanelli Cave. The cave is only 35 metres long and consists of a single chamber that is clearly visible from the outside; Grotta Romanelli can only be reached by sea and entry is prohibited. This stretch of coastline offers various ideas for those who love to experience the sea with all its specificities. The seabed is rich in all the animal and plant species that inhabit the depths of these azure and transparent waters, and the play of light reflected through the recesses of the caves and crevices of the rocks is a beautiful spectacle to be experienced. One is certainly not bored by the lack of golden beaches in certain parts of the Salento, the freshness of the sea that only the cliffs can give us is as sparkling as it is regenerating for our bodies, and all this thanks to the various freshwater currents along this stretch of coastline. Grotta Romanelli is important in terms of the history of prehistoric studies because with its discovery, the presence of the Upper Palaeolithic in Italy was ascertained; Having said that, I don"t want to bore you too much with historical studies and related research that are superfluous to our description, Castro Marina is a gem set amidst the beauty of an enchanting landscape and the Romanelli Cave, together with the wonderful sea that surrounds it, is direct evidence of this. So, if you are planning your next holiday and have any doubts about the various destinations, take a look at Salento and Castro in particular... happy holidays.
Grotta delle Streghe
Salento, Castro: When we speak of a magical and fairy-tale Salento, we refer above all to the stories (cunti in Lecce dialect) told by the elderly or by our grandparents who, to pass the time in front of a pot boiling under the fireplace, entertained the youngest with tales of all kinds at a time when the TV was only switched on for the news and smart devices had not yet invaded our minds. It was a time when people measured time well and certainly did not allow themselves to be overwhelmed by the daily whirlwind that nowadays pervades our lives, always in search of the constant speed that must characterise our every single choice. Well, the Grotta delle Streghe (Witches" Cave) fits into this particular context, a very special sea cavity that over time has taken on a multitude of meanings linked to the shape of the entrance or the rocks inside the cave that lend themselves readily to strange human resemblances, and above all the tales that have been passed down from grandmother to granddaughter and so on. The Grotta delle Streghe (Cave of the Witches) is located on the coast road connecting the port of Castro to the marina of Miggiano, in the province of Lecce. We are on the south-eastern side of the Salento, along a stretch of coastline characterised by wide cliffs drawing characteristic inlets and a multitude of small and large caves representing a beautiful landscape. At the Grotta delle Streghe, the sea is blue and deep and these waters are ideal for those who love snorkelling and discovering the most evocative corners of this stretch of coastline. The only way to reach the Grotta delle Streghe would be to rent a boat and embark on a tour along the entire Castro Marina, taking advantage of the beautiful view that this town offers from the sea. In summer, various excursions are organised by various associations that also provide a guide to discover all the grottoes of Castro Marina. So, between fairy-tale myths, the natural beauty of the place, a sea that invites you for a gentle, relaxing swim, the sun that warms your body for a perfect tan, and the witches who stand by, welcome to Salento... and happy holidays.
Il Sestante Sporting Club
Salento, Castro: The Sestante Sporting Club is a nautical club located on the coast road to Tricase, in Castro Marina in the province of Lecce. This stretch of coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea is characterised by wide cliffs and beautiful hidden inlets that make this landscape unique. The water immediately becomes deep and the beauty of this sea is immediately apparent to our eyes through its deep blue and typical clarity. The Sestante Sporting Club is specifically involved in promoting the area through a series of events and manifestations that focus on water sports but also on safeguarding and promoting the local artistic and cultural heritage. The location is very picturesque and elegant, surrounded by greenery, offering a beautiful view with a breathtaking panorama and several stations from which to relax, perhaps drinking your favourite drink. The club also organises various evenings in the company of beautiful people with music and entertainment for members and guests who decide to spend a few hours in this beautiful place. The Sestante Sporting Club is located in Castro Marina... enjoy your summer.
Molo
Salento, Castro: Il Molo is a bathing establishment located in Castro Marina in the province of Lecce. This lido is located on a stretch of coastline characterised by cliffs and small fjords that form a beautiful landscape; the sea is deep almost immediately and is ideal for snorkelling and admiring the beautiful play of light that is produced between the luminous seabed and the cracks in the rocks, but taking advantage of it for a healthy and regenerating swim is also not bad. The Molo has all the necessary comforts to ensure that your day at the beach is one of relaxation and tranquillity; the structure is laid out along wooden decks and the beach umbrellas and sun loungers are placed at just the right distance to maintain the privacy that is necessary, especially in the height of summer. From here you can enjoy a suggestive view with a few sailboats crossing the sea as we breathe in that summer air that fills our hearts with rich emotions. The place is nice if you want to spend a day at the beach in the company of nice people. The Molo also offers a range of traditional Salento dishes through the kitchen and the bar offers a range of drinks and cocktails to sip comfortably lying on a sun lounger as we are warmed by the hot summer sun. Il Molo also organises evenings with live music and DJ sets to liven up the Salento nights. Positive feelings and a holiday mood from the Molo di Castro Marina... enjoy your stay.
Lido Roccia
Salento, Castro: Lido Roccia is a bathing establishment that is part of the hotel of the same name and is located in Castro Marina on the south-eastern side of Salento, in the province of Lecce. This facility stands on a very picturesque cliff from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama and is laid out on wooden platforms with safe access to the sea. White umbrellas and sunbeds characterise this bathing establishment that offers all the comforts you need for your day at the beach. The Lido Roccia is reserved for La Roccia hotel guests who benefit from a range of services designed to meet their needs for a turnkey holiday. The Lido Roccia also has a kitchen inside the hotel that provides guests with a range of seafood dishes typical of Mediterranean cuisine; the restaurant is also open to outsiders. So if you are planning your next holiday and don"t want to search for various solutions to fit in, the Lido Roccia is just the place for you, for a complete stay from all points of view... Have a good summer at Castro Marina.
Pizzo Mucurune
Salento, Castro: Pizzo Mucurune is a high rocky ridge overlooking the sea at Castro Marina in the province of Lecce. This small promontory overlooking the imposing Adriatic Sea is a unique beauty, covered in the green of the typical Mediterranean scrub and with rocky walls sheltering the interior of this beautiful inlet from windy days. The sea becomes deep after a few strokes and the water retains that crystal-clear appearance that characterises much of the water along this stretch of coastline, Castro Marina having been awarded the prestigious European Blue Flag award several times in the past. From here you can enjoy a panorama that is truly full of emotions, it is nice to be caressed by that gentle breeze that blows constantly during summer days, and the different viewpoint with the beautiful view of Castro will fully repay the decision to have spent even a few hours at Pizzo Mucurune. This place is ideal, above all, for those who love walking in total relaxation in the company of the surrounding nature and savouring the fragrances of a Salento to be experienced in the depths of the sensations it continually gives us. Timeless beauty and glimpses of a landscape all to be immortalised with your favourite selfie to keep among the memories of a beautiful Salento summer... happy holidays at Pizzo Mucurune.
Torre Diso
Salento, Castro: Torre Diso is located in the municipality of Castro in the province of Lecce; we are on the south-eastern side of the Salento, on that stretch of coast characterised mainly by cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Torre Diso is part of that complex defence and sighting project of coastal towers erected during the 16th century to defend the local population from the continuous incursions of the Saracen pirates who raged the Salento coast in those years. Torre Diso takes its name from the nearby town of Diso and stands on a cliff about 40 metres above sea level. Torre Diso communicated to the south with Torre Capo di Lupo and to the north with the fortifications of Castro; today this ancient tower is now reduced to a ruin, a heap of stones swallowed up by the dense vegetation of the Mediterranean maquis, almost merging with the surrounding landscape. The roots of a land certainly cannot be erased and Torre Diso remains an example of historical testimony even if little or nothing remains of a distant past now gone. From the perspective of Torre Diso you can still enjoy an excellent panorama, even if the land today, it must be remembered, falls under private property. Happy summer from Torre Diso.