Town
Castro
8 km · 15 min by car from MoreBnB
A fishing town perched above its little harbour — one of the few natural ports on this stretch of Adriatic coast. You walk down to the marina: five fish restaurants, two bars, and a cove where you dive.
Upper Castro vs. Castro Marina
The upper town is a small medieval centre: a castle, a duomo, narrow lanes, sea views. Ten minutes up from the marina, worth a sunset stroll. The marina is where everything happens: restaurants, swimming, boats to the caves.
The harbour cove
To the right of the pier is a flat-rock platform: park yourself an hour ahead, claim your spot, everyone does. Deep, clean water, small fish. No sand.
The caves
Boats leave Castro for the Grotta della Zinzulusa (the famous one), Grotta Romanelli and the Grotta Azzurra of Castro. Half-day, 20–25 € per person. Book the day before at the harbour, not at an agency.
Where to eat
Da Mario on the harbour does fish the way it should be (fritto, crudo, pasta with sea urchins). La Tavernetta has the least touristy terrace. For evening pizza, Pizzeria Cunsulu, in the upper town.
A walk few people take
From the marina, head south on a clifftop path for about 2 km. Poorly marked, semi-wild, ends in a hidden cove. Closed shoes and a hat.
When to go
May–October. In July–August the marina stays alive late into the night.
Practical tips
- Marina parking: few spots, ~1 €/h. Better to park in the upper town and walk down.
- Fish restaurants: always book, even in June.
- Deep water from the start — armbands for small kids.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the caves on a kayak by myself?
Yes — kayak rental at the harbour (~15 €/2h). Calm sea and basic experience needed — not in summer with scirocco wind.
Is there a sand beach?
No, all rocks here. For sand head to Marina di Andrano (10 min by car) or up towards Otranto.
Anything for kids?
The gelati at Crema & Cioccolato (on the upper main street) and the boat ride to the cave — kids love it. The cliffs need supervision.
Near Castro
TownOtranto
17 km · 25 min by car from MoreBnB
The easternmost point of Italy. An Aragonese castle on the sea, a 12th-century floor mosaic that leaves you silent, and the smell of warm pasticciotti at dawn. Otranto carries itself — just don't show up at noon in August.
BeachBaia dei Turchi
22 km · 30 min by car from MoreBnB
Among the clearest water in Salento — the white-sand bottom reflects the light. Ten minutes on foot through a pine wood to get there. No bar, no umbrella for rent: bring everything.
Stay 15 min from Castro
Room available, breakfast included.