Castro Marina

Travel Guide

Castro Marina
Castro Marina
Photo by Clapis_93

Explore the caves and coves adorning the spectacular coastline of this marina district at the foot of Castro’s dramatic cliffs.

Marked by the sails of countless white boats and tired fishermen at work, Castro Marina is the stunning portside district of Castro. It is the traditional hub of the area, with a fishing culture amid picturesque cliffs, verdant hills and the sapphire hues of the Adriatic Sea. Sunbathe on the scenic rocky coastline at the foot of the dramatic cliffs.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while sitting on the rocks and cool down with a swim in the crystal clear water. Rent a boat to take out on the Adriatic Sea and discover some of the caves in the rock formations, such as the Grotta Palombara and Grotta Azzurra. Grotta Zinzulusa is full of stalactites, stalagmites and an internal lake, among other fascinating natural features. Go diving or snorkeling through the subaquatic caves of the region.

Stroll through the main port for a glimpse into the local culture of Castro Marina. Find the old port near the marina’s plaza and pick out your favorite boats. Paddleboats, canoes and wooden fishing vessels are usually docked here. Enjoy seafood from the restaurants of the marina and relax with a cappuccino in a café.

Make your way to the upper part of Castro for the quaint alleys and piazzas scattered throughout this charming village. Capture aerial photos of the Castro Marina district, incorporating the cliffs and the sea. Among the best viewing platforms is in the Aragonese Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. Make sure to visit the ruins of the nearby 12th-century cathedral and 10th-century church.

Enter the marina area for free. It is open at all times. The Castro Marina is in the southern end of Castro at the southeastern tip of Italy’s boot heel. It is part of the Salento coast in the region of Puglia, on a promontory separating the Adriatic Sea from the Ionian Sea. Drive south from LecceOpens in a new window for about 45 minutes to get here. See nearby towns, such as GallipoliOpens in a new window, Maglie and OtrantoOpens in a new window.

Hotel Piccolo Mondo
Hotel Piccolo Mondo
4 out of 5
Via Litoranea, per Santa Cesarea Terme 238, Castro, LE
The price is RM993 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
RM993
RM1,092 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Castro. Enjoy free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Zinzulusa Cave and Artefatto ...
"Overlooks the Adriatic Sea .. very comfortable but requires a lot of stair climbing."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2024

Hotel Piccolo Mondo
Orsa Maggiore
Orsa Maggiore
4 out of 5
Via Litoranea per Santa Cesarea 303, Castro Marina, Castro, LE
The price is RM346 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
RM346
RM380 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Castro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Artefatto - L'idea in Terracotta ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (61 reviews)
"Very good hotel, clean room and very friendly staff."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Orsa Maggiore
Messapia Hotel & Resort
Messapia Hotel & Resort
4 out of 5
C.da Masseria Li Turchi, Marina Di Leuca, Castrignano del Capo, LE
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Castrignano del Capo. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Santa Maria di Leuca ...
7.6/10 Good! (116 reviews)
"Loved the entire property. Nice rooms, pool, parking, and breakfast. There were 2 large groups staying there so they needed to figure out the dining a bit better. A group of 100 and another 35 were there so they set up for dinner for them and forgot about the other 10-12 guests but eventually ( once ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Messapia Hotel & Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marelive - CDSHotels
Marelive - CDSHotels
4 out of 5
Viale Dei Palmizi, snc, Melendugno, LE
Stay at this 4-star residence in Melendugno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Alimini Beach and Alimini Lakes are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
Very high hidden fees
"Too many high hidden fees for coming across as a Hotel. The director was very kind and polite. The 2 bedrooms villa was poorly designed. We learnt that the resort has been recently taken over by another owner. With did not have an unpleasant stay but I cannot accept fees that sum up to the cost of ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sep 2022

Marelive - CDSHotels
Villa Raffaella
Villa Raffaella
4 out of 5
Via Umberto I 22, Santa Cesarea Terme, LE
Stay at this 4-star residence in Santa Cesarea Terme. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Terme di Santa Cesarea and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"I was there for 9 days with my family. Everyone in the hotel was friendly. I already missing the cappuccinos at breakfast time. I completely recommend this place."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2024

Villa Raffaella
Oasi Salento Residence Hotel
Oasi Salento Residence Hotel
3 out of 5
Via Léucade, 2, Torre dell'Orso, Melendugno, LE
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly residence in Melendugno. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Alimini ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (35 reviews)
"Friendly and welcoming staff, beautiful pool, spacious rooms. Quiet and convenient location, near beaches."

Reviewed on 29 May 2023

Oasi Salento Residence Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Castro Marina

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