Castro
A small town built on a sea cliff, where its castle and cathedral overlook the blue fishing harbour below. It is one of the most beautiful towns on Salento's east coast.
Castro is divided into an old hilltop town and the seaside harbour of Castro Marina. The old town features the Aragonese Castle, a Romanesque cathedral and city walls. Recent excavations beneath the walls uncovered remains of the Temple of Minerva recorded by the ancient Greeks, and the statues found there are displayed in the archaeological museum inside the castle. At the harbour below, colorful small boats fill the clear water. Visitors can take a small boat to explore nearby sea caves such as the Grotta Zinzulusa, or swim from the rocks. Castro has been listed among Italy's most beautiful villages. It is about 50 km from Lecce, roughly 1 hour by car.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Grotta Zinzulusa
- Punta Palascia Lighthouse
- Bauxite Quarry Lake
- Aragonese Castle of Otranto
- Otranto
- Otranto Cathedral
- Ponte Ciolo
- Baia dei Turchi