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Castro Marina

Nestled in the charming Salento region, Castro Marina is a breathtaking seaside gem! Picture azure waters kissing the rugged cliffs as you explore hidden coves and indulge in scrumptious seafood. Don’t miss the captivating sea grottoes nearby—perfect for a splashy adventure! Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or savoring gelato, this coastal paradise is sure to steal your heart!

Recommendations

Landmark3.9/5

Parco Delle Querce Castro

Landmark4.7/5

Castro Marina Port

This small Castro marina sits beneath limestone cliffs, with clear water around the docks. Fishermen return in their boats.

Eat$$4.5/5

the sweet life

Eat4.4/5

Pizzeria La Piazzetta

Drink$$3.4/5

Plaza Cafè

Eat$$$4.3/5

Sant'Antonio

Eat$$$4.5/5

Nicola's Bar Chiosco/Ristorante Zinzulusa Castro

Cafe$$4.6/5

Ilios Café

Stays

Stay$$$4.55/5

B&B Il Rifugio dei Lavaturi

Located 200 metres from the beach in Marina di Serra, B&B Il Rifugio Dei Lavaturi offers a furnished garden with sea view. The property features classic-style rooms, a seating area and external shower. With free Wi-Fi, rooms have a TV and a garden view. The private bathroom has a shower. A sweet breakfast featuring coffee, tea, juices, homemade pastries, jams and fresh fruit is provided daily. Savoury items are available upon request. B&B Il Rifugio Dei Lavaturi is a 5-minute drive from Costa Otranto – S. Maria Leuca Regional Park. The city of Otranto is 30 km away.

Stay$$$$4.6/5

Masseria Montelauro

Masseria Montelauro in Otranto offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Each room includes a minibar, TV, and free WiFi. The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian cuisine with lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, bar, and coffee shop. The hotel provides a paid shuttle service, 24-hour front desk, concierge, daily housekeeping, and free on-site private parking. Additional facilities include a garden, outdoor seating area, and bicycle parking. Castello di Otranto is 2.9 km away, Roca 22 km, and Brindisi Airport 88 km from the property. Scuba diving is available in the surroundings.

Stay$$$4.05/5

Hotel Ristorante Panoramico

Hotel Ristorante Panoramico is set in Castro, a 5-minute walk from the sea. It offers a restaurant with panoramic terrace and an outdoor salt-water swimming pool. Rooms at Panoramico Hotel all feature balconies overlooking the garden or the sea and come with air conditioning, minibar and satellite TV. The Hotel Panoramico’s restaurant features 2 dining halls and a panoramic terrace for dining in the open air. It serves national and Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood specialities. Gluten-free food is also available. Other services at Panoramico include free parking, a terrace with sunbathing area and massages. Wi-Fi is provided in the whole building. During summer, Castro is well linked by public bus with nearby towns like Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme, Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli. Lecce is less than 50 km away.

Stay4.4/5

Tenuta Sant'Antonio

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

Full Day Tour to Otranto coast most beautiful Beaches from Lecce

Our trip will take us to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Otranto coast, enjoying the whole journey surrounded by a lovely Mediterranean scrubland. I'll drive you to the Otranto city first where you can have an independent tour in the amazing old Town. Then we'll go to one of well rated bakery shop for an independent shopping of typical gluttony that you might enjoy in the first beach we'll stop along the waterfront of Otranto. The next transfer will take us to the Turks’ bay, the wildest beach you could ever seen. Here you can enjoy your time as you prefer, getting a swim or walking around the pine path discovering the amazing coves that the place offers. In Torre Sant’ Andrea, our next halt, you could find out the clearest water you’ve ever seen in Puglia. The tour is just for you, so we don’t need hurry and your visit time will be very flexible.

$146.89

5/5

4 h

Exclusive Private Tour: San Foca - Otranto by Boat (4 Hours)!

One of our customers' most popular and appreciated tours – the 4-hour complete tour to Otranto is the ideal all-inclusive experience for those who want to discover the Adriatic coast of Salento without sacrificing anything. Departure from the port of San Foca with an expert captain and a comfortable boat, just for your group (max 7 people). Itinerary: • Torre dell'Orso – swimming stop under the Le Due Sorelle sea stacks • Sant'Andrea – swimming stop in the Baia del Bastimento bay • Conca Specchiulla (wild coast) – panoramic passage • Frassanito (wild coast) – panoramic passage • Baia dei Laghi Alimini – panoramic passage • Baia dei Turchi – panoramic passage • Baia del Mulino d'Acqua – swimming stop, bay with a cave accessible by swimming, white sand *Swimming stops approximately 20-25 minutes* Included: • 3 swimming stops in total • Experienced captain • Fresh water • Basic fuel • Souvenir photo • 100% reliability Experience the authentic Salento: sea, nature, and unique moments. Book now.

$956.50

5/5

3 h 30 mins

Bike Tour of Italy's Megalithic Garden and the Idro Valley

This tour takes place in the Idro Valley and the Giurdignano area. Both of these regions are characterized by a picturesque landscape, rich in nature and olive groves, and by a wealth of archaeological and historical sites, spanning from prehistory to the modern era. Menhirs, dolmens, churches carved in the stone, and graffities are just some of the traces of past civilizations scattered throughout these territories. To explore these areas, a bicycle is the best mode of transportation because it allows you to reach places inaccessible by car. The first part of the route heads up the Idro Valley to reach Giurdignano. From there, we head toward the Massi della Vecchia and then return to Otranto. Along the way, we will make a few stops to visit natural and archaeological sites. This is a cultural and active tour, designed for people interested in nature, history, archaeology, and outdoor activities. It is intended for anyone in good physical condition who is comfortable riding a bicycle.

$102.48

5/5

2 h

Otranto Private Tour: scenic town overlooking Adriatic sea

Described as the “Gateway to the East” and the most eastern of Italy’s cities, Otranto was founded thousands of years ago by Greeks from Crete. Explore this fascinating history through its main attractions. Discover the Otranto Cathedral, consecrated in 1088 and still the largest Romanesque building in Apulia. Admire the mosaic floor, made of thousands of tiles depicting scenes from the Old Testament and figures from Breton legends. Observe the columns believed to come from a Temple of Minerva and the bones and relics of the Martyrs of Otranto, killed during the 15th-century siege. Also admire the 42 marble columns supporting the crypt. Continue to the Church of St. Peter and the Aragonese Castle, reinforced by Frederick II and rebuilt by Alphonso II of Naples between 1485 and 1498, featuring an irregular five-sided plan and a moat surrounding the entire perimeter. Finally, enjoy the panoramic sea views: on clear days you can see the coasts of Greece and Albania across the Adriatic

$359.83

5/5

192 h

DISCOVERY OF PUGLIA Small Group Tour: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Operated By GoinItaly For those who want to travel through history, GoinItaly's eight-day Discovery of Puglia small group tour offers a wide range of places that testify to the ancient origins of this land: from prehistory to Magna Graecia, from the Imperial Age to the Renaissance, and the Baroque splendor of Lecce. Puglia is full of surprises and delights: fabulous food, historic towns, beautiful beaches, and gracious residents. Highlights: - Visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alberobello, Castel del Monte, and Matera. - Savor the flavors of Puglian cuisine and wine. - Admire the beautiful Baroque architecture of Lecce. - Spend two nights in a traditional “trullo” in Alberobello. - Tour Otranto, the “heel” of Italy, and visit a cathedral renowned for its collection of mosaic scenes.

$5,921.18

5/5

7 h

Lecce to Otranto E-Bike Tour + Swim and Taxi back

Discover southern Puglia on a 47 km e-bike tour from Lecce to Otranto. Ride through quiet country roads, olive groves, and whitewashed villages, stopping to enjoy local treats like Pasticciotto, Rustico, and Caffè Leccese. The route includes the spectacular Grotta della Poesia and the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, where you can also swim in the crystal-clear sea. An optional wine tasting and lunch experience is available. Your journey ends in Otranto, where you can explore the old town, admire the Cathedral’s mosaic, shop in local boutiques, enjoy lunch by the sea, and take another refreshing swim. A taxi ride back to Lecce is included for a comfortable return.

$226.60

5/5

4 h 30 mins

Lecce: Hike to Otranto with town visit – Half Day Trekking +Taxi

Experience one of Puglia’s most beautiful coastal walks on this 7 km (about 1.5 hours) guided hike from the Cava di Bauxite to Otranto. Your adventure begins at the extraordinary Cava di Bauxite, where bright red earth surrounds a striking emerald lake—one of Salento’s most unique natural landscapes. From here, follow scenic seaside trails to the unspoiled Baia delle Orte, a quiet bay of crystal-clear water where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a relaxing coffee break right by the sea. Continue along the cliffs to the historic Torre del Serpe, a medieval watchtower wrapped in local legend and offering sweeping views over the Adriatic. Your hike ends in the charming coastal town of Otranto, where you’ll have free time to explore the old town, visit the famous Cathedral with its 12th-century mosaic floor, swim, shop, or enjoy fresh seafood. When you're ready, your private taxi will bring you comfortably back to Lecce.

$181.05

5/5

8 h

From Lecce & Brindisi: Gallipoli, Otranto & Hidden Gems

This tour lets you discover the true Salento in one unforgettable day — sea, culture, history and breathtaking nature. You’ll explore Otranto and Gallipoli, and visit two natural wonders: the Bauxite Quarry, with its emerald lake and red earth, and Punta Palascia, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. You’ll walk through historic alleys, enjoy authentic village life and, if you wish, relax on beautiful beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters. What makes this experience truly unique is the professional audio-guide device included, with stories, curiosities, local tips and food suggestions that enrich every stop. We are a fully authorized, reliable tour company. No risks, no surprises — just a smooth, safe and well-organized day. From Otranto’s Cathedral to Gallipoli’s golden shores, you’ll experience every side of Salento in total comfort. Departures from Brindisi and Lecce; other pickup points available on request.

$256.20

5/5

Private Tour in 2 Towns: Lecce and Brindisi

We warmly invite you to join us on a private tour of Lecce and Brindisi, where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Discover Lecce’s exquisite Baroque architecture, ancient ruins, and charming streets, followed by a visit to Brindisi’s stunning coastline, historic cathedral, and archeological site with the Trajan roman road and roman columns close to Virgil's home. Enjoy a personalized, relaxed experience crafted just for you. Kindly book your unforgettable journey through the heart of Puglia with us. We look forward to welcoming you.

$363.24

5/5

9 h 30 mins

Motor boat rental in Castro

Live the Salento sea in total freedom with an unforgettable experience in Castro Marina! Rent a motor boat and become the protagonist of your day, even without a boat license. After a brief initial briefing, you will receive a 5.95 meter boat with a 40 hp engine, easy to drive and equipped with sunbathing, awning and ladder. Sail north and admire spectacular sea caves, including the Blue Grotto, Palombara Grotto and Zinzulusa Grotto. You can stop in quiet coves and swim in crystal clear waters. The experience lasts about 9 hours and 30 minutes (from 9: 00) and is suitable for groups of up to 7 people: the boat is approved for 7, but a maximum of 5 is recommended for greater comfort. Fuel excluded, to be paid according to consumption. Book now and experience a day of beach and relaxation! ☀️

$193.58

5/5

8 h

Private Salento Tour: Galatina, Otranto, Leuca and Gallipoli

This private tour, with a fixed price for groups of 1 to 8 people, allows you to discover four of the most charming destinations in Salento aboard a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, accompanied by a professional driver who will share interesting facts, local history, and useful tips about each destination. You will visit Galatina, a true gem of art, history, and tradition; Otranto, one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside towns, located at the easternmost point of the Italian peninsula; Santa Maria di Leuca, the famous Finibus Terrae, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea; and Gallipoli, known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, renowned for its charming historic center and crystal-clear waters. Throughout the day, you will enjoy one of Puglia’s most scenic coastal routes, crossing Salento from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, passing dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, picturesque fishing villages, and white sandy beaches with Caribbean-like waters.

$625.14

5/5

2 Hours Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide of Otranto

You will retrace the Greek, Roman and Byzantine history of Otranto with a walking tour: you will explore the main sites of the "Gateway to the East", discovering the Norman Cathedral with the floor mosaic and admire the bones of the Martyrs of Otranto. Visit the Castle of Otranto to enjoy a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea. Finally, enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the sea and in good weather, your view will extend across the Adriatic to Greece and Albania.

$341.61

5/5

24 h

Bike Tour | Cave of Poetry and Arch of Lovers |

With Apulia Outdoor you don’t just rent a bike — you embark on a journey that captures the essence of Adriatic Salento. Our exclusive track Guides you along a route that touches the most iconic and suggestive places of the coast: the romantic Arco degli Innamorati di Sant’Andrea, where the sea carves the rock into legendary shapes, and the magical Grotta della Poesia, a natural pool among the most beautiful in the world, where history and nature meet in a perfect embrace. You'll ride through golden countryside, fragrant pine forests and changing landscapes at every turn, with the freedom to do so at your own pace, on perfectly equipped premium SCOTT bikes. One tour, endless emotions: the most authentic Salento DA saddle, with the poetry of the sea always beside.

$68.32

5/5

8 h

Day Tour to Alberobello and Polignano a Mare

Discover two of Puglia's most iconic destinations on a full-day tour departing from Gallipoli or anywhere in the province of Lecce. Departure at 9:30 am to reach Alberobello, a UNESCO site famous for its fairytale trulli. Stroll through the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, visit the Trullo Sovrano or the Church of Sant’Antonio and explore the local craft shops. Continue to Polignano a Mare, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. Discover the old town, enjoy panoramic views and admire the picturesque beach of Lama Monachile. Don't miss a homemade ice cream or coffee specialty. Return at 17:30 to the starting point. - Departure at 9:30 from Gallipoli or from a point of your choice in the province of Lecce - Free time among shops, local flavors and picturesque streets - Visit to the trulli of Alberobello, UNESCO World Heritage Site - Explore Polignano a Mare and admire the view from the Adriatic - Planned return at 17:30

$227.74

5/5

5 h

Tritone Tours Otranto Exclusive Boat Tours

Tritone Tour accompanies you to discover the marine coasts of Otranto: Natural wonders and beautiful color contrasts, perfect for photographs of which you will be proud! Comfort on board Tritone, relaxation, music and a typical aperitif interspersed with dives and swims in the most beautiful sea of Salento! The Expert skipper is at your disposal to guide you to the discovery of these dream places. Your holiday will be The Unforgettable Day!

$740.15

5/5

3 h

Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Otranto

Dive into the regional traditions of everyday Italy and discover the secrets of Otranto's cuisine. Learning how to cook in a local home is a wonderful way to gain insight into Italy's real culture. What could be a better souvenir than cooking knowledge to last a lifetime? Learn how to prepare 3 local recipes from scratch with your Cesarina, and discover the secrets of regional Italian cuisine. The pleasure of conviviality goes far beyond good food and wine. Our guests take part in an experience which is so much more than just a cooking class. Learning and dining with a Cesarina gives you the chance to be welcomed in like one of the family and live like the Italians do. Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

$165.11

5/5

192 h

All Inclusive Weeklong Tour of Salento's Coasts and Countryside

Our tours are crafted to provide an authentic and genuine experience. We believe in immersing you in the true essence of Salento, showcasing its culture, traditions, and way of life. From off-the-beaten-path attractions to hidden gems known only to locals, every aspect of our itinerary is designed to offer a genuine encounter with the heart and soul of the region. One of the hallmarks of our tours is the personal connection we foster with the local community. We go beyond the surface, establishing meaningful relationships with the locals, from the lively markets to the family-run restaurants, we will bring you in close contact with the lifestyle of this place that seems frozen in time. Additionally, our tour offers a unique culinary adventure as we prioritize the use of locally sourced ingredients in all our meals.

$4,000.00

5/5

24 h

Day Tour in Gravel Bike

With Apulia Outdoor you don’t just rent a gravel bike — you experience the most authentic Puglia, cycling along one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy. Our experience is tailor-made: after Reservation, a Local Guide will contact you to create the perfect itinerary for you, DA 30 or 60 km, through Salento countryside, historic villages and breathtaking sea views. Upon delivery you will receive a personalized GPS track, ready to guide you through the most iconic places of Salento: the Grotto of Poetry, the Arch of Lovers of Sant’Andrea, Roca Vecchia and the small villages of Grecìa Salentina. Our fully equipped premium SCOTT bikes guarantee comfort and performance on any terrain, while our local team is always ready to assist you. A unique way to discover Puglia: authentic, safe and unforgettable.

$56.93

5/5

2 h 30 mins

Yacht Tour with Skipper Along the Salento Coast from San Foca

Experience the authentic charm of Salento with an exclusive yacht charter with skipper and discover the coast from a unique perspective. Aboard a comfortable private boat you will sail through crystal clear waters, sea caves, hidden coves and spectacular cliffs, accompanied by an Expert skipper who will guide you along some of the most picturesque stretches of the coastline. During the excursion you can relax in the sun, admire breathtaking views and make stops to swim in the beautiful turquoise waters of Salento. This private experience is ideal for couples, families or groups of friends who want to experience the sea in total relaxation and away from the crowds. You can choose between three different durations: a 2.5-hour excursion, perfect for a short discovery of the coast; a half-day tour to explore more coves and caves; or a full-day excursion to enjoy the Salento sea without haste.

$1,547.48

5/5

4 h

Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Otranto

Would you like to discover the most authentic side of Italian gastronomy and share it with other enthusiasts of the “cucina italiana”? Enjoy this shared Market tour and typical Dining experience. Visit the vibrant local market and learn about the seasonal produce and secret ingredients. Then, head to your Cesarina’s house to enjoy a 3-course dining experience, showcasing the authentic regional dishes stored in the cookbooks of your host. You will take part in an experience which is so much more than just a lunch or dinner. You will make new friends, feel like one of the family and live like the Italians do.