Castro, the Pearl of Salento, offers a dramatic cliffside coastal landscape that feel authentically Salento.
History
Castrum Minervae, comes from ancient Roman times and the presence of a fortress/temple dedicated to Minerva. That promontory, (identified by archaeologists as the site of Castro), was a guide for sailors but also a spiritual and cultural crossroad for Greeks, Messapians and finally the Romans. According to legend, Aeneas offered a poetic description of the Sanctuary of Minerva temple from his ship as he escaped from Troy.
In Book III of the Aeneid, Virgil recounts how Aeneas sailed from Troy to Italy and became the progenitor of the Roman people. Describing the landing spot as “a port dominated by a high promontory with a majestic temple on top consecrated to the goddess Minerva”.
In 2015 excavations discovered such a temple at the end of Vico della Minerva; a large headless statue of the goddess – Aeneas is believed to have landed in Castro.
Beauty
Castro is a beautiful coastal hamlet -a Must-see with a picturesque castle, charming piazzas, and the beautiful aquamarine sea. Located on the Adriatic coast, Castro is a 45k drive from Lecce, and and 15k from Otranto.
Stroll around the beautiful old town Center- and stop by the beautiful restaurants, shops and bars. It seems that all roads lead to the Terrazza- where the panoramic views of the ocean are stunning.
Fun Things to do in Castro
Enjoy a Lido or Beach Club
The beaches around Castro feature beautiful beach sites where you can lounge, swim, or enjoy food and cocktails. Lido Sorgente has a prime location.
Castro Marina
Historic Castro Marina is a rocky bay of gloriously clear blue-green water and becomes the center of activities for swimmers, sunbathers and those looking to relax. The Marina welcomes sizable yachts and pleasure boats. Near the Castro Marina, bars, restaurants, and cafes open up on the shoreline to accommodate summer vacationers with great food and spectacular views.
Wander the storied streets of Castro’s Centro Storico
Start your walk at the Belvedere di Castro- a beautiful piazza with breathtaking views. Be sure to visit the Castle, and Castro’s Cathedral- Chiesa dell’ Annunziata(1171) attached to the remains of a 10th Century Byzantine Church with traces of Frescos.
Visit the Castle
Explore the historic Castle of Castro, dating back to the 12th century – Romanesque architecture and in a historic town’s medieval past.
Check out Palazzo Vescovile
A privately owned palace with an ornate interior
Tour Grottos and caves
Caverns, and caves, stalagmites, stalactites, archeological interests, crystalline waters and wildlife- amazing! Enjoy a walking tour of Grotto Zinzulusa,. Grotto Azzurra e Palombara is also a good choice but usually reached by boat.
In the local Salentine dialect, zinzuli translates to torn scraps of cloth or rags. The bizarre, tattered shaping of the stalactites resembles hanging, petrified laundry, which inspired a dark local folklore legend about a cruel baron who forced his daughter to dress in rags.
Archaeologists have found structural and material evidence proving that humans used these deep limestone chambers as shelters during both the Paleolithic era and ancient Roman times
The cave is globally famous in scientific communities for the Cocito, an underground lake at the very back. It features a stratified ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater sit layered together without mixing, serving as the only ecosystem on Earth home to Typhlocaris salentina—a completely blind, prehistoric white cave shrimp that evolved over thousands of generations in total darkness.
Have a natural Hot spring experience
Just 7k from castro….Santa Cesarea- These waters flow at various temperatures from 4 caves. The waters include chlorinated sulphurous Iodine with a thermalization process that brings the temperature to 36-37 degrees C(or approximately 97F). These waters are thought to benefit a whole host of ailments and/or- just feel good. Oooooh! The baths are open between May and November and you can also treat yourself to a number of massages, mud, and hot mineral treatments.
Favorite Restaurant in Castro
Renowned for its dedication to traditional Puglian cuisine and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Da Amedeo is just a few minutes walk from the central square, and definitely made worthwhile by the food. Lovely atmosphere and back garden patio. Nice seafood menu, and a good wine list. Highly recommend the Seafood Starter. Via Sant’Antonio 46, 73030 Castro Italy +39 0836 947040
Meet Amedeo- Ristorante Del Salento
FAQ’s on Castro
1. What is Castro known for?
Castro, the Pearl of Salento, is famous for its dramatic cliffside setting on the Adriatic. The town is split into two distinct parts: Castro Alta, the historic medieval village perched on a high rocky cliff, and Castro Marina, the bustling harbor and crystal-clear swimming bay directly below.
2. Did Aeneas really land in Castro?
According to legend, yes! In Book III of the Aeneid, Virgil describes Aeneas landing at “a port dominated by a high promontory with a majestic temple on top consecrated to the goddess Minerva.” In 2015, excavations at the end of Vico della Minerva uncovered just such a temple — complete with a large headless statue of the goddess.
3. What is the Grotta Zinzulusa?
One of Puglia’s most extraordinary sea caves, a short walk from Castro Marina. Inside, a massive chamber called the Duomo has a 24-meter cathedral-like ceiling. The name comes from “zinzuli” — rags in local dialect — because the tattered stalactites look like hanging laundry. At the very back lies the Cocito, an underground lake home to a blind prehistoric shrimp found nowhere else on Earth.
4. What’s the difference between Castro Alta and Castro Marina?
Castro Alta is the medieval village on top of the cliff — castle, cathedral, piazzas, and the Belvedere with breathtaking views. Castro Marina is the harbor town below, all about swimming, boating, lidos, and waterfront restaurants. Both are wonderfully walkable; visit both.
5. What is the best restaurant in Castro?
Our pick is Da Amedeo (Via Sant’Antonio 46), a few minutes’ walk from the central square. Traditional Puglian cuisine, a lovely back-garden patio, a great seafood menu and wine list — don’t miss the seafood starter.
6. Are there hot springs near Castro?
Yes — Santa Cesarea is just 7 km away. Thermal waters flow from four caves at 36–37°C (about 97°F), rich in sulphur and iodine. The baths are open May through November, with massages, mud, and hot mineral treatments.
7. How far is Castro from Lecce and Otranto?
Castro is about 45 km from Lecce and just 15 km from Otranto — an easy drive along one of the most scenic coastlines in Puglia.
You never know what you might find driving around Castro, Italy