Castro

Castro is a small town in the province of Lecce, in Puglia (postcode 73030), split between the hilltop historic village of Castro Superiore and its coastal district, Castro Marina, on the Adriatic Sea. The area is best known for the Zinzulusa Cave, a karst cave with striking limestone formations, ranking among the natural highlights of the Salento peninsula. The old town retains a castle of Aragonese origin and a Romanesque cathedral, reflecting its medieval past. The marina features a small harbour, pebble beaches and clear coves popular for swimming and diving, while the rocky coastline also lends itself to scenic coastal walks. Castro makes a pleasant stop along the coastal route linking Otranto and Santa Cesarea Terme, in a region known for its Mediterranean climate, transparent waters and seafood-based cuisine. The town remains modest in size, offering a more authentic, less crowded atmosphere than some other Salento resorts, while still providing easy access to the main natural and historic sites along Puglia's Adriatic coast.