The Castro Wine Fest has become a must-attend event in the panorama of food and wine events. The event not only celebrates the excellence of Apulian wines, but is also a promotional showcase for Salento wineries.During the three-day festival, the old town of Castro is transformed into a wine trail, crossing the belvedere behind the walls, the Aragonese Castle with its sea-view terraces, Piazza Vittoria, the Bishop's Palace and the Archaeological Park area.Castro Wine Fest 2024 programThe 800-meter tasting route will host 50 wineries, 14 food stations, local bakeries and local oil companies. Each evening, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a sensory journey through Apulian flavors and traditions.The "fish street" will offer oysters and raw seafood, while the "dessert street" will delight with passiti and typical desserts. In addition, cheeses and dairy products, dishes made with legumes, vegetables, greens and other organic and natural products from the region will be on offer.To enrich the experience, six music stations will be located along the route, accompanying visitors with tunes ranging from traditional to contemporary genres, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere. Guests will thus be able to enjoy the music while tasting the area's gastronomic excellence, strolling through Castro's enchanting historic locations.READ ALSO: Salento Wine tour: routes between taste and tradition.Castro Wine Fest: tickets and useful infoFor more information on costs and how to purchase tasting tickets, interested parties are invited to visit the event's official website: castrowinefest.it. Tickets can be purchased online at the Castro Wine Fest website or at the ticket office located at the entrance to the route.The Castro Wine Fest 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event, able to combine the passion for wine and food with the beauty of one of the most fascinating villages in Puglia. An unmissable opportunity to discover and appreciate the food and wine excellence of the area, in a unique and evocative setting.READ ALSO: Holidays in Castro in Puglia between sea and legendsBook now your vacation home in CastroThe Castro Wine Fest 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event, able to combine the passion for wine and food with the beauty of one of the most fascinating villages in Puglia. An unmissable opportunity to discover and appreciate the food and wine excellence of the area, in a unique and evocative setting.Don't miss the opportunity to experience the Castro Wine Fest 2024 as a protagonist! Book one of our charming vacation homes in Castro and ensure an unforgettable stay in the heart of Salento. Enjoy the festival and relax in our comfortable facilitiesvLooking for more tips on how to best experience Castro Wine Fest 2024?Click here!BarbarHouse has an extensive catalog of vacation homes and villas in Italy. Its offer covers all kinds of needs: from apartments in the city or in historic centers to villas by the sea, to budget and luxury accommodations such as hotels, residences and B&Bs.Authors: the BarbarHouse editorial staff

Castro (Apulia): what to seeIf you are now wondering in Castro (Puglia) what to see, we have for you some suggestions to make your vacations in Puglia special.In addition to the numerous natural ravines that line the entire promontory on which Castro paese is developed, such as the famous anchialine caves, among which the Grotta Zinzulusa and the Grotta Romanelli stand out, the sites of important archaeological findings, the municipality of Castro offers an incredible cultural offer that will guarantee you a memorable stay.Castro: historic centerIn fact, any visitor cannot help but be captivated in Castro by the historic center , which clings to a rocky outcrop overlooking the cobalt blue sea.Spending your vacation in Castro (Lecce) therefore, you can not only wander unhurriedly through that splendid skein of streets and alleys overlooking the sea, but discover a mysterious past that gently envelops the entireancient villagewith its aura.In this regard, in fact, it is said that Castro in Salento was the first landing place of Aeneas, right at the foot of the temple dedicated to Minerva, "Castrum Minervae" from which the whole village takes its name and of which, some time ago, historical artifacts and some parts of a statuette of the goddess were found.The entire center of Castro, then, within its walls, hosts the Aragonese Castle and the 10th-century Byzantine crypt, the latter erected on the remains of an early Christian building, and finally the former Bishop's Palace dating back to the 16th century.Castro: seaThe Pearl of Salento predisposes a peculiar morphology, in which the residential center is mainly developed on the upper part of the undulating relief, so much so that it is called "Castro di Sopra," at the same time, however, the last few centuries have witnessed the town's expansion also in the area now called Castro Marina, on the same sea level.Here in Castro the sea is an apotheosis of colors and scents, in which the marine nuances are exceptional, especially in the area of Punta Mucurune, where the maritime boundary between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas was established, later conventionally moved to Punta Meliso in Leuca.Castro (Apulia): beachesTherefore, if you are looking for sandy beaches for your vacation in Castro (Puglia) , you will not find any here, as almost the entire eastern coastline is rocky, with a few exceptions of small sandy bays.Despite the high cliffs plunging into the sea and the rocky coastline, there are numerous free accesses to the water and even bathing establishments, so that you can either choose the comfort of a lido or dive bravely from its spurs.However, staying in Castro will not limit you in your travels, especially on days when the grecale blows, you may decide to reach the Ionian coast and carve out quiet days on the long stretches of white sand of Torre San Giovanni, about 30 km away.Castro (Apulia): mapIn conclusion, if you have been won over by this Adriatic Sea town in the heart of Salento, and would like to know more about its location and distances from the main tourist hubs, we attach a map of Castro(Puglia).From what the map shows, Castro is 20 km from Otranto , 6 km from Santa Cesarea Terme , and 30 km from Santa Maria di Leuca .Don't miss the opportunity to experience unique and memorable moments with your gaze turned toward the blue of the crystal clear sea. Book now your vacation home in Castro and let beauty and comfort envelop you. <a rel='nofollow' href="en/apulia/holidays-in-province-of-lecce/holidays-in-castro/""target="_BLANK" title="Discover Homes in Castro" style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer"> <button style="background-color: #00598a; cursor: pointer; border-spacing: 10px; font-size: 14px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 18px; border-radius: 4px; border-width: 0px; border-style: none; border-color: #0000; height: 40px; margin: 0px auto; display: inline" type="button"> <div style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800"> Discover homes in Castro <div style="clear: both"> </div> </div> </button> </a> </div> </div>

What to see in Castro marinaAragonese castle CastroCathedral of CastroPort of CastroCaves of CastroCastro webcamCastro: dream seaBeaches and lidos in Castro marinaWeather CastroWhat to do in Castro marinaCastro boat excursionsWhere to eat in castro marinaUnderground restaurantTrattoria La PizzicaFriggitoria Isola del SoleGrotta del Conte RestaurantHow to get to CastroCastro mapWhere to sleep in Castro marinaCastro marina and surroundingsWhat to see in Castro MarinaNestled in the astonishing beauty of Salento lies a treasure not to be missed: the picturesque village of Castro, one of the most fascinating tourist landings in the whole area.Thanks to its strategic location, it will allow you to move easily to discover the most famous Salento destinations, giving you an unforgettable travel experience. But what wonders does Castro offer to admire?Castro Aragonese CastleThe first unmissable stop on your itinerary in Castro is undoubtedly the Castle, an imposing structure that dominates the town from above. Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an earlier fortification, it represents a real architectural jewel that will leave you speechless. With its 900 square meters of surface area and a rectangular inner courtyard of another 30 square meters, it represents a true wonder to behold. This beautiful structure of Angevin origins was subject to numerous Turkish attacks that caused its destruction and subsequent reconstruction, making it even more fascinating and mysterious.Castro CathedralYou cannot fail to visit the splendid Castro Cathedral, also located in the upper part of the city. Built in 1171 on the remains of an ancient Greek temple, this architectural marvel is characterized by its Latin cross shape and a single nave, enriched with ancient paintings depicting scenes from the lives of saints. The cathedral will transport you to a world of charm and mysticism, where time seems to stand still.Port of CastroWe highly recommend a visit to the magnificent port of Castro Marina, where until a few years ago lampara and rowing boats stopped waiting to embark on their sea voyage. This enchanting place will give you a unique experience, where the view of the crystal clear sea and colorful boats will make your stay unforgettable. You can stroll along the docks, breathing in the salty air and admiring the spectacle of nature that surrounds you.Castro CavesThe coast of Castro Marina is dotted with wonderful natural caves, including two unique gems: the Palombara Cave and the Zinzulusa Cave. Grotta Palombara will welcome you with its majestic stalactites and stalagmites, giving you an unforgettable experience of immersion in an enchanted world. The Zinzulusa Cave, on the other hand, will surprise you with its magnificent natural pool and its walls overhanging the sea, creating a unique and evocative scenario. Explore these natural wonders and be enchanted by the beauty of the Adriatic.Webcam castroCastro: dreamy seaThe beauty of the sea in Castro Marina is absolutely breathtaking, with shades of deep blue blending with vivid shades of bright green. The seabed is perfect for diving enthusiasts, as it offers wide, illuminated spaces where you can discover the wealth of local marine fauna. Be enchanted by the beauty of the Adriatic and immerse yourself in a world of timeless colors and emotions.https://www.barbarhouse.com/puglia/provincia-di-lecce/castro/ville-e-villette-castro/Beaches and lidos in Castro MarinaThe coast of Castro Marina is a succession of coves and inlets where the crystal-clear, intensely colored sea enchants every visitor. The beaches, mostly of smooth stones, offer a unique experience of relaxation and well-being, with their bathing establishments equipped with every comfort and service. Here you can enjoy a day of pure relaxation, lulled by the waves of the sea and surrounded by unspoiled nature. Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, the equipped lidos of Lido la Sorgente and Molo Solarium offer an unforgettable bathing experience, with high quality services and a spectacular view of the crystal clear sea. However, if you're looking for a more secluded corner of paradise, we recommend exploring the small and reserved cove of L'Argentiera, framed by unspoiled nature and a dreamy blue sea.Castro WeatherWhat to do in Castro MarinaCastro boat excursionsFor those who want to have an unforgettable experience, I recommend trying a boat excursion along the coast of Castro Marina. Once you arrive at the port, you can go down a small slope and find the stands of the various boat renters, ready to offer you a journey to discover the wonders of the sea. You can admire the rocky and jagged coastline, picturesque sea caves and ravines, enjoying the sea breeze and the vivid shades of blue and green of the water. An experience not to be missed for lovers of nature and the sea.Where to eat in Castro marinaIn Castro, sitting at the table, you can enjoy the authentic essence of Salento and Apulian cuisine, which is expressed in unique and inimitable flavors. Here the culinary tradition is lived with passion and care, with first-rate ingredients and recipes handed down from generation to generation. To taste the cuisine of Castro is to immerse oneself in a gustatory journey to discover the roots and culture of this land, made of genuineness and intense fragrances that remain etched in the memory.Underground RestaurantUnderground Restaurant is a real hidden gem in the heart of Castro, where local culinary tradition meets innovation. Here you can enjoy typical dishes from Salento and the Adriatic Sea, prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, at more than reasonable prices. The informal and cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, created inside an old cellar dug into the rock, will make you feel at home and give you an unforgettable experience. Underground Restaurant is the right place to indulge in a tasty and authentic break, where food and hospitality are at home.Trattoria La PizzicaTrattoria Pizzeria La Pizzica is a corner of paradise for lovers of seafood cuisine, where you can enjoy delicacies made from fresh fish, expertly prepared with genuine, top-quality ingredients. The passion for Salento's culinary tradition is reflected in every dish, offering an authentic and unforgettable gastronomic experience. In addition, the value for money is excellent, making a visit to the trattoria a must for those who want to eat well at affordable prices.Friggitoria Isola del SoleFriggitoria Isola del Sole is a true paradise for lovers of fresh fish and seafood delicacies. Located in Castro, it is a must for those who wish to savor the authentic flavors of Salento cuisine, with a focus on the local catch. The dishes offered are prepared with great skill and passion, using only high-quality ingredients and respecting the ancient recipes of traditional Apulian cuisine. In addition, prices are among the lowest in the area, guaranteeing a quality culinary experience at an affordable price. The atmosphere is cozy and familiar, ideal for spending a pleasant evening with friends, enjoying the delicacies of the Isola del Sole Friggitoria.Grotta del Conte RestaurantGrotta del Conte Restaurant is a unique experience for the eyes and the palate. Situated in a picturesque location overlooking the crystal clear sea of Castro, this restaurant is one of Puglia's hidden gems. The enchanting panorama and romantic atmosphere create an unforgettable experience, made even more special by the delicious dishes the chef offers. Despite the high quality, the prices are not excessive, offering a high-level culinary experience accessible to all. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience, the Grotta del Conte restaurant is the right place for you.How to get to CastroBy car: If you want to reach Castro by car coming from the north, you can take the A14 highway to Bari and then continue along the Bari-Lecce freeway heading south. Once you reach Lecce, you can follow the S.S.16 Adriatica highway in the direction of Maglie and then follow the signs for Poggiardo. At the junction for Santa Cesarea Terme, you can continue toward Castro following the signs.By train: If you choose to travel by train, the first stop will be Lecce, where you can take FSE buses that will take you to Castro. Alternatively, you can use local FSE trains to get to Otranto and then continue by bus to your destination.By plane: If you choose to arrive in Castro by plane, the most convenient way is to make a stopover at Brindisi airport. From there, you can take the bus that connects the airport to the center of Lecce, and then continue to Castro using the available public transportation. The car rental option could be a convenient alternative to reach Castro directly from Brindisi airport, with the possibility of exploring all the beauties of Salento on your own.Castro mapWhere to sleep in Castro marinaBy choosing our accommodation solutions from vacation homes, apartments, residences, B&Bs and villas and cottages, you'll discover everything you need to know about sleeping Castro while spending the right amount in the right places. Depending on the season and your intentions, you can choose the most suitable area for your overnight stay. The historic center is a popular choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action and immerse themselves in the city's traditional atmosphere. Otherwise, many facilities are located along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea.Castro marina and surroundingsFind out what to see in and around Castro marina during your vacation. Here are our guides and insights into the area. Find out more:Castro vacations in Puglia between sea and legends