The beautiful seaside town in Italy with water so clear it looks like boats are 'flying'
The town is a popular destination for holidaymakers with a number of reasonably priced hotels and AirBnBs for a sun-soaked weekend away.
A beautiful Italian seaside town boasts waters so clear that boats appear to be "flying", and is famed for its Old World charm and scenic splendour.
Holidaymakers are flocking to Castro, a town on Salento's breathtaking coast, with a medieval town on the hill and a picture-postcard marina below dotted with fishing boats.
As you'd expect there are some top-notch seafood restaurants, and plenty of rocks to stretch out on and while away an afternoon in the sun.
Sky-blue skies and fresh green hills make for a gorgeous backgrop to the white washed buildings of the old town. There you'll find traditional piazzas with outdoor cafes for a proper cappuccino before taking in some of the area's rich history.
Among the many relics of the ancient town's past is a stunning stone cathedral built in 1171. The solid structure is built in the Romanesque style and is dedicated to the towns protector, the Madonna Assunziata.
2. The "flying boats" of Castro Marina, Italy pic.twitter.com/Slqqc5aO2v
— James Lucas (@JamesLucasIT) July 23, 2024
Locals honours her every year with public celebrations, including concerts and food from April 22-23, according to Summer in Italy.
But the marina is particularly eye-catching, with boat trips available to visit the coves and caves dotted along the coast.
Grotta Zinzulusa, the biggest cave in the area, even has an internal lake and is packed with stalagmites and stalactites, with others frequently visited by scuba divers.
The town is close to Lecce, Santa Maria Leuca, Santa Cesarea Terme, and Gallipoli, offering plenty of opportunities for a day trip.
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Direct flights from Stanstead fly directly to Brindisi airport (BDS). Flights are available from various London airports and Manchester, according to travel firm Rome2Rio.
Castro is then a 2-hour and 27-minute bus ride, or little more than an hour by car.
The town is a popular destination for holidaymakers with a number of reasonably priced hotels and AirBnBs for a sun-soaked weekend away.
Castro is currently seeing scorching 33C temperatures, but be advised the National Civil Protection Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Puglia, including the town, so check local advise about the best steps to protect yourself in the sweltering heat.