Campania, Italy

Castellabate Beaches

Overview

Castellabate, nestled within Italy's beautiful Cilento National Park, is a charming beach destination. Its coastline offers a delightful variety, from long stretches of golden sand to secluded coves, all caressed by clear and calm waters. Many of these beaches proudly fly the Blue Flag, a testament to their quality. This area is particularly welcoming for families, with gentle shores perfect for all ages to enjoy the sea.

Key beaches to explore include the film-famous Spiaggia di Marina Piccola in the heart of Santa Maria, perfect for soaking up the town's atmosphere. For underwater enthusiasts, Spiaggia della Grotta di San Marco offers clear waters ideal for snorkeling near its sea cave. The extensive sandy stretch of Spiaggia del Pozzillo is a popular choice connecting Santa Maria and San Marco. For a different experience, the protected marine area of Punta Licosa offers stunning natural coves and is often cited as one of Cilento's most beautiful spots.

Castellabate's charm lies in its authentic Italian coastal experience, generally offering wider, sandier beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere than some other famous Italian coastlines. You'll discover both free public stretches of sand and well-equipped beach clubs. The coastline here is diverse, from bustling shores to more tranquil coves, and our full guide details many more beaches waiting to be explored.

FAQ

What are the beaches like in Castellabate?

Castellabate's coastline, part of the Cilento National Park, features a mix of long sandy stretches and small coves, often with fine golden sand and clear, calm waters. Many beaches have received Blue Flag awards for their cleanliness and quality. You'll find both free public areas and private lidos (beach clubs) offering sunbeds and umbrellas.

Is Castellabate good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Castellabate is considered very family-friendly. Beaches like Santa Maria di Castellabate have shallow, clear waters and sandy shores, making them safe for children. Some beaches have even received the 'Green Flag' award from Italian pediatricians. Many areas offer services like entertainment for kids and easy access to amenities.

Can you swim in the sea at Castellabate, and what's the water like?

Absolutely! The waters around Castellabate are known for being crystal-clear and calm, making them excellent for swimming. The area consistently receives Blue Flag awards, indicating high water quality. The seabed is often sandy and slopes gently, especially in popular spots like Santa Maria and Pozzillo.

What's the best time of year to visit Castellabate for beaches?

The prime beach season in Castellabate is from July to September when the weather is warmest and the sea is ideal for swimming. However, May, June, and October can also be pleasant with fewer crowds, though the water might be cooler. August is typically the busiest month.

Are there free public beaches in Castellabate, or do you have to pay?

Castellabate offers a mix of both. There are several free public beach areas ('spiaggia libera') where you can lay your towel without charge. Additionally, there are numerous 'lidi' or beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee and access facilities like bars and restrooms.

How do Santa Maria di Castellabate and San Marco di Castellabate beaches compare?

Both Santa Maria and San Marco have beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Santa Maria's main beach is a long stretch of golden sand right in the town center, known for being lively and family-friendly. San Marco also offers sandy beaches like Pozzillo, which connects it to Santa Maria, and Spiaggia della Grotta near its port, popular with locals. Both have a mix of free areas and lidos.
Spiaggia della Grotta di San Marco
Spiaggia della Grotta di San M...

Is it easy to find parking near the beaches in Castellabate?

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season (July and August). While some areas offer paid parking lots and street parking, availability varies. Some beaches, particularly the more central ones in Santa Maria or San Marco, might require a bit of a walk from parking spots. Arriving early is often recommended.

Are the beaches in Castellabate sandy or pebbly?

Most of the popular beaches in Castellabate, such as those in Santa Maria di Castellabate and San Marco (like Pozzillo), are predominantly sandy with fine, golden sand. Some smaller coves or more secluded spots might have a mix of sand and pebbles or rocks.

People Also Ask

What are some quieter or hidden beaches near Castellabate?

While the main beaches in Santa Maria and San Marco can be lively, the Cilento coast around Castellabate has more secluded options. Punta Licosa, a protected marine area, offers beautiful coves accessible by boat or through walking trails. Ogliastro Marina also has less crowded spots. Exploring the coastline can reveal smaller, quieter bays.

How do Castellabate's beaches compare to the Amalfi Coast?

Castellabate's beaches are generally wider, sandier, and often considered more family-friendly with gentler slopes into the water compared to many of the smaller, often pebbly, cove beaches of the Amalfi Coast. While the Amalfi Coast is known for its dramatic cliffside scenery and chic atmosphere, Castellabate offers a more laid-back, traditional Italian beach experience within the Cilento National Park, often with more space and fewer international crowds.

Are there beach clubs (lidi) in Castellabate and what do they offer?

Yes, there are many 'lidi' or beach clubs along the Castellabate coast, especially on popular beaches like Pozzillo and Santa Maria. They typically offer rental of sunbeds and umbrellas, changing cabins, showers, restrooms, and often have bars or restaurants serving food and drinks. Some may also offer activities or entertainment.

How do you get to the beaches if you're staying in Castellabate old town (paese)?

Castellabate old town is situated on a hill overlooking the coast. To reach the main beaches in Santa Maria di Castellabate or San Marco di Castellabate (about 3-4 km away), you would typically drive, take a local bus, or a taxi. Walking is possible but involves a significant downhill (and then uphill) journey.

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Castellabate?

Generally, specific designated dog-friendly beaches are not widely advertised for Castellabate itself. While some private lidos in the broader Cilento area may allow pets, it's best to check local signage and individual lido policies. Public beaches often have restrictions, especially during peak season. Some resources list pet-friendly beaches in nearby towns within Cilento.

Is Castellabate more for a relaxing beach holiday or a party scene?

Castellabate is primarily known for a relaxing beach holiday. It's popular with families and those seeking a tranquil atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and authentic Italian coastal life. While there are bars and restaurants, it doesn't have a large-scale, intense party scene like some other Mediterranean destinations. The evenings are more about pleasant strolls and dining out.

Are there good spots for snorkeling around Castellabate?

Yes, the clear waters of the Castellabate coast, particularly around rocky outcrops and in the marine protected area of Santa Maria di Castellabate (which includes Punta Licosa), offer good snorkeling opportunities. You can admire marine flora and fauna in these areas.

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The fastest way to find the best Castellabate Beaches

Castellabate Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Castellabate: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
It's an okay day for the beach in Castellabate. The skies will be fairly cloudy. There's a slight chance of rain, so you might want to bring an umbrella just in case. The wind will be moderate, with stronger gusts possible. The sea temperature is a pleasant 27.9 °C, ideal for swimming. The waves are moderate with a wave height of 0.9 m. The maximum air temperature will reach 29.2 °C. The UV index will be high at 6.6, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High22.4°C/29.2°C
Feels Like (High)33.7°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature27.9 °C
Wave Height0.9 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance45%
Rainfall0.1 mm
Rain Duration1 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:52/20:20
Sunshine Hours8.7 hrs
UV Index6.6
Cloud Cover67%
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Wind

Speed18.7 km/h
Gusts56.2 km/h
DirectionNW

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