Castellana Grotte Beaches

Overview

Castellana Grotte offers a unique Puglian holiday, placing you close to its world-famous caves and the charming towns of the Itria Valley. While not a coastal town itself, it serves as an excellent inland base for exploring the Adriatic shore. The region's most celebrated beaches are just a short drive away, making it easy to combine cultural trips with sun-soaked afternoons by the sea.

A brief car journey brings you to the stunning coastlines of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. In Polignano, you will find the iconic Lama Monachile, a world-famous pebble beach set between dramatic cliffs. Nearby Monopoli offers the lovely Cala Porta Vecchia, perfect for a swim right next to the old town walls. For breathtaking scenery, head to the turquoise cove of Spiaggia di Porto Ghiacciolo, watched over by a historic castle.

The coastline near Castellana Grotte presents a wonderful variety, from the dramatic, pebbly coves of Polignano to the long, sandy shores found south of Monopoli. This ensures there is a perfect spot for every type of beachgoer. For more inspiration, including quieter coves and family-friendly sandy stretches, be sure to explore our complete guide to the best beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Castellana Grotte a good base for a beach holiday?

Castellana Grotte is an excellent base for a holiday that combines cultural sights with beach days, but it is not a beach town itself. Located inland, it's about a 20-30 minute drive to the Adriatic coast. It's a strategic position for exploring the famous caves, the Trulli of Alberobello, and the nearby coastal towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. Renting a car is highly recommended to have the flexibility to visit the various beaches and towns in the area.

How far are the beaches from Castellana Grotte and how do I get there?

The nearest beaches are on the Adriatic coast, approximately 15-20 kilometers away, which is about a 20-30 minute drive. The most popular nearby coastal towns are Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. The best way to get to the beaches is by car, as this provides the most flexibility. While there are some bus services connecting Castellana Grotte to coastal towns like Polignano a Mare, a car is essential for exploring the many different coves and beaches along the coastline.

Which is better for beaches: Polignano a Mare or Monopoli?

It depends on your preference. Polignano a Mare is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the iconic pebble beach, Lama Monachile, which is incredibly scenic but can get very crowded. Monopoli offers a greater variety of beaches, including more sandy coves like Cala Porta Vecchia and the longer stretches of sand at Capitolo, making it often better for families or those seeking more space. Polignano is about dramatic views, while Monopoli offers more accessible and diverse swimming spots.

Lama Monachile

Cala Porta Vecchia

Are there sandy beaches near Castellana Grotte?

Yes, while many of the coves (cale) near Polignano a Mare are pebbly or rocky, the area south of Monopoli, known as Capitolo, is famous for its long, sandy beaches. These beaches are home to numerous lidos (beach clubs) as well as free public sections. Some smaller sandy coves can also be found around Monopoli itself, such as Cala Porta Vecchia and Porto Bianco.

Cala Porta Vecchia

Porto Bianco

Should I stay in a Masseria near the coast or a hotel in town?

This depends on your travel style. Staying in a Masseria (a restored farmhouse) offers a unique, tranquil Puglian experience, often with a pool and set among olive groves. It's ideal for relaxation but requires a car for all excursions. Staying in a hotel in Polignano or Monopoli puts you in the heart of the action, with easy walking access to restaurants, shops, and the main town beaches, offering a more vibrant atmosphere.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the difference between a 'lido' and a free beach ('spiaggia libera')?

In Puglia, like much of Italy, you'll find both lidos and spiagge libere. A 'lido' is a private beach club where you pay an entrance fee or rent sunbeds and an umbrella for the day, often with amenities like bars, restaurants, and restrooms. A 'spiaggia libera' is a free public beach where you can lay your own towel down at no cost, but with fewer or no facilities. The coast near Monopoli and Polignano offers a mix of both.

Do I need to rent a car to visit the beaches from Castellana Grotte?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended. While some public transport exists, a car gives you the freedom to explore the numerous small coves, drive to less crowded spots, and easily travel between the inland towns and the coast. Parking can be challenging in popular beach towns during peak season, so it's wise to look for paid parking lots or arrive early.

What are the beaches like for families with children?

For families, the sandy beaches south of Monopoli in the Capitolo area are often the best choice due to their shallow waters and soft sand. Beaches like Lido Santo Stefano and Cala San Giovanni are also popular with families. Many of the iconic coves in Polignano a Mare are pebbly and the water can get deep quickly, making them better suited for confident swimmers.

Lido Santo Stefano

Cala San Giovanni

People Also Ask

When is the best time to visit for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday is typically June and September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is pleasant for swimming, but the crowds are much smaller than in the peak months of July and August. While July and August offer the hottest weather, beaches and towns can be extremely crowded and prices for accommodation and lidos are at their highest.

What is parking like at the popular beaches like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli?

Parking can be very challenging, especially in July and August. In Polignano a Mare and Monopoli's historic centers, parking is often restricted to residents (yellow lines) or paid (blue lines). It is advisable to use the larger paid parking lots on the outskirts of the towns and walk to the beaches. Arriving early in the morning increases your chances of finding a spot. Some apps can also help locate and pay for parking.

Can you swim in the sea in October?

It is possible to swim in the sea in early October, as the water retains some of the summer warmth. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, though less predictable than in summer. However, you will find far fewer people on the beaches, and many lidos and beachside facilities may have closed for the season after September. It's a great time for quiet beach walks and a quick, refreshing dip for the brave.

Are there any hidden gem beaches away from the main crowds?

Yes, to find less crowded spots, explore the coastline between the main towns. North of Monopoli, you can find coves like Cala Incine and Spiaggia di Cala Corvino, which are more rugged and attract fewer tourists. South of the main Capitolo beaches, the coastline continues with smaller coves that are popular with locals. Exploring with a car is the best way to discover these more secluded spots.