Castellaneta Marina: the Blue Flag beach set in an Aleppo pine wood, among equipped lidos, free beaches and venues. How to get there from Taranto.
History
Castellaneta Marina is the seaside district of Castellaneta, set within the lush Bosco Pineto pine wood, in the heart of the Terra delle Gravine Regional Natural Park. Originally a marshy area, it was reclaimed in the 1960s and turned into one of the Ionian coast's best-loved resorts.
Its shoreline counts hundreds of metres of fine golden sand, ringed by a dense wood of Aleppo pine and fragrant Mediterranean scrub. The sea, awarded the Blue Flag, is crystal-clear and shelves gently — ideal for families.
What to see
The beach stretches across some twenty sections, alternating free stretches — reached along the paths through the dunes — and equipped lidos with every comfort. The centre, along Viale dei Pini and the Eroi del Mare promenade, offers shops, restaurants, establishments and evening venues, making it suited to families and young people alike.
In summer the resort comes alive with events, markets, concerts and film seasons. It's a quiet yet lively destination — so much so that several well-known figures spend their holidays here.
Did you know…
- The beach sits in the Aleppo pine wood of Bosco Pineto, a protected area of the Ravines Park.
- The sea of Castellaneta Marina holds the Blue Flag award.
- The once-marshy locality was reclaimed and developed as a resort in the 1960s.
Practical information
| Hours | Free beaches always accessible. The lidos follow summer seasonal hours. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free beaches at no cost. Lidos and establishments for a fee (umbrellas and sunbeds). |
| Accessibility | Many lidos offer services and walkways; the free beaches are reached along dune paths. |
| Getting there | From Taranto: about 40 km. By car along the SS106 Jonica. By train on the Bari-Taranto line (Castellaneta station), with buses to the Marina in summer. |
Tips for your visit
- For families, the shallow sandy waters are perfect for children.
- At sunset, stroll the Eroi del Mare promenade among venues and restaurants.
- Combine the beach day with a visit to Castellaneta's historic centre and its ravine.