Spiaggia di Le Castella

Spiaggia di Le Castella comprises the village’s beaches facing the Aragonese fortress. The light, calcareous shore lies within the Capo Rizzuto marine protected area, whose waters include a submerged archaeological route near the castle.

Why it matters

The beach and fortress together shape the coastal landscape of Le Castella. Spiaggia Grande and the smaller Spiaggia Piccola face the castle, while the adjoining waters form part of the Capo Rizzuto marine protected area established in 1991. Near the fortress, an underwater archaeological route follows submerged harbour structures.

What to notice

The shore has light-coloured, gritty calcareous sand, and the water remains shallow offshore. Along the coast, coves and rocky points alternate with beaches; the nearby Scogliera dell’Ajanella is marked by dark rock walls and offshore formations. The underwater route near the castle includes ancient worked blocks and cistern structures.

Context and history

The coastline is shaped by marine clays and Pleistocene sands and conglomerates. The Greek settlement on the castle islet included harbour works, some of whose stone blocks remain visible in the fortress and underwater. The 1991 decree established marine protection in these waters and introduced zoning rules for activities such as anchoring and fishing.