A Picturesque Beach In Italy Boasts Stunning Limestone Cliffs, Golden Sand, & Shallow Water

Spiaggia del Castello, also known as Scialara Beach (and not to be confused with Spiaggia del Castello di Baia), is a stunning stretch of golden sand just short of 2.5 miles that runs along the coast of Foggia Province in Italy. It begins at the small coastal town of Vieste and runs along the coast, stopping at the Grotta Arcobaleno scenic point. Backed by limestone cliffs and overlooked by the historic Castello Svevo Aragonese, this gorgeous beach is known for its fine, golden sands and shallow waters.

With sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, easy accessibility, and plenty of space to relax, it's a great spot for the whole family. Much like the coastal Italian town of Levanto in Liguria, this is a must-add to your family vacation bucket list. Spiaggia del Castello is home to a variety of beach clubs, where guests can rent umbrellas and deckchairs, visit bars and restaurants, or use the restrooms.

Spiaggia del Castello is one of the lesser-known Italian beaches that offers a perfect secluded, coastal escape, ideal for those seeking a relaxing day of sunbathing and dipping your toes in the waters. That said, there's still plenty to do in terms of sightseeing. This beach is home to the jaw-dropping Monolite Pizzomunno, an 82-foot tall sandstone monolith that sits at one end of the beach, nearby Vieste town.

Spiaggia del Castello is accessible from the center of Vieste, and there are various access points to the shore along the Lungomare Enrico Mattei sidewalk. Most visitors to Vieste travel into the closest international airport, Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), which now offers direct flights from New York. From there, it is a 2.5-hour scenic drive along the coast to the small town of Vieste.

Be sure to pack sunscreen, a beach hat, and water shoes, as the sand can get hot. Also keep in mind that the sand can sometimes be rocky and rough near the cliffs. It's also a good plan to spend some time in the little town of Vieste during your visit. There you can find budget guesthouses, boutique hotels, and delicious trattorias with fresh seafood.

A stay in the area of Vieste can be inexpensive, especially compared to some of the more popular destinations in Italy, with four-star hotels costing just over $100 on average per night, depending on the season. If you're planning a visit here, it is best to visit in the spring or fall seasons. That way, you can still enjoy the beautiful weather without too many crowds. During the summer months, the beach can become crowded, and during the winter, many facilities and attractions are closed.