Terra delle Gravine National Kite Festival

A festival of wind and color on the Ionian coast

Every May, the beach at Castellaneta Marina, a seaside hamlet in the municipality of Castellaneta in the province of Taranto, becomes the stage for the Terra delle Gravine National Kite Festival. For an entire weekend, the sky over the Ionian coast fills with kites of every shape and size, while the promenade turns into a vast open-air space dedicated to play, creativity, and exploring the Terra delle Gravine region.

The event is organized by the Visit Terra delle Gravine association, which has grown the festival over the years into one of the key events signaling the start of the summer season on the Taranto coast. Expert kite flyers from across Italy animate the beach with acrobatic displays, while massive inflatable structures soar above the sand, offering a spectacle that draws families, curious onlookers, and tourists alike.

What to expect

• Acrobatic flights by master kite flyers and aerial choreographies
• Giant inflatable kites and technical kites
• Building workshops where children and families can craft and fly their own kites with the help of instructors
• Free flight sessions and entertainment for the little ones
• Artisan market along the promenade and food and wine stands

An eco-conscious event

The festival combines fun with a strong focus on sustainability and marine conservation. In collaboration with the Circolo Legambiente Gravine & Mare, a beach cleanup is organized, while initiatives dedicated to protecting sea turtles—such as the LIFE Turtlenest project and the Tarta Beach Tour—raise awareness among both adults and children about respecting coastal ecosystems.

Thanks to this blend of spectacle, play, and environmental education, the Kite Festival has become an original way to promote the Terra delle Gravine and the coast of Castellaneta, in Puglia, inviting residents and visitors to rediscover the beach in a fresh, colorful, and family-friendly way. Admission is free, and those without a kite can purchase one directly on-site.