The spring festival in the Borgo Antico of Castellammare di Stabia, featuring a pirate landing and sea-themed fun
The Villaggio del Mare is the spring event that brings the Borgo Antico of Stabia to life. Located in the heart of the Acqua della Madonna district—one of the most authentic corners of Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples—the festival is promoted by the Comitato Borgo Antico di Stabia in collaboration with local associations. Its goal is to highlight the city's maritime identity and bring life and visitors back to the historic streets overlooking the gulf.
The most anticipated moment is the pirate landing, which turns Via Duilio at Acqua della Madonna into a large themed village. From morning until early afternoon, costumed entertainers, play areas, and inflatables welcome families and children in a festive atmosphere that symbolically marks the start of the Stabiese summer season. It is an event designed primarily for children, but one that engages the entire community.
The city's bond with the sea is the common thread throughout the event. Aboard the Cafè do Mar boat, temporary aquariums and educational workshops dedicated to marine conservation are set up, curated by the Stabiesi "Post Fata Resurgo" Association and Fabio Gentile of Clownfishes. It is a unique opportunity for both adults and children to learn about the gulf's fauna and sustainability issues.
The culinary dimension is not to be missed, with excellence offered by the historic waterfront chalets: dishes based on the local catch, artichokes, seasonal vegetables, and the essential biscotti di Castellammare, the city's iconic sweet specialty. The Villaggio del Mare thus becomes a showcase for local Stabiese traditions.
The initiative is the result of collaboration between numerous local entities: in addition to the Comitato Borgo Antico, participants include the Porto Borbonico Association, Pro Natura, the Pro Loco, the Naval League, the Rowing Club, the Comitato Identità Stabiane, and the Municipal Police. This synergy also creates new events throughout the year that animate the historic center with treasure hunts and evening shows. As part of the broader promotion of the territory, the Villaggio del Mare represents one of the moments that best captures the spirit of Castellammare di Stabia and the coastal Campania region.
The 2026 edition of the Villaggio del Mare brought the Borgo Antico of Castellammare di Stabia to life over the weekend of April 25-26, coinciding with the final days of the Med Cooking Congress. The heart of the festival was the pirate landing at Acqua della Madonna, with games, entertainment, and inflatables for children, alongside sea-themed workshops and tastings of Stabiese specialties.
Two days at the Borgo Antico of Stabia, in the Acqua della Madonna area, with activities dedicated to the sea, children, and discovering the district.
The initiative was promoted by the Comitato Borgo Antico di Stabia (President Francesco Napolitano) in collaboration with the Porto Borbonico Association, Pro Natura, Pro Loco, Naval League, Rowing Club, Comitato Identità Stabiane, and the Municipal Police.
Borgo Antico di Stabia, in the Acqua della Madonna area, with the pirate landing along Via Duilio, in Castellammare di Stabia (NA).
By train via the Circumvesuviana (Naples-Sorrento line, Castellammare di Stabia stop) or the Campania Express; by car via the A3 Naples-Salerno motorway, taking the Castellammare di Stabia exit. The Borgo Antico and the waterfront are easily accessible on foot from the city center.
The last weekend of April. The pirate landing takes place between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Free entry to activities; tastings at the waterfront chalets are paid according to individual price lists.
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Borgo Antico di Stabia - Acqua della Madonna
Via Duilio, 80053 Castellammare di Stabia