The Gargano is a small peninsula of land that juts into the Adriatic Sea. Positioned on the japanese shoreline of Puglia, Italy, this small promontory is house to a few of the most numerous landscapes on this area of Italy. White limestone cliffs plunge into the aquamarine sea, small cities sit on high of those cliffs, and a thick forest and groves of olive timber cowl the inside part of the peninsula.
The Gargano peninsula typically will get missed on many highway journeys by means of Puglia, with individuals opting to spend their time within the extra widespread cities similar to Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce.
We very a lot loved the time we spent right here, and on this information, we need to introduce you to the great thing about the Gargano. We cowl the most effective issues to do within the Gargano with strategies on how one can plan your go to.
What’s the Gargano?
In case you have a look at Italy on a map, it seems like a boot. Puglia is the heel of this boot and the Gargano is the spur within the heel of the boot.
Inside the central, hilly portion of the Gargano is Foresta Umbra. This dense forest of oak and beech timber is the final remaining forest of this kind in Italy. Oak and beech timber as soon as lined a lot of Italy and the Apennine Mountains. Gargano Nationwide Park preserves this final patch of forest in Italy.
Many of the inside part of the Gargano Peninsula is mountainous, lined with the Umbra Forest and large groves of olive timber. The best level of the Gargano Peninsula is Monte Calvo at 1,065 meters (3,494 toes). Just a few hill cities dot the mountainous panorama.
The hills tumble right down to the shoreline, the place brilliantly white limestone cliffs drop into the ocean. Sea caves dot the limestone cliffs, with occasional breaks within the cliffs for rocky and sandy seashores.
Gargano shoreline
Finest Issues to Do within the Gargano
1. Monte Sant’Angelo
Positioned on one of many highest mountains within the Gargano is the city of Monte Sant’Angelo.
Monte Sant’Angelo | Issues to Do within the Gargano
This small city has a compact metropolis middle to go to, with a fortress, a maze of streets to discover, and probably the most sacred cave church buildings on the earth.
Getting right here is simply as fascinating as visiting the city itself. Monte Sant’Angelo is positioned excessive within the mountains. To get right here, you’ll drive on twisting, mountain roads with views of the hilly inside and the Adriatic Sea. It’s a very scenic drive, as you gaze out over small farms and fields of olive timber.
As soon as on the town, park within the very massive lot (parcheggio) that sits to the west of the fortress. There’s a small charge to park right here.
On the town, go to the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, the cave church. That is such an essential place to go to that it will get its personal entry, listed subsequent.
One among our favourite experiences was strolling the partitions of the Fortress of Monte Sant’Angelo for panoramic views over the realm (click on right here for hours and pricing).
View from the Fortress of Mont Sant’Angelo | Issues to Do within the Gargano
Monte Sant’Angelo Fortress | Issues to Do within the Gargano
You may also go to a number of extra church buildings (the Church of the Most Holy Trinity and the Church of Saint Mary Maggiore), go to the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Tumba, and go looking for native meals and souvenirs. On the market within the retailers are native dried pastas, focaccia bread, and completely different flavors of taralli, that are small spherical crackers that may be candy or savory. You will notice them in all places in Puglia…in eating places, wine retailers, and produce retailers.
Campanile di San Michele Arcangelo
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Lots of the websites, such because the fortress and the church, in addition to the eating places, shut noon. Get hours earlier than you go so you’ll be able to plan your time accordingly.
The place We Ate: L’Osteria del Corso. This small restaurant serves native pasta dishes. The service is quick and the costs had been very cheap. We ate the orecchiette pasta with typical Pugliese sauce, in addition to bruschetta with tomatoes, olive oil, and basil that was pleasant.
Lunch at L’Osteria del Corso
Driving Routes to Monte Sant’Angelo
There are two roads that lead from the coast to Monte Sant’Angelo. We drove SP55 into Monte Sant’Angelo and SS 89dir B again to Vieste.
The marginally quicker, extra direct manner is to take SP55 from the coast to the city. This very windy highway affords coastal views on the drive to and from city.
SS 89dir B is a barely slower, much less direct route however it’s extra scenic. Just under Monte Sant’Angelo, this winding highway curves by means of small farms, with terraces constructed from the rocks. Cows, goats, and horses graze within the small fields. Sometimes, you get glimpses of the Adriatic Sea. For transient sections, the highway runs alongside the sting of a cliff, however there are guardrails alongside the highway.
SS 89dir B | Issues to Do within the Gargano
As you get nearer to sea stage, the white limestone cliffs come into sight and also you drive previous extra terraced slopes, and these are lined with olive timber.
Each SP55 and SS 89dir B are slender and winding, however SS 89dir B is barely extra so. I don’t have very many good pictures from the drive, since there are only a few locations to soundly pull over and take a photograph, so that you’ll simply should belief me in that SS 89dirB is a really scenic drive.
For the most effective expertise, go up one highway and down the opposite.
2. Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo
The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo is positioned in Monte Sant’Angelo.
On the outside, the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo seems a typical church, however inside, you’ll descend into the underground world to probably the most well-known cave church buildings on the earth.
Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo | Issues to Do within the Gargano
The cave church dates again to 460 AD. In the course of the Center Ages, this church was probably the most essential pilgrimage websites on the earth. A protracted checklist of popes, emperors, and saints have visited the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo.
In 2011, the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Web site checklist.
On a go to to the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, there are some things to see: the Saint Michael Cave, the Devotional Museum, the crypt, and the Penitential Chapel. Pictures are usually not allowed inside the Sanctuary and that is strictly enforced. A go to to the Sanctuary lasts anyplace from quarter-hour to an hour, relying on what you do and the way lengthy you spend in every place.
For extra info on hours and pricing, go to the official web site.
3. St. Michael’s Cave (Grotta di San Michele)
Legend has it that St. Michael the Archangel appeared on this church. A shrine with an altar and a statue of St. Michael was constructed inside this pure cave.
The cave has been inhabited for the reason that paleolithic occasions and artifacts courting again to the Paleolithic and Neolithic occasions had been discovered right here.
St. Michael’s Cave | Issues to Do within the Gargano
This cave is fascinating to go to however we don’t suppose it’s definitely worth the time to exit of your strategy to get right here. It’s solely value it if you have already got plans to be passing by means of the realm.
Once we visited in 2022, there was a small charge to enter. The church is open from morning to early afternoon, however closed for a number of hours noon. Test hours on Google earlier than you go.
4. Spend Some Time in Vieste
Vieste is our favourite city on the Gargano. This whitewashed coastal city is a pleasure to discover, with its labyrinth of slender streets, views of the Adriatic Sea, and lengthy checklist of eating places, wine bars, and gelaterias.
Vieste | Issues to Do within the Gargano
Vieste | Issues to Do within the Gargano
With sooner or later in Vieste, you’ll be able to discover the previous city, take a ship tour of the close by sea caves, and spend a while on the seaside. Vieste makes an amazing house base for exploring the Gargano peninsula and we spent three nights right here on our journey by means of Puglia.
For issues to do, the place to remain, and the place to eat, learn our Information to Vieste, which additionally has a strolling tour of the previous city (coming quickly!).
5. Take a Boat Tour of the Sea Caves
No doubt, taking a ship tour of sea caves is likely one of the greatest issues to do within the Gargano.
Cruising alongside the shoreline, seeing the white limestone cliffs and lengthy seashores, and drifting out and in of the various completely different sea caves made this one in every of our favourite experiences in Puglia.
Vieste is the most effective place on the Gargano to rent a ship. You’ve got a number of choices for boat excursions, starting from a bunch tour on a big boat (good for these on a funds) to personal excursions on smaller boats (higher for exploring the ocean caves).
We took a non-public tour of the ocean caves with La Darsena. Our tour lasted 3 hours (10 am to 1 pm) and since we had been in a smaller boat, we had been in a position to enter fairly a protracted checklist of sea caves.
For extra info on boat excursions of the ocean caves, and plenty of extra pictures, learn our Information to Gargano Boat Excursions (coming quickly!).
6. Go to the Tremiti Islands
The Tremiti Islands are a bunch of 5 small islands that sit off of the north coast of the Gargano. They’re a part of Gargano Nationwide Park.
Tremiti Islands | picture credit score: vololibero/shutterstock.com
To get to the Tremiti Islands, you’ll be able to take a ferry or hydrofoil from Termoli, Vieste, or Peschici. Spend a number of hours on one of many islands after which return to the mainland.
Ferries from Vieste to the Termiti Islands solely run from June to September. Since our go to was in October, we weren’t in a position to go to the Termiti Islands, however they appear stunning!
7. Peschici
Peschici is a small city that sits on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Peschici | Issues to Do within the Gargano
It reminded us of the cities in Santorini, Greece, with its whitewashed buildings, slender streets, and occasional blue dome. Peschici is just not fairly as scenic, however it’s a good place to go for a stroll.
We had lunch at Ristorante La Taverna di Peschici, positioned in Piazza Del Popolo, eating on octopus and contemporary fish.
There’s a small fortress to go to (it was closed whereas we had been right here) and small retailers to go to. We cherished the views over Baia di Peschici and its lengthy, sandy seaside.
The view from Peschici
Close to Peschici, now we have two picture spots to suggest.
The primary is from Baia di Peschici, which is the seaside that sits to the west of Peschici.
Baia di Peschici | Issues to Do within the Gargano
The second is from SS89, Strada Statale 89 Garganica, for a view overlooking Peschici and the seaside. Listed here are the GPS coordinates: 41°56’43.0″N 15°59’50.8″E Tim parked on a turnout on a bend within the highway (GSP coordinates: 41°56’39.7″N 15°59’50.5″E) and I walked up the highway to take the picture.
Peschici | Issues to Do within the Gargano
8. Vico del Gargano
We weren’t large followers of this city however I’m itemizing it, simply so you recognize what to anticipate. It comes up on different lists so you could come throughout it as you’re doing all of your analysis.
This very small city sits within the hills of the Gargano peninsula. Strolling the streets of the previous city is the primary factor to do right here, however there are additionally a number of church buildings to go to and you may go olive oil tasting.
Vico del Gargano is just not practically as picturesque as Peschici or Vieste. Throughout our go to, it regarded and felt run down. We needed to dodge fairly a number of piles of canine poop as we walked by means of city. I solely suggest including this city to your do checklist in case you have lots of time within the Gargano. In any other case, put your time in Vieste, the boat tour, and enjoyable on the seashores.
Vico del Gargano | Issues to Do within the Gargano
Vico del Gargano
9. Umbra Forest
Blanketing the mountainous inside part of the Gargano is the Umbra Forest. Greater than 2,000 species of crops might be discovered right here, however it’s the beeches and oaks the shape the primary a part of the forest. Maintain a lookout for woodpeckers, deer, squirrels, owls, and foxes. Turtles might be seen at Laghetto d’Umbra, a small lake that sits throughout the forest.
The Umbra Forest is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and is protected by the WWF. This forest is likely one of the final surviving forests in Italy and it’s a haven for animals that dwell right here.
To get right here, you’ll drive on winding roads as much as the customer middle. From right here, 15 trails weave their manner by means of the forest. We couldn’t discover a lot info on-line concerning the climbing trails and the customer middle was closed throughout our go to, so we merely walked out to the lake, Laghetto d’Umbra, which is gorgeous.
Laghetto d’Umbra | Issues to Do within the Gargano
10. Go to the Seaside
A mixture of sandy and rocky seashores line components of the Gargano Peninsula.
Vieste is located between two stretches of lengthy, golden seashores. To the west is Spiaggia di San Lorenzo, which sits proper subsequent to the marina. To the south is Pizzumunno Seaside (often known as Castello or Scialara Seaside), the place you’ll be able to see the large pillar of rock.
Pizzomunno Seaside, Vieste | Issues to Do within the Gargano
Talked about earlier, there may be additionally a large, sandy seaside subsequent to Peschici.
On the southeastern coast, Spiaggia dei Faraglioni is a small seaside with views of sea stacks. Spiaggia di Vignanotica is a large, pebbly seaside with a restaurant. To get right here, it’s a quick, however strenuous downhill stroll on a tough path by means of the woods.
Spiaggia di Vignanotica | Issues to Do within the Gargano
11. {Photograph} Arco di San Felice
Arco di San Felice, additionally known as Architiello of San Felice, is likely one of the most well-known landmarks of the Gargano Peninsula.
You’ll be able to see it on a ship tour of the coast and whereas driving SP53 alongside the southeast aspect of the peninsula. The most effective viewpoint is from Torre di San Felice, a tower that sits on the shoreline. Throughout our go to, this tower was closed for renovations so our picture was taken from a viewpoint subsequent to it, on SP53.
Arco di San Felice | Issues to Do within the Gargano
Finest Issues to Do on the Gargano: On a Map
Tips on how to Use This Map: Click on the icons on the map to get extra details about every focal point. Click on the star subsequent to the title of the map so as to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it in your cellphone or pc, open Google Maps, click on the menu button, go to “Your Locations,” click on Maps, and you will note this map in your checklist.
How A lot Time Do You Want within the Gargano?
Plan on spending a minimal of two to three days within the Gargano. This offers you sufficient time to go to Vieste, take a ship tour of the ocean caves, go to the Umbra Forest and Monte Sant’Angelo, and spend a bit of little bit of time on the seaside. With extra time, you’ll be able to day journey to the Tremiti Islands or spend extra time on the seashores.
We spent 3 days on the Gargano Peninsula:
- Day 1: Drive from Pescara to Vieste; we visited St. Michael’s Cave, Vico del Gargano, Peschici, and a fast go to to the Umbra Forest.
- Day 2: Vieste boat tour and discover Vieste
- Day 3: Monte Sant’Angelo and extra time in Vieste
- Day 4: Within the morning, we drove to Trani, Polignano a Mare, and ended the day in Alberobello.
The place to Keep
Vieste, with its seashores, boat excursions, and ferry to the Tremiti Islands, is essentially the most handy place to remain on the Gargano Peninsula.
We stayed at Dimora Cumma Mari, a 4-star small boutique resort, and had a wonderful expertise.
Quintessenza Charme Rooms was one other place we thought-about, because it additionally has a rooftop terrace with views of Vieste. It additionally will get rave evaluations however is barely farther from the previous city than Dimora Cumma Mari.
In case you like the thought of staying in a spot with a rooftop terrace, two extra extremely rated properties to contemplate are Tra Cielo a Mare and Relais La Pretura.
Sundown in Vieste
You probably have any questions on the most effective issues to do within the Gargano, tell us within the remark part under.
Extra Info for Your Journey to Italy
PUGLIA: Alberobello is likely one of the hottest cities to go to in Puglia. Right here’s an inventory of the most effective issues to do in Alberobello.
AMALFI COAST: Select which cities you need to go to in our article about the most effective cities to go to on the Amalfi Coast. We even have an in depth information on issues to do in Ravello and issues to do in Positano. If you’re energetic and adventurous, among the best issues to do on the Amalfi Coast is hike the Path of the Gods.
ITALY ITINERARIES: If you’re simply starting to plan your Italy itinerary, check out our 10 Days in Italy Itinerary for 4 alternative ways to spend 10 days in Italy. We even have an in depth 10 day itinerary that features Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Venice. For these with extra time, try our 14 day Italy itinerary, which covers the highlights of Italy.
ASSISI: In our article Finest Issues to Do in Assisi, we cowl the highest experiences to have, plus the place to eat and the place to remain. In our One Day in Assisi Itinerary, now we have an in depth strolling tour of the historic metropolis middle.
BEST OF ITALY: In our Information to the Finest Locations to Go to in Italy, we checklist 20 stunning locations to contemplate on your subsequent journey to Italy.
We have now TONS extra details about Italy in our Italy Journey Information, together with Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and Puglia.
Notice: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. Whenever you make a purchase order utilizing one in every of these affiliate hyperlinks, we receives a commission a small fee at no additional value to you.
All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this text and/or any of its contents (textual content, images, and so on.), in entire or partially, is strictly prohibited.
