The Gargano promontory in the Puglia region of Italy offers a variety of things to see and do. In one place, you can find the Adriatic Sea with many good beaches, the Foresta Umbra National Park with many hiking trails, plus lakes, medieval towns with picturesque historic centers, important religious pilgrimage sites, and fantastic food. Except in the forest, much of the Gargano is covered with citrus and olive trees.
The Gargano is a large area and with so much to see, you could easily spend a week or more here.
Gargano Location
The Gargano promontory juts out into the Adriatic Sea in the northeast of the Puglia region, in the province of Foggia (see Map of Puglia). While Puglia is often called the heel of the boot , Gargano is known as the spur of the boot.
Gargano Highlights – What to See and Do
The Gargano promontory, in the northeast of Puglia, offers a diverse environment with a variety of interesting places to visit, such as beaches, a national park and picturesque medieval villages. Continue to the attractions of Gargano for the best things to see and do.
Transportation: how to get to Gargano
The closest airport is Bari. From Bari, take the train to Manfredonia to visit Monte Sant ‘Angelo and the southern cities or San Severo to visit the coast and northern cities. Buses connect cities on the peninsula and a small train line runs from San Severo along the north coast to Peschici with a stop at Rodi Garganico.
The best way to explore the Gargano region is by car. The Gargano Peninsula faces the A14 autostrada that runs along the eastern coast of Italy. The SS 89 state highway runs along the peninsula from San Severo in the north to Manfredonia in the south, making all cities easily accessible. In summer, the coastal road between Rodi Garganico and Vieste can be very busy.
Where to stay in Gargano
The Gargano offers a wide range of accommodation options. The following are some great options:
- Rodi Garganico is a good base for visiting the northern half of the peninsula. While most of the hotels along the coast are only open during the summer season, Villa Americana Park Hotel is open all year round. The 3-star hotel has an excellent restaurant, a garden with a swimming pool, parking and a shuttle service to its private beach in summer. The hotel is just outside the historic center over the harbor. On the coast, the 4-star Hotel Residence Tramonto is open all year round and has a good restaurant, a swimming pool, a beach and a wellness center.
- Monte Sant ‘Angelo is a good base for visiting the south, including the Sanctuary of Padre Pio. The Palace Hotel San Michele is a pleasant 4-star hotel opposite the castle and close to the historic center, with a swimming pool, spa, shuttle service to the beach in summer and views of the countryside.
- Agriturismo la Torre Taronna (site in Italian only) offers bed and breakfast in a working farm in a quiet area on the outskirts of Monte Sant ‘Angelo. Guests have the opportunity to have a learning vacation doing things like cooking classes, making pasta or liquor, carpentry or basket weaving, or gardening. There are a variety of animals and horse riding excursions are offered.
- In Vico Garganico, in the hills above the north coast, there are modern apartments in the newer part of town and four characteristic vacation apartments in the historic center owned by Pino, the English-speaking manager of Pizzicato Bar in town. Spend time with your guests, taking them around town and helping them plan their itinerary. Contact Pino at [email protected] or see Pizzicato Eco B&B for more information.
When to go to Gargano
Late April to May is probably the best time to visit when the scent of citrus fills the air and the many species of orchids and other flowers bloom in the forest. June and September are also good months to go. July and August are the busiest when tourists flock to the beaches. Easter is also a popular time to visit. Monte Sant ‘Angelo and San Givoanni Rotondo are visited most of the year, although January and February are not recommended.
