The Gargano promontory, in the northeast of the Puglia region of southern Italy, is sometimes called the spur of the boot . The Gargano offers a diverse environment with a variety of interesting places to visit and one could easily spend a week or more seeing its attractions. The coast offers good beaches and in the interior you will find medieval villages and a national park. A scenic highway runs through much of the rocky and uneven coastline, heading inland in places and offering an enjoyable ride for those exploring by car.
In addition to the clean, sandy beaches along the north coast of the promontory, from Rodi Garganico to Vieste , here is where to go in Gargano:
- Monte Sant ‘Angelo is the highest point on the promontory (840 meters above sea level). The city has a charming and picturesque historical center (one of the best in Puglia), a castle, the Tancredi Traditional Life Museum, 13th century frescoes in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the interesting and popular pilgrimage sanctuary of the Archangel. Michael where you can visit the grotto and two museums. Eat traditional food (including what Arthur Miller ate in 1948) at the popular La Caravella Ristorante in Via Reale Basilica, near the sanctuary. Arthur Miller ate at the owner’s former restaurant and described his meal in his story, Monte Sant ‘Angelo .
- Vico Garganico has an interesting medieval center with many small alleys and remains of its castle. Stop at the Bar Pasticiera Pizzicato , on the edge of the historic center, for coffee and pastries or an aperitif. Pizzicato also has holiday apartments, which makes this city an ideal base. In the historic center, eat at Il Trappeto Cantina, where you can sample typical dishes in an old olive oil mill.
- Rodi Garganico has a well-kept medieval neighborhood, a modern port, and is known for its lemon and orange groves. In summer, it is a starting point for hydrofoils going to the Tremeti Islands , a group of small islands in the Adriatic Sea and a popular destination for Italian tourists.
- Peschici has a small historic center and nice views of the sea. In the center there is an interesting recreation of a one-room house (where 11 people and their donkey lived), typical of the city until the beginning of the 20th century. It contains the presepe (an elaborate nativity), so look for the presepe sign. Enjoy fresh fish straight from the sea at Trabucco di Monte Pucci, a bit out of Peschici.
- Vieste , at the tip of the peninsula, the holiday capital of the Gargano, has many seaside resorts and an interesting historical center with many stairs. From Vieste, you can rent a small boat or embark on one of several daily guided boat trips to the Gargano Sea Caves. Carved into the cliffs of the ocean, the caves, many of which contain hidden beaches, offer picturesque landscapes and a true sense of adventure.
- Manfredonia , at the base of the Gargano promontory, was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. Today it offers a castle from the 15th century and a cathedral with frescoes from the 1300s.
- The Sanctuary of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo is a very popular pilgrimage site. There is a museum dedicated to Padre Pio and visitors can see his tomb. The new Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church was designed by Renzo Piano to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. Visit information from Padre Pio
- Foresta Umbra , a national park, is the forestry center of the peninsula. There are many hiking trails and a small visitor center. In summer it is a great place to escape the heat. Stay or eat at Rifugio Sfilzi, where you can sample local produce, including homemade pasta (reservations required).
- Jeep Tour with Indiana Gianni offers an unforgettable journey into the forest by jeep to see places that tourists don’t usually see. Although Gianni doesn’t speak English, he makes the trip enjoyable and lively. Email Gianni at [email protected]
Continue with our Gargano Travel Guide for essential information on how to visit Gargano, including where to stay and how to get there.
