Resort

The coastline, that goes from Mattinata to Vieste is among the most beautiful in Apulia. It’s rich in white cliffs, faraglioni, sea caves, hidden bays and here you will have the impression of having arrived in a corner of paradise. In this stretch of coast there are some of the most beautiful beaches of the whole Gargano including:

 

• The Beach of Vignanotica is ideal for those who want to live in contact with the nature. The bay, enclosed between the faunal reserve of Santa Tecla and the natural reserve of Monte Barone, is famous for its shoreline of gravel and pebbles, bathed by a crystalline sea and for its high and white cliff that by mid-afternoon leaves the beach in the shade. It is also called Baia dei Gabbiani (Bay of the Gulls) for the large presence of these birds. It is located about 20 km from Mattinata and is situated along the provincial road SP 53 Mattinata-Vieste, from which departs a winding road that continues for about 3 km in the nature.

 

• The Baia delle Zagare (Bay of the Zagare), also known as Baia dei Mergoli (Bay of Mergoli) or Baia dei Faraglioni (Bay of Faraglioni). For its beauty it has become an icon of tourism in the Gargano. It is situated 12 km from Mattinata in the direction of Vieste, includes two beaches, separated from each other by a high limestone cliff, of soft clear sand mixed with gravel, lapped by crystal clear sea that fades from blue to turquoise. Two imposing faraglioni, that emerge from the sea, a few meters from the shore, dominate the bay: l’Arco di Diomede (the Arch of Diomedes) and Le Forbici (The Scissors). This bay in spring is imbued with the scent of orange blossoms, the lemon flowers to which it owes its name. To access the public beach, you need the daily pass issued free of charge by the Municipality of Mattinata (which grants a maximum of 30 pass per day). The other access route is that maritime, through special boats.

 

• The Baia di Mattinatella (Bay of Mattinatella) is near to the center of Mattinata, and is easily reachable along the provincial road that connects Vieste to Mattinata. It is a beautiful beach of sand and pebbles inserted in a stretch of coast, tall and rocky, surrounded by pine trees. The beach offers stretches completely free alternating with well-equipped stretches.

 

The wild orchids every year attract scholars and enthusiasts around the world in Mattinata. It is in this territory in fact that were registered 65 of 88 species of wild orchids that live on the Gargano (for a total of about 230 species present overall in Italy and about 500 in Europe), thus transforming the Gargano in the botanical district most important in Europe. These beautiful flowers, from the extraordinary richness of colors and shapes more unusual, you can admire especially in spring, maybe during one of the many guided tours along the trail toward Monte Sacro.

The historic center of Mattinata, also called “Junno”, still has some traces of the so-called “pagghiére” or “pagliai”, the dwellings dating back to the XVIII century built in dry stone and similar to the trulli of Alberobello. It is worth seeing even within the ancient borough the imposing Palace Mantuano, built in 1840 and now the seat of the Municipal Library, and the elegant Palace Barretta, built at the beginning of the ‘900 and today the seat of the Town Hall.

 

The Monte Saraceno, located approximately 5 km south from the inhabited center of Mattinata is a site of great archaeological importance as well as landscaped. This mount overlooking to peak on the sea, in fact, is the seat of a Necropolis with well 500 recessed tombs in the rock, of which numerous finds are preserved in the civic museum of Mattinata and in that of Manfredonia. The tombs, with their shape at uterus that symbolizes the return to the prenatal life, represent one of the most important testimonies of Daunian civilization. The tombs were covered by the known “Stele Daune”, the large stone slabs engraved with heads, shields and phalluses according to the importance of the deceased. To reach the necropolis of Monte Saraceno you must take the Strada Statale 89 Manfredonia – Mattinata, up to the branch of Sellino Cavola. From here leave the car and continue walking for about 1 km along an unpaved road overview that offers a splendid view on the plain of Mattinata and that leads up to the end of the mount.

 

The Monte Sacro, located about 8.4 km North of Mattinata, with its 874 meters above sea level, is the highest peak of the whole Eastern Gargano. Here you can admire the ruins of the Abbazia Benedettina della Santissima Trinità (Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity), a complex composed of a church with three naves dating back to 1058 and a convent in Romanesque style. In its interior there was a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and a baptistery with a square plan. The Abbey can only be reached through a trail that climbs up to the mountain.

 

Villa Agnuli, located near the harbour of Mattinata, in the locality Agnuli, undoubtedly deserves a visit. This is a villa of Roman age dating back to the I century B.C. from which are emerged the testimonies of structures dedicated to the preservation of the oil and the wine, which confirm the historic use of the cultivation of the olive tree and the vine in this territory.

 

The Civic Museum, in the historical center of Mattinata, from 1982 preserves findings (including rings, brooches, bronzes, vases, fibulas and sculptures) coming from the Daunian Necropolis of Monte Saraceno (VII-VI centuries B.C.). In the courtyard instead are kept two enormous blocks of stone where you can observe the footprints of dinosaurs that, together with the other dinosaur footprints found in the area of San Nicandro Garganico are helping to rewrite the geological history of the Gargano. You can visit the Museum from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 12.30, and on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday also in the afternoon from 16.00 to 19.30.

The Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, built in 493 AD by the Lombards in correspondence of the cave where, according to legend, there occurred the apparitions of the saint (490, 492 and 493 AD), is the most famous sanctuary of the Latin West dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Destination of pilgrimage from 15 centuries and obligatory stop for the Crusaders that demanded to the Saint the strength for facing the travel in the Holy Land, the Sanctuary was also visited by St. Francis of Assisi. Since 2011, the Sanctuary is registered in the list of the Unesco World Heritage, entering to be part of the group of the most authoritative Cultural Heritage of the world, the World Heritage List. The Sacred Cave of Saint Michael the Archangel of Monte Sant’Angelo is also the only Italian in the “top 10” of the sacred Caves of the world selected in 2014 by the National Geographic. Within the Sanctuary you can visit also the Lapidary Museum, that is the Crypts that testify the ancient passage at the Sacred Cave of St. Michael and in which are preserved works of various eras found in the sanctuary, and the Devotional Museum, that collects the gifts left by pilgrims as a sign of faith.

 

The gastronomy of Monte Sant’Angelo is renowned throughout Italy. The Golden Palm goes surely to the mythical Bread of Monte Sant’Angelo, famous not only for the goodness and the epic dimensions (the loaf can weigh up to 6/7kg), but also for its duration that makes it eatable even at 8/9 days from the leaving the kiln. It is worth however also to taste the typical ostie ripiene, stuffed with almonds and honey.

 

The local handicraft, is flourishing here. Of popular origin, has been handed down from generation to generation by focusing on the working of the wood, wrought iron and local stone. Very characteristic are the tools for the kitchen as the “chucchiere” (ladles, large forks, dishes and other ornaments), derived by the robust olive-wood. Unique in its kind is the production of statues of St. Michael the Archangel, made in local stone, authorized even by the pope with Papal Bull.

 

The Rione Junno, built in the VI century around the famous Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, is the oldest district of Monte Sant’Angelo. It’s composed of houses with roofs double sloping and bizarre chimneys, leaning one against the other and mutually connected by arches and stairways. The spontaneous architecture of this district is the witness of the community sense of the ancient social structure.

 

The Norman-Swabian-Aragonese Castle stands out in a dominant position, a few meters from the Basilica. Built in 800, was built at the request of the Normans for then become residential house with the Swabians and a prison with the Angevins. With the Aragonese is returned to its original nature. From the top of the castle you can enjoy a spectacular view that sweeps from the Gargano up to the Gulf of Manfredonia, to the Tavoliere and to the Murge.

 

The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Tumba is called erroneously Rotari Tomb, for a wrong translation of the epigraph contained in the Baptistery. You will find it walking through the whites and narrow alleys of the Rione Junno. It is not yet clear the original use of this monument. The Baptistery, together with the adjoining church of St. Peter and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, constitutes the monumental complex of St. Peter.

 

The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions of Gargano certainly deserves a visit. Here you can admire the tools used once, objects related to the cult micaelico and tools of everyday life.

 

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is considered by some the cathedral of Monte Sant’Angelo. In the Romanesque-Apulian style, together with the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Tumba forms the monumental complex of St. Peter. Of very ancient origin, it was rebuilt around the middle of the XI century by Leone, the archbishop of Siponto. Inside, you will find frescoes of the Byzantine school, among which that of St. Michael the Archangel with the garments of a dignitary byzantine.

 

The Coast of Peschici extends for more than 20 km and encloses wonderful beaches, from the more tourist to the wildest. In addition to the enchanting Baia di Peschici (Peschici Bay), with its long golden beach, from Peschici toward Vieste is encountered the wonderful Baia di Manaccora (Manaccora Bay), one of the most wonderful panoramas in Gargano. Not very far you can admire the beautiful Baia di Calalunga (Calalunga Bay), Baia del Turco (Turkish Bay) and the uncontaminated Baia Zaiana (Zaiana Bay). You should also visit the Baia di Calenella (Calenella Bay), between Peschici and San Menaio.

The historic centre is an obligatory stage if you want enjoy all the beauty of Peschici. It is a maze of narrow streets, stairs and houses whitest that degrade toward the sea. Between shops of typical products and handicraft articles, here you will also find many inns, taverns and restaurants with the typical flavours of the local cuisine. Don’t miss also the wonderful panorama that is enjoyed from Belvedere of the Baronial Fence. Also worth seeing is the church dedicated to the Patron Saint, Sant’Elia, to which the inhabitants of Peschici are very devoted.

The Castle rises in the heart of the village and divides the historic centre from the new zone of Peschici. It was built around 970 to protect the coast of Gargano, but only under Frederick II it found of new splendor, becoming in Spanish age an important bulwark against the Turkish incursions. The walls are reinforced by semicircular turrets, from which stand out Porta del Ponte and Porta di Basso, the ancient ways of access to the town.

The Grottone of Manaccora, which is also called Grotta degli Dei (Cave of the Gods), located on the north side of the Baia di Manaccora (Manaccora Bay) to 7 Km from Peschici, on the coastal toward Vieste, is an archaeological site of international interest and one of the most important testimonials of the Italian Bronze Age. It is a natural cavity, long one hundred meters, where there were found utensils, weapons and funeral equipments as well as the remains of a vast primitive dwelling.

The Sighting Towers are really suggestive: built around 1500 as a defense from the enemy that could come from the sea, are visually connected between them. Among those survivors, including Torre di Cala Lunga (Tower of Cala Lunga), Torre di Sfinale (Tower of Sfinale), Torre di Gusmay (Tower of Gusmay), the most famous is certainly Monte Pucci, that enjoys a wonderful panorama over the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea

The Trabucchi are one of the symbols of the whole Gargano. The coast of Peschici has as many as seven Trabucchi. Located on rocky spurs to peak on the sea, they are ancient instruments used for fishing from the complex and fascinating architecture: they are constituted by wooden poles that intertwine to wires and pulleys. Their image offers unique scenes, the fruit of the perfect fusion of past and present. For their historical and architectural value, today the Trabucchi are recognized as true treasures of the coastal and marine area of Gargano.

Abbey of Calena is one of the most important monuments of the Gargano, situated at the foot of Peschici. Built toward the end of the IX century, originally inhabited by a community of Benedictine monks, in the medieval age became one of the richest and most powerful abbeys of Southern, finishing then to be contention between the two powerful abbeys of Montecassino and S. Maria of Tremiti. Inside it there is a wooden statue of Madonna with Child.

The Balcony of Apulia. The panorama that you can admire from Rignano Garganico is worth a complete holiday: sweeps from the Tavoliere of Apulia, with all its variegated colors, to the Gulf of Manfredonia, the Land of Bari and the Monte Vulture until you see, on clearer days, the peaks of the Maiella in Abruzzo. Two are the points where you can enjoy the show better: the panoramic viewpoint that surrounds the large part of the historical center and the Croce, in the west part of the town, that hosts a launch base for the lovers of Hang Gliding or Paragliding.

 

The living crib of Rignano Garganico is among the most long-lived in Apulia and in southern Italy. The event takes life every year between the end of December and the beginning of January, with over 300 walkers-on that lead in scene the Nativity in the picturesque narrow streets of the village. Along the path of the living crib you can also taste the typical products of the territory and discover the ancient local traditions.

Characteristic districts. Walking between manor palaces and the typical white houses, it is easy to come across in the picturesque area “Sotto il Castello”, where once dominated the famous aragonese Castle of which are still visible the two towers. Continuing along the steep alleys we walk downhill towards another characteristic district, the district of “Vuccolo”: If you meet a local person in the vicinity, ask him the origin of this curious name. Another suggestive corner is the “Belvedere” where once the main town gate was open and from which you can enjoy a magnificent view on the beach and orange groves.

 

The Centopozzi Doline is considered the third doline largest in Europe, second in Apulia after Pozzantina Doline (in the territory of San Nicandro Garganico). It owes its name to the countless created wells, underground today but a time used as water tanks. From the doline wind their way many thematic paths including the Grotta Paglicci and the Madonna of Christ. The doline is located about 2 km from Rignano Garganico along the road that leads to San Marco in Lamis. Grotta Paglicci, the famous deposit dating back to the Palaeolithic, is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. From 1961 to today inside have been discovered more than 45,000 finds, almost all preserved in the archives of the Archaeological Superintendence of Taranto and in the museum of Rignano Garganico: between these several wall paintings that have allowed to the researchers to date back to the exact historical period of the finds, i.e. to the Upper Palaeolithic. In addition to paintings have been found human skeletons integers and partial, the movable art objects, handprints, remains of animals and other discoveries that date back to the Middle and Lower Palaeolithic. The settlement represents an extraordinary testimony not only for the study of the origins of man, but also for the history of art. It dates back only to the 2015 also the discovery, inside the grooves of a millstone present in the cave of residues of oat starch dating back to 32,000 years ago, a sign that, already in the Upper Paleolithic, were known the techniques for the preparation of flour from cereals. The cave is situated at 6 km from the center of Rignano Garganico and is reached by following the Vallone of Settepende. The Dolmen that are present in the territory of Rignano Garganico are two. One is located in the Plain of the Madonna of Christ, a few steps away from the Grotta Paglicci. The other is located in Vallone of Lamasecca, a few kilometers from the village, and goes back to the Bronze Age. The two prehistoric tombs built with stones are a further confirmation of the human presence in this territory from the Paleolithic beginnings and for the whole of the Neolithic. The Church of Maria Santissima Assunta, in the historical center of Rignano, is the most ancient and important church in the town. It is Paleochristian origin and inside you can admire some paintings by Nicola Penati. The Baronial Palace, one of the historical buildings the most important in the town, is traced back to the period that goes from 1095 to 1129. It was built on a building more ancient and a time, next to it, there was the former medieval castle used as military fortress of which today remains the beautiful cylindrical tower and small traces of the ancient walls of the town. The Madonna of Christ, situated 6 km from Rignano and completely surrounded by olive trees, is a medieval church that is much loved by the inhabitants of Rignano that here they worship the beautiful statue of the Madonna with Child and they find themselves for the feast celebrated on the Tuesday after Easter. The Museo Grotta Paglicci, situated in the historical center of Rignano, preserves some of 45,000 finds discovered in the Grotta Paglicci. The study days and didactic laboratories are also organized here.

The beaches, not by chance, have been rewarded several times with the Blue Flag. From the beach of Levante to that of Ponente, so called because they develop to the east and west with respect to the rock that protrudes on the sea, Rodi offers well 8 km of the coast characterized by fine sand, crystal clear water sand low seabed: ideal for the families with children which spend their holidays in Rodi Garganico.

The historic center preserves the aspect of the ancient seaside village that had to defend itself against attacks coming from the sea: in fact, the houses are been built many neighbors between them so as to better protect the inhabitants. Do not miss a turn in the maze of its narrow alleyways, between steep lanes and stairways which bring everywhere or descend toward the beach. The typical district of “Chepabbash” is one example of it.

The new harbour. Recently construction, is an important tourist landing place: from here the ferries depart for the Tremiti Islands and can be reached also the Croatia.

Characteristic districts. Walking between proprietorial palaces and the typical white houses, it is easy come across in the picturesque area “Sotto il Castello”, where a time dominated the famous Aragonese castle of which are still visible the two towers. Continuing through the craggy alleys you go down toward another characteristic district, the “Vuccolo”: if nearby encountered some person of the place, ask him about the origin of this curious name. Other angle suggestive is the “Belvedere” where anciently was opened the main city door and from which can be enjoyed a magnificent view on the beach and the orange groves.

Capuchins convent. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama. Built in 1538, it was the first convent of the Capuchins in the Gargano area. The Church of the Holy Spirit to it attached instead it was consecrated in 1678. In the convent there are the graves of the monks, a splendid cloister and a painting that portrays the Virgin Mary with the Apostles.

Church of St. Peter and Paul. This is the oldest church in Rodi and originally it was part of a convent and was built during the visit of Francis of Assisi. Indeed, it says that, the convent was built in the period in which the Saint went to Rodi in pilgrimage near the Sacred Cave of St. Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo. Its bell tower is to be contemplated.

The Sanctuary of Madonna della Libera. In elegant baroque style, here is guarded the esteemed “Painting of the Madonna”. According to tradition the painting, while lying on a Venetian ship that had arrived near Rodi back from Constantinople, has practically “chosen” to remain in Rodi doing stop the ship.

The bell towers. Don’t miss the opportunity to contemplate the bell towers like that of the Church of San Nicola of Mira or that of the Church of St. Peter and Paul.

The new Sanctuary, also known as “Church of Saint Pio”, was opened on 1 July 2004, after nearly ten years of work. Designed by Renzo Piano, with its huge clamshell structure occupies approximately 6000 square meters and is the second church of Italy for extension, after the Milan Cathedral. It’s financed almost entirely by the offers of pilgrims and can accommodate more than 6500 faithful. The remains of the Saint are located in the crypt of the Church.

 

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, originally dedicated to Santa Maria degli Angeli, is the old Sanctuary, inaugurated in 1959 for the will and stubbornness of Padre Pio. Until the completion of the new sanctuary, this church has collected thousands of faithful and pilgrims arrived every year in Apulian town for visiting the places of the Saint. The crypt of the Church hosted, until a few years ago, also the grave of Padre Pio, which today has been moved in the crypt of the new complex adjacent.

 

The Capuchin Convent, built in 1540, is the place where Padre Pio lived from September 4, 1916 until September 23, 1968, date of his death. It was here that Padre Pio received the stigmata in 1918, and always here occurred all those supernatural events that brought to the beatification and subsequent canonization of the friar.

 

The historic centre has a typical architecture of the Gargano with materials coming from the land and the simplicity of the buildings made of stone. Between narrow streets and stairways, called “mugnali”, you will find many churches which testify to the deep religious tradition of the town even before the arrival of the friar. Among these there is also the church from which derives the name of the town: dedicated to San Giovanni Battista, is called “la Rotonda” for its circular plan. Before the consecration, was a pagan temple dedicated to the god Janus, and is today the oldest building of the country. Worth a visit are also the Church of Sant’Orsola, the Church of Sant’Onofrio Anacoreta, the Church of San Nicola, the Church of Santa Caterina, the oldest in the town and the Mother Church of San Leonardo.

 

Art and architecture are not lacking in San Giovanni Rotondo. Among the more important examples there are Palace Canaviglia, built starting from 1615, and Palace Verna, built starting from XVII century and home of one of bourgeois families of San Giovanni Rotondo.

 

Monte Calvo, which owes its name to its nude and stony slopes, with its 1056 meters of altitude, is the highest mountain of all the Gargano. From its summit, in fact, in conditions of favorable light, you can admire the splendid views overlooking the valleys below, on the Gulf of Manfredonia, on the Varano Lake, on the Apennine massif of the Maiella, on the Tremiti Islands and on the Monte Vulture. Together with the Piana of Montenero, Monte Calvo is characterized for the high concentration of dolines of karst origin.

 

The Procession of Fracchie. San Marco in Lamis is also famous for this singular religious event that repeats from three centuries every Good Friday. The “fracchie” are large torches made with tree trunks filled with wood which are ignited for becoming true and proper torches, incurred by iron wheels and entrained by the so-called “fracchisti”, that illumine the path of Madonna Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) along the streets of the town. The suggestive procession, charging of faith and pathos, is considered one of the rites the most beautiful of Holy Week in Italy.

 

The Sanctuary of San Matteo  rises on a rock at about two kilometers east of the town. It will seem apparently like a great fortress, but in reality is one of the most ancient shrines of the Gargano. Founded by the Benedictine monks, was initially known as the convent of San Giovanni in Lamis, as it is also mentioned in many medieval documents. It is not known the exact date of his birth. What is certain is that initially had the function of take care of the pilgrims who at the end of the V century they arrived in Gargano for reaching the Cave of the Archangel Michael in Monte Sant’Angelo. After the Benedictines arrived later the Franciscans, which also they had the merit of making the shrine in a fundamental point of reference for the social and economic activities of the territory. In the second half of the XII century was donated to the monastery a relic of San Matteo (Saint Matthew) and for this to the shrine was given the name of Convent of San Matteo. Today the monastery is still the destination of many pilgrims, but also of scholars attracted by its rich library that contains over 60.000 volumes, including valuable works and medieval artifacts. An attraction for visitors is also the natural landscape where the monastery is inserted: surrounded by woodlands rich of botanical species, from here you can also enjoy an extraordinary view on the territory of San Marco in Lamis.

 

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria of Stignano, born also for offering to pilgrims a shelter along the path toward the sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, is situated about 4 km from San Marco in Lamis, within a valley of great charm, called Valle di Stignano (Valley of Stignano). The Convent has a facade sober, in Romanesque Abruzzese style, but entering in its inside you can contemplate a beautiful loggia of the Sixteenth Century, a valuable well of 1576 and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis who, according to a legend, he would have passed for this valley in 1216, blessing the fruits of this land.

 

The historic center of San Marco in Lamis still retains its medieval charm. Entering in the heart of this village, you will find yourself among the narrow streets, stairways, low white terraced houses and blind alleys. The first inhabited center of the country, was once called “Padule” (i.e. swamp) because at one time the area was very marshy. It is worth visiting the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church) Santissima Annunziata, the most important place of worship of the town, dating from theXI century. Adjacent to the historic center, instead you will find the Palazzo Badiale, dating back to the XV-XVI century, today the Town Hall, but a time seat of the abbey and comprising in its interior the prison and a chapel dedicated to San Rocco (St. Roch).

 

Bosco Difesa, with its 2000 hectares, is the more important woodland in the territory of San Marco in Lamis. Here it is easy to run into the limestone formations typical of the Gargano like the dolines, the old mule tracks, the characteristics ‘piscine’ (natural depressions that collect the rainwater, used to quench the thirst of the cows Podoliche, that from their milk is produced the Podolico Caciocavallo, Slow Food Presidium). Visiting this woodland then in the spring months you will notice how the undergrowth is colored with beautiful flowerings, including beautiful wild orchids. Located north of the Convent of San Matteo, can be reached by following the provincial road toward Cagnano Varano.

 

The Cave of Montenero is considered one of the caves most important of all the Gargano. Immersed in the Bosco Difesa, is a deep cavity about 100 meters and long about 1.5 km. At the beginning it drops almost on all fours to a few hundred meters to then being faced with a spectacular scenery made of stalactites, stalagmites and other subterranean streams. The cave is closed by a gate because it is object of research. To schedule a visit, you can contact the Consorzio Gargano Ok.

The Beaches of the entire territory of San Menaio, counted among the most beautiful of all the Gargano, are four. Characterized by soft and fine sand and bathed by a crystalline sea with sandy bottoms and sloping, they are ideal for those who love to spend whole days at sea letting themselves be gently rocked by the waves, but also for the families with children who here can enjoy their holiday in Gargano in total safety.

 

The Beach of San Menaio. With its coastline of very fine sand, wide in some places also 60 meters, goes from Murge Nere to the Punta Molino, where the modern establishments and a beautiful seafront follow each other.

 

Beach of the Cento Scalini (Hundred Steps). Said so why do we get through a path with 100 steps, it is characterized by a sandy shore and from a high rocky promontory that dominates it, arriving with its vegetation up to the dunes. Also called the beach of Tufare, you can also reach it by walking on the sand from the beach of San Menaio.

 

Beach of the Murgia of Madonna. It owes its name to the rock (the “Murgia”) on which, according to tradition, Mary would have appeared to a group of fishermen. But it is however also called the beach of the Sospetto (Suspect), for the homonymous karst cave overlooking the beach. It presents a rocky shoreline with sand mixed with gravel and can be reached through trails that cross the pinewood or by sea, skirting the nearby beaches and bypassing the rocky areas.

 

Beach of Calenella. It is the last beach of San Menaio, before arriving in the territory of Peschici. It is delimited by thick pinewood Marzini to the west and from the medieval tower of Monte Pucci to the east. In the surroundings of this beach there is the Necropolis of Monte Pucci.

The Pinewood Marzini. A time also called Difesa Marzini, it is a vast wood of secular Aleppo pines that extends for about 15 square kilometers between the beaches of San Menaio and the reliefs of Vico del Gargano. Easily reachable on foot or by car, it is ideal for take quiet walks in the nature, for practicing trekking, mountain bike, running and north walking.

 

The Tower of Preposti. Also called tower of the customs officers for its original function of customs, it was built in the XIV century very probably as an element of defense in a place easily accessible by sea. The tower, in fact, is only a few tens of meters from the shore line of San Menaio.

The beach of Torre Mileto  gives scenarios truly breathtaking: the green of the Mediterranean maquis merges with the gold of sand and with the intense blue of the Adriatic Sea. On the horizon you can always see the Tremiti Islands that from this stretch of coast are just 11 miles, the point of the mainland nearest to the archipelago. The landscape is very beautiful even in winter when the choppy sea waves crashing on the rocks that characterize the coast.

The many churches of San Nicandro testify a strong religious tradition as well as many events that take place in San Nicandro Garganico during the year, including the celebrations of Holy Week. If you visit the Gargano during the Easter holidays, you should definitely watch the Procession of the Mysteries of the Passion, which takes place at sunset of Holy Friday: is a unique ceremony in the whole of the Apulia, with the parade of Confraternities and the transport of the seven statues representing the principal moments of the Passion.

The archaeological and naturalistic park of Monte Devio is located on Mount Devio, also called Monte D’Elio, the complex of hills (at 264 meters above sea level) situated between the lakes of Lesina and Varano. Here some excavations have brought to light “Devia”, the ancient city of Slave origins surrounded by walls. About the city, which was abandoned by its inhabitants towards the end of the XIV century, probably because of the Saracen invasions, there remains only the church of Santa Maria of Devia, a jewel of the Apulian-Romanesque style, in which are preserved frescoes dating back between the XII and XIV centuries. The whole area is today an area of remarkable naturalistic and archaeological interest.

The Tower of Mileto  is one of the largest and oldest observation towers of the Adriatic coast. The fortification, probably of Aragonese origin, was built for defensive purposes and is surrounded by a particularly charming landscape. Here, in fact, you can admire a luxuriant Mediterranean maquis that goes so far to the blue of the sea with a cliff rich of marine species and strewn with fresh water springs. Today the tower houses the Visitor Center Torre Mileto of Gargano National Park where you can find information about excursions and thematic itineraries by practicing in the territory.

The Doline Pozzantina, 650 meters long, 400 meters wide and 100 meters deep, represents one of the most spectacular karst area in the Gargano and is considered to be the second doline largest in Europe. If we add to this the rich vegetation present along its slopes, especially oaks and holm oaks, the result is a landscape of rare beauty. From San Nicandro Garganico is reached along the SP 48 toward San Marco in Lamis up to 13° km. Here, on your right you will find a small asphalted road that will bring you in front of the doline and where it starts a narrow mule track that will allow you to descend until the inside of the natural amphitheater.

The Grotta dell’Angelo is situated on the western slope of the Monte Delio at about 150 meters above sea level. It’s thus called because an ancient tradition puts it as one of the three places of worship in the Gargano of Archangel Michael (together to the Caves of Monte Sant’Angelo and Cagnano Varano). In fact, it is one of the few natural cavity of the Gargano where has been established the human presence since the prehistoric period. Inside, on the right wall, are visible graffiti similar to those found in other places of the Gargano (Grotta Paglicci in Rignano Garganico). Were also found artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages and tombs of the early middle ages. You can reach it through a road that starts from the village of Torre Mileto and through a small path which leads until the entrance of the cave.

The Grotta Piana della Macina, also called Cave “dei Tre Regni” (of the Three Kingdoms), has been defined the cave most fascinating of all the Gargano. It is situated in the locality of Piana della Macina, at about 200 meters of altitude, on top of Coppa del Mortaio, one of the high grounds that are located to the south of the Lesina lagoon. The cave is accessed with a well-chute of 15 meters of depth, between stalactites, stalagmites, columns and drapes to then arrive in a real casket of beauties between concretions of stalactites and stalagmites of different sizes, columns, formations in jellyfish, in organ pipes and the drapes. The cave is not accessible to all, to its entry in fact you will find a railing, but it is possible to carry out guided visits by contacting the Municipality of San Nicandro Garganico – Office of Public Education and Culture – tel. 0882 477111.

The Mother Church Santa Maria del Borgo, is improperly called the “Cathedral” even if it has never been episcopal residence. The church was built between 1573 and 1580, but has been damaged by the earthquake of 1688. For this, rebuilt in part, today presents different styles. In its inside you can admire statues of historical and artistic importance as well as beautiful altars of the Baroque Age.

The Church of San Giorgio in Terra Vecchia is the most ancient religious building of San Nicandro Garganico. The little church has a simple facade and linear with a stone portal and a cornice that ends with a beautiful bell gable. The church is the protagonist of an ancient legend according to which a time just behind the altar, there was a magical well of water, capable of fulfilling all the desires of those who were able to collect a bucket of water without dropping even a drop.

The Castle, is situated in the inhabited center of San Nicandro Garganico. Founded by the Normans, but flourishing starting from the XV century, after various changes, today it has an elegant eighteenth-century loggia flanked by a fortified tower that recalls the Arab architecture. According to the tradition, the castle would be connected to the Church of Santa Maria del Borgo through an underground tunnel. Currently the castle is privately owned by two families which authorize the visit.

The Palazzo Fioritto is one of the historic buildings the most fascinating of San Nicandro Garganico. Rich in history, art and culture, today hosts the important Historical Ethnographical Museum of Rural Culture, with its three thousand finds, and the municipal library entitled to Alfredo Petrucci, becoming a point of reference for lovers of cultural tourism.

The ancient village of Vico del Gargano, with its three medieval districts, called Terra, Civita and Casale, is one of the most suggestive not only of the Gargano, but also of the entire Apulia. The small houses respect the spontaneous structure of the time with the stables on the first floor, the stairs leading to the entrance and the characteristic wooden entrance doors. Here you can enjoy also the “trappeti”, the ancient oil mills excavated in the rock, below the dwellings, for the pressing of the olives, signs of the peasant vocation and of the agricultural vocation of the territory.

 

The Foresta Umbra. Vico del Gargano is also the town more near to the Foresta Umbra, the green lung of the Gargano National Park, a protected nature reserve that extends up to an altitude of 800 meters (a spectacular anomaly for an area that is located only 25 km from the sea). With its 10000 hectares of land, is rich in secular beeches and turkey oaks, oaks, hornbeams, maples, limes and yews. During the excursion also you may see wild boars, badgers, foxes, weasels, roe deer and fallow deers. A mandatory stop for the lovers of nature and a true paradise for the lovers of trekking and birdwatching.

 

The town of 100 churches. Vico del Gargano is also known for this, sign of the great devotion of the inhabitants of Vico. The visit of all the churches could be a great tour de force religious, but if you have little time, visit at least these: the Matrix Church, the most ancient place of worship of Vico del Gargano (it bears an inscription dated 1675), adorned within by eleven baroque altars; the Church of the Misericordia, inside of which is preserved a valuable body of 1861; the Church of San Domenico which rises in the center of the ancient main square of the town; the Church of San Giuseppe, which turns out to be the most suggestive thanks to its architectural style. Worthy of visit is also the Church of S. Maria of the Suffragio, seat of the old Academy of the “Eccitati Viciensi”, a sort of congregation where the participants discussed about social and economic questions.

 

For lovers of the sea, to 7 km from Vico del Gargano there is San Menaio, the seaside hamlet of Vico del Gargano. It is distinguished by its large golden beaches and the large pinewoods of Pine of Aleppo. Among these stands out the secular Pinewood Marzini that demarcates one of the most beautiful bays of the Gargano, the Baia di Calenella (Calenella Bay), a long beach amber dominated by Monte Pucci. Also note the presence of some ancient watchtowers built to check the raids of enemies, including the Tower of Monte Pucci and the Tower of Preposti.

 

The Palace Della Bella, wanted to by Ignazio Della Bella, is arose at the beginning of the XX century, inspired by the neo-gothic-Florentine model of architecture of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

 

The Castle stands out the imposing on the houses of the ancient village. Of Norman origin, has the quadrilateral shape and, in the course of the centuries, has undergone numerous changeovers.

 

The Vicolo del Bacio (Kiss Alley), a little street of just about 50 cm in width and roughly 30 meters in length, place beloved by the sweethearts, especially on the occasion of the patronal festival of San Valentino: here, in fact, given the small size of the alley, the lovers are “forced” to stay near.

 

The Necropolis of Monte Pucci. It is located on a small promontory between San Menaio and Peschici, near the terminus of the line of the Railways of the Gargano. It is a complex of paleochristian hypogea, consisting of over eight hundred hypogeal pit tombs and burial niches surmounted by arcosolia, dating between the IV and VII century AD. A site of great historical and archaeological interest.

 

The Trappeto Maratea Museum, situated in the ancient village of Vico del Gargano, is an oil mill dating from the fourteenth century where it concentrated the olive oil production of the territory. With the great millstone of local stone and with other ancient useful tools for agricultural works, today this place is an ethnographic museum that preserves the memories of a town firmly bound to the culture of olives. Visiting it means immersing yourself in a past still alive in the memories of inhabitants of Vico and jealously guarded.

 

The coast. To attract every year tourists from all over the world are especially its numerous beaches, from those most equipped and tourism to the less frequented and wildest, characterized by gigantic faraglioni, bays, coves, cliffs and beautiful sea caves. Thanks to the remarkable quality of the coast and sea waters, Vieste has obtained several times the Blue Flag of Europe.

 

The ancient village of Vieste, picturesquely located on rocks to peak on the sea, is a charming tangle of small streets and squares, whitewashed houses and narrow streets animated by local shops, shops of typical products and handicraft articles.

 

Pizzomunno. The symbol of the town remains its monolith of 25 meters which, wedged on the shoreline, in front of the town, stands out on the coast. Its name derives from a legend to which it is tied this spur of rock. It is narrated that Pizzomunno was a young fisherman of Vieste which, faithful to his beloved Cristalda, not ceded never to the temptations of the sirens. These, peeved, they dragged Cristalda at the bottom of the sea and they transformed Pizzomunno into stone. But the legend wants that the two lovers meet every 100 years for reliving their passion in one night.

 

The nightlife. With its characteristic historic centre, rich in inns and typical restaurants, and with the Lungomare Enrico Mattei, a large boulevard studded with many beach clubs, public places, pubs and places for entertainment even at night, Vieste is the center of the nightlife in Gargano.

 

The harbour is a safe landfall for small and medium boats and an excellent starting point to reach the enchanting Tremiti Islands, but also the Croatia.

 

Windsurfing, Placed in a geographical position influenced by all the winds, Vieste is a very desired destination for the lovers of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Its historic centre, to peak overlooking the sea, with its narrow and winding small streets and its steep staircases, winds between white houses from small doorways that occasionally are joined by slender arches. If you are looking for a souvenir of the Gargano, here you will find many shops of local handicraft and typical products.

 

The Sea Caves are one of the most precious treasures of the entire Gargano. There are many sea caves in the stretch of coast between Peschici, Vieste and Mattinata: real caves dug into the limestone rock, each with something unique to show. To admire them up close, you can make an excursion on board the motorboat Desirèe that departs every day, from 1 April to 31 October, from the harbour of Vieste.

 

The Necropolis La Salata, situated about 7 km from Vieste, in the east of the town, is the cemetery complex more important of the Gargano. It is Paleochristian origin and is composed by more than 300 graves dug in the rock dating back at the III-IV century AD.

 

The Trabucchi. They are another symbol of the Gargano and of its coast. In the stretch between Peschici and Vieste there are about 13 Trabucchi. They are ancient and ingenious fishing instruments, with long wooden supports. They are protected as monumental heritage of Gargano National Park and they offer a unique spectacle, admiring them from the sea. The Cathedral of Saint Maria Assunta. Also known as the Duomo of Vieste, built in the XI century, it is among the oldest examples of Apulian-Romanesque architecture, remodelled following according to different styles. In its interior stands out the wooden statue depicting the Holy Virgin Mary of Merino to which the inhabitants of Vieste are very devoted. According to tradition this statue was found on the beach of Merino. And just here in this place was built the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Merino, that still today it is destination of pilgrimage of the faithfuls.

 

The Castle, built by Frederick II of Swabia and rebuilt by the Spanish in 1537, is located in the upper part of Vieste, has a triangular shape and rises overlooking the sea. Inside is an exhibition of tools from torture that make one shudder. The view enjoyed from its Belvedere is fantastic, as well as the Castle seen from the sea.

 

The Lighthouse. It is located on the islet of Santa Eufemia, located right in the face of Vieste. Above its tower, you will can admire a spectacular brass lantern that every day at dusk turns on illuminating all the town with its beams of light.

 

The Malacological Museum absolutely deserves a visit. Here is guarded an extraordinary collection of seashells, starfish and other natural forms marine (they are more than 12 thousand): a real dive in the seas of the world without the need to getting wet.