Do you also love Puglia? Most people associate the marine holiday in Puglia with Salento, which is undoubtedly a beautiful land, but Gargano can surprise you every day with extraordinary corners.
How to get to the Gargano:
I recommend getting there by car. I realize that if you come from northern Italy, the road is quite long. You can think of a train to Foggia or an aeroplane to Bari and rent a car on site. Having a car is worth it because you will never have the freedom to turn the coast freely with public transport
The most beautiful beaches of the Gargano:
PESCHICI:
A white village perched on a turquoise sea, a maze of little streets, houses, and squares. The historic center is of medieval origin, dates back to the year 1000, and in the past, many ancient buildings have been incorporated into modern ones.
The arch that separates the new part from the old one is called Porta del Ponte because, in ancient times, there was a lift bridge that protected the Norman Castle. The Church of Sant Elia Prophet is certainly the most imposing ancient construction and linked to many pagan/religious traditions. If you happen to spend the 20th of July, don’t miss the festival of illuminations.
The Abbey of Calena is located at the foot of the village and was a great testimony to the Benedictine monks’ lifestyle, who created here an egalitarian and self-sufficient social model based on production and exchange, a pity that we did not keep it in centuries.
Beaches:
Baia Zaiana: It is located about 9km from the town and is one of the few public beaches in the area, white sand and emerald green sea. Another good reason to go is to have lunch at Bar Grottone, which seems to make the best-stuffed aubergines and stuffed mussels on the coast.
Calalunga beach: three hundred meters of golden beach nestled within an open bay bordered by medium-height cliffs covered with woods. There is the possibility to rent chairs, and there are bars, nearby there are other small coves that can be reached by swimming or walking.
Spiaggia Della Duna: it is a small beach, not equipped, it must have its name to get there you have to climb over a dune, better to come there in the low season because it can be crowded and remember to bring everything you need and in my opinion even a small umbrella.
Where to sleep in Peschici:
Masseria La Chiusa Delle More: typical Apulian farmhouse about 500 meters from the sea. It is a stylish accommodation, but with few guests, a very difficult thing on the Gargano is surrounded by olive groves and furnished in a very traditional way.
Hotel Gusmay & Suite Le Dune: one of the most exclusive accommodations in the Gargano, directly on the Dune beach, has a beautiful SPA, two buildings with different styles, a private beach, and a very private garden.
Vila Sejuda: in a central position, it is in Peschici, but 20 minutes from Vieste, it has a beautiful garden, outdoor swimming pool, parking, and spacious rooms.
Hotel Corona: this is also on the beach, for sea lovers, very simple, modern but nice architecture, perfect for those who want to enjoy the sea without stopping
Where to eat in Peschici:
You and Trabucco da Mimì: super known, super photogenic can eat very well, I celebrated a birthday there, and it was a poem, they also spent a lot of time playing live. I advise you to come there before sunset.
Trabucco Monte Pucci: always fresh fish, maybe less trendy, but authentic
Gelateria Pina Gel: according to my local friends they say it is the best ice cream in the Gargano
Panini di Mare: I know it has now become a franchise, but I found it excellent, a perfect alternative to street food
VIESTE:
The easternmost tip of the Gargano promontory, the village is located on a small peninsula, which separates the two bays:
Punta di San Francesco, facing east, steep, raised, and roughly rocky, is where the medieval center is found since this part of the peninsula offered the best safety requirements. In this part, full of alleys, stairways, and arches, most of the most prestigious historical buildings are found (Church of San Francesco, cathedral).
Punta di Santa Croce, facing north, lower. In this relatively flat area, the municipality began to expand only in the nineteenth century. Most of the modern urbanization took place on this site, and it is also where the port for embarking for the Tremiti stands.
Beaches:
Crovatico: this beach is located 10km north of Vieste, has a spectacular golden sandpit, is protected by thick vegetation, and a cliff; it is particularly protected from the winds. The beach is almost entirely home to a tourist village, but it is possible to access the public beach either from the cliff or the village. For this reason, it is not very popular and is quite quiet even in high season.
San Felice Bay: very small and collected, it is only about 100 meters large on the low sandy bottom. It can be reached by sea or by crossing the campsite of the same name. It is very famous. I would say it is iconographic because it houses the beautiful natural arch that makes the surrounding landscape truly enchanting.
Pizzomunno: it is located south of the tip of San Francesco, which starts from the limestone rocks on which the city was built and which extends south towards Pugnochiuso. The beach is also known by the names of del Castello or Scialara. It is truly spectacular, you are lying down with a huge cliff of white limestone behind you, and the sea is very cold and embarrassing turquoise, I loved this place. There are several points where it is equipped and others where it is free, dogs are allowed, and there are bars for lunch.
Where to sleep in Vieste:
Shanti: I don’t know why it’s called that, it has nothing to do with India, I slept here, and it’s fantastic! A small hotel in the olive groves, super Apulian furnishings, white bottles and drapes, and the best breakfast ever, super recommended.
Garden Hotel Ripa: two minutes from the beach two km from Vieste, this beautiful structure guarantees vast spaces, it would be perfect if you do yoga in the morning like me.
Relais La Pretura: Period building in the center of Vieste’s village, in a few minutes you are at sea, it is fine for those who do not want to use the car too much. It has a beautiful roof terrace with panoramic views where you can sunbathe and relax.
Navicri B&B: a stone’s throw from the beach of San Lorenzo, a well-kept BnB in the center of Vieste, with a beautiful rooftop swimming pool, jacuzzi and sea view rooms.
Terrace on the sea Apartment: it seems to be on a boat. They are apartments right above the water, even the interior furnishings alternate white with wood. I like the terrace, with a typical feeling of summer in the south.
Where to eat in Vieste:
Il Capriccio: a very modern style, the beautiful terrace is very famous for its raw fish, it is also an excellent choice for an aperitif.
Arcaroli: restaurant in the historic center has outdoor and indoor tables, very characteristic, excellent fish, and dishes with style
Very 54: right in the port of Vieste, you eat fish, very nice even for lunch
MATTINATA:
It is located in an expanse of olive groves, almond trees, and prickly pears degrading towards the sea, characteristic for being predominantly white. The name derives from the ancient settlement Matinum. It is built in layers and steps carved out of the rock on two hills, Castellacelo and Coppa Della Madonna. It is surrounded by Monte Sacro, which in ancient times was called Monte Dodoneo, and Monte Saraceno, where you can see the remains of a necropolis from the Bronze Age. On the tourist port, you can see the remains of an ancient Roman villa and on the Monte Sacro the remains of the abbey of SS. Trinity.
Beaches:
Vignanotica: The beach is nestled between the Santa Tecla wildlife reserve and the Monte Barone nature reserve. It is famous for its white and high cliff, surrounded by nature between sea caves and rocks. It is a gravelly bottom that slopes rapidly into the sea. You can get there by car from the SP 53 Mattinata-Vieste provincial road, from which a winding road starts that creeps into nature for about 3 km. The beach is sunny from dawn but remains in the shade from mid-afternoon, therefore suitable for early risers due to the high cliff.
Baia dei Campi: 800 meters long, “Campi” is a strip of land that takes its name from the islet in front of its beach. Around there are caves and cliffs to visit by boat. The beach is located a few meters away from the Lido di Portonuovo, on the provincial road that connects Vieste to Mattinata, also visible from the road. It is a free beach, but you can rent chairs and umbrellas if you wish, and there are several bars to eat or buy water. It is a pebbly beach, so with a few children, it might be advantageous in some cases.
Baia delle Zagare: on this beach, you can meet several blackbirds and sparrows, guests of the valley, and the cliffs; instead, Zagare derives from the name of the flower of the orange groves that grow in the area, so imagine the scent in spring. It consists of three beaches, facing east and in the shade in the late afternoon, separated, the two longest (North beach: 260m; South beach: 450m), by a rocky ledge. The third, further north, is 60m long and can only be reached from the sea. White limestone cliffs surround the bay, and in front of you, two spectacular cliffs called “Arco di Diomede” and “Le Forbici,” which emerge a few meters from the shore.
Where to sleep in Mattinata:
Hotel Residence Il Porto: beautiful, charming property, very large, very close to the beach, a private beach, a large garden with a swimming pool, and vast and bright rooms.
Torre Santamaria: crazy structure, built both inside and around an ancient Norman tower and amalgamating the structure with very modern and glass contaminations, beautiful garden, and outdoor swimming pool, I like the style is unique get to feet on the beach.
Holiday Lodge al Porto: has both rooms and mini apartments, all with patio and large terrace, a shared garden, parking, and is located on the main promenade.
Hotel Baia Delle Zagare: A decided dream location, in the center of one of the most beautiful beaches of the Gargano, private access to the beach, view of the stacks, immersed in nature, each room has a terrace to enjoy the panorama especially when the beach is deserted
Tip: As much as your desire for the sea can be fully satisfied in the Gargano, do not leave this land without spending at least a day in the Umbra Forest, incredible to see how much the atmosphere changes, the landscapes are lovely, you will feel like you are in Finland.