Cagnano Varano Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the hill town in Puglia
Table of Contents
Cagnano Varano
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Latest page update: 20 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The town of Cagnano Varano is situated on the Gargano Peninsula within the Province of Foggia. It has a population of just under seven thousand inhabitants.
Nearby places of interest include Lake Varano, Capoiale, Foce Varano and Rodi Garganico, while Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is 207 kilometres away, reachable by car in an hour and 58 minutes. |
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Discover
Discover Cagnano Varano
Cagnano Varano is a small town located in the northern part of Puglia, within the Province of Foggia. Situated at the edge of the Gargano National Park, it lies on the slopes of the Gargano mountain range, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Varano Lake to the east. The town is characterised by its narrow streets and traditional stone houses, which reflect its long history and rural charm. Cagnano Varano is also known for its natural beauty, with lush forests and scenic hills that make it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Visitors to Cagnano Varano can explore its charming town centre, which features historical buildings such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere that pervades the area. The town is also a gateway to the surrounding countryside, where outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and fishing on Varano Lake are popular pastimes. The local area is dotted with olive groves and farmlands, offering a taste of traditional rural life in Puglia.
Cagnano Varano is well-positioned for discovering nearby attractions. To the south, the town of Peschici offers a charming coastal setting with beautiful beaches and an old town perched on a cliff. The famous Monte Sant'Angelo, a historic town with religious significance and UNESCO World Heritage status, is to the northwest. Further inland, the Gargano National Park provides a wealth of natural beauty, with dense forests, caves, and wildlife, perfect for exploring the region’s diverse landscapes.
Visitors to Cagnano Varano can explore its charming town centre, which features historical buildings such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere that pervades the area. The town is also a gateway to the surrounding countryside, where outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and fishing on Varano Lake are popular pastimes. The local area is dotted with olive groves and farmlands, offering a taste of traditional rural life in Puglia.
Cagnano Varano is well-positioned for discovering nearby attractions. To the south, the town of Peschici offers a charming coastal setting with beautiful beaches and an old town perched on a cliff. The famous Monte Sant'Angelo, a historic town with religious significance and UNESCO World Heritage status, is to the northwest. Further inland, the Gargano National Park provides a wealth of natural beauty, with dense forests, caves, and wildlife, perfect for exploring the region’s diverse landscapes.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Cagnano Varano
- Centro Storico di Cagnano Varano sits high on a rocky hill near Lago di Varano, its streets winding among stone houses, arches, and narrow alleys carved into the limestone slopes. The village radiates quiet Gargano charm, with rustic façades and views stretching over lake waters and distant forests. Small piazzas reveal glimpses of olive groves and rolling hills. Walking here offers a journey into a place where nature and tradition intertwine.
- Chiesa Madre di Santa Maria della Pietà stands serenely in the village centre, its simple façade harmonising with the surrounding stone buildings. Inside are wooden altars, sacred images, and fine decorative details. The church has long shaped Cagnano’s religious life. It remains a cherished emblem of faith and community identity.
- Grotta di San Michele lies hidden beneath the village, a vast cave transformed into a sacred sanctuary over centuries. Stalactites hang from its ceiling, while altars and ancient inscriptions fill its shadowy chambers. The cave exudes a powerful atmosphere of devotion. It stands as Cagnano Varano’s most mysterious spiritual site.
- Piazza del Popolo serves as the village’s social heart, edged by stone buildings, small cafés, and market stalls. The square hosts festivals, religious processions, and lively conversations under Gargano skies. Cobblestones and views over Lago di Varano create rustic beauty. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life in Cagnano Varano.
- Guided historical and nature tours in Cagnano Varano lead visitors through medieval streets, sacred caves, and paths overlooking the shimmering lake below. Local guides share stories of saints, ancient settlements, and fishing traditions on Lago di Varano. Tours often include tastings of local fish dishes, cheeses, and Gargano wines. Exploring reveals Cagnano Varano’s blend of history, natural splendour, and authentic coastal culture.
Cagnano Varano Tours and Activities
Comune di Cagnano Varano
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Province: Foggia
Region: Puglia Population: 6,576 (in 2024 - source) Size: 159 km² Close by: Lake Varano, Capoiale, Foce Varano, Rodi Garganico Fly to: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport - 1 hr 58 mins by car (207 km) Recommended accommodation: Green Park Residence (22 km) |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Cagnano Varano
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5. Polignano a Mare
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1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
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