Gargano Peninsula
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 17 January 2024
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The Gargano Peninsula occupies roughly the same territory as the official Gargano National Park in the Foggia Province of Puglia.
Offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Italy, the Gargano Peninsula is a favourite holiday destination for Italians who flock to its beach resorts such as Vieste, Rodi Garganico and Peschici. It's also one of Italy's most scenic driving routes. |
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Highlights of the Gargano Peninsula
The standout seaside town on the Peninsula is Vieste: it occupies the eastern coast and marks the half way point if you're touring the area by car. Whereas Vieste is a big resort with lots of hotels and restaurants, the likes of Rodi and Peschici are more intimate with the latter of the two being perhaps the prettier and the former having the better beaches. Each of those main towns also provide access to the Tremiti Islands archipelago during the summer with a journey time of just under an hour by hydrofoil from Rodi.
Aside from the towns mentioned above, there are a number of smaller resorts such as Mattinata, and dozens of stand-alone beaches. One of Italy's most dramatic beach settings can be found on the Gargano Peninsula, the stunning Baia delle Zagare with its huge sea stacks which can just about be seen from the road above; the resort itself however is private. Among the other notable beaches are Vignanotica and Baia San Felice while the smaller resorts include San Menaio and Pugnochiuso.
Aside from the towns mentioned above, there are a number of smaller resorts such as Mattinata, and dozens of stand-alone beaches. One of Italy's most dramatic beach settings can be found on the Gargano Peninsula, the stunning Baia delle Zagare with its huge sea stacks which can just about be seen from the road above; the resort itself however is private. Among the other notable beaches are Vignanotica and Baia San Felice while the smaller resorts include San Menaio and Pugnochiuso.
Exploring by car
The coastal road offers something new around each corner and is typified by a series of coves with irregularly-shaped white rocks tinged with aquamarine water. It takes about an hour and ten minutes to drive from Vieste to the town of Manfredonia which lies at the southern end of the Peninsula, or slightly longer to reach the northern end by Lake Lesina.
The rock formations include the Arco di San Felice, Isola di Campi and the Scoglio di Portonuovo among others but there are lots more besides those to explore.
The Gargano Peninsula isn't just about the coast however: within its interior there are numerous towns with the largest of those including the pilgrimage site of San Giovanni Rotondo.
The town is the final resting place of Padre Pio, the Catholic church's most-recently anointed saint and home of the Sanctuary of Padre Pio erected in his honour. The structure is one of the most beautiful examples of modern Italian architecture and designed by the famous Renzo Piano.
The rock formations include the Arco di San Felice, Isola di Campi and the Scoglio di Portonuovo among others but there are lots more besides those to explore.
The Gargano Peninsula isn't just about the coast however: within its interior there are numerous towns with the largest of those including the pilgrimage site of San Giovanni Rotondo.
The town is the final resting place of Padre Pio, the Catholic church's most-recently anointed saint and home of the Sanctuary of Padre Pio erected in his honour. The structure is one of the most beautiful examples of modern Italian architecture and designed by the famous Renzo Piano.
Up in the clouds
Another interior town on the Gargano Peninsula is Monte Sant'Angelo: at 796 metres above sea level it has a very different feel to the coastal area below with much cooler temperatures. Depending on the time of the year, you may find you've driven through the clouds to reach the town whose sights include the Castello Normanno Svevo Aragonese.
Of even greater repute however, is the Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo which belongs to the Longobards in Italy: Places of the Power (568-774 AD) listing by UNESCO. The Peninsula can also boast the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia-listed Vico del Gargano which takes its rightful place among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages.
The terrain varies from the coastal areas to the rocky heights of some of the hill towns and forests. You can also find pretty olive grows or coastal plains in an area that packs a great deal of variety into its 1,181 square kilometres.
Of even greater repute however, is the Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo which belongs to the Longobards in Italy: Places of the Power (568-774 AD) listing by UNESCO. The Peninsula can also boast the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia-listed Vico del Gargano which takes its rightful place among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages.
The terrain varies from the coastal areas to the rocky heights of some of the hill towns and forests. You can also find pretty olive grows or coastal plains in an area that packs a great deal of variety into its 1,181 square kilometres.
Penisola del Gargano
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Province: Foggia
Region: Puglia Highlights: Vieste, Rodi Garganico, Monte Sant'Angelo, Peschici Fly to: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport - 1 hour 38 minutes (143 km) Recommended stay: Hotel Boutique Il Castellino Relais |
Gargano Beaches
Vignanotica Beach, Gargano Peninsula, Puglia
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Gargano National Park
Isola di Campi, Gargano National Park, Puglia
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Foce Varano
Foce Varano, Gargano Peninsula, Puglia
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Capoiale
Capoiale, Gargano Peninsula, Puglia
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Cagnano Varano
Cagnano Varano, Gargano Peninsula, Puglia
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San Menaio
San Menaio, Gargano Peninsula, Puglia
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