Mattinata​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Mattinata
Mattinata has a good range of established hotels, reflecting its position on the Gargano coast and its popularity with visitors drawn to the surrounding beaches and national park. Properties here are generally praised for their sea views, outdoor spaces and convenient access to both the town and coastline.
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Hotel Baia delle Zagare is a renowned choice, set above a private beach with panoramic terraces, pools and consistently excellent guest feedback (€€€). Close to the centre, Hotel Alba del Gargano offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant and positive reviews for both service and location (€€). Another option is Hotel Torre Santamaria Resort, a modern property with a pool, gardens and strong ratings for comfort and hospitality (€€).

Where is

Where is Mattinata?
​​The seaside town of Mattinata is situated on the Adriatic Coast, in the Province of Foggia. It has a population of around 6,000 residents and the main highlights are the beach, the Chiesa Santa Maria della Luce, the port and the Museo Civico di Mattinata. 

Nearby places of interest include Mattinatella, Baia delle Zagare and Vignanotica Beach.
Comune di Mattinata
Province: Foggia

Region: Puglia

Population: 5,931 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 73 km²

​Highlights: beach, Chiesa Santa Maria della Luce, port

​Close by: Mattinatella, Baia delle Zagare, Vignanotica Beach

​Recommended accommodation: Hotel Torre Santamaria Resort

What People Ask About Mattinata, Puglia

Is Mattinata worth visiting?
Yes, Mattinata is worth visiting for its white pebble beaches, natural landscapes, and access to the Gargano National Park. It is also well known for its olive groves and almond blossom in spring.
How do I get to Mattinata?
Mattinata can be reached by car along the SS89 road from Foggia, about 55 km away. The nearest train station is in Foggia, with bus connections to the Gargano area. Bari Airport, around 140 km away, is the closest international airport.
What are the main attractions in Mattinata?
Highlights include Mattinatella Beach, Baia delle Zagare, and hikes through the Gargano National Park. The old town of Mattinata and the Monte Sacro archaeological site are also of interest.
When is the best time to visit Mattinata?
The best time to visit Mattinata is from May to September for beach activities and boat trips. Spring is also popular for hiking and the almond blossoms that characterise the area.
How long should I stay in Mattinata?
A stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal to enjoy the beaches, explore the nearby cliffs and caves, and take excursions into the Gargano National Park.
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Discover

Discover Mattinata
Mattinata is a coastal town on the Gargano Peninsula in northern Apulia, lying between the limestone cliffs of Monte Saraceno and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The town is surrounded by olive groves that extend down to the coast, while its whitewashed buildings rise in tiers across a hillside overlooking a wide bay. The natural setting, framed by mountains and sea, gives it one of the most scenic landscapes in the Gargano area.
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The surrounding coastline is known for its sea caves, cliffs, and small coves, which can be explored by boat from the harbour. Above the town, the Necropolis of Monte Saraceno preserves hundreds of tombs from the ancient Daunian civilisation, providing insight into the area’s early history. The old town’s narrow streets lead to viewpoints overlooking the gulf, while nearby trails connect Mattinata with Monte Sant’Angelo and the Gargano National Park, placing it within one of Apulia’s most striking natural regions.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Mattinata
  • Chiesa di Santa Maria della Luce is the main church in Mattinata, rebuilt in the early 20th century on the site of an earlier structure. It features a simple façade, vaulted interior, and paintings of the Madonna della Luce. The church is closely connected to local religious traditions and annual processions.
  • Monte Sacro is a limestone mountain with the ruins of a Benedictine abbey set at its summit, offering views over the Gargano landscape. The site was once a place of pagan worship before becoming a major monastic centre. A hiking trail leads through oak forests and rocky slopes to reach the ruins.
  • Baia delle Zagare is a coastal area south of the town, known for its white cliffs, sea stacks, and pebble beaches. Access is limited to hotel guests or by sea, making it a quiet and unspoilt spot. The two sea stacks, called the Arches, are among the most photographed features of the Gargano coast.
  • Museo Civico di Mattinata documents the area’s ancient history, including artefacts from the Daunian civilisation. Exhibits include funerary steles, pottery, and tools found in local necropolises. The museum provides an overview of the town’s pre-Roman past and is located in the former town hall.
  • Boat tour along the Gargano coast from Mattinata explores sea caves, cliffs, and hidden coves between Mattinata and Vieste. Tours often include stops for swimming and time to admire formations like the Grotta dei Pipistrelli. Departures are usually from the marina or nearby beaches.

Tours and Activities

Mattinata Tours and Activities

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Mattinata
By Rail: Mattinata does not have its own train station. The nearest major station is at Foggia, which is connected to cities like Rome, Bari, and Naples by high-speed and regional trains. From Foggia, travellers can continue to Mattinata by bus or car, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By Road: Situated on the Gargano coast, Mattinata is approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Foggia, accessible via the SS89. The drive takes around 1 hour and passes through hilly terrain with scenic views. Parking areas are available near the beach and in the town centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Foggia – Gino Lisa Airport: About 60 kilometres away, this regional airport offers limited domestic services. The drive to Mattinata takes just over 1 hour.
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Located around 140 kilometres to the south, Bari’s airport serves numerous domestic and international destinations. Travel time by car is approximately 2 hours, and public transport options are available via Foggia.

Private Transfers

Mattinata Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Mattinata, offering a direct and flexible journey without the need to navigate public transport or drive yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional local driver.

Both Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Foggia Gino Lisa Airport are well connected by road, making private transfers a practical choice for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Manfredonia, Monte Sant’Angelo, and Vieste, or to other towns and resorts across the Gargano Peninsula and wider Puglia region.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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