Vieste

Vieste​

Latest page update: 30 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
​Taking pride of place on the eastern shore of the Gargano Peninsula, the town of Vieste offers a winning combination of beaches, history and stunning good looks. 

The town is bursting with character and nowhere more so than on the little promontory where the Chiesa di San Francesco stands guard against whatever may have come from the sea throughout its history. ​The promontory of Punta San Francesco marks the tail-end of Vieste's centro storico (old town), a cluster of white-washed buildings full of intrigue and narrow passageways.

What People Ask About Vieste

Where is Vieste located?
Vieste is located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, on the eastern tip of the Gargano Peninsula. It lies within the province of Foggia and is part of the Gargano National Park, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
What is Vieste known for?
Vieste is known for its historic old town, sandy beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. It’s especially famous for the Pizzomunno sea stack, the whitewashed buildings of its centro storico, and the nearby sea caves accessible by boat.
Is Vieste worth visiting?
Yes, Vieste is worth visiting for its combination of beaches, natural scenery, and cultural landmarks. It offers a relaxed coastal setting, excellent swimming and hiking opportunities, and a good base for exploring the Gargano region.
What can you do in Vieste?
In Vieste, visitors can explore the old town, visit the Swabian Castle and cathedral, relax on beaches like Spiaggia di Castello, and take boat trips to see sea caves and the Tremiti Islands. The surrounding national park offers walking and cycling routes.
How do you get to Vieste?
Vieste is best reached by car. The closest train station is in Foggia, around 100 km away, with bus services available from Foggia to Vieste. Bari Airport is about 2.5 hours away by road, and car hire is recommended for flexibility in the Gargano area.
Related links
Vieste • Puglia • Gargano Peninsula • Coastal Town
It is within this part of town that you'll get the picture postcard views of the promontory with various viewpoints from which you can take photos. Almost hidden within this tight knot of alleyways lies the town's Cathedral which dates back to the 11th century and would have been present during one of the town's darkest episodes some 500 years later. In 1554, Saracen pirates sacked the town and executed 5,000 of Vieste's residents on a plinth now known as the Chianca Amara, the "Bitter Stone" which can still be seen to this day and acts as a gruesome reminder of the past. 

​In modern times, Vieste is a thriving seaside resort with large stretches of golden sandy beach either side of the promontory. To the south of Punta San Francesco lies a huge white rock known as Pizzomunno and this marks the northern end of the long stretch of beach known as Spiaggia del Castello. 
Spiaggia del Castello and Marina Piccola
This is the biggest beach in Vieste and continues for three kilometres, along which there are dozens of beach clubs, restaurants and hotels. When you reach the southern end of the beach the main coastal road climbs south and if you turn around and look back here you'll get one of the best views of the town. ​
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​​To the north of Punta San Francesco lies the more modern part of town which has its own charms. This is one of the most pleasant parts of Vieste to walk around with plenty of shops and places to eat or drink available, particularly so in Marina Piccola with its palm-tree-lined seafront. Either cut across or make your away around the headland to the north of Marina Piccola and you'll find Vieste's port area. 
Ferry across to the Tremiti Islands
The port is mainly occupied by small, private boats in an attractive marina but you can also take a number of boat trips from here. The most popular is the ferry across to the Tremiti Islands which are around two hours away. You can incidentally, find the Tremiti Islands Ferry Timetables here. Other popular excursions include tours of the Gargano Peninsula's grottoes where you'll also find a mixture of clear azure water with a backdrop of white rocks and cliffs. ​

​​Beyond the port area to the north west lies the Spiaggia di San Lorenzo; this is another large stretch of beautiful sand with further accommodation and dining options in abundance. Continue north from Spiaggia di San Lorenzo and you will find more beaches that gradually become less busy the further out of town you reach. 
Comune di Vieste
Area: Gargano Peninsula

Province: Foggia

Region: Puglia

Population: 13,316 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 168 km²

Highlights: Punta San Francesco, Spiaggia del Castello

​​​​​​​​​Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025

Close by: Gargano National Park, Monte Sant'Angelo, Foggia
My recommended accommodation options for Vieste:
  • Hotel Pizzomunno Located just a short walk from the beach, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with sea views, a large outdoor pool, and a renowned restaurant serving traditional Puglian cuisine. Guests appreciate the stunning views, the excellent service, and the proximity to Vieste’s main attractions. €€€ (high-end)
  • B&B Villa Giulia Situated just outside the historic centre, this charming bed and breakfast features spacious rooms, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the attentive hosts, and the short drive to Vieste’s beaches and historic sites. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Baia di Campi Set near the beach, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local dishes, and a bar. Guests value the convenient location close to the beach, the friendly service, and the relaxing atmosphere. €€ (mid-range)
  • Residence Il Giardino A collection of self-catering apartments located just a short walk from the beach, featuring kitchenettes, private balconies, and air conditioning. Guests appreciate the flexibility of apartment living, the outdoor pool, and the close proximity to the beach and local shops. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Althea Located near the seafront and the town centre, this well-rated hotel offers bright rooms, a restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine, and free parking. Guests enjoy the central location, the welcoming service, and the good value for money, making it a great option for families and couples. €€ (mid-range)
My recommended restaurants in Vieste:
  • Al Dragone: Located in the heart of Vieste, Al Dragone offers a variety of traditional Apulian dishes, including fresh seafood pasta and grilled meats. The restaurant's historic setting and attentive service provide a memorable dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Acqua: Situated near the port, Ristorante Acqua specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes like risotto with seafood and local vegetables. The modern décor and panoramic sea views enhance the dining atmosphere. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Le Tre Vele in Vieste: Located on the main beach, Le Tre Vele offers authentic flavors with a focus on simplicity and fresh ingredients. The beachfront setting allows guests to enjoy their meal with a view of the sea. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Lume di Candela in Vieste: Set amidst olive groves and vineyards near the bay of Scialmarino, this restaurant provides a unique culinary experience, combining a refined atmosphere with traditional Gargano cuisine. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • La Grotta delle Rondini: Located in nearby Peschici. Carved into limestone cliffs, this unique seafood trattoria offers simple, fresh dishes prepared in a wood-burning oven. The porthole windows provide diners with stunning sea views. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)

Vieste​​​​​​​​​  Gallery

Close  to  Vieste

Although some bus options are available, by far the best way to explore the surrounding area is by car. Head north of Vieste and you soon come to a smaller town called Peschici while further west is the slightly larger resort of Rodi Garganico. Both towns offer good options for a day trip to the beach without having to travel too far; Rodi Garganico for example is around 50 minutes away while Peschici is just half an hour. Some of the scenery and beaches you pass along the way make it a worthwhile venture.

​Take the coast road south of Vieste and the scenery is arguably even more captivating. Here you'll find some of the best Gargano Beaches including Baia delle Zagare, Vignanotica and Mattinata to name just a few. One of the most visited towns on the peninsula is Monte Sant'Angelo; a hill town with a very different feel to the coastal towns. Standing at an elevation of around 800 metres you'll find the air a good deal cooler here while the town's big draw is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sanctuary.
Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia

1. ​Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. ​Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. ​Vieste 
8. ​Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia

Vieste  Travel

By Rail: Vieste does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Peschici, approximately 20 km away. From Peschici, you can take a local bus or taxi to Vieste, with the journey taking around 30 minutes.

By Road: Vieste is approximately 200 km east of Naples, and the drive takes around 3 hours via the A16 and SS89 roads. From Naples, take the A16 eastbound, exit at Candela, and follow signs to Vieste.

Nearest International Airport:
​
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (Aeroporto di Bari-Karol Wojtyła): Located about 200 km southwest of Vieste, the drive takes around 3 hours via the A14 and SS89 roads. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a train to Foggia, then a bus to Vieste.

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