Vieste
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 6 January 2023
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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. |
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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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comune di Vieste
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Area: Gargano Peninsula
Province: Foggia Region: Puglia Population: 13,434 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 168 km² Highlights: Punta San Francesco, Spiaggia del Castello |
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Close by: Gargano National Park, Monte Sant'Angelo, Foggia
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Recommended stay: Hotel Boutique Il Castellino Relais
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