Come and discover Gargano promontory in southern Italy surrounded by the Adriatic sea. It is the sort of place that inspires a deep interest by its visitors. The main reason to come here is for its wonderful natural scenery, clean blue sea and rich history.

Gargano is famous for its very good cuisine and one of the best olive oil production. With its acres of beaches and vast stretches of Mediterranean vegetation the peninsula has become a popular summer destination.

It covers an area of 2.000 km2 and it is a hilly peninsula. Its highest peak is Monte Calvo – 1.065 m above sea level. Foresta Umbra, nature reserve is located in the middle of the peninsula. It is home to many different species of plants (orchids) and animals.

Gargano National Park, protected area, has a very charming coast with high cliffs, fabulous beaches and crashing waves. It is famous for its golden sand and pebbly beaches.

Architiello di San Felice

 

In its southern part close to the town Vieste, there are marine caves/Grotte marine, one of the main natural attractions of the peninsula.

For example one can find: Tomatoe´s Cave (Grotta dei Pomodori), Bell´s Cave (Grotta Campana) and Cave of 2 Eyes (Grotta dei 2 occhi).

  

Highly recommended is boat trip to the Tremiti Islands - only 21km North of Gargano.

This attractive archipelago consists of many small islands. The historical and administrative centre of Tremiti is San Nicola Island. Its dominant is medieval fortress and roman Santa Maria a Mare church.

From there by a small boat you can get to San Domino Island suitable for sunbathing and swimming.

 

Tremiti Islands offer inexhaustible pleasures and challenges to snorkelers and divers (Islands are a Submarine Nature Reserve since 1996).

 

There are many towns to visit, each with its own special appeal.

Along the coasts there are Mattinata, Manfredonia, Vieste, Peschici, and Rodi Garganico. Inland one finds the towns of Carpino, Ischitella, Cagnano, Varano, San Marco in Lamis, Rignano and Sannicandro.


 

Monte Sant'Angelo/Mount St. Angelo - considered by Catholics one of the most important attraction in the world. It was here that the Archangel is said to have appeared in 493 to the Bishop of Sipontum, making the Sacred Mountain a destination of pilgrimage ever since. The ancient Sanctuary and the Grotta di San Michele - were built in 13th century by Charles I of Anjou.

It is the oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to the archangel Michael.

Other sites worth a visit are: Castle, tomb of Rothari, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (11the - 12th centuries), Museum of Art and Popular Traditions and Medieval Abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano.

San Giovanni Rotondo - is an important town with a population of circa 30.000 and it's fame is linked to the figure od Saint Pio of Pietralcina who lived there from July 28, 1916 until his death on Sept 23, 1968.

The city is renowned for the Sanctuary of the St. Maria delle Grazie and the Tomb of the Saint, the monumental Via Crucis and hospital and medical research center founded by Padre Pio.