Gargano 

Gargano is one of the most beautiful areas of Puglia, with a wide variety of landscapes to discover: about 200 km of crystal clear sea, golden sandy beaches, spectacular bays, sea caves and coves often accessible only by sea. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate Gargano is characterized by very hot and sunny summers ideal for spending unforgettable days at sea with many hiking highlights.

Starting from Vieste, called "La Perla del Gargano" and awarded the Blue Flag several times, the most beautiful beaches of the Gargano you'll want to see at least once in your life:

To the south of Vieste

• Pizzomunno, (or Scialara beach or castle) is the main beach of Vieste on the promenade Enrico Mattei. It takes its name from the famous white monolith, about 25 meters high, that emerges from the sea a few meters from the shore. Legend tells that Pizzomunno, young coveted by the sirens, denyed their love to remain faithful to his beloved Cristalda and the indispettite sirens from rejection, they would drag him into the sea. Petrified with grief, Pizzomunno would turn into a monolith. Once in a hundred years the two lovers meet again to relive their love. The sand is white and thin and shallow.

• The bay of San Felice, 8 km south of Vieste, is accessible via the eponymous village or sea. The beach, with gold and fine sand, about 100 meters wide and 50 long, and shallow waters, is characterized by the picturesque and charming Architello of San Felice, a monumental masterpiece built by nature, or as legend has it, from the sea Nymphs in honor of Neptune, king of the sea, which would have decided to spend a few days with his wife, in a place worthy of its name.

• Baia di Campi, 10 km south of Vieste, accessible from the SP 53 and SP 54 just a few meters from Lido di Portonuovo and Resort "Baia di Campi". The pebble beach, 500 meters long, surrounded by pines and olive trees, is characterized by the backdrop top and center houses two islets. And it is surrounded by the most beautiful of the Gargano coast caves: cave of two eyes, smashed cave, hot or red cave, cave of smugglers and small bell cave. And 'a must see destination for hikers and scuba divers breathtaking photo hunt.

• Cala della Sanguinara, near Baia di Campi, along the SP 54, accessible by boat or along a path amid the pines. The bottom is gravelly and deep. Do not miss visiting the small nearby caves, including the beautiful "Cave of Tomatoes"

•  Portogreco, 14 km south of Vieste, accessible from the SP 54-Vieste Pugnochiuso km 15. From here you will have to proceed on foot along a gravel path to a water collection channel, 500 meters long, and summer is perpetually dry . The beach gravel beach wrapped by the green Mediterranean is characterized by a deep seabed since the first meters that separate it from the shore. As the name suggests, the bay, enclosed by a crag of rock arm that ends overlooking the sea, offered shelter to sailors seeking refreshment by the navigation.

• Pugnochiuso, situated in the building accessible from the SP 54 Mattinata-Vieste follow the signs for the holiday village "Pugnochiuso" or by sea, the beach is white and deep waters and clear gravel. If you love underwater fishing you absolutely must not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the waters of Pugnochiuso, near the lighthouse: there are dens of croakers, sea bream and snapper benches hidden in the wreckage of the wreck of a ship sunk during World War II .

• Vignanotica, 25 km south of Vieste, accessible from the SP 53-Vieste Morning at km 18.5, is at the foot of a charming and majestic white cliffs. The best way to access the Vignanotica Beach is the picturesque nature trail walk at km 17.5, along which you can enjoy breathtaking sea views and access to an equipped area for picnics. There is a beach by gravelly and deep waters but always crystal clear.

• Zagare Bay or Mergoli, 37 km south of Vieste, accessible from the SP 53-Vieste Morning following the signs to the Hotel Baia delle Zagare. And 'one of the places to see at least once in your life! A few meters from the shore, emerging from two spectacular waters stacks, "Diomede Arco" and "Scissors" to which, in 2012, the title of "Wonder of Italy" was recognized, as well as also being set film film. The bay, with clear water and surrounded by spectacular scenery of white limestone cliffs, houses three beaches, the two northernmost of 60 and 130 meters are accessible only by sea, the south of 450 meters has a private access from 'Hotel and another access through the path located in front of the Hotel. The bay is named after the significant presence of blackbirds and sparrows as well as orange flowers scattered throughout the territory.

• Mattinatella o Fontana delle Rose, accessible from the SP 53 Mattinata-Vieste km 10 in the neighborhood of camping. Paradise for diving enthusiasts, is characterized by white pebbles and crystal clear waters. The name derives from the Fontana delle Rose freshwater spring flowing into these waters, famous for its thyme and wild roses that surround the area. Since 1158, attached to an old farmhouse, there is a small rural church dedicated to Santa Maria, today consecrates and visible, which together with the Church of Our Lady of Light, were the property of the Benedictine Abbey of Ss. Trinita of Monte Sacro

Famous for its most beautiful beaches, Gargano also preserves a rich hinterland made of villages such as:

• Vico del Gargano, among the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its castle and the Alley of the Kiss, off no more than 50 cm, the ideal place for a declaration of love! Vico del Gargano is famous for the patronal feast day of St. Valentine, February 14, whose statue is carried in procession covered with oranges and orange blossoms of local production. According to tradition, those in the Valentine's Day off an orange from the throne where an exhibition of the relics and derives from a juice obtain a powerful love potion.

• Rodi Garganico, Ischitella and Peschici, Carpino famous for its handicrafts (wicker baskets, puff and lace) and its "Carpino Folk Festival."

• The goals of faith as Monte Sant'Angelo, famous for the cave of St. Michael the Archangel, the castle and the beautiful abbey of Pulsano. San Marco in Lamis, with its Monastery of St. Matthew and the suggestive "procession Fracchie" on Good Friday. San Giovanni Rotondo with the Shrine of St. Pius built by Renzo Piano.

• Then the Gargano National Park with Forest Umbra considered the green lung of the Gargano, formed mainly by oaks, beeches, cypresses, pines and mastic trees and inhabited by deer, roe deer, deer and wild boar. "Monte Calvo", the highest peak. And yet, 40 thousand hectares of forests, with over 60 million monumetali olive trees, which make Puglia, the first region in Italy in the production of oil and olives. More than 2500 plant species, accounting for about 35% of the national flora and 85 species of wild orchids which account for 70% of all species present in Europe!

Gargano also known as "Spur of Italy" or "Mountain of the Sun" is worth a visit any time of year!