Gargano National Park: Itinerary with Top 10 Things to Do

Jennifer Bringardner

Things to do in Gargano National Park

Visiting the Gargano National Park, in the North of Puglia, is to discover the largest National Park of Italy.

Whether you prefer hiking in nature, relaxing on the beach, visiting villages, the Gargano, between sea, mountains and forest, will please everyone!

Among the main attractions of the Gargano, visit Vieste and Peschici, take a boat ride or Foresta Umbra, climb to the hilltop village of Monte Sant’Angelo or spend a few days discovering the Tremiti Islands.

With our Top 10 things to do and see and our suggested routes to visit Gargano National Park in 1, 2 or 3 days, you can make the most of your stay in Puglia.

You will also find, at the end of the article, our selection of the best hotels and holiday villages located in the Gargano National Park. Ideal to know where to stay according to your budget!

Gargano in Puglia: the must-sees

1. Manfredonia

Whether you arrive from Bari, Trani or Matera, you will inevitably start your stay, passing through Manfredonia. It is one of the biggest cities to visit in Gargano, it marks the gateway to the national park.

Some places of interest to see in Manfredonia, I recommend:

From Manfredonia to Vieste, the coastal road is particularly beautiful with many views of the sea and coves where to swim. Take your time to browse it.

Walk on the ramparts of the castle of Manfredonia, in the Gargano

2. Vieste

The beautiful town of Vieste is the must-see tourist spot during a trip to Puglia and a visit to the Gargano.

Located east of the promontory of Gargano National Park, Vieste is often preferred as a starting point to visit the park. The many places of interest that I mention in this article, are indeed, easily accessible by car from the city. It is therefore the ideal place to visit the Gargano National Park.

Vieste is famous for its historic center and its charming little streets where it is good to walk. There you will find small craft shops as well as cafes and restaurants. Overlooking the sea, the old town offers beautiful views of the coast.

During your visit, the two historic buildings not to be missed are the castle built by Frédérick II and the cathedral, dedicated to Saint Marie de l’Assomption. If you visit Vieste with your family, you can also take your children to the Malagologico Museum. Small but very interesting, it has more than 10,000 shells, corals and fossils. It would be a shame to deprive yourself, the entrance is free. 

But the emblem of Vieste, remains the famous Pizzomunno. This huge rock 25 meters high is located at the entrance of the city, on the main beach. Very photogenic with the old city in the background, it is found on all the postcards of Gargano!

According to legend, Pizzomunno was a handsome young man very much in love with his beautiful Cristalda. The mermaids being very jealous of the happiness of the couple and failing to seduce Pizzomunno, removed Cristalda to sequester her at the bottom of the sea.

Not being able to find her, crazy with grief, Pizzumunno changed into petrified rock! Little glow in the heart of tragedy, every 100 years, lovers are entitled to a night for them.

Vieste, in the Gargano Nature Park

3. The Foresta Umbra

If you are looking for something to do in Gargano National Park and you like to go hiking, the Foresta Umbra is the place for you. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see in the park.

The Umbra Forest is a protected nature reserve located in the heart of the Gargano National Park. It is considered the largest hardwood forest in all of Italy. The name “Umbra” characterizes its thick and dense vegetation, which prevents light from entering. It is famous for sheltering a very rich fauna and flora.

If you are there between April and the end of May, you can also admire the wild orchids of Gargano National Park. The forest has more than 85 different species and is home to the most varieties in Europe. Botanists come from all over the world to see them!

The best way to discover Foresta Umbra is to walk it. Many trails (about fifteen), more or less difficult to walk around. I recommend you stop at the visitor center to get the trail map, it costs about 2.50 €. Plan your picnic, there are several furnished areas and barbecues are even allowed.

The Visitor Center also rents mountain bikes if you want to try out a new sporting activity.

Even with the map provided by the Visitor Center, it is quite easy to get lost or go wrong in the Umbra Forest. It is not necessarily well indicated or marked. Allow more time than expected so you do not get stuck in the forest for a night!

The Foresta Umbra, in the Gargano National Park

4. Peschici

After Vieste, I recommend you to go to Peschici, another typical village.

Peschici has a beautiful historic center with narrow streets and houses with whitewashed facades. There are some churches to see but not really iconic monuments to visit.

You can walk to the castle which offers a panoramic view of the beach and the coast of Peschici.

Peschici and its surroundings are best known for harboring some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in Gargano National Park. These include Zaiana Beach, Cala Beach and Procinisco Bay Beach. With your swimsuit and sunscreen, you’re ready for a sunbathing and swimming afternoon.

It is also in the vicinity of Peschici, that you will be able to see a rather particular construction: a trabucco. Positioned on rocks by the sea, the trabucchi are a very ingenious system of ropes and pulleys connected together by wooden poles and a platform supporting a net, used for fishing.

Typical of the region, it is now one of the emblems of the Gargano National Park. Tourism requires, some of them are now converted into rustic restaurants where you can enjoy delicious fresh fish.

Peschici, village to visit in the Gargano

5. Vico del Gargano

Among the most beautiful places to visit in Gargano, take a tour through the village of Vico del Gargano.

This charming medieval village in the heart of the park is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Narrow streets, stone houses, authenticity and calm reign in the village.

What to see in Vico del Gargano, in Puglia:

Vico del Gargano is nicknamed the “City of Love” because the patron saint of the city is San Valentino, meaning Valentine’s Day!But as it is also the patron saint of citrus groves (the main source of wealth in the region for centuries), every year, in February, Vico adorns itself with its finest citrus decorations.

Vico del Gargana, village located in Gargano

6. The Tremiti Islands

If you have gone around the land part of the park and are wondering where to go in the Gargano National Park, I highly recommend spending a few days exploring the Tremiti Islands.

The Tremiti are part of the protected marine reserve of the Gargano National Park.

To get there, you can take a boat from Rodi Garganico, a town located north of the park, between Peschici and Lake Varano. Count around 40 € for 2 people and 1h30 of journey. Departures are also from Termoli, located after Lake Varano. 1h25 drive for 45 € minimum.

And if you want to have a little fun, you can also join the Tremiti Islands by helicopter! Departures are from Foggia but of course the rates are a bit higher than for a ferry crossing.

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, the Tremiti Islands are 5 islands renowned for their splendid natural landscapes and turquoise and translucent water.

Overview of the 5 Tremiti Islands:

To visit the Tremiti Islands, you can opt for a day boat trip that will take you around. A time is usually scheduled for swimming. To move on the islands, you can also rent a bike, a scooter or a quad. Cars are strictly forbidden except for residents.

Avoid the months of July-August to visit the Tremiti Islands, the beaches and coves are crowded and the prices fly away at the accommodation level.

The Tremiti Islands, accessible from the Gargano National Park

7. Lake Varano

Lake Varano is one of the key destinations of a holiday in Gargano National Park.

And yes, because in addition to the forest and the sea, there are also lakes in the national park!

Lake Varano is one of the largest lakes in southern Italy. The bird lovers will find their account as they will be able to observe many birds like the flamingo, herons or cormorants. You can also see the eel fishermenat work on their sandali, typical boats of the Gargano National Park.

The best way to have the most beautiful overview of Lake Varano is to opt for a boat trip. 

It is at sunset that Lake Varano takes on its most beautiful colors.

Lake Varano, to see in the Gargano

8. The Beaches of Gargano

If you come to visit the Gargano, it is also to go to the beach and enjoy it to relax and swim.

Some beaches and coves are beautiful with calm and translucent water, ideal for swimming.

However, many are private only and access is only possible if you are a resident of the holiday village or campsite nearby. Others are also accessible only on foot, down paths below the road.

We were also a little surprised because most of the time, they are not really well indicated and there are no dedicated car parks and therefore very few places to park.

When visiting out of season, we did not have any problems, but in July-August it can be a bit more difficult. That’s why if you only want to go on vacation to the Gargano National Parkfor its beaches, I advise you to book a hotel or holiday village with private access. 

On the practical side, you will not have to take your car and look for a seat either. You will find my suggestions at the end of the article.

Despite this, there are some beaches not to be missed in the Gargano National Park:

A beach of Gargano, ideal place for swimming!

9. Boat Trip to Gargano National Park

If you do not have seasickness, one of the must do activities in the Gargano National Park is a boat trip to discover the sea caves.

The most popular is the one from Vieste  every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon between April and October. Count about 3 hours of visit for 25 € per adult and 10 € per child.

You will visit the most famous marine caves in Gargano National Park, such as the Tomato Cave, the Smugglers Cave, the Cave of the Two Eyes or the Broken Cave. You’ll find the names a bit farfetched, go ask the fishermen, they are the ones who named them! Dug by the sea and the wind, they are all unique and are worth a visit.

If you wish, you can also rent a boat by the day to make your own program and enjoy some coves   only accessible by the sea. In high season, this may be a good solution for finding quiet places to swim. For small boats and zodiacs, no need for a boat license.

A boat trip to discover the Gargano sea caves

10. Monte Sant Angelo

This guide of things to do in Gargano National Park, would not be complete without me talking about Monte Sant’Angelo.

The village is perched 800 m above sea level and accessible by a long winding road but offers great views of the entire national park. It is one of the oldest and most important religious centers of Gargano National Park.

It is from here that Via dei Longobardi left, a sacred route from Spain to Jerusalem that served to link religious sanctuaries. Many pilgrims have borrowed it over the centuries.

The must-see place in Monte Sant Angelo is the sanctuary of the Archangel Michael. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cave was dedicated to the request of the Saint himself, who wanted a place of worship to be built there. The cave will become a place of pilgrimage for many Christians. 

The sanctuary is located in the district of Rione Junno, the oldest of Monte Sant Angelo. Stroll through the alleys and watch the houses piled one on top of the other and connected by stairs.

In addition to the cave, you can also visit the Norman-Swabian castle to enjoy an extraordinary panorama of the whole Gargano National Park to the Gulf of Manfredonia. Well I prefer to warn you anyway, given the situation of the village, it can happen that the view is a little blocked by the mist.

To see also in Monte Sant Angelo:

To eat on the run, I highly recommend you stop at the Antico Forno Frisoli, a small bakery that sells delicious foccacias and lots of typical biscuits typical of the region.To guide you in the wide choice, we have our preference for lemon biscuits and anise rings! A pack of 500 grams pack a little space in the bag!:-)

Monte Sant Angelo

How many days to visit the Gargano National Park?

I advise you to plan 4 days to visit the Gargano National Park.

The distances may seem short but the roads are narrow and winding, so it will take longer than expected.

And then there are plenty of photo stops to take to admire the beautiful views below, which will extend suddenly on your day.

The same if you want to swim in an isolated creek accessible only on foot.

If you want to add a little more hiking or a stay in the Tremiti Islands, you can of course spend 5 days, or even a week in Gargano National Park.

1 Day in Gargano National Park

If you only have one day in Gargano,  I recommend the following itinerary:

2 Days in Gargano National Park

Spend 2 days in Gargano, I recommend the following itinerary:

Day 1:

Day 2:

The beach of Vieste and the Pizzomunno

3 Days in Gargano National Park

To spend 3 days in the national park of Gargano, take again the route of 2 days and add:

4 Days in Gargano National Park

If you have 4 days vacation in Gargano, go for a day trip to the Tremiti Islands! 

Accommodation in Gargano National Park

Ideal apartments in Gargano

For a family holiday with your children or friends for your holidays in Gargano, I recommend you to choose an apartment. You can eat and there is more space for everyone. They are also located in residences with swimming pool, which is nice to cool off!

The best hotels to stay in Gargano

If you are traveling as a couple, here is my selection of hotels for a romantic stay in Gargano. Most of them even offer free access to the private beach with deckchairs and parasols available.

The best holiday villages in Gargano

For lovers of holiday villages with swimming pool, playground, entertainment and restaurant, I have selected the best.

How to get to Gargano National Park

During your trip in Puglia, here are the travel times to visit the Gargano National Park:


So, visit the Gargano during your trip to Italy, do you like it?

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