Gargano Promontory

Travel Guide

Gargano Peninsula showing a sandy beach and general coastal views
Gargano Peninsula which includes rugged coastline
Gargano Peninsula which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views
Gargano Peninsula featuring a beach and general coastal views
Gargano Peninsula which includes rugged coastline
Hike through forested areas, relax on sandy beaches, venture into old towns and visit an important religious shrine in this diverse and picturesque region.

Jutting out into the Adriatic Sea in an area referred to as the spur above Italy’s heel is the Gargano Peninsula. This is a vast national park with long sandy beaches, whitewashed villages that cling to hillsides and tracts of forest.

With a diverse environment, the Gargano Peninsula is an ideal place to visit for opportunities to get outdoors. Hike along the trails of Foresta Umbra, through thickets of maple, ash and cedar trees. Unwind on the beaches of Vieste and take a boat tour from its harbor to nearby sea caves. Embark on long coastal walks across steep ridges and marvel at the views of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a range of water sports on Lake Lesina and Lake Varano, two saltwater lakes.

Devote some time to visiting the area’s old towns and villages. Tour the hilltop village of Cagnano Varano where there is a 17th-century cathedral and the Baronial Palace, which dates back to Norman times. Close to the town is a cave-church that was consecrated in the 5th century.

In Manfredonia, find ancient churches, a castle from the 13th century and a harbor. Go to the cliff-top town of Peschici and stop by the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto. According to legend it was built as an act of devotion by a group of fishermen who had survived a storm. Stroll through the old narrow streets of Mattinata and see the ruins of a Roman villa.

One of the most popular destinations in the peninsula is the Padre Pio Sanctuary in San Giovanni Rotondo. Every year, millions of Catholic pilgrims come here to visit the tomb of Saint Padre Pio, a revered mystic monk.

The easiest way to get around Gargano Peninsula is with a rental car, but there are also bus services between some of the towns.

Where to stay in Gargano Promontory

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Baia degli Aranci

While Baia degli Aranci isn't home to many top sights, Nautilus Beach and Rodi Garganico Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

Baia degli Aranci
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Contrada Convento

Though Contrada Convento might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nautilus Beach and Rodi Garganico Marina.

Contrada Convento
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Località Cucchiara

Though Località Cucchiara might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nautilus Beach and Rodi Garganico Marina.

Località Cucchiara
Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa
Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa
4 out of 5
Viale Aldo Moro, 125, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
The price is P4,119 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P4,119
P4,779 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (494 reviews)
"The hotel inside was clean. The staff was friendly especially Francesco very helpful. Great breakfast buffet with lots of choices. The parking was included and great location by the elevators. Walked to all the historic sites and did not need to move the car. The thing that we did not like was the ..."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2025

Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa
Hotel San Pio
Hotel San Pio
3 out of 5
Viale Cappuccini 115, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
The price is P2,762 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P2,762
P3,286 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"Highly recommended"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Hotel San Pio
Scialì Hotel
Scialì Hotel
4 out of 5
Strada Provinciale, 53 Bis, 91, Vieste, FG
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Vieste. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Scialara o Castello and Pizzomunno ...
9/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
"Great breakfast. Superb location. Clean apartment that was well serviced. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

Scialì Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Coppitella  Rooms & Apartments
Villa Coppitella Rooms & Apartments
3 out of 5
Contrada Coppitella, 7, Vieste, FG
Stay at this 3-star beach residence in Vieste. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions San Lorenzo Beach and Pizzomunno are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our stay here. The room wasn’t super fancy but it had everything we needed. The staff was super kind and helpful. Breakfast was great each day and the pool was incredible. We liked being close to the city but away from the chaos of the tourists. Be prepared for hills and interesting ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2024

Villa Coppitella Rooms & Apartments
Residence Fontana Vecchia
Residence Fontana Vecchia
Via Giovanni XXIII, 115, Vieste, FG
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Vieste. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions San Lorenzo Beach and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"The property was very well managed. Quiet, secure close to the beach, supermarket and the old town."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024

Residence Fontana Vecchia
Spiaggia Lunga Camping
Spiaggia Lunga Camping
3 out of 5
Litoranea Vieste - Peschici Km 7, Vieste, FG
Stay at this 3-star beach campground in Vieste. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Santa Maria di Merino Sanctuary and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"Die Kommunikation mit der Rezeption war mangelhaft. Beim Check wurde keinerlei Instrucktionen gegeben und als wir Hilfe brauchten bei Bedienen der Herdplatte mussten wir 1 std warten bis jemand kam. Die Liegestühle am Strand kosten zusätzlich 20.- /Tag was nicht so auf der Website angegeben wird… ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024

Spiaggia Lunga Camping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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