Tenuta Villa Oleandro

Places of Interest

There is something for everyone on the Gargano.  A natural treasure trove of varied habitats, flora and fauna makes it a naturalist's paradise.  Furthermore, there are innumerable historical and religious destinations to visit and explore.  And of course, top of most people’s list, sun, sea and sand on some lovely beaches, including at Calenella, Peschici, San Menaio, Vieste and Mattinata - just a few of the most notable among the many around the stunning Gargano coastline.

The Gargano also offers visitors a varied choice of both water and land sports to take part in including trekking, mountain biking, horse riding and wind and kite surfing.  In addition many other activities are available during the summer months and include day trips to the Tremiti Islands, boat trips around the coast, 4-wheeler motorbike excursions and off-road land-rover tours.

CAVES   The easily eroded limestone make-up of the promontory has resulted in the Gargano's geological characteristics.  Water erosion, by subterranean river, sea, wind and rain has resulted in a rugged coastline and terrain peppered with valleys, gorges, gullies, dolines, underground tunnels, caverns and caves as well as a multitude of spring water sources spouting from hillsides.

The most interesting of the caverns include La Grotta di San Michele at Monte Sant'Angelo, La Grotta dei Paglicci at Rignano Garganico, with its important Paleolithic cave paintings, and, perhaps the most geologically impressive of all, La Grotta Pian della Macina at San Nicandro Garganico.  Among the many spectacular sea caves the most noteworthy are to be found around the Tremiti Islands; La Grotta del Bue Marino, La Grotta delle Viole and La Grotta delle Rondinelle.

NECROPOLI   Paleochristian cemeteries of tombs carved into the rock floors and walls of caves.  There are more than 200 of these ancient burial sites in the Gargano.  The site at La Salata near Vieste is the most impressive and due to its various remarkable geological, botanical and zoological features has been declared an "oasis of archaeology and nature" by the WWF.

SARACEN LOOKOUT TOWERS   The coastline is dotted with these ancient square architectural features, many now sadly falling into ruin.

TRABUCCO   Wooden fishing structure perched on rocks, overhanging the sea, thought by some to date back to Phoenician times.  A fascinating WWF run guided tour of the Trabucco di San Francesco near Vieste demonstrates how this traditional fishing contraption is worked.  Many of these trabucchi jut out over the Adriatic and though some are still functional, fish stocks are too low to make them viable - several have now become restaurants.  Though often more memorable for their unique setting than their cuisine (albeit good), it is well worth visiting at least one for an unforgettable dining experience: Trabucco di Manaccora; Trabucco di Monte Pucci; Trabucco di San Nicola.

FORESTA UMBRA   There are true natural havens to be found in the Gargano, the Foresta Umbra being the most famous.  The “shady forest”, the biggest broad-leaf forest in Italy, extends over some 15,000 hectares of the heart of the Gargano - a mere 15% of what it used to be.  In these Gargano woodlands and forests beech, maple, fir and chestnut grow to monumental size and beneath these giants a myriad of flora and fauna abounds.

TREMITI ISLANDS   Just 12 km from the Gargano coastline and reached by ferry, these islands, dubbed the pearls of the Adriatic, are a beautiful destination for a day trip, or longer.  Apart from the beach, worth a visit are the Benedictine monastery (the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Mare) and the remains of a fortified castle.  A boat trip around the islands, to see some of the many stunning sea caves is not to be missed and for diving enthusiasts the crystal clear waters have much to offer (by special permission only).  Ferries leave daily from Peschici and Rodi - during the busy months of July and August it is advisable to book tickets in advance.

TOWNS & VILLAGES   The main towns in the Gargano include the mountaintop villages of Vico del Gargano and Monte Sant’Angelo and the seaside gems of Peschici, Rodi Garganico, Vieste and Mattinata.  Each has a Centro Storico (Historic Centre) with characteristic narrow streets and alleyways filled with charming and interesting architectural features such as crested doorways and unusual chimneys.  Peschici's medieval castle is worth a visit as is the Trappeto Maratea Museum (ancient olive oil mill) in Vico del Gargano.

There are many churches well worth visiting, though some open only on festa days.  Speaking of feast days, many festa’s are held in honour of some of the many saints special to the local people.  It’s well worth trying to fit one of these festivals into your visit to the Gargano, if only for the spectacular ear-popping fireworks display held at the end of each Festa.

MONTE SANT'ANGELO   Here there is an ancient castle that has been partially restored and opened to visitors, and the underground grotto shrine dedicated to St Michael the Archangel is a must.  During the middle ages this basilica was one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations; kings and popes, St Francis of Assisi and Thomas Aquinas, all knelt in prayer here, as well as the Crusaders about to embark for the Holy Land.

SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO   The home of Padre Pio (St Pius of Pietralcina), in whose honour a magnificent new cathedral designed by Renzo Piani has been erected.

SAN NICANDRO GARGANICO   Of interest is the 12th century church of Santa Maria di Monte d'Elio decorated with Byzantine frescoes; also, the Museum of Historic Ethnography and Farming Life.  Located in the impressive Fioritto Palace in the heart of the old town, the museum boasts 13 rooms, more than 3,000 exhibits and helps unravel the history of the Gargano.

VIESTE   Vieste lies on the easternmost point of the Gargano and has its own historic center.  Of interest are the triangular castle, now a naval post, and the cathedral.  The beach here is beautiful; the Trabucco di San Francesco and the Necropoli La Salata are nearby.

GUIDED EXCURSIONS   The Gargano National Park organises guided tours to help visitors discover the rich heritage, stunning scenery, history and art offered by the Montagna del Sole (Mountain of the Sun).

For more information and reservations please contact:

Associazione Guide Ufficiali del Parco Nazionale del Gargano

Via S. Antonio Abate 121

71037 Monte Sant'Angelo (FG)

Tel:   0884 568911                       

Email:   info@parcogargano.it

Website:   www.parcogargano.it

BOAT EXCRUSIONS   Day-long boat trips (depart 9am, return 4.30pm - approximate times) leave from Rodi and travel around the spectacular Gargano coastline.  During the busy months of July and August it is advisable to book tickets in advance.

Beware   These boats are completely uncovered so on sunny days it is advisable to equip yourself with adequate protection - sunscreen, suitable clothing and hat.

NB   When visiting churches it is advisable to cover up - a scarf thrown over the shoulders will do.  When visiting the underground basilica at Monte Sant'Angelo, visitors are required to cover bare knees and shoulders too.

... and finally, it's rare,

but yes,

it snows here sometimes too!