Gargano Promontory

Travel Guide

Gargano Peninsula featuring general coastal views and a beach
Gargano Peninsula featuring rugged coastline
Gargano Peninsula which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views
Gargano Peninsula showing a sandy beach and general coastal views
Gargano Peninsula showing 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 harbour 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 harbour. 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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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
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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
Rodi Garganico which includes a city and general coastal views

Historic Center

If you're spending some time in Historic Center, Chiesa di San Nicola di Mira and Piazza Rovelli are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Center
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Marina Area

While visiting Marina Area, you might make a stop by sights like Nautilus Beach and Gargano National Park.

Marina Area
Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa

Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa

4 out of 5
Viale Aldo Moro, 125, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
The price is CA $109 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $109
CA $127 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (521 reviews)
"Loved the proximity to downtown and padre Pio shrine"

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

Gran Paradiso Hotel Spa
Hotel Fini

Hotel Fini

3 out of 5
Viale Cappuccini 108, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG
The price is CA $91 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $91
CA $107 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (272 reviews)
"Staff are friendly and go above and beyond. Giuseppe was fantastic and provided many ideas of where to eat authentic food and he didn’t disappoint."

Reviewed on Jul. 23, 2025

Hotel Fini
Hotel Mediterraneo

Hotel Mediterraneo

4 out of 5
Via Madonna della Libera 46, Vieste, FG
The price is CA $97 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
CA $97
CA $116 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Vieste. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Pizzomunno and Vieste Castle are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (85 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the staff. They were very pleasant and helpful, Federica and Luce especially."

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2023

Hotel Mediterraneo
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! (47 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 Baia Del Gallo

Residence Baia Del Gallo

Via Santa Maria di Merino, Vieste, FG
Stay at this condo in Vieste. Enjoy an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Archaeological Civic Museum and Cathedral of Vieste are located nearby.
Residence Baia Del Gallo
VILLAGGIO CAMPING SCIALMARINO

VILLAGGIO CAMPING SCIALMARINO

Litoranea Vieste Km 4, Località Santa Lucia Snc, Vieste, FG
Book a stay at this beach residence in Vieste. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Scialmarino and Santa Maria ...
VILLAGGIO CAMPING SCIALMARINO
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Gargano Promontory