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The territory of the Gargano is extremely diverse and has many naturalistic, historical, cultural and religious attractions, joined to a unique lifestyle.

Gargano is not just a holiday, it is a life experience, a time travel.

San Menaio is located in strategic position to reach all the best places our land offers.


It is not enough to live here to get to know the Gargano, but we will try to give you some advices about the most important and representative places of our land to visit.

Nature

Sea caves of Gargano

Suggestive inlets carved into the rock by the sea and by time, a unique spectacle. Most of the Gargano sea caves extend along the coastal stretch between Peschici and Mattinata, passing through the beautiful town of Vieste. The sea caves can only be reached by sea.

Tremiti Islands

The archipelago is found to approximately 12 miles from the coast. It is made up of five islands surrounded by an aura of mystery, between history and legend.
The fresh and crystalline waters, the still wild and uncontaminated nature, the pure air, the white cliffs overlooking the sea, the walls that surround the old city and the seafaring tradition make Tremiti Islands a fascinating and unmissable corner of the Gargano.
Here Lucio Dalla found inspiration to compose many of his masterpieces.

Vignanotica Beach

Among the most suggestive beaches of the Gargano, is located between the Santa Tecla wildlife reserve and the Monte Barone forest reserve, in the territory of Vieste, between winding roads and unspoiled nature. The beach of Vignanotica, with its pebbles and the gravelly and deep seabed, is known for the huge white limestone cliff that dominates behind it, creating shade for part of the afternoon.

Umbra Forest

It is an obligatory stop for lovers of nature and trekking.This thousand-years-old forest that arrives until 800 meters of altitude, is the green lung of the Gargano National Park. It is populated by various species of wild and volatile animals and with its immense flora represents a true naturalistic monument of Puglia and Southern Italy. Do not miss the lake, the deer reserve, the museum, the ancient Carbonaia and the many paths immersed in the thick and luxuriant nature that can be traveled on foot, by mountain bike or on board of an off-road vehicles with the different companies that organise excursions.

Pineta Marzini

A lush wooded area between Vico del Gargano and San Menaio, the Pineta Marzini, also known as “Difesa”, is one of the most important pines of Aleppo in Italy. Thanks to the extraordinary morphological and genetic characteristics, it has been registered since 1960 in the “Libro Nazionale dei boschi da seme” and is part of the Gargano National Park as a site of community importance within the Natura 2000 network. Wild and less traveled by tourists than other places, with its shady and healthy air, it is ideal for relaxing walks.

Varano lake

Varano lake is divided between Cagnano Varano, Ischitella and Carpino (the latter has been dubbed “Oil Town” and known also for the historic Carpino Folk Festival), Varano lake is the largest coastal lake in Italy. At the center of several legends and famous for fishing of eels and mussels and for the number of aquatic species living there like ducks, flamingos, herons and cormorants, it is a real corner of paradise. Every day many local fishermen with their typical boats called “sandali” animate the silent and spectral lake panorama, surrounded by ancient olive trees.

Lesina lake

It is a suggestive salt lake more than 20 km long, it stretches along Lesina, Poggio Imperiale, Apricena, Serracapriola and San Paolo di Civitate and represents the second lake basin of southern Italy. Lesina lake is separated from the Adriatic Sea by a sandy and wooded strip known as Bosco Isola, it is the scene of an intense fishing activity thanks to the presence of dairies, mullets, shrimps, bream, bass and eels and birdwatching. Here numerous ornithological species such as rosy gulls, flamingos, kingfisher and marsh hawks build their nests.

Villages and historical centres

A lush wooded area between Vico del Gargano and San Menaio, the Pineta Marzini, also known as “Difesa”, is one of the most important pines of Aleppo in Italy. Thanks to the extraordinary morphological and genetic characteristics, it has been registered since 1960 in the “Libro Nazionale dei boschi da seme” and is part of the Gargano National Park as a site of community importance within the Natura 2000 network. Wild and less traveled by tourists than other places, with its shady and healthy air, it is ideal for relaxing walks.

I Trabucchi

They are found along the coast between Peschici and Vieste. I trabucchi are rudimentary and atypical wooden structures born in antiquity as fishing tools and shelters against rough sea. Symbol of the Gargano seafaring tradition, today they have become the favorite subject of local artists and artisans as well as important commercial activities. In many cases it is possible to make a stop, eat and drink at the typical restaurants built on these fascinating platforms suspended between the rock and the sea, and enjoy the wonderful scene of enchanting sunsets.

Villages and historical centres

Tradition is still alive in the small villages of the foreland. You can walk slowly through the narrow streets of the historic centres, listening to the local people who speak the various dialects, different in every place, and savouring the scents of food coming from the houses in the early hours of the morning. Then there are the local markets, the small neighbourhood shops with their authentic local specialties, the farmers who still reach their land ride on a mule, the small artisans who keep alive the history of this land.

Vico del Gargano

A hilltop village located about 460 meters above sea level, it extends between the green of the lush Umbra Forest and San Menaio. Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is known for its picturesque old town, the olive groves that surround it, its citrus fruit and it is also called the village of love. The feast of Valentine’s Day, to honor the patron saint of the village, is a very renowned celebration.In February many important events are held for several weeks. Do not miss the medieval districts of Terra and Casale, the historic and refined Palazzo della Bella and the Vicolo del Bacio, a must-visit place for all lovers.

Peschici

A small and charming seaside village, it still reveals its medieval origins. Perched on the rock, Peschici amazes for its breathtaking views overlooking the sea and for its historic center among the most picturesque of the Gargano, animated by many small shops where you can buy local products and souvenirs.

Vieste

It is a popular tourist destination, Vieste is the largest and most fashionable town on the coast. Vieste is known for its wide and beautiful beaches, for the sea caves present in its territory, for its lively historical center full of commercial activities, for the historical and cultural attractions such as the castle, the cathedral and the legendary Pizzomunno, a vertical rocky monolith of about 25 m, now become the symbol of the town

Places of worship

Tradition is still alive in the small villages of the foreland. You can walk slowly through the narrow streets of the historic centres, listening to the local people who speak the various dialects, different in every place, and savouring the scents of food coming from the houses in the early hours of the morning. Then there are the local markets, the small neighbourhood shops with their authentic local specialties, the farmers who still reach their land ride on a mule, the small artisans who keep alive the history of this land.

San Giovanni Rotondo

In the heart of the Gargano National Park and immersed in a wonderful views of nature, San Giovanni Rotondo is a small town on the Gargano promontory that is characteristic for its foreshortenings and its network of narrow alleys of the historic area. The city is renowned for being the city of Capuchin friar, Padre Pio of Pietralcina for about 50 years. Today, the city keeps the saint’s remains and is visited every year for many tourists from all over the world who come to pay tribute to him.

Monte Sant’Angelo

The highest inhabited center of the Gargano, about 850 meters of altitude and enjoys a wonderful view of the southern part of the Gargano promontory and the Gulf of Manfredonia. Destination of pilgrimage from 15 centuries, it is now an UNESCO World Heritage List and welcomes visitors from all over the world thanks to the famous Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo. An ancient, spiritual and architectural city that enchants those who arrives there.

We help you to choose the best tour

Thanks to Romana’s precious help, Hotel Residence Marechiaroorganises tours to the main attractions of the area. Among the main ones you will find:

Excursion by boat to the archipelago of the Tremiti Islands

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Visit by boat to the sea caves with exploration of the same from the inside.

Foresta Umbra – Off-road excursions in the heart of the National Park.

Evening visits to the main villages and historical centres of the Gargano.

Daytime visit to the country markets.

Religious tour to San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo

General information

All the places described are reachable starting from San Menaio by car, motorbike and the public transport service that connects most of the countries of the province or with private companies that deal with tours and excursions.

The uniqueness and the peculiarities of our territory make it less easy than others in terms of roads, but the roads offer many times breathtaking views that one more minute driving it’s worth it. Be cautiousbefore venturing through the many wonders, always ask us for punctual information for travelling safely and if you prefer use public transport for yourself and the environment!

The main routes:

  • Vico del Gargano – 7 km (internal road)
  • Rodi Garganico – 4 km (via the seafront)
  • Peschici – 11 km (panoramic street)
  • Vieste – 33 km (panoramic street)
  • Mattinata – 52 km (panoramic street)
  • Foresta Umbra – 25 km (forest road)
  • San Giovanni Rotondo – 53 km (Gargano highway and forest road)
  • Monte Sant’Angelo – 57 km (forest road)
  • Lago di Varano – 21 km (internal road)
  • Lake of Lesina – 56 km (Gargano highway)
  • Poggio Imperiale Highway – 63 km (Gargano highway)
  • San Severo – 74 km (Gargano highway)
  • Foggia – 110 km (Gargano highway and motorway)

Our address

Hotel Pineta

  • VIA PASSERELLA, 6
  • 71018 - SAN MENAIO
  • VICO DEL GARGANO (FG)

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