Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano) Tours
Part of a lush promontory along Puglia’s coastline, the Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano) is just the place for travelers needing a respite from urban chaos. Known for dramatic coastal cliffs, Adriatic views, and vast expanses of countryside, the park is also home to the San Giovanni Rotondo pilgrimage site.
The Basics
Covering more than 467 square miles (1,209 square kilometers), the Gargano National Park—one of Italy’s largest—is part of the boot-shaped country’s “spur,” and includes a small archipelago. Known for its abundance of natural beauty and diversity of terrain, the park is named for Monte Gargano, a mountain on the promontory.
Explore the coastline, the park’s two lakes, or the Vieste sea caves by boat. Hiking is also extremely popular, and organized walking tours take you through Gargano’s natural wonders on foot. And check out San Giovanni Rotondo, where St. Padre Pio is buried—day trips to the village depart from cities such as Bari, Foggia, and Sorrento.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many of the park trails and some boat tours aren’t accessible to wheelchairs—confirm in advance.
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required to enter the sanctuary at San Giovanni Rotondo. The church is accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
If you’re driving to the Gargano National Park, take highway A14 and exit at Poggio Imperiale or Foggia. If you’re taking the train, get off at the Foggia or San Severo station, then hop on a local bus or train to the towns located inside the park.
When to Get There
Summer temperatures soar in Puglia, making midday hiking and cycling uncomfortably hot. Get started early, or opt for a boat tour, stopping for a dip in the Adriatic. Alternatively, explore on foot in spring or fall.
The Pilgrim Sanctuary at San Giovanni Rotondo
The main claim to fame of the small medieval town of San Giovanni Rotondo is the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of the crypt where the remains of Padre Pio—a local priest canonized in 2002—are kept. One of Italy’s top pilgrimage destinations, the town recently added a dedicated sanctuary designed by the architect Renzo Piano.
Address: Via Sant’Antonio Abate 121, Monte Sant’Angelo 71037, Italy
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano)
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Desirèe coastal trips. Tour to visit the marine caves of Vieste
The Desirèe motorboat will take you to discover the Sea Caves, one of the most precious treasures of the Gargano National Park.
With the excursion aboard the Desirèe boat, you will enjoy a spectacle of nature starting from the port of Vieste. The experience and professionalism of the captain, Graziano Trimigno, during the tour of the Gargano Sea Caves, will reveal all the secrets of the coast, from Vieste to Baia delle Zagare, entering the most suggestive Sea Caves of the Gargano.
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From
$30.90
From
$30.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gargano Trekking Excursion from Bari or Foggia
Take a hike around Gargano National Park, and learn about the area and its plants from a guide. As you walk, soak up seafront views and admire the greenery of this beautiful part of Puglia. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Foggia or Bari.
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From
$196.50
From
$196.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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