Gargano National Park is located on the Gargano Promontory in Puglia. It is a protected area of extraordinary beauty, featuring tremendous biodiversity.
It covers more than 118,000 hectares, featuring dense ancient forests, the Tremiti Islands with protected marine areas, coastal lakes, and many rugged coastlines.
It includes several municipalities and historic towns, rich in history and traditions—a perfect blend of landscapes for those who love nature, hiking, culture, and outdoor adventure.
The Umbra Forest, a UNESCO Heritage Site
In the park, you’ll encounter a variety of ecosystems. It all begins with the Foresta Umbra (a UNESCO heritage site), a prime example of environmental sustainability and one of Italy’s largest and best-preserved beech reserves.
Majestic centuries-old trees provide shelter from the sun during the warmer seasons, creating an evocative atmosphere perfect for a nature walk—where you can breathe in the scents of the forest, flowers, and vegetation—or for a picnic in the designated areas.
The name “Umbra” comes from the Latin word “umbra”, meaning shade, darkness, and a secluded, shady place.
Many animal species can be spotted, such as the Italian roe deer, foxes, and various bird species that inhabit and nest in the area.
The Tremiti Islands, an archipelago of unspoiled nature.
Not far from the coasts of Gargano, in the Adriatic Sea, lies the Tremiti Islands archipelago, composed of a total of six islands. Only two of these islands are inhabited—San Nicola and San Domino, with San Domino being the largest.
The archipelago tells a long story—from the ancient Greek legend of Diomedes and the myth of the birth of the Tremiti Islands to the well-preserved, accessible remnants of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria a Mare and the Badiali Castle. Even more recent events have also made the islands known.
The beauty of the islands and their protected marine area can be experienced by visiting beaches with fine sand and turquoise waters, some of which even have Blue Flag status. You can also enjoy trekking on trails that offer spectacular views of the sea, all while being surrounded by nature.
Swimming in the clear waters while snorkeling, or even scuba diving along the pristine seafloor.
Boat excursions around the island and guided tours of the caves are highly appreciated.
Lake Varano: where freshwater springs and the Adriatic Sea meet.
Lake Varano has a very unique characteristic: it receives water from freshwater springs as well as from the Adriatic Sea. Even though it would be more accurate to call it Varano Lagoon, it is commonly referred to as a lake.
The basin extends across the territories of the municipalities of Cagnano Varano, Iscrhitella, and Carpino, and is separated by a narrow strip of land approximately 1 km wide, known as Isola di Varano, which has been designated as a marine reserve and is home to several tourist towns. Along this strip, there are stretches of coastline with sandy beaches bordered by dense pine groves.
The connection to the sea occurs at two points: at Capoiale and at Foce Varano, where small natural channels allow the passage and exchange of saltwater and freshwater.
While traversing the roads that overlook the lake, you can clearly observe the difference in colors, due to the varying salinity levels in the different zones of Lake Varano.
Due to its unique characteristics, Lake Varano is a habitat for many species, both marine and freshwater. It also hosts a wide variety of birds and mammals that have either settled there or use it as a stopover during migrations.
A great destination for excursions and day trips. You can also savor the lake’s local specialties, such as mussels and farmed oysters.
Lake Lesina: A Visit to the Historic Saltworks.
Lake Lesina, located in the northernmost part of the Gargano region, also features a brackish water composition—fed by various streams and freshwater aquifers, as well as saltwater from the Adriatic Sea.ta.
A protected natural area that safeguards Lake Lesina. Another unique feature is the saltworks, where sea salt is harvested and processed.