The Gargano Promontory
The “spur” of Italy’s “boot”, the Gargano Promontory (Promontorio del Gargano) has a wealth of attractions. This drive begins inland, south of the Gargano at Castel del Monte, with sweeping views and the mystery of Frederick II’s octagonal castle. It then heads to the coast and the medieval town of Trani, where pilgrims flocked on their way to the Holy Land, along with their protectors, the Knights Templar. The route then takes visitors north to Barletta, the site of Italy’s most famous duel, and to the salty town of Margherita di Savoia before eventually curving around the rugged promontory coast with its pretty towns, Vieste and Péschici, and the shady Foresta Umbra further inland. The drive ends along the scenic road between Lido del Sole and Lésina.
n Double-tap image to read the labels
ACTIVITIES
Explore the castle built by Frederick II at Castel del Monte
Stroll through Trani’s luminous streets to the cathedral at the edge of the sea and dine at the port
Soak in thermal waters at Margherita di Savoia
Descend to the grotto of Archangel Michael at Monte Sant’Angelo
Take a boat trip to the Tremiti Islands from Vieste
Hike through woods and see the deer in the Foresta Umbra
Bike or drive across flat Lido del Sole and take a dip in the sea
Whitewashed houses carved of rock built on top of each other, Péschici
Stretch of sandy coastline at Péschici
PLAN YOUR DRIVE
Start/finish: Castel del Monte to Lésina.
Number of days: 3, plus optional 1-day excursion to the Tremiti Islands.
Distance: Approx. 257 km (160 miles).
Road conditions: Well paved, though not always signposted. Country roads are narrow, so be sure to stay to the right to avoid encounters around bends. Watch out for slow-moving tractors.
When to go: August is the most crowded time. Moderate winters make for pleasant touring of hill towns.
Opening times: Museums open in the morning and again in the afternoon – and many close on Mondays. Shops typically open 9am–1pm, then reopen from 3pm to 7 or 8pm. Many shops are closed on Monday mornings and Saturday afternoons. Churches close noon to 4pm or later, and discourage visits during Mass.
Main market days: Trani: Tue; Barletta: Sat; Monte Sant’Angelo: Sat; Vieste: Mon, every two weeks; Péschici: 1st & 3rd Sat of month; Lésina: 1st & 3rd Mon of month.
Shopping: Look out for Castel del Monte DOC wines in Corato (5 km/ 3 miles from Castel del Monte).
Major festivals: Barletta: Disfida (Duel), Feb; Trani: Speedboat Championship, Jul; Vieste: St George’s Festival, Apr; Santa Maria di Merino Feast Day, May; Falò di Sant’Antonio, Jun; Péschici: St Elia Profeta Feast Day, Jul; Jazz Festival, Aug.
DAY TRIP OPTIONS
Explore the area as a tour or also as a series of day trips. Families with young children will enjoy feeding deer at their Foresta Umbra compound or swimming along the coast at Vieste. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Castel del Monte, and the Museo Civico e Pinacoteca at Barletta, while wine-lovers will want to sample Castel del Monte DOC wines at an enoteca. For those who want to relax, Terme di Margherita di Savoia is ideal. For full details, see Day trip options.