Gargano Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Road Trips

Thinking of seeing the Gargano? Then get ready, this spur-shaped slice of Italy on the Adriatic coast packs a real punch! Getting around by car lets you see hidden spots, eat at local places, and pull over for those stunning views you simply can’t discover any other way.

Tour 1: Coastline Drive – Vieste to Mattinata

Let’s kick this off with a beauty! Set out from Vieste, that picturesque town famous for its “Pizzomunno” sea stack, and hit the coastal road toward Mattinata, is that such a sweet thing to do? Along the route, it’s almost certain you will pass shimmering bays and rocky cliffs. So that you can see a coastline unlike anything you may have ever set your eyes on before! Take time at the Baia delle Zagare. Some have referred to this part of the world as a bit of Heaven on Earth – and it’s simple to see why when you’re standing on its sugary-white sand.

Highlights:

Vieste’s historic center: You can go wander those maze-like streets. After that, stop for some of the region’s local dishes at a trattoria.
Arco di San Felice: Get your camera! is that you will, capturing shots of this incredible natural arch jutting out of the Adriatic.
Baia delle Zagare: Seriously, that location’s perfect for a swim in crystalline waters or simply lounging on that spectacular beach.
Mattinata: Discover the “White Butterfly,” the area’s moniker given the stark white buildings hugging the hillsides.

Tour 2: Foresta Umbra – Into the Green Heart

Fancy switching the beach for a bit of forest adventure? Of course you do! That adventure begins as you drive right into the heart of Foresta Umbra, which feels surprisingly remote yet easily accessible by automobile. Suddenly you might just realize you’re cruising by towering beech trees! That can make for such a gorgeous cool drive, that. The Gargano’s nature reserve offers marked trails perfect for a stroll or an adventurous hike if you fancy stretching those legs.

Highlights:

The visitor center: It’s just a must to first stop there. After that, gather maps and information to best explore this unique area.
Hiking trails: From an easy amble to something that will truly test those calves, get out into nature.
Wildlife spotting: Deer, wild boars, a huge array of birdlife – keep your eyes peeled for photo opportunities.
Picnic areas: is that the Perfect place for a sandwich lunch surrounded by peaceful serenity.

Tour 3: Peschici and the Northern Coast

Prepare for something a little different. Set your GPS for Peschici, a postcard-ready village clinging to a cliff face. Now you need to explore that historic center! It could well feature some great architecture plus views that stretch across the Adriatic, right? Along this route, stopping at old watchtowers could prove worthwhile! That way, you could take the time to learn tales about that part of Italy’s past.

Highlights:

Peschici’s Old Town: Winding alleys, whitewashed buildings… a place to happily get lost and browse small shops.
Trabucchi Coast: is that old wooden fishing contraptions that still work along that coast, something great to check out and consider while exploring!
Watchtowers: Old vantage points, that served in the past as look out points. It’s almost a certain fact that each has its story to tell.
Beaches Galore: Find your special strip of sand! Or, why not more than one?

Tour 4: Monte Sant’Angelo – A Spiritual Ascent

Get ready to take that drive uphill for something spiritual as well. Now is the time to point your ride towards Monte Sant’Angelo, a town set high offering history as well as incredible vistas. Arguably, that’s a location home to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, a place of significant religious interest dating back so very far. Feel that powerful pull of ancient history there?

Highlights:

Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel: A UNESCO site – regardless of belief, is that that place offers a powerful experience.
The views: Seriously! Since the area is situated so high, they stretch for miles.
Junno district: Take your time to stroll a location filled with medieval atmosphere.
Cave di Castellana: Somewhat of a detour. Yet arguably it might just prove more than worthwhile for cave explorers.

Tour 5: Gargano South – Manfredonia to Margherita di Savoia

How about exploring a part of the Gargano that plenty of travelers might just overlook? That means your car might well start south from Manfredonia. Manfredonia has that castle plus great views! What’s more, now there will be views as you snake toward Margherita di Savoia – and its famous salt pans of yesteryear.

Highlights:

Manfredonia Castle: History right by the sea…that’s a treat for the eye.
The coastal drive: it is not like the northern route. And yet it is absolutely pretty in very so many new ways.
Margherita di Savoia Salt Pans: is that that place could just surprise you! Plenty flock for their therapeutic effect, as a matter of fact!
Local produce: you see, that stretch provides some incredible tastes, mainly if that’s seafood you love!