HOLIDAYS IN : THE APULIAN JEWEL BETWEEN SEA AND MOUNTAINS

There are many reasons why you should choose to spend your next holidays in Gargano, discovering one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of Puglia

Spending your holidays in Gargano means immersing yourself in the hearth of one of the most spectacular areas of Puglia. A land nestled between sea and mountain that boasts spectacular natural beauty and numerous cultural itineraries, without forgetting : one of the most beautiful seas in

DISCOVERING THE GARGANO AREA

The Gargano peninsula is located in the north of Puglia and, more precisely, occupies the eastern part of the province of . Its unique geography makes it a real naturalistic jewel, with its approximately 200 km of coastline bathed by the and the hinterland where the extends. The morphology of the territory, between sea and mountains, offers unparalleled panoramic views, capable of making the visitor live an immersive experience from the first moments.

Starting from the sea, the Gargano coast is characterized by an enthralling variety: between sheer cliffs, beaches with sand dunes, fascinating rocks, stacks and green areas of Mediterranean scrub. Heavenly places where the intense blue of the sea embraces the pure white of the limestone rocks and the fragrant green of the vegetation. The coast, entering the hinterland, leaves room for mountains and vast plateaus that frame the numerous green areas of the Park, such as the Umbra Forest which extends for 400 hectares in the eastern part of the peninsula. The two coastal basins of Lake Lèsina and Lake Varano contribute to completing the perfect natural and landscape variety of the peninsula, with suggestive views to be discovered.

But Gargano does not only mean sea and nature, but also art, culture and spirituality. Starting from the north, you will find the suggestive , a charming town perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, protected by its medieval castle. Traveling east along the coast you reach with its medieval village, which is certainly worth a visit, as well as the beaches in the area, including the famous one of Pizzomunno, with the iconic monolith

The southern gate of the peninsula is manned by the city of , with the imposing thirteenth-century castle that rises majestically a stone's throw from the sea. Inland there is , where there is the well-known Sanctuary of San Pio from Pietrelcina, designed by Renzo Piano, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie which preserves the saint's remains. A suggestive destination that deserves a visit far from the coasts, to discover a place full of charm and spirituality.

WHAT TO EAT IN GARGANO

The gastronomic offer of Gargano reflects the morphology of its unique territory. The flavors of the sea meet those of the earth in a simple cuisine, with a humble origin, in which the flavors are decisive but combine in a perfect balance. The secret of such a vast and interesting culinary offer, has its roots in the raw material that is born on the coasts and in the heart of the peninsula. From the famous bread, to the inevitable oil, characterized by a slightly spicy note, without forgetting dairy products such as caciocavallo podolico and cacioricotta. But also honey, olives, fresh fish and freshly picked seafood. This variety of flavors triumphs starting from the appetizers based on fresh raw seafood, then expressing itself at its best accompanied by the inevitable fresh handmade pasta, in traditional forms, such as orecchiette and troccoli. Seasoned often with the famous “cime di rapa” or with tasty shellfish. To highlight the humble origins then the pancotto, prepared with leftovers of stale bread boiled together with local vegetables. The spearhead of Gargano's gastronomic offer are bakery products, including: bruschetta, often served simply with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of oil; buns; paposcia, a sort of loaf cut in half stuffed and baked; and the inevitable taralli. Without forgetting the fried pasta like the tasty panzerotti.

Even lovers of sweets will be spoiled for choice, with numerous specialties to taste. From almond paste desserts, to the stuffed hosts of Monte Sant'Angelo, without neglecting the sweet taralli, mostaccioli and cartellate, typically Christmas sweets. Gargano has a rich cuisine with poor origins, which manages to express in a whirling of flavors all the complexity of a territory, also rich in tradition, beauty and culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN GARGANO

Among the most popular holiday areas of the whole Gargano is that above the bay of Pugnochiuso, in the heart of the National Park. A dream setting, in which the hilly coast plunges into an intense blue sea. Here lies the Pugnochiuso Resort overlooking the bay of the same name and the bay of Portopiatto, just 19 km from Vieste. Inside the Resort, on a panoramic hill between the green of pine and olive trees, there are the "Le Macine" villas. These are nice two-room apartments complete with a private garden of 550 square meters. complete with centuries-old olive trees, porch equipped with barbecue area and solarium, characterized by a pleasant Mediterranean architecture.

Guests are welcome by well-kept interiors, with a bright and welcoming living area complete with kitchenette, a comfortable double bedroom and a bathroom with shower. All embellished with elegant finishes and precious materials. Staying in the "Le Macine" villas means having all the comforts at your disposal, including: the kitchen equipped with a fridge and microwave, satellite TV and independent air conditioning. The accommodation is ideal for couples or families who want to spend their holidays between relaxation and discovering a unique area.

Guests also have the opportunity to access all the services offered by the Resort, which include: bars and restaurants, two swimming pools with sea water, one of which is Olympic size, numerous fields to practice different sports such as football, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball and bowls, to which the relaxation areas and nature trails act as counterparts. There is also an umbrella and sunbed service for the holiday makers and a free shuttle to the beach. Space also for children with mini club, swimming pool and dedicated play areas.