Karst cliffs, lush vegetation, crystal clear water, pleasant locations, places of faith and genuine flavours are the main elements which characterize the area of Gargano, the "spur" of Italy.
A real pearl of nature, representing a protected site with the establishment of the National Park, which also includes the Foresta Umbra, the marine reserve of the Tremiti Islands and the coastal lakes of Lesina and Varano.
Many nature trails and paths are avilable to explore and admire the lush vegetation, which gives many species of animals and birds shelter.
It is very exciting to go for a night hike in the Foresta Umbra. Led by trained personnel, it is possible to have a different and exciting experience, totally immersed in the sounds and scents of this precious ecosystem. It is certainly worth going for a visit to the lakes of Varano, the biggest one in Southern Italy, and Lesina.
There are many tourist resorts available for holiday along the coast, fully immersed in nature and sea. For example: Rodi Garganico, from which, immersed in the scent of orange blossoms, it is possible to enjoy a spectacular view up to the Tremiti Islands; Peschici, a village perched on a high cliff overlooking the sea; the naïve Vieste, with its narrow alleys and suggestive ups and downs, crowned by arches, and Mattinata, surrounded by an expanse of centuries-old olive tree groves.
In front of Gargano there is a miniature paradise surrounded by the blue sea: the Tremiti, a small archipelago that contains a compact yet diverse microcosm. Three islands - San Nicola, San Domino and Capraia - together with some impressive rocks, constitute the Marine Reserve, a real wonder of nature for all the diving enthusiasts, who will be delighted by these waters.
Caves, gorges, sea fans' walls and relics of a distant past, when these routes were crossed by trade routes, represent the best that can be offered to those who love the sea below water level.
The island of San Domino is the largest one and its rugged coastlines are full of wonderful caves, such as the ones of Viole, Sole and Bue Marino (The Caves of the Violets, the Caves of the Sun and the Caves of the Sea Calf).
Very suggestive sunsets can be admired from the Island of St. Nicholas where, at sunset time, a soft rosy colour paints the whole panorama. The lovers of the art of photography can capture truly remarkable images.
A type of dive reserved to more experienced people, because of the great depths that can be reached and the strong currents, is the one organised at Punta Secca, in the Isle of Capraia.
Apart from diving, the islands also offer a mainland full of paths, along which it is possible to admire the intensity and variety of the natural aspects of these places.