Overview
Rodi Garganico is one of the citrus fruit capitals of the Gargano region: together with Vico Garganico and Ischitella, the town is famous for the production of the sweet Gargano oranges and the Femminello del Gargano PGI lemon, an ancient variety with an intense aroma and smooth, thin peel. Most likely of Cretan origin, Rodi Garganico juts out into the sea with houses huddled on a rocky outcrop, with an Aragonese castle dominating everything from above. The old centre is a maze of alleys, with hidden squares and steep steps. Also stop in front of the S. Nicola di Mira church, of Byzantine origin and 17th-century forms, once used as a watchtower over the sea, visit the Madonna della Libera church, of Romanesque foundation but rebuilt in the 18th century, where a Gothic-Venetian image of the Virgin is kept. Conclude your visit with a walk to the viewpoint near the main town gate: from here the view of the citrus groves, the coastline and the mouth of Varano looks like a heavenly painting. In summer, the focus is on life around the marina, which buzzes with yachtsmen, restaurants, clubs and services. From here you set sail for the Tremiti Islands. And finally, if you are in the mood for the beach, you can choose between the two immediately adjacent to the resort, the Ponente beach and the Levante beach. The first consists of a series of sand dunes sloping down to the sea, ideal for surfers who glide over the waves thanks to the northerly winds, and the second of golden sand scented by nearby orange groves.
On the stretch of coast in front of it, dotted with rocks, a typical trabucco, a traditional fishing rig on stilts, can be spotted. It is also suggestive to reach Rodi Garganica from Peschici: you will come across beautiful pine forests, olive and citrus groves, white rock cliffs, watchtowers, trabucchi and a turquoise sea.
Rodi Garganico FG, Italia
