Gargano

Introduction

Embark on a three day hike from Manfredonia to Mattinata via Monte Sant’Angelo. This picturesque route, nestled in the heart of Italy’s Gargano National Park, combines stunning coastal views with rich historical landmarks. Starting in Manfredonia, a charming seaside town, the trail ascends to Monte Sant’Angelo, home to the ancient Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From there, the path descends through lush forests and rolling hills, culminating in the serene coastal town of Mattinata. This hike offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tranquil landscapes, making it a must for any outdoor enthusiast.
I was there in October so outside of season. Many services were closed already ie bike rentals.

Table Of Contents

Introduction
Practical Information
Highlights
Tips and Tricks
Food
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Practical Information

Arrival / Departure

Bari is the main airport in Puglia. From there, you can take a train to Foggia. Once in Foggia, you’ll need to catch a bus. Tickets are available at Bar Kiwi, and it’s common in Puglia to buy train tickets in small shops or cafés. The bus terminal in Foggia can be quite chaotic, and it’s often unclear where each bus will stop. It’s advisable to ask multiple people for directions, and a good strategy is to ask a bus driver from any line. Be aware that Sunday services are very limited. Although Foggia might not be the most picturesque town, it is well-connected by both bus and train.

Getting around

Buses are generally reliable, except on Sundays. Taxis can be challenging to find, particularly outside the main tourist season. It’s important to find out where to buy tickets, as they are often sold at local cafés that the residents will know about. You may not be able to purchase a ticket on the bus. Examples include Bar Kiwi in Foggia and Bar Pace in Manfredonia.

Highlights

Monte St. Angelo Climb: The ascent to Monte St. Angelo is relatively easy and rewarding.

Four-Beach Walk from Mattinata: This stunning route includes Spiaggia di Vignanotica, although I only managed to visit three beaches due to a blocked path to the fourth. I decided against an unsecured climb down a gorge alone. For convenience, take a bus or taxi to Spiaggia di Vignanotica and then backtrack toward Mattinata.

Monte Saraceno in Mattinata: Enjoy a short hike around a hilltop and along a cliffside, descending back to sea level. The necropolis at the top offers fascinating insights, and the views are simply breathtaking.

Tips and Tricks

Be cautious of snakes; I’ve encountered them on the path, approximately one per day. They do not appear to be poisonous, and interestingly, they remain still even when they sense your presence.

It is advisable to learn a few Italian phrases for travel, as relying solely on English may not be sufficient.

The descent from Monte Sant’Angelo to Mattinata is not well signposted. To avoid getting lost, use an app like Komoot or a similar navigation tool. Otherwise, you might end up on a blocked path on private property, as some landowners are very protective of their land.

Do not rely on Google for the opening times of establishments, especially restaurants. In my experience, the information was incorrect 10 out of 10 times. It’s better to ask locals or check directly with the establishment. Even then, the information was wrong 1 out of 10 times.

Information about the Quattro Spiagge is limited. My host provided me with some links and GPX data. The route between beaches 3 and 4, coming from Vignanotica, was blocked by a landowner. Be prepared to take a longer detour along the road. I ended up hitchhiking.

Food

You’re in hearty cooking territory here, so light meals are hard to come by.
In Manfredonia, I recommend Moody Al Campanile for a delightful dining experience.
In Mattinata, Locanda del Maniscalco is an excellent choice if it’s open. If you find yourself in a bind, La Garganica is a reliable option with good pizza and friendly service.
For a more adventurous option, Monte Barone da “Sor Pascal” is worth the journey, though you’ll need a car or be prepared for a walk. If you start in Vignanotica, you should reach here around lunchtime and it is a beautiful walk. Keep in mind that lunch is served late, so you might have to wait a bit. Take your time and enjoy the experience.

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