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Among the naturalistic spectacles of the Gargano it is a must to include the numerous caves, terrestrial and marine, which characterize the spur of Italy. In fact, one cannot say that one has visited the Gargano without having dedicated some time to discovering these inlets. The wind and the sea have patiently dug into the limestone rock creating suggestive caves. The thick woods, the crystal clear water and the white cliffs make this piece of Italy unique in the world.
Among the many Gargano caves in the area, some can be visited by land, others only by swimming or boating. This makes everything even more impressive. A splendid idea for an unforgettable holiday on the Gargano could be to dedicate an entire day to discovering these magical places. Perhaps by participating in a group excursion.
Assuming you start from the port of Mattinata and go up the coast in the direction of Vieste.
The first cave of Gargano you come across is the “Grotta Rossa” (red cave), also known as the “Grotta dell’Occhio Magico” (magic eye cave). It has a narrow entrance, similar to a corridor, which then widens onto an internal beach illuminated by a crack in the rock. The water is very clean and an emerald color.
Continuing on, it is possible to visit the “Grotta delle due finestre” (Cave of the two windows) and the “Arco Maggiore” (Major Arch). The most striking is undoubtedly the “Grotta del Serpente” (Serpent Cave). It takes its name from a figure in the rock, visible immediately after the entrance looking upwards, similar to that of a cobra.
“Grotta dei Pippistrelli” (bat cave) is located in a small beach that can only be reached on foot from the “Castello di Vieste beach”. The sea, clear and emerald green as in the whole promontory, takes on a mix of wonderful reflections when it crosses the opening of the cave. A great place to take the kids too. We talked about it in this article: holidays on the Gargano with children.
Then there is the “Grotta calda” (hot cave). It is famous for the high temperature inside. When you enter you have the impression of be in a heated swimming pool. This is thanks to the presence of a hot water source, which makes the sea warm and vaporous.
Finally, the “Grotta Sfondata Grande” (big broken cave) resembles an ancient castle. It seems demolished by the passage of time, whose upper part is giving way to the Aleppo pines which are reflected in the emerald green waters. These are just some of the more famous sea caves. All special and unique in their own way.
The land caves of the Gargano are decidedly scarier than the sea caves and reflect the harshness of the Apulian hinterland.
Among the most consistent karst formations are the sinkholes. They are almost 4000 located throughout the area, and the second largest in Europe is found right in the Gargano. We are talking about the Dolina Pozzatina, with a perimeter of almost 2 km and a depth of 100 meters. To clarify, sinkholes are roughly circular or oval cavities, more or less wide and deep. Their formation is due to the dissolution or collapse of the limestone rock due to the constant work of infiltrated water. In addition to sinkholes, caves are the most characteristic elements of the landscape. Inside them it is possible to admire stalactites and stalagmites and the sensation is that of being in a museum of natural sculptures.
On the plain of Monte Nero alone, near San Giovanni Rotondo, there are eighty of them and also here is the deepest cave in all of Puglia: “Voragine di Campolato” (Campolato chasm). Precisely because of its size it is very difficult to explore. Every year many speleologists roam here who study the earth’s cavities.
In San Marco in Lamis there is the “Grotta di Montenero” (Montenero caves), a few hundred meters deep inside which there are stalactites and stalagmites. Recently, various speleological associations have given life to a new tradition: celebrating Christmas Mass in this evocative setting.
Some caves can only be visited under the guidance of experts, in fact it is not even possible to understand their exact position through the GPS. One of these is the “Grotta Pian della Macina”, also called “Grotta dei tre regni” (caves of the Three Kingdoms) which is located near San Nicandro Garganico. Characterized by the fact that inside there are large stalagmite columns, it has been defined as the most fascinating and beautiful cave of the entire promontory.
Another particular cave is that of “Papaglione” in San Nicandro Garganico, consisting of a gallery from which a well about fifty meters deep opens up and is also famous for having large stalagmite columns inside.