Romantic weekend on the Gargano: itinerary [2023]

If you are thinking of organizing a romantic weekend on the Gargano with your better half, we have prepared a truly evocative itinerary for you. Two days of small romantic villages, secluded coves, candlelit restaurants and breathtaking panoramic roads. In short, a weekend for true romantics who like to pamper themselves in the right atmosphere. Enjoy the reading!

First day of the weekend on the Gargano

The romantic weekend on the Gargano starts from Mattinata, a strategic and at the same time very interesting place. Mattinata is characterized by white houses that stand out brightly in a wooded context, full of fruit trees, with beaches with crystal clear waters. Here you can rent a small house that will serve as a base for every move included in the itinerary. We suggest you arrive the night before to make the most of the two days available. The first day starts great in the direction of Vieste, in fact the road that leads north is one of the most beautiful. This is the Provincial Road 53 which runs along the sea and offers several places to stop to photograph the landscape but also for a cooling bath. Like all roads in the Gargano, it is curved, at times overlooking the sea. If the air is particularly clear it is possible to admire the Tremiti Islands and retracing them in the evening the moon will peep out behind the curves. The arrival point is Pizzomunno beach, a stone’s throw from the historic center of Vieste, about 40 km from Mattinata.

The legend of Pizzomunno

We chose this place precisely because in addition to being incredibly symbolic due to its limestone spur, it also preserves a legend bursting with love.

Legend of Pizzomunno

It is said that Pizzomunno was a handsome and strong young sailor, in the old Vieste populated by fishermen, in love with Cristalda, a charming girl with long blond hair.

Pizzomunno, riding the sea, was always courted by the sirens, who tried to conquer him with their song. He resisted the seductive firm songs of his love for Cristalda. The sirens promised him everything in order to be able to conquer him but he, a faithful man, promptly refused. It was then that the sirens got angry and planned revenge. The young lovers used to meet in front of the sea and on one of these occasions the sirens re-emerged and snatched Cristalda away from Pizzomunno’s arms. Pizzomunno devoured by pain petrified, transforming himself into a 25-metre monolith. The one we can all admire today on Pizzomunno beach and which has made it so famous. Legend has it that this curse can be lifted every 100 years on the night of August 15, and that on that occasion the two young people can fall in love again.

Historic center of Vieste

From Pizzomunno beach you can reach the historic center of Vieste in just 5 minutes and from here visit the city according to your preferences:

• The Swabian Castle in Vieste Vecchia, not always open to visitors because it is a military area, from which to admire the whole town.
• The Cathedral (basilica) of Vieste, a few steps from the castle.
• Punta San Francesco, the beautiful peninsula inhabited since ancient times.

Romantic dinner on the Gargano

A romantic weekend cannot be complete without at least one candlelit dinner. We have thought of a very special place for you, in the ancient heart of the city, where you can taste the best typical dishes of the Gargano. I’m talking about the Vieste Vecchia restaurant, a typical stone location, simple, elegant and well-kept, with a characteristic but refined cuisine. Being in the heart of Vieste, it gives you the opportunity to stroll through the characteristic alleys. Let yourself be fascinated by this decidedly romantic city before returning to Mattinata.

Second day on the Gargano

The second day of the romantic weekend on the Gargano begins with a visit to a beach that is quite difficult to reach by land and therefore more secluded. I’m talking about Leone Beach, just 20 minutes from Mattinata along the provincial road 53 once again. It takes its name from the limestone cliff that resembles a lion. It is a beach with white gravel and high seabed, imposing cliffs create a sort of amphitheater, the sea is crystalline green.

If you feel the need for an adventure thrill, near the Leone beach there is a place called Grotta Campana, about 47 meters high and covered by green algae of all species which give it a bronze-green colour: with sunlight they take on crazy shades. You can get there by traveling five minutes by car from Leone beach to Vignanotica beach, from here the cave can be reached by swimming, boat or canoe.

The most romantic village of the Gargano

To celebrate love, a visit to Vico Garganico, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, cannot be missed. It is referred to as the city of love and its official patron is Valentine’s Day. Legend has it that this was a blessed place for lovers, in fact it is said that anyone who drinks the juice extracted from the fruits of the area enjoys a love potion that gives joy and serenity to the couple. There are several strategic locations for lovers such as Vicolo del Bacio, a narrow street near the cathedral, so narrow that to pass as a couple you are forced to rub against each other. Returning to Mattinata, the strategic site of this stay on the Gargano, the time has come to visit it. I suggest you spend the last evening here, strolling through the town, letting yourself be inspired by the many typical cafes, and enjoying a good local dinner. I hope this article has been useful to you and if you come to Puglia don’t forget to tag us on homegargano.