Trekking and walks on the Gargano: nature and discovery

The Gargano is the perfect land for trekking and walking all year round. Walking and hiking is one of the best ways to switch off, regenerate the mind and live an experience in contact with nature. On this page we have selected for you what we believe to be the best walks and the most interesting treks to do on the Gargano.

Trekking and walks on the Gargano Mountains

Northern Puglia is a small region extremely rich in biodiversity and culture. The best way to get to know this land in depth is to go slowly, walk and take the time to observe your surroundings. In this sense, trekking combines the desire to experience an adventurous holiday of discovery. On the Gargano there are several routes suitable for hiking, the first ones we suggest are those on Monte Saraceno and Monte Sacro. Both offer the possibility of taking a long walk but also of taking a few moments for yourself and observing the landscape.

Monti Saraceno and Sacro

Along the way on the Sacro and Saraceno mountains you will come across panoramic areas to admire the sea and you can do birdwatching. In fact in this area there are hundreds of different species. Another very interesting aspect of these treks are the archaeological sites. On Monte Saraceno it is possible to visit the Necropolis of the Daunis dating back to the Copper and Bronze Ages, a very particular cemetery for the shape of the tombs which recall that of a uterus, in fact the dead were placed to rest in a fetal position. On the Monte Sacro, on the other hand, you can visit the remains of the Abbey of the Santissima Trinità for centuries a place of worship and a pilgrimage destination.

Bald Mountain

Among the walks and treks that we want to recommend, there is the one to reach the highest peak of the Gargano: Monte Calvo with its 1065 meters. The first part of the walk is immersed in a low forest but once you pass this stretch you are faced with an expanse of barren landscape with rows and rows of stones marking the path. The Mount has this name precisely because its summit is bare of vegetation and from there you can observe the valley below, the Gulf of Manfredonia, Lake Varano and even the Tremiti Islands.

Trekking and walks in the Umbra Forest

The Umbra Forest is the green lung of the Gargano. Its name derives from the fact that the vegetation is so thick and imposing as to make it shady. In addition to preserving an incredible variety of biodiversity, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the presence of the phenomenon of Depressed Faggette.

In fact, inside it, thanks to a special microclimate that is created, beech trees grow, trees that are normally found at much higher altitudes. Walking along the paths of the Umbra Forest is an incredible opportunity to observe nature and be in contact with it. Every meter is different from the other and it’s really interesting to try to recognize the trees and plants that you meet along the way. This forest is the perfect place to take some time out, regenerate and unwind from the heat. You can learn more here: The paths of the Umbra Forest