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Finally the temperatures begin to rise, the trees take on color and the clouds give way to the sun. Spring on Gargano is the ideal season to fully enjoy the wonders of the place. In fact, the North of Puglia offers an incredible variety of experiences to do and places to discover that can be appreciated even better when the temperatures are mild. Let’s see together some of the best activities to do in spring on the Gargano.
Trekking are one of the main experiences that can be had on the spur of Italy. You can do it by walking, horse riding or mountain biking. The first route we suggest is that of Bosco Quarto, in the territory of Monte Sant’Angelo, between the plain of Monte Calvo and Monte Saraceno. A long walk on white roads, often in the shade of Turkey oaks, where you can hear the sounds of owls, woodpeckers and thrushes.
The Saraceno and Sacro mountains, near Mattinata, offer two quite long and demanding routes but decidedly full of discoveries. Both for the vegetation and the presence of hundreds of different birds and for the archaeological sites that make these places a precious treasure.
Along the Monte Sacro you can visit the remains of the Abbey of Monte Sacro. An ancient pagan temple converted to Catholic worship over 1500 years ago. While on Monte Saraceno there is the necropolis of the Dauni dating back to the Copper and Bronze Ages. In this regard, we suggest you also read: Trekking on the Gargano, Monte Saraceno.
The Gargano is also famous for its immense terrestrial caves and right here, in the territory of San Nicandro Garganico, there is one of the largest sinkholes in Europe: the Dolina Pozzatina, 400 wide, 600 long and 100 meters deep, surrounded by ancient trees .
Not to be missed is the Umbra Forest which with 11,000 hectares of forest constitutes the green lung of the Gargano National Park. It extends between Vico del Gargano, Monte Sant’Angelo, Vieste and Peschici. The Umbra Forest is made up of a very thick vegetation that makes it shady, this also explains the origin of its name.
In order not to miss anything, the Gargano also offers two costal lakes: that of Varano and that of Lesina. The second is the largest lake in southern Italy, famous for the richness of fish species, known above all for eel fishing. What better time than spring to dedicate yourself to these excursions.
Among the most unique and evocative events visible in the Gargano in spring there is certainly that of the Orchids that grow spontaneously especially in the areas of Monte Sant’Angelo and Mattinata.
What makes this phenomenon even rarer is that only here, in this corner of Puglia, are species born that are found nowhere else in the world. Don’t underestimate the idea of having a guide accompany you to learn to recognize all the beauties that the Gargano offers you!
The Gargano is a land closely linked to religion, above all to Christianity. Easter is therefore celebrated in spring, and you can attend the scenic Good Friday ceremonies.
The first we suggest is the Office of Darkness in Monte Sant’Angelo with ancient songs in Latin. This event ends with the earthquake (generated with hands and feet) and the exhalation of Jesus. The second is the procession of the Fracchie in San Marco in Lamis. The fracchie are huge torches pulled in procession on wooden carts.
On April 23 in Vieste there is the Feast of San Giorgio with the traditional horse race on the beach of Pizzomunno and the Feast of the Crucifix of Lake Varano, a solemn procession that has its roots in the 1300s.
In the month of May, according to tradition, the first apparition of San Michele took place in Monte Sant’Angelo, and therefore on May 8 San Michele di Maggio is celebrated in Monte Sant’Angelo and Cagnano Varano through various religious and civil initiatives, concerts and popular festivals.
From 8 to 10 May you cannot miss the Feast of Santa Maria di Merino in Vieste, one of the most important anniversaries of the entire Gargano which reveals all the religiosity of the local inhabitants and which keeps the traditions of this land alive.