WHAT TO DO
EXPLORE PESCHICI
The most alluring part of Peschici is the centro storico (historic centre) which is located within medieval walls. Access to the historic centre is through an arch with a tower that the inhabitants of Peschici call Porta del Ponte, in memory of the drawbridge that closed the village. Corso Garibaldi, which leads to the Porta del Ponte is the lively heart of the town, where locals go for their evening passeggiata.
Through the arch, a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets unfold around the Cathedral of Sant’Elia, an architectural gem dating back to the 13th century and restored in the 18th century – where the bride and groom will be exchanging their vows!
Within the narrow streets, awaiting to be discovered, are whitewashed houses, craft shops, breathtaking sea views and numerous shops with local products.
Don’t forget to visit the town medieval castle (and museum), as well as buy a love lock and place it on the balcony fence of the castle!
EAT & DRINK
Peschici and the Gargano region in general are mostly known for fresh seafood. In Peschici, raw seafood, crudo, is one of their specialties. Don’t shy away from crudo platters which include oysters, squid, fish, shrimp, langoustines and clams! Other items to try are the Paposcia and Caciocavallo cheese.
Restaurants
Porta di Basso – This restaurant in the historic centre of Peschici recently earned a Michelin star. The menu is mostly seafood, Apulian, and contemporary, which can be enjoyed either on the terrace overlooking the sea or inside the dining space.
Trabucco di Monte Pucci – This seafood restaurant is partially on a Trabucco (ancient fishing machine) which provides a scenic and romantic view of the sea.
Osteria Pane & Vino – In the outskirts of Peschici, this restaurant has an outdoor section under centuries old olive trees, offering local cuisine based on grilled meat and vegetables.
Al Trabucco Da Mimì – Winner of Alessandro Borghese’s hit show 4 Ristoranti – Gargano, Al Trabucco Da Mimì won best seafood restaurant in the Gargano. It’s a great place for a seafood lunch, an aperitif, a romantic dinner or an after-dinner cocktail.
For those with a sweet tooth
Gelateria Pina Gel – We recommend the lemon gelato!
EXPLORE THE REGION
THE GARGANO
The Gargano is a mountainous promontory in the northernmost part of Puglia. Due to its geographical location, bathed on 3 sides by the Adriatic Sea, it is also called “the spur of Italy”. While maintaining many of the characteristics of the Apulian landscapes, the Gargano territory is very different from the Valle d’Itria and Salento: you will find wooded areas with lush pine forests, mountainous landscapes, forests, a spectacular coast full of white limestone cliffs, sea caves, long beaches sandy beaches and villages overlooking the sea. The variety of the landscape is one of the salient features of this territory.
The territory of this promontory, rich in important prehistoric settlements like the Paglicci Cave and the Defensola mine, it falls almost entirely within the Gargano National Park.
In the area there are also 2 UNESCO sites: Monte Sant’Angelo , which is part of the serial site “The Longobards in Italy” and that of Umbra Forest falling within the site of the ancient beech woods.
– Excerpt from https://www.visitvieste.com/gargano/
PADRE PIO SANTCTUARY
One of Italy’s sacred Catholic pilgrimage sites, the Sanctuary of Saint Padre Pio sits in San Giovanni Rotondo.
St. Padre Pio was a priest and friar in the Capuchin order, known for exhibiting the stigmata, performing miracles and bilocating. He was beatified (1999) and canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002.
The sanctuary, decorated with splendid mosaics and a beautiful organ, holds Padre Pio’s preserved body on display.
