Gargano: Fun among the Grottos

The Gargano area in the Province of Foggia, which is part of the Apulia region in Italy is a mix of contrasts. With a series of seaside towns along the coast line, one of Europe's oldest forests and one of the oldest shrines of worship at Monte Gargano there is a lot to explore and some excellent food that is grown locally. A trip on an open top boat is an excellent way to appreciate the geography and contrasts of this ancient land, in particular the beautiful grottoes that are dotted along the coastline.

The tour starts out from the port at Rodi. There is a ticket office in one of the shops and you head to the end of the port to board the boats. The boat sets out from Rodi and and heads south along the coast past the seaside towns of San Menaio, Peschici and Vieste. Along the way you past several trabucchi, which are the old fishing platforms that were used to catch fish. These landmarks are now locally protected.

You also will see the old medieval watch towers that were used to guard against invasion from across the Adriatic.

The boat lingers around Vieste while people take in the the beauty of its lighthouse and the Pizzomunno, a tall freestanding white rock. Along the coastline at this point are long stretches of tranquil beaches where there are resorts and caravan parks for holidaymakers. But if it isn't July or August, which is the typical high season in Italy, it will be less crowded.

After this short pause, the boat heads further south where the coastline of calcareous rocks that jut out on the sea open up into caves and grottoes that enable the open top boat to enter.

Be sure to duck at some points! 

There are so many small inlets and caves and each are unique. On the trip we took our boat surprised some naturists enjoying the sun and tranquility with our noisy boat, clicking cameras and general bemusement at the sight of dimpled buttocks and skinny legs. 

The boat continues down to the Baia di Campi where there is a tranquil beach with small pebbles where you can take a swim and relax for a few hours before the boat is ready to pick you up and return you to Rodi. The water is clear and perfect for snorkeling as there are plenty of fish to see. There is a restaurant and a cafe there as well should you wish to buy lunch there. It was a warm (but not hot), calm day when we went but you could probably do it in less tranquil weather. 

If you don't tan but go pink and red it is essential to be wearing  a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as there is no protection from the sun except when you are briefly in the caves... And by the time you are back at Rodi you will find that the Gelati shop is open and it is a perfect opportunity to cool down with a nice scoop or two of gelato...