The Gargano National Park was founded in 1995 and covers a total surface area of just under 300,000 acres (121,118 hectares).  It is situated in the province of Foggia and includes most of the Gargano promontory and of the lower lying marshes and flatlands. The institution of the park has lead to the protection of many rare habitats particularly under threat, from the rocky cliffs of the coastline to the dunes which surround the lagoons of Lesina and Varano.  It has also sought to protect the varied wildlife in the wide, hotter valleys of the southern slopes, rich in rare and prevalent species of plants and animals as well as the beautiful beech woods which grow at an altitude of just 300 m above sea level.

But the great heart of the Park is the emerald green depths of the Umbra Forest.  As you drive further into it, it becomes easier and easier to imagine the ancient and medieval tribes on the move under the tremendous canopy of foliage.  On our first visit, we couldn’t decide if we were in a sheer state of awe, as though crossing into some-kind of naturalistic temple.  Or, slightly spooked having accidentally stumbled into the Sherwood Forest where Little John and his merry men crouched behind the trees.  As we went deeper into the forest, the spookiness gave way to the breathtaking beauty of the sun's ray’s filtering through the luxuriant vegetation. At one point, we simply pulled the car over, turned off the engine, and listened to the profound silence interrupted only with the fluttering of the leaves.  In the heat of mid-summer, the forest is a refuge where one goes to be refreshed by the cool silence of the great trees. At the base, midst their ancient tangled roots, the native Gargano orchid can be spotted. Sixty-one varieties of this beautiful flowering plant have been identified and their warm hues color the undergrowth.

And so, as we got more comfortable with the driving and the vastness of the nature around us, the Umbra Forest and the Gargano National Park became more of a backdrop from something out of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', and I allowed my imagination to wander into its depths where elfin fairies and wood-nymphs played their music and danced.  Of course, it wasn’t that hard to imagine given the clanging bells and soft bellows you often hear as you drive…the wild goats and white cattle wandering through the woods, hidden by the foliage.  While relatively easy to drive, compared to the switchbacks of the coastline, it is important to keep an eye out for the occasional goat or cow who, may actually appear simply lounging lazily in the ditch alongside the road. Given their size, their status as the prize-producer of the Caciocavallo cheeses, and their general disregard for rather small Italian vehicles, it is a good idea to give them plenty of respect and space. 

Among the other wonderful wildlife of the Gargano National Park is the beautiful, graceful Gargano roe deer. Nearly impossible to find in other areas of Italy, there are approximately one hundred different species in the Gargano. Wild cats, colonies of wood-peckers, peregrines, buzzards, kestrels and lanners are often seen. And, an incredible variety of aquatic and pelagic species live in the coastal and lake areas. Wild ducks, seagulls, and coots, which live amongst the reeds, bamboo canes, tamarisks, pools and stretches of water, are some of the more easily identifiable species. In addition, the red heron, reedling and tobacco duck build their nests here, and it is also relatively easy to see ospreys, wild geese, and shearwaters.

Finally, as the coastal routes are extremely popular with cyclists, the National Park is laced with hiking trails, only some of which are outlined below.  You can obtain full details on the various routes and paths from the Park Authority who has an information center and museum in the heart of the park.  

Popular Hiking Itineraries:

From Foce Schiapparo to Ca' Gravagione – moderate. Can be hiked all year round; approximately 3 hours. This itinerary may be followed on foot or on mountain bike and is recommended for birdwatchers. It also goes around the lake of Lesina.

Into the heart of the Umbra Forest – difficult. 200 m climb.  Best time to hike is from April to November time; approximately 4 hours. Departs from the Visitors' Centre of the Umbra Forest, and visits to the Natural Reservation of Falascone, the Murgia Caserma, the Grava di Marianna and the little Orti Lake.

From Peschici to the Cugnetto delta Nava – difficult. 250 m climb. Can be hiked all year around; 3 hours.  This itinerary crosses a large expanse of Aleppo pine forest wood and a beautiful holm oak grove. There are many picnic areas and walkers can climb to the peaks of the Coppa Sartagine and Cugnetto della Nava mountains.

The Necropolis of Monte Saraceno – moderate - difficult. 50 m climb.  Can be done year round; 1 hour. This itinerary goes to one of the most important necropolis’ of the Gargano, used by the Dauni from the 8th to the 3rd centuries B.C. The view of the olive groves between Manfredonia and Mattinata is stupendous.

The Mergoli Vignanotica Path – difficult. 150 m climb. Can be done all year round; 2 hours. The itinerary leads to the Bay of Seagulls, where one can admire the spectacular white cliffs. The route goes through an Aleppo pine wood over the sea, olive groves, beaches, cliffs and the ruins of the Signal Tower.

Park Authority: Ente Parco Nazionale del Gargano

Headquarters: Via Sant'Antonio Abate, 121 - 71037 Monte Sant'Angelo (FG)
Tel: 0884/568911
Fax: 0884/561348
E-mail: info@parcogargano.it
ufficiostampa@parcogargano.it
Province: Foggia