•           Having said all that, the locals are wonderful and perhaps more patient with broken Italian than in other places we’ve visited and they are eager to practice their own English.

•           Lunch is generally the biggest meal of the day and the siestais an afternoon ritual which closes most shops, cafes, and markets during the height of the mid-day.  It varies from town to town but from about 1:00 – 3:00 most attractions will be closed.  This is the time of day when Italian families gather around the table not only to break bread together but to escape from the extreme heat of the mid-day sun.

•           Dinner is served later than in northern Europe and the United States.  Expect to be one of few patrons if you go to a restaurant even as late as 7:30.  Locals generally eat closer to 8:30 or 9:00 pm.

•           Be aware of the ‘contorni’ phenomenon.  It is common for restaurants all over Italy to offer what are known in English as ‘side-dishes’ but do charge extra for them.  There is a built-in assumption that you will order those so you may need to be clear in stating that you do not want any. At restaurants in the Gargano, they weren’t especially outstanding and with the quantity of food served for main courses, there was little need for the extra.  There is also usual a nominal fee for bread and cover referred to as ‘pane e coperto’.

•           While there are many wonderful restaurants in all of the towns in the Gargano, take advantage of buying local produce at the town markets and along the roadside.  Vast bushels of lemons and almonds, olives and oil, can be had for a remarkable price right off the road as you drive from Peschici south toward Vieste.

•           Be prepared to ask for your produce in metric weight.  We have found that 100 grams of cheese, for example, is enough for two people to share for lunch or dinner. 

•           It is proper etiquette to allow the shop-keeper to actually pick-up and bag your produce.  This isn’t always the case but a lot of the time the shop-keeper will take great pleasure in making sure you approve of the quality of their produce.

•           In the Gargano, there is a difference between the delicious, sweet oranges that the region is so famous for and what are called ‘juicing’ oranges.  Toward closing time on market days you may find yourself literally given bags of oranges meant to be turned into juice.  Oranges for eating should be smaller with a touch of pink in some cases.  Juicing oranges are large, feel very soft, and will be woody inside.

•           Budget in plenty of funds for bottled water.  It makes sense, if you have a car and will be making one of the towns a home-base, to locate a grocery store or market where you can buy a large quantity of bottled water.  It is warm through the spring, summer, and early fall, and you will need to drink a lot to stay hydrated and healthy.

•           Don’t over-pack.  If you run out of shampoo you will have no difficulty replacing it.  The grocery stores and markets are well-stocked and the pharmacies are downright beautiful.  Simply be sure to carry any medications and detailed prescription information with you.  If you can’t speak the language very well, you will want to make sure you have written copies of prescription information.

•           Remember a currency/voltage converter if you are going to be using any electronic equipment like a digital camera, hair-dryer, curling iron, shaver, or laptop.  Most accommodations provide hair-dryers but double-check as needed.  It is highly recommended that if you are travelling with a laptop, that you not only purchase a converter but a surge protector as well.

•           Immerse yourself into the local traditions like the evening 'passegiatto' when everyone, young and old alike, take to the streets for an evening stroll.  This a magical experience and a true indication of the community life in these small coastal towns. If you enjoy people-watching, this is the experience for you!

•           Italians love their football (soccer) so if you happen to be in one of these towns during the height of football season (end of August through May), find a bar and enjoy the game with the locals.  You may even be lucky enough to witness a victory parade!