Vieste is one of the most popular Italian seaside resorts , with its historic center full of traditions, its beaches and their legends. It is the easternmost town in the province of Foggia and on the Gargano promontory. Basically it develops along a small peninsula that flows into Punta di San Francesco, which includes the rocky part and the ancient village, and Punta di Santa Croce, more flat and modern dedicated to some of its beaches. It is an excellent starting point both to explore the coasts of one of the most fascinating areas of Puglia by sea, and to go on a trip to the Tremiti Islands.
Here are some useful tips on what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening in Vieste .
What to see in Vieste
1 – The ancient village
Along the rocky side of Punta San Francesco there are several streets where it is pleasant to get lost. You will walk among the beautiful white houses , the squares that in spring and summer are filled with flowers, the characteristic corners that open onto the sea, and the scent of the typical dishes prepared in the many bars present.
But not only that, along these alleys you will also come across small shops where you can find the “bunch of the gargano”, a small lucky charm that is used here as a gift to the unborn child. A stop not to be missed is the Piazzetta Petrone with an enchanting terrace overlooking the sea.
- How to get there: from the port in 10 min on foot – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Vieste: private walking tour
2 – Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo
The Cathedral of Vieste is located in the historic center area, and can be reached by climbing a long staircase from the narrow streets of the medieval village, its construction dates back to the 11th century and the structure still retains the primitive Romanesque style – Apulian and in the bell tower that of the late Baroque.
Inside, on the ceiling, there are three large canvases representing the Madonna Assunta, to whom the basilica is dedicated, San Giorgio, protector of the city, and San Michele Arcangelo, protector of the Gargano.
- How to get there: in Via Vescovado; from the port in 15 minutes on foot reaching the ancient village – Get directions
- Hours: 9: 30-20: 00
- Ticket cost: free
3 – Swabian Castle
The Swabian Castle dominates Vieste and the entire coast from above. The property is located on the edge of the historic center on a cliff overlooking the sea overlooking the beach, called the “beach of the Castle”.
Today it is a military area and therefore it is not always possible to visit it , it is only open on the occasion of certain events. If when you are in the area you will have the opportunity to enter, do not miss it, the view from this panoramic and simply spectacular point ranges from the town below to the Enrico Mattei promenade and in particular to the famous Pizzomunno beach.
- How to get there: in Piazza Castello 11; in 15 min from port on foot reaching the historic center – Get directions
- Hours: open only on the occasion of some events
- Ticket cost: based on events
4 – Pizzomunno Beach
Located very close to Vieste, and the famous Pizzomunno beach, also known as Scialara beach. It is characterized by golden sand and a 25 meter high limestone spur which is now considered the symbol of the city.
According to the legend , Pizzomunno is what remains of the body of the young man of the same name who, after having lost the Cristalda at sea by the work of the sirens, is petrified from his pain. To reach the beach, just follow the promenade towards Pugnochiuso, even on foot if you love walking.
- How to get there: from the port of Vieste 30 minutes on foot; or 10 minutes by car, along the Lungomare Enrico Mattei – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
5 – I trabucchi
Photo of Mboesch. It is one of the most particular attractions that characterize the coast that goes from Pescara to Peschici, including Vieste. These are ancient constructions used for fishing that take the form of stilts on the sea, and you will come across many of these.
Due to their cultural and historical importance they are protected by the Gargano National Park . And today, some of these famous trebuchets have been restored and transformed into excellent fish restaurants and local products. The oldest of all is located right in the Vieste and takes the name of Molinella as the homonymous cove that hosts it.
- How to get there: the trabucco di Molinella and 10 minutes by car from Vieste, reaching the beach of the same name – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is one of the most fascinating places in Vieste, the bay located in the center. Bordered by Punta San Francesco and the historic center on one side, on the other we find Punta Santa Croce. Opposite it is possible to admire the islet of Santa Eufemia with its lighthouse.
On the occasion of low tideand visible on the beach an old wreck, it is a boat that ran aground in Vieste in the twentieth century, when boats used to dock at this bay. Following a storm, the vaporetto was dragged on the sand, finally running aground. Today there are only some parts covered by sand and shellfish and it has become an integral part of the landscape making it even more fascinating.
- How to get there: in the center of Vieste; from the port in 5 min on foot – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
7 – Umbra Forest Nature Reserve
Photo of Mboesch. The beaches of Vieste are certainly the main attractions that a tourist wants to visit when he arrives in this Apulian town. But it must be said that the mountain is really close by , and in particular the Umbra Forest Nature Reserve is ideal for those who want to experience this location far from the sea in a different way. The Umbrian term derives from the Latin cupa, shady, as it appears in part today due to its dense vegetation.
It is located about 800 meters above sea level, in the innermost part of the Gargano promontory . Inside it is possible to carry out various activities, such as hiking, biking trails, guided tours, picnics. You can do them either alone or by booking tours with expert guides. Thanks to its uncontaminated ecosystem , the forest protects species of animals in extinction, including the Italian roe deer. Among the rich fauna present, the fallow deer are unmissable, which despite being wild animals approach very easily when they smell food.
- How to get there: from Vieste in 30 minutes by car crossing the Strada Statale 89 Garganica for about 9 km, then turn onto the SP52bis towards Monte Sant’Angelo – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
8 – The Sea Caves
The Sea Caves of Vieste can only be reached by sea , several tours are organized during the summer season and allow you to discover a spectacular landscape . Over the millennia, the waves of the sea have eroded the limestone coast of the Gargano, shaping it as no one would have been able, opening gaps, fissures and tunnels.
Even for the caves, as for the Pizzomunno beach, there is a legendaccording to which the caves are nothing more than the shelter of the sirens. The motorboat excursions last approximately 3 hours and cost € 20.00, including a stop at the hidden bay of Porto Greco, Baia di Campi or Vignanotica. Departures are in the morning or afternoon.
- How to get there: by sea with boat tours from the port of Vieste – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
9 – Bay and Arch of San Felice
The bay of San Felice is located 8 kilometers south of Vieste and offers a lovely beach about 100 meters wide with a shallow sandy bottom. To make everything so symbolic and characteristic there is the beautiful natural arch , the result of the incessant action of water and wind over the centuries.
With the organized tours that depart from the port of Vieste every day , you can admire this natural beauty in peace and in complete safety on board a boat.
- How to get there: by sea from the port of Vieste with organized excursions – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
10 – Tremiti Islands
It is one of the fundamental stops for those visiting Vieste. They are very close and accessible with day trips. It is an archipelago that includes: San Domino, where there is the only sandy beach of the archipelago (Cala delle Arene); San Nicola, where there are the main monuments and most of the population; finally Capraia and Pianosa, both uninhabited.
They are also called Diomedee Islands , because according to legend it was Diomede, the brave hero of the Iliad, who created them. Here is the sea that reigns supreme, as well as being considered among the most beautiful in the world, the Tremiti sea allows you to make excursions on the surface and underwater. By booking the return trip from Vieste (€ 55.00), you will do theboat tour of the archipelago with a visit to the coast, caves, islands not accessible on foot and much more, you will also have the transfer between San Nicola and San Domino and vice versa.
- How to get there: from the port of Vieste by boat in about an hour – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
Vieste itinerary in one day
We recommend that you start with a good breakfast at the Alta Marea Vieste bar on the port, and then continue by entering the ancient village , stopping at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo. During your morning you can dedicate yourself to relaxation on the beautiful beaches of one of the most fascinating Apulian towns. Reach Marina Piccola and then the Pizzomunno beach , along the Lungomare Enrico Mattei.
Have lunch at Sciali, located right on the seafront with excellent dishes based on typical Gargano dishes.
In the afternoon, after returning to the center of Vieste, set off to discover the coasts aboard a motorboat from the port withone of the organized tours lasting about 3 hours (€ 20.00). You will have the opportunity to see and admire some of the symbols of this Apulian town, namely the Sea Caves, the Bay and the Arch of San Felice.
For dinner, once again reached the village of Vieste and stop at the Piazzetta Petrone Restaurant, where you can taste the Apulian fish-based delicacies on a large terrace overlooking the sea.
One day itinerary at a glance
- Breakfast at Alta Marea Vieste (Get directions)
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo – opening hours: 9: 30-20: 00 – ticket price: free
- Marina Piccola – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
- Pizzomunno beach – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
- Lunch at Sciali (Get directions)
- Sea Caves and San Felice Bay – opening hours: organized tour, duration 3 h – tour cost: € 20.00
- Dinner at Piazzetta Petrone Restaurant (Get directions)
Where to eat in Vieste
- Trattoria Il Paniere : Apulian fish specialties in a restaurant with tables also in the square and on the romantic balcony
Average price per person: € 40.00
Address and contacts: Via Tordisco, 4 (Get directions) / tel +39 0884 702492 - Vecchia Vieste Restaurant : traditional Vieste dishes in an intimate and elegant setting, inside a medieval building
Average price per person: € 30.00
Address and contacts: Via Carlo Mafrolla, 32-BIS (Get directions) / tel +39 0884 707083 - Piazzetta Petrone Restaurant : famous place thanks to the Apulian fish-based delicacies and the large terrace overlooking the sea
Average price per person: € 40.00
Address and contacts: Via Monsignor Palma, 41/43 (Get directions) / tel +39 0884 706453
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and the best clubs
Photo of Manfredonia Apulia Caput. Finding a place to spend the evening to have fun in Vieste is easy, the city is in fact very lively and frequented by many young people. There is no shortage of bargains and clubs and there really is something for everyone.
Most are bathing establishments that in the evening, starting from sunset, are lively and sometimes continue until the early hours of the morning . In the center, however, it is always possible to find some bars open until late where you can have a beer with friends.
We recommend some that you can reach at the end of your tourist day around Vieste:
- Quasenada Beach Club : bathing establishment that at night turns into a disco and already in the afternoon organizes aperitifs with music and dancing / Address: Strada Provinciale Mattinata – Vieste, 20 (Get directions) / Facebook page
- Oasi Beach : is another bathing establishment that goes from sunset until dawn / Address: Lungomare Enrico Mattei (Get directions) / Facebook page
- Bar Garibaldi : very popular place in the historic center, ideal for a good ice cream or excellent cocktails, also broadcasts football matches / Address: piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi (Get directions) / Facebook page
Plan your stay in Vieste: info and useful tips
- How to get there: by plane arriving at Bari airport, where direct shuttles leave for Vieste (2 h 30 min, from € 10.00); by car via the SS89 Garganica; by train to Foggia and then take a local bus that reaches Vieste (2 h)
- How to get around : inside the village on foot, being characterized by narrow streets and, especially in the summer, by limited traffic areas. To reach the neighboring towns, a rental car is recommended (from € 20.00 / day)
- Where to park : in Vieste the car parks are all paid, you can leave your car on the Lungomare Europa or on the Lungomare Enrico Mattei (8: 00-24: 00, € 1.00 / hour, € 7.00 / day)
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b starting from € 42.00 per room – see the offers
- What to see in the surrounding area : Mattinata (40 km), Peschici (23 km), Vico del Gargano (32 km)
