Perched within the magnificent coastal landscapes of Gargano National Park, Vieste is a whitewashed town overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to a charming medieval old town and offshore lighthouse and is near limestone grottos and hidden coves.

Things to do

Get lost in the atmospheric streets of Vieste’s medieval village and discover the Romanesque-Pugliese architecture of the 11th-century Vieste Cathedral. Admire the Baroque-style bell tower, then wander beneath its painted ceiling and animal-engraved capitals to admire the sacred wooden statue of Madonna of Santa Maria di Merino.

Nestled beneath the limestone massif on which the historic Vieste lies is the picturesque beach of Scialara, which is watched over by the 13th-century Swabian Castle. Swim in the warm Adriatic waters and photograph the solitary sea monolith of Pizzomunno that has become a symbol of Vieste.

Towering above the nearby islet of Santa Eufemia is the Faro di Vieste, a 19th-century lighthouse that helps vessels navigate between the middle and upper Adriatic. A cave below is inscribed with Greek and Latin messages left by sailors since the 3rd century BC, while the lighthouse’s brass lantern illuminates the town of Vieste with beams of light at dusk.

Cruise along the spectacular Gargano Promontory to admire wave-eroded grottoes, sheer white cliffs and hidden coves. Marvel at the rock formations as your boat navigates through natural arches, then relax on a secluded stretch of sand with a delicious barbecue lunch.

Getting there

Vieste is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Naples and Naples International Airport and 1.5 hours from the city of Foggia. Vieste is small enough to explore on foot, with daily boat trips available to explore the coast.