Can you imagine cooling off your feet on one of the most stunning beaches on the Italian Adriatic coast? Come to Vignanotica.
- The cliff driving thousands of photographers wild.
- Waters that look straight out of the fountain of youth.
- And a nature park as far as the eye can see, Gargano.
The best part: it's public.
Coming along?
Vignanotica Features
For families with little kids? Sorry, I’d say no.
The entry into the water is quite steep, and it gets deep very close to shore.
Plus, it’s a pebble beach, so if you take a tumble while playing, it’ll hurt a bit. Just walking on it myself, I looked like a lame duck with cramps. So, if you can bring water shoes, all the better.
Sun and shade? You choose.
Despite facing southeast, the middle of the beach is very wide and stays sunny for most of the day until late afternoon.
Half of the ‘sand’ is taken over by rental sun loungers and umbrellas, but the rest is still free and open to the public. So, if you're looking to bake in the sun all day long, you can do it here (for the record, I don’t recommend that at all).
However, the beach stretches along the cliff on both sides, especially to the north. At these ends, the impressive white wall provides shade starting from midday (even earlier if you tuck into some of the cavities or caves carved into the rock).
Heads up: Due to erosion, small limestone fragments occasionally fall onto the shore. On windy or rainy days, staying close or lingering under the cliff isn’t a good idea. I'm speaking from experience…
Beach facilities
Parking
There are 2 parking areas, one further away (Libertà) and another closer (Vignanotica) to the coast. But both include a minibus shuttle service to get down to the beach.
The need for transport isn't so much about distance, but about the altitude. Meaning, if you miss the last bus back, you’ll have to walk up a steep hill and some stairs; nothing too tragic if you don’t have any physical limitations.
Also, the Vignanotica parking lot has an area very close to the beach that doesn’t need (nor include) a shuttle bus.
During our stay (June 2017), the parking fee was €5 per vehicle, though I know for a fact that it goes up to €7 in high season (July and August).
Lido
In Italy, beach bars that include sunbed rentals are called ‘lidos’.
In the case of Vignanotica Beach (they didn’t exactly rack their brains for the name), it offers an umbrella + 2 sun loungers for €22 (June 2017), which also gives you access to their private bathrooms and hot or cold showers.
Bars
Besides the ‘lido’, you'll find another eatery on the edge of the beach serving sandwiches and a few cold dishes.
Not a cloud in sight? Take the chance to have lunch in the shade of their terrace during peak sun hours. Just be prepared for inflated prices.
Public bathrooms
On the path down to the beach, you'll find the unisex restrooms. There aren't many, and they didn't seem to get cleaned very often, so don't expect five-star luxury. 😉
How to get there
By car
If you're road tripping through northern Puglia exploring the Gargano Natural Park (what a wonder!), getting there is super easy.
At km 18 of the SP53 provincial road connecting Mattinata and Vieste, you’ll spot the turnoff signs for Vignanotica beach. You can't miss it since it's right next to the restaurant La Montagna, which really catches the eye.
Follow the signs and drive along the winding paved road down to the Vignanotica parking lot. If it's full, you can head back to the first one, Libertà, which is further from the coast. And remember, both have a free bus service to take you right to the sea.
By sea
Gargano park is full of dreamy beaches you can only reach by boat (or pretty much).
Even though many boat tours make a stop at Vignanotica, it’s really not worth taking this kind of transport just to see it.
You'll enjoy it way more visiting at your own pace, with no schedules or crowds.
On foot
You can also get there like we did: hiking the Natura Mergoli-Vignanotica trail that connects this beach with the gorgeous (and private) Baia delle Zagare.
What incredible views!
Could you pick just one?
Useful links
- Hotel deals in the area.
- Flights to Italy: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo, and Vueling.
- 5% discount when booking your travel insurance with IATI.
Road tripping through Italy and checking out Puglia and the Gargano park? Then this is for you:
- Baia delle Zagare, how to reach the 2 most inaccessible beaches in Italy.
- Discover the sea caves of Gargano by kayak.
- Explore the 15 trails crossing Gargano's Foresta Umbra.
- Visit Vieste, an Italian fishing village on the shores of Gargano.
If you have any questions about Vignanotica, drop a comment at the bottom of the page and I'll be happy to help! 🙂