Can you imagine cooling your feet on one of the most amazing beaches on the Italian Adriatic coast? Come to Vignanotica.
- The cliff that drives thousands of photographers crazy.
- Waters that seem to come from the very fountain of youth.
- And a natural park stretching as far as the eye can see, the Gargano.
The best thing: it's public.
Are you coming?
Features of Vignanotica
For families with young children? I'm sorry, but I would say no.
The entrance to the sea is somewhat abrupt, and you lose your footing very close to the shore.
In addition, it is a pebble beach, so if you fall while playing, you will hurt yourself a little. Imagine that just walking on it myself I looked like a lame duck with cramps. So, if you can wear water shoes, all the better.
Sun and shade? You choose.
Despite its southeast orientation, the center of the beach is very wide and remains sunny for most of the day until late afternoon.
Half of the beach is taken up by hammocks and umbrellas for rent, but the rest is still free and open to the public. So, if you want to sunbathe all day long, you can do so here (for the record, I don't recommend it 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 from midday onwards ( even earlier if you go into some of the cavities or caves carved into the rock).
Warning: Due to erosion, small fragments of limestone fall sporadically onto the shore. On days with strong winds or rain, it is not advisable to approach or stand under the cliff. I speak from experience...
Beach facilities
Parking
There are two complexes, one further away (Libertà) and another closer (Vignanotica) to the coast. However, both include a minibus service to take you there.
The need for transportation is not so much based on distance as it is on altitude. In other words, if you miss the last bus connection, you will have to walk up a hill and some stairs; nothing too tragic if you don't have any physical limitations.
In addition, the Vignanotica car park has a parking area very close to the beach, which does not require (or include) bus transportation.
During our stay (June 2017), the parking fee remained at €5 per vehicle, although I understand that it increases to €7 during the high season (July and August).
Lido
In Italy, beach bars that rent out sun loungersare called 'lido'.
In the case of Vignanotica Beach (we didn't have to rack our brains to come up with the name), it offers an umbrella + 2 sun loungers for €22 (June 2017), which also gives you access to its private bathrooms and hot or cold showers.
Bars
Apart from the 'lido', you will findanother restaurant on the side of the beach that serves sandwiches and some cold dishes.
Not a cloud in sight? Take advantage of the shade on the terrace during the hottest hours of the day. Just be prepared for inflated prices.
Public restrooms
On the path to the beach, you'll find unisex restrooms. There aren't many, and I didn't think they were cleaned very often, so don't expect any luxuries. 😉
Directions
By car
If you are traveling through northern Puglia visiting the Gargano Natural Park (how wonderful!), it will be very easy to get there.
At km 18 of the SP53 provincial road connecting Mattinata with Vieste, you will find signs for the turnoff to Vignanotica beach. You can't miss it, as it is next to La Montagna restaurant, which is quite eye-catching.
Follow the signs and drive your vehicle along the winding paved road to the Vignanotica parking lot. If it is full, you can return to the previous one, Libertà, further away from the coast. And remember that both have a free bus service to take you to the sea.
By sea
Gargano Park is full of dream beaches that can only be reached by boat (or almost).
Although many excursions include a stop at Vignanotica, it is not worth taking this type of transport to see it.
You will enjoy it much more if you visit at your own pace, without schedules or crowds.
On foot
You can also get there as we did: by following the Natura Mergoli-Vignanotica trail that connects this beach with the beautiful (and private) Zagare Bay.
What a view!
Could you decide on just one of them?
Useful Links
- Hotel offers in the area.
- Flights to Italy:Trabber,eDreams,Momondo, andVueling.
- Get 5% off when you purchase travel insurance with IATI.
Are you on a tour in Italy visiting Puglia and the Gargano Park? Then this is of interest to you:
- Baia delle Zagare, how to reach the 2 most inaccessible beaches in Italy.
- Discover the Gargano sea caves by kayak.
- Explore the 15 trails that crisscross the umbrian forest of Gargano.
- Visit Vieste, an Italian fishing village on the banks of the Gargano.
If you have any questions about Vignanotica, leave me a comment at the bottom of the page and I'll be happy to help. 🙂