Gargano National Park – Puglia: primeval forests, rocky heights and spectacular coasts between the sky and the Adriatic. The Gargano National Park embraces the entire northern promontory of Puglia, known as the "Spur of Italy". It is one of the largest protected areas in the country and contains an astonishing variety of landscapes: centuries-old beech forests, karst valleys, coastal lakes, rock sanctuaries, golden beaches and vertical cliffs that plunge into the blue. A territory that preserves biodiversity, peasant culture and deep spirituality. 🌳 A mosaic of environments and silences: From the green heart of the Umbra Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to the lagoons of Lesina and Varano, the park alternates limestone plateaus, ravines, shady woods and stretches of wild coastline. It is home to deer, eagle owls, Apennine wolves, and rich endemic flora. The scents of musk, mushrooms, aromatic herbs and resin accompany the slow seasons of the Gargano. 👉 Tip: Walk along a section of the path in the Umbra Forest in the morning: the light filtered through the foliage creates a suspended and enchanted atmosphere. 🏞️ Villages, hermitages and timeless views: The park includes some of the most evocative villages in Puglia: Monte Sant'Angelo with its rock sanctuary, Vico del Gargano, San Marco in Lamis, San Giovanni Rotondo – a spiritual pilgrimage destination – and Rignano Garganico, overlooking wheat hills. Each village retains a strong identity, between faith, pastoralism and silent hospitality. 👉 Tip: Jump on the viewpoint of the castle of Monte Sant'Angelo: your gaze opens up between rooftops, valleys and the Adriatic on the horizon. 🚶 Sacred paths and deep nature: The Park is crossed by historical paths such as the Via Micaelica, an ancient pilgrimage route, now traveled by walkers and wayfarers. Other routes wind through sheep tracks, pastures and beech forests, ideal for trekking, cycling or horseback riding. Each walk is an invitation to slowness, contemplation and connection with the earth. 👉 Tip: Experience a stretch of the Via Francigena of the South: combining nature, spirituality and rural landscapes is an unforgettable experience. 🍴 Flavours of the mountains and the sea: The gastronomy of the Gargano tells of the encounter between the limestone mountain and the Adriatic Sea: wood-fired bread, caciocavallo podolico, wild herbs, cardoncelli mushrooms, legumes and fish dishes from the nearby coasts. The extra virgin olive oil, with a strong taste, and the native wines accompany every meal with sobriety and character. 👉 Tip: Enjoy a plate of troccoli with mushrooms and sausage after a hike in the woods - the perfect balance of strength and flavor. 🎉 Sacred events and festivals of the earth: The Park is animated by religious festivals, agricultural rituals and peasant traditions. Processions, patron saint fairs, transhumance and seasonal markets keep the link between the communities and the landscape alive. These include the Way of St. Michael, the Feast of St. Pio and the autumn harvest celebrations. 👉 Tip: Visit the park in September: the air is fresher, the woods are tinged with red and the festivals in the villages tell the most authentic soul of the Gargano. The Gargano National Park is a complex and bright land, where the Adriatic meets the forest, and every step becomes listening, immersion and memory.