Free walking tours in Vieste and what to see

Must-sees

Vieste stands on a promontory at the eastern tip of the Gargano, in the province of Foggia. Its old town, white and full of stairways, looks out over the sea from the rock. At the top are the Romanesque cathedral, with a baroque bell tower rebuilt in the 18th century, and beside it the Chianca Amara, the stone where, according to tradition, many townspeople were killed during the raid by the corsair Dragut in the 16th century. Higher up stands the castle from the time of Frederick II, still in military use.

The town's symbol is the Pizzomunno, a white monolith about 25 metres high at the foot of the long Castello beach, with a love legend attached. On Punta San Francesco you will see one of the trabucchi, old wooden fishing platforms. From Vieste a coast of coves, rock arches and sea caves begins, and inland lies the Foresta Umbra, within the Gargano National Park.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Vieste. The most popular thing is to head out to sea: you can hire a boat with a skipper to explore the caves and coves of the coast at your own pace. In season, boats to the Tremiti Islands also leave from the harbour, and inland there are walking and cycling routes through the Foresta Umbra.

How long to spend

The old town and the Pizzomunno can be seen at a relaxed pace in half a day. To really enjoy Vieste you need at least three days: one for the town and the beach, another for the boat trip to the caves and another for the Foresta Umbra or nearby villages such as Peschici. If you want to go to the Tremiti, set aside another day.

Where to stay

If you want atmosphere and to get around on foot, stay in or near the old town. For beach days, the hotels along the Castello beach promenade are the most convenient option. All along the coast, north and south, there are plenty of campsites, holiday resorts and apartments among the pine woods, although there you will need a car.