All About Rodi Garganico
A part of the Foggia, Apulia province, Rodi Garganico is a small town with a port that lies on a peninsula in southeast Italy. Included within Gargano National Park, it’s a beautiful destination with a pensive atmosphere alongside the Adriatic Sea.
Settlements in the region date back to pre-historic times. However, the origin of the village is often debatable. While some credit Greeks from Rhodes for it, others believe it was the Dauni tribe who first helped develop the area. The name Rodi Garganico, though, possibly comes from the Lombards.
Nowadays, Rodi Garganico promises a seaside vacation full of relaxed days on endless sandy beaches while relishing a Mediterranean-like summer climate. Simultaneously, agro-tourism resulting from orange and lemon cultivation has led the village to further fame. Moreover, the townlet is a wonderful starting point from where you can explore the many wonders of the Gargano district and even take a ferry to the Tremiti Islands.
Routes and Ferries to Rodi Garganico
Taking the ferry is an ideal transport option to reach this picturesque beachfront town. Through Ferryscanner, you can take a boat to Tremiti Islands and return using ferry tickets to Rodi Garganico. The journey between the two destinations takes just over an hour, with up to seven sailings a week.
Travelers who want to arrive by air can utilize the Vieste Helipad, 25km away. Or take a commercial flight to Foggia Gino Lisa Airport, roughly 60km from Rodi Garganico. If coming by train, you’ll find several connections from across Italy to Foggia. From there, it’s a short local train ride to Rodi Garganico.
Port of Rodi Garganico
The Port of Rodi Garganico is a moderate-sized harbor with a distinguishing 700-meter-long curved breakwater. It sees significant activity during summer. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Rodi Garganico will find the neighborhood around the port quite lively. Besides several shops and restaurants in the vicinity, regular cultural events happen here from time to time. Having 310 berths and 24×7 yacht assistance, the marina at the port is one of the best in the Gargano province. Moreover, the harbor has separate piers for ferries and private vessels.
Best Beaches in Rodi Garganico
The shoreline of Rodi Garganico stretches for roughly 4km on both sides of the village. Additionally, you can quickly uncover several more beautiful stretches of sandy beaches a short drive away.
Spiaggia di Levante
Situated right next to the marina, Levante is a broad coastline with golden brown sand and a host of facilities. Near bars, restaurants, markets, and shops, it is one of the busiest beaches in Rodi Garganico. The strip has free areas and lidos that provide sunbeds, food, toilets, and changing rooms. The shallow approach into the water makes it perfect for kids, who love to wave at passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Rodi Garganico. Those wishing to snorkel should come in the morning when there is plenty of fish near the beach.
Spiaggia di Ponente
Ponente is among the most popular beaches in Rodi Garganico. Less than a kilometer from the center, the beach stays less crowded than Levante. Furthermore, it has a natural setting with cliffs and vegetation in its background. Entry into the water is gradual, making Ponente perfect for bringing little children. A sandy beach with some pebbles, on-site conveniences include sunbed rentals, parking, beach volleyball, toilets, and showers.
Spiaggia di Lido del Sole
Lido del Sole is a lengthy sandy strand with several lidos but also a free beach. While the water alongside the shoreline is shallow and inviting, the beach has only a few essential amenities. You can, however, rent parasols and sun loungers, paddleboats, and play beach volleyball. Come summer, the number of activities increases for a limited time. Lido del Sole is under 5km from Rodi Garganico.
Spiaggia di Foce Varano
The long sandy strip, about 7km from Rodi Garganico’s center, offers both free areas and private sections with lidos and sunbeds. The beach is next to the islet that connects Lago di Varano with the sea. Busy during the summer, it provides visitors with easy access to turquoise waters, ample facilities, and a multitude of family-friendly activities.
Isola di Varano
A rural 10km-long beach further west from Foce Varano, Isola only stays busy during the height of the tourist season. Having rolling dunes in the back and no shade, it remains a quiet family escape at other times. The beach only offers basic amenities, including limited sunbed rentals, a bar, and lifeguards during summertime. Situated on an elongated stretch of land between the sea and the lake, it’s a great waterfront spot to visit with kids and pets.
Places to Visit in Rodi Garganico
Rodi Garganico promises a laid-back, relatively event-free vacation. There’s little to do in the town besides enjoy its beaches. Still, the village makes for an excellent base to explore the rest of Gargano.
Old Town
The quaint old neighborhood of Rodi Garganico once served as a refuge from attacking pirates and armies. Although charming, it lacks any noteworthy buildings. Instead, you discover ruins of fortified walls. You can then wander on narrow lanes bordered by houses built very close to one another. Piazza Rovelli is the main square of the Old Town, lined with souvenir shops and cafes that come alive in the evenings.
Necropoli di Monte Civita
Roughly 13km from the center of Rodi Garganico are the hilltop remnants of a 5th-century BC township. It’s possible to reach the site by road. Archaeological findings at the location include ceramics, household items, and weapons, in addition to graves. Although abandoned now, the area offers stunning views of the surroundings.
Santuario Madonna della Libera
Located in the center of the town, Madonna della Libera is an important religious sanctuary in Rodi Garganico. It is home to an icon of Madonna sitting on a throne holding a baby in her lap. The Venetians, at one time, stole this painting. The present building with three naves, done in Baroque style, dates back to the early 1700s. At the same time, the main alter is from 1873. The church celebrates the Madonna with a procession and a festival on July 2nd every year.
Rodi Garganico Citrus Oasis
Situated in the city’s northern section, the Citrus Oasis consists of age-old orange and lemon groves. Once almost extinct, the gardens now again produce Duretta del Gargano and Bionda del Gargano oranges, as well as Femminello lemons. For more fruity festivities, visit the village during its annual orange fair, La Sagra delle Arance, towards the end of April. The three-day event consists of talks, tastings, and several happenings centered around local produce.
Tremiti Islands
The five-island archipelago of Tremiti is an excellent overnight trip from Rodi Garganico. Ferry tickets to San Domino and San Nicola are available via Ferryscanner. Once in Tremiti, tourists can relax in the natural serenity that gives the islands a rustic appeal. Among the things to do in Tremiti are taking boat rides around the archipelago, exploring its beaches, and discovering the islands’ link to Greek mythology.
Transportation Around Rodi Garganico
Rodi Garganico is a small village that you can effortlessly explore on foot. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops are near the harbor and easily reachable after you disembark, having used your ferry tickets to Rodi Garganico.
It’s possible to rent a moped. However, some parts are a little hilly. Therefore, this is advisable only for experienced riders. Hiring a car is not required when staying just in town. At the same time, a vehicle is an excellent transport choice if you plan to travel around the rest of the region.
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