All About Vieste
The spur on the ‘boot’ of Italy, the Gargano Peninsula promises visitors a chance to spectator some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. It is here, on the tip of a promontory, that Vieste rises gently over the Adriatic Sea. A strategically placed town perched on white limestone cliffs over dreamy golden sand beaches, Vieste has forever enjoyed a vital trade position. Not surprisingly, the city has seen many conquerors come and go, from Greeks and Romans to Normans and the Spanish. However, Vieste’s grimmest period was from the 15th to the 17th century, when it was under constant attacks by the Turks.
The Vieste of today has a different vibe altogether. A vibrant resort town with unique natural wonders, it boasts a rich agricultural legacy and a fishing heritage unlike elsewhere in Italy. Consequently, a vacation in Vieste is as much about enjoying its beaches as it is about immersing yourself in one of Italy’s yet unexposed holiday destinations.
Routes and Ferries to Vieste
Due to the ever-increasing popularity of the Gargano Peninsula as a tourist hotspot, coastal towns like Vieste have excellent transport connections. Moreover, with the city being one of the gateways to the Tremiti Islands, return ferry tickets to Vieste are much in demand from July to September. Travelers wishing to take the under two-hour journey to San Nicola can book ferries operated by Gruppo Armatori Graganici or Navigazione Libera del Golfo using Ferryscanner. On average, return ferry tickets to Vieste on this route cost €40 per adult.
The nearest airport to Vieste is in Bari. The airstrip receives seasonal and yearly flights from Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Bucharest, and many more European destinations. From Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, a shuttle service to Vieste during the summer takes three hours and costs €20. Furthermore, there is a regular bus service between Foggia and Vieste.
Train travel to Vieste is slightly more complicated. Passengers must first arrive at Foggia station, where they must catch a train to Peschici. Upon arriving at the seaside retreat, they can take the bus or a taxi to Vieste.
Port of Vieste
Sheltered by breakwaters and the islet of Santa Eufemia, the Port of Vieste is a small-to-medium-sized harbor with a marina located beyond its north pier. The port is close to the city center, and you’ll find several hotels, restaurants, beaches, and other attractions within walking distance. The harbor is also the main point of departure for all seafaring excursions such as boat trips to the grottos. Additionally, it is one of the primary ports where tourists can buy return ferry tickets to Vieste for trips to the Tremiti Islands. The marina at the Port of Vieste offers 200 berths and four fixed pontoons. It further provides all standard services to private boats and yachts stopping by the city.
Best Beaches in Vieste
For many travelers, the chief reason to visit the city is to lounge on one of the many sandy beaches in Vieste. Luckily, with stunning shorelines on both sides of the town, there are ample opportunities and space for everyone to sunbathe and swim, even during the high season.
Spiaggia di Castello
The most famous beach in Vieste, Spiaggia di Castello is often known as Scialara Beach or Pizzomunno. The latter refers to a giant white stack of rock by the water, which has arguably become a natural symbol of the city. The 3km long strand is right by the center with several restaurants and bars in close vicinity. While the central areas of the strip consist of lidos, both ends are free-to-use. Spiaggia di Castello is a family-friendly shoreline ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and leisurely walks on its promenade.
Spiaggia di San Lorenzo
Adjoining the port, towards the city’s north, San Lorenzo is one of the beaches you’ll see first when arriving from Tremiti Islands with ferry tickets to Vieste in hand. Also known as Spiaggia del Convento, this sandy stretch has a natural pine forest backdrop and a shallow entry into the clear blue waters of the Adriatic. Moreover, there are several places to eat, drink, and rent parasols along the strip. Due to its somewhat windy nature, San Lorenzo is one of the best beaches in Vieste for both kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Spiaggia dei Colombi
Colombi is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches in Vieste. A natural, free seaside, it has no facilities. To reach here, one must first go down a set of steep stairs to a small strip of sand. Afterward, go left, walking in knee-high water around the corner to reach this secluded paradise. It is a small beach with fine sand set alongside turquoise waters. However, the most striking feature of Colombi is the large cave in the background. Not only does it add a sense of drama to the setting, but the cave also provides the perfect shelter from the harsh afternoon sun.
Spiaggia di Portonuovo
A large beach with a gradually descending seabed, Portonuovo lies 4km south of Vieste center. This strip of coastline gets its name from Scoglio di Portonuovo, a large piece of rock located a short distance into the sea. You can rent a paddleboat and reach the islet without much trouble. Granting entry into swim-worthy transparent waters, the beach has plenty of free space as well as lidos. One can rent canoes here or lounge on sunbeds which cost around €20, including parking. A pet-friendly strand, it’s a bit of a hidden gem, and thus, an excellent option for sunseekers who prefer crowd-free lounging.
Spiaggia di La Chianca
Located opposite Isola La Chianca is a beautiful curved sandy beach with access to calm shallow water that stays relatively crowd-free. A dog-friendly strand, it offers all standard amenities, from showers and kayak or paddleboat rentals to free areas and lidos. A pair of sunbeds with one umbrella and parking here usually costs €20. The beach is famous for having a couple of easily reachable caves and an islet nearby. You can walk over to La Chianca, and while uninhabited, it is home to an old Trabucco. Furthermore, the beach is, in particular, a favorite among kitesurfers.
Places to Visit in Vieste
Vieste offers its visitors an array of diverse attractions. While some excursions focus on the city’s natural beauty, others highlight its culinary and architectural heritage.
Admire Faro di Vieste
The Lighthouse of Vieste has been the city’s leading architectural monument since its inauguration in 1867. Located on the islet of Santa Eufemia, it is an unmissable sight when you arrive at the port with ferry tickets to Vieste. Visible from various places around town, the still-in-use lighthouse comprises a 27m high tower with a balcony and lantern. Built out of limestone, it was automated in 1997 and looks spectacular when lit up at night. To see the lighthouse up close, rent a dinghy and sail around the islet. In the summers, one can also take guided tours to the lighthouse.
Explore Vecchia Vieste
To experience everyday life in Vieste, there is nothing better than exploring the city’s Old Town and narrow winding alleys. Here, you get to witness the quaintness of Vieste through its traditional white houses, local shops, and ancient architecture. During your tour, visit the 11th-century Saint Maria Assunta Cathedral and admire the grandness of the Swabian Castle. A rather poignant monument in the neighborhood is La Chianca Amara or Bitter Rock. The large stone commemorates all the residents killed by the attacking Turks in July 1554. Of the countless people killed, most were women, the elderly, and children.
Take a Boat Trip
A boat trip along the coast is an excellent way to appreciate the gorgeousness of Vieste, a city that sits on craggy, theatrical white cliffs. Enthusiastic travelers have three options to indulge in this excursion. You can rent a small dinghy and sail around yourself. There’s also the choice to hire a captain. Otherwise, go with an organized tour. A typical three to five-hour boat trip includes visits to caves and arches like Grotta Sfondata and San Felice. Furthermore, you’ll get 40 minutes to an hour to swim in the refreshing waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Taste the Local Specialties
Apulian cuisine is a delightful assortment of delectable flavors and textures. The region is famous for its fresh artisanal produce, olive oil, and seafood, all of which you can savor at one of many tavernas in Vieste. A local specialty not to miss is Caciocavallo Poddico, a cheese made with milk from cows on a diet that includes wild herbs. La Massaia is the town’s leading fromagerie, where one can purchase various kinds of cheese, homemade jams, cured meats, and special Apulian pasta. The amiable shop owner ages some of the cheese in his cave, and he is more than happy to show it around. Moreover, he will vacuum pack your treats for ease of travel.
Go Up the Stairway of Love
Stairway of Love is a set of stairs going up to the Old Town, embellished with red hearts and the lyrics of the song “The Legend of Pizzomunno and Cristalda” by Max Gazzé. The steps make for an excellent photo opportunity. Moreover, they are quite a unique form of street art that showcases the city’s artistic and colorful side.
Transportation Around Vieste
Due to the town’s hilly topography and narrow winding streets, Vieste is an ideal destination to explore during a saunter. While a walk around the Old Town promises retro discoveries, a stroll along the city’s edge guarantees glorious sea views.
Renting a car in Vieste is beneficial only if you plan to spend a few days driving around Apulia, visiting towns like Peschici, Rodi Garganico, Foggia, Bari, and Brindisi. A car also provides more freedom to visit beaches along the Gargano coastline. However, you’ll have to pay for parking almost everywhere during summertime.
Tourists not planning to hire a car can use public transport, especially if not venturing too far from the city. Taxis in Vieste are equally good, albeit more expensive when transiting to beaches and other coastal villages. Travelers wishing for a completely carefree experience can book one of many organized tours to nearby attractions.
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