All About San Nicola
San Nicola is the second-largest island in the Isole Tremiti. As the capital and administrative center of the archipelago, it holds much cultural, historical, and artistic significance.
For a lesser-known island, this elongated rocky limestone plateau has had an interesting history. Settlements on San Nicola possibly date back to the Iron Age. Moreover, it’s famous for being the island where Emperor Augustus imprisoned his granddaughter and as the resting place of the Greek mythological hero Diomedes.
Tourists in the knowhow visit San Nicola for its serenity, ancient castle, and abbey, as well as its car-free relaxed atmosphere. Adding to the island’s magnetism is its rugged and steep coastline dotted with intimate coves, accessible only by boat. Having only a few bars and limited bed and breakfast accommodations, San Nicola offers travelers an unconventional holiday escape in the Adriatic Sea.
Routes and Ferries to San Nicola
Ferry tickets to San Nicola from Termoli are readily available from Ferryscanner and cost on average €15 one-way per adult. The voyage from Mainland Italy takes around an hour, depending on whether the boat is a hydrofoil or a ferry.
The frequency of vessels increases further during the summer season. There is also limited ferry service from Peschici, Vieste, and Rodi Garganico from June to September. However, since travel to the island is in demand at this time, one should pre-book their seats well in advance. If you cannot get ferry tickets to San Nicola, opt for a seat on the boat to San Domino. Upon reaching the island, you can take a short water taxi to San Nicola for as little as €5.
The alternative to taking a ferry is a charter helicopter from Foggia Airport. Both San Domino and San Nicola have a helipad. Traveling by air is more expensive and once again requires early booking during the high tourist season.
Port of San Nicola
San Nicola and San Domino are the only two islands in the archipelago with harbors that can accommodate ferries. The Port of San Nicola is on the southern tip of the long island, almost opposite the Port of San Domino.
Situated in the shadow of the imposing St Nicholas Fortress, the port comprises two piers and a small marina reserved exclusively for local boats. Private vessels can moor at one of the piers only from late evening to early morning, till before the onset of ferries.
Upon arriving with ferry tickets to San Nicola, you’ll find basic facilities near the dock like a bar and restaurant, as well as water taxis to San Domino. The port is also the place from where you can rent a dinghy or take organized boat tours around the isles.
Best Beaches
San Nicola does lack traditional sandy or pebble beaches, but you can still enjoy the blue-green sea by visiting one of the island’s many coves. Rent a dinghy for the day or take a tour that stops by several caves and bays around San Domino, San Nicola, Cretaccio, and Capraia.
Castello Beach
Tourists get down next to Castello Beach at the port when they arrive with ferry tickets to San Nicola. Its primarily used by locals to dock small boats. Nevertheless, there are sandy and pebble spaces in-between the dinghies with access to clean, swimmable water. Although there aren’t any amenities on the beach, you’ll find a couple of restaurants nearby.
Cala della Punta del Cimitero
Cala della Punta del Cimitero is a picturesque cove below the cemetery in the north of San Nicola. Convenient to reach by sea, it has a thin strip of land adjoining the rising cliffs. Still, you are better off enjoying the clear water at this spot from your boat.
Cala Sorrentino
Not far from San Nicola is Cala Sorrentino on the island of Capraia. The bay with a pebble but shallow seabed promises some of the best snorkeling in the area. Also at the same spot is Grotta dell’Amore, or Love Cave, one of the most famous grottoes frequented by adventurous swimmers.
Cala dei Turchi
So named because the Turkish fleet hid here in 1567 before attacking the Monastery of San Nicola, Cala dei Turchi lies inside a deep bay just north of Cala Sorrentino. A sheltered area with a rocky beach, the water here remains calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Cala dei Turchi is reachable only by boat and stays moderately busy during summer.
Cretaccio
Cretaccio is a large vegetation-free rock with a yellowish clay composition facing natural wind and water erosion. Like the other islands, its rough coastline boasts attractive bays that invite visitors to stop and swim a while. Less than 400 meters from San Domino and San Nicola, you can easily take a small boat to one of its secluded inlets for a day out under the sun and in the clear blue sea.
Places to Visit
San Nicola helps tourists appreciate the allure of living a slow life. At the same time, with history, myth, and natural beauty nearby, the best places to visit in San Nicola aren’t devoid of excitement. Instead, they promise interesting findings and leisurely moments to cherish for a lifetime.
Santuario Santa Maria a Mare
The Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare started as a monastery, built by the Benedict monks in 1045. The credit for this important religious center goes to a hermit. In a dream, the Virgin Mary told him to construct a sanctuary at this spot. Among the main places to visit in San Nicola, the Abbey offers astounding views of the archipelago from its clifftop location. Inside, one can admire a wooden crucifix and beautiful mosaic floors.
Castello dei Badiali
Overlooking the Port of San Nicola is the Castle of Badiali, built by Charles I of Anjou in the 13th century to protect the residents from pirate attacks. Located next to the Abbey, the castle consists of fortified walls and an Angevin tower, displaying a beautiful amalgamation of Byzantine and Roman art and architecture. To reach this vantage point, you can either take an elevator, operational only during the summer, or climb up the steep steps.
Tomba di Diomede
Tremiti Islands were once known as Diomedee Islands after the Trojan War hero. Greek myth states Diomedes came to San Nicola after the war, and one can now find his unmarked Hellenic-era tomb on the island. Moreover, the legend further incorporates the albatrosses of the genus Diomedea that call the island their home. Because the birds make a sound that resembles a crying baby, locals believe the albatrosses are companions of Diomedes, mourning his death.
Scoglio La Vecchia
The islet of La Vecchia adds a moody and mysterious aura to the distinct landscapes of Isole Tremiti. The large black-colored rock sits between San Nicola and Cretaccio. Its name, translating to “old woman,” originates from local folklore suggesting the rock houses the ghost of an old witch. Believers of the supernatural will find Cretaccio also to be an exciting destination. Apparently, the spirit of a prisoner, beheaded here, still roams the island.
La Statua di Padre Pio
The submerged bronze statue of an open-armed Padre Pio sits on the seabed between the islands of San Nicola and Capraia. The 3-meter-high sculpture weighs 122.25 quintals along with its base and rests at a depth of 13 meters. Made by artist Matteo Norica and placed underwater in 1998, it’s an unmissable scuba diving spot for amateur and experienced divers.
Transportation Around San Nicola
Since no outside cars can come on the island, the only way to travel around San Nicola is by foot. You can easily cover a small plateau from one end to another in a short period.
When sailing with ferry tickets to San Nicola, you get a glimpse of the island’s vivid coastline as you approach the port. Tourists have three possible boat options to explore the hard-to-reach nooks and corners along the jagged shore. They can rent a small rubber dinghy, known locally as gommone, for upwards of €75. Else, visitors can take a water taxi to a specific place or an organized tour that stops at multiple locations around the Isole Tremiti.
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