Vieste, located 9 km from the Camping, is an enchanting town on the easternmost tip of the
Gargano
. Golden beaches, crystal-clear sea and bright white limestone rock make Vieste a favourite with millions of tourists who visit its shores every year. The historical centre of Vieste, with its ancient stone streets and the characteristic profile of white houses against the blue sky, tells stories of ancient times and intact traditions.
Vieste has a pretty and quaint old town, commonly called
Vieste Vecchia
, which stretches along a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The town stretches from the Castello beach, also known as the Pizzomunno beach, to the Marina Piccola beach and also includes the thin strip of land at Punta San Francesco. This area of Vieste is a fascinating labyrinth of narrow alleys, cobbled streets and picturesque stairways that reflect the medieval architecture. An evocative atmosphere invites visitors to explore its hidden corners. Within the historical centre stand the Castle and the Cathedral. At the foot of the Cathedral is the so-called Chianca Amara. One cannot visit the old town without wandering through the narrow streets overlooking the sea that lead to the Church of San Francesco. To the left of the Church you can admire the Bay of Marina Piccola and the islet of Sant'Eufemia, which houses the lighthouse. Continuing to the right you can admire a historic
Trabucco
from which the sea will open up immensely before your eyes! It is the ideal place from which to welcome a new day and enjoy the sunrise. The sun will rise from the waters of this splendid sea!
Pizzomunno is a majestic 25-metre-high limestone monolith located at the beginning of the beach south of the town of Vieste, known as "del Castello" or "del Pizzomunno". Its grandeur seems to stand like a protective sentinel of Vieste, becoming an iconic symbol of the Gargano town. The rock is shrouded in fascination and mystery and various legends weave around it, each offering a unique variation of the story. Pizzomunno, with its imposing presence on the coast, represents not only a fascinating geological phenomenon but also an icon steeped in history and myth that adds a magical touch to the landscape of Vieste.
Legend has it that many centuries ago, a young fisherman of extraordinary beauty and strength called Pizzomunno lived in ancient Vieste. In the same village also lived a young woman named Cristalda , of extraordinary beauty with long golden hair like the rays of the sun. Pizzomunno and Cristalda fell deeply in love, experiencing a passionate and unreserved love. Every day, the young fisherman braved the sea in his boat and regularly the sirens emerging from the depths of the sea sang sweet songs in his honour. These sea creatures, fascinated by his presence, repeatedly offered him immortality if he would agree to become their king and lover.However, Pizzomunno's love for Cristalda was so strong that he refused all offers of immortality, remaining faithful to his beloved. One day, as the two lovers waited for the night on a small island off the coast, sirens, blinded by jealousy, attacked Cristalda and dragged her into the depths of the sea. Pizzomunno tried in vain to run after his beloved, but the next day the fishermen found the young man petrified by grief, transformed into the white rock that now bears his name. Legend has it that every hundred years Cristalda returns from the abysses to reunite with her young lover, who regains his human form for the occasion, reliving their ancient love for a single night.
The Swabian Castle at Vieste rises sheer above the sea and was built at the behest of Emperor Frederick II in 1242. The construction of the castle was part of the emperor's defensive strategy to protect the coast against Saracen raids. Its elevated position at the tip of the promontory offered a strategic advantage, allowing enemies to be spotted in the distance and prepared for defence. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several dominations, including Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese and Venetian. Its current configuration is due to Spanish interventions between 1535 and 1559, during which the remains of the Swabian fortification were incorporated and transformed to the point of losing all evidence. In 1915, it was the target of cannonade by the Austrian destroyer Lika and the scars on the castle façade are a vivid testimony to the wartime events that directly involved this medieval structure. Today, the Swabian Castle is one of Vieste's main tourist attractions. Its towers offer spectacular panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic coastline. In addition to being a historical site, the castle hosts cultural events and exhibitions that help to preserve and celebrate its rich heritage.
On the limestone cliff, overlooking the sea, soar the historic Coastal Towers dating back to around the mid-1500s that characterise the entire Apulian coast. Several towers with a square base were erected on the Gargano territory to prevent the invasion and raids of pirates and corsairs coming from the sea, in such places that each tower could be seen from the coast and from inland. When an enemy ship was sighted from a tower, a fire would be lit at its summit, whose smoke by day and glow by night would alert both the other towers and the population. Among the most characteristic towers is the
Torre di Sfinale
, erected between 1568 and 1569, which adorns the beautiful landscape of the Sfinalicchio beach, located just 150 metres from our campsite.
The construction of the watchtowers followed the siege by the privateer Dragut Rais in 1554, which most indelibly marked the history of Vieste. According to accounts of the time, in July 1554, the fleet of 70 galleys captained by the corsair docked under the rock of S. Croce and began the siege of the town. The inhabitants of Vieste defended themselves armed and supported by the military garrison of the castle that responded to Dragut's cannon shots. The siege lasted seven days and ended when some traitors surrendered the castle and agreed to surrender with the promise that the citizens could escape with as much silver and gold as they could carry. But on 15 July, as soon as the Turks set foot inside the city walls, they set fire to and devastated the city. The inhabitants were attacked and plundered, the women raped and the men taken to ships to be sold as slaves. Those who could not escape and save themselves were doomed because Dragut's order was to kill anyone who was not fit to be transported and sold. On that day, a multitude of inhabitants of Vieste perished by beheading on a rock at the foot of the Cathedral, still visible and preserved today, which bears the name Chianca Amara or Pietra Amara precisely in memory of this tragic event.
Vieste is much more than a tourist destination; it is an invitation to discover the beauty of nature, the richness of history and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants. Here are some of the best things to do in Vieste:
Explore the Old Town: Walk through the narrow streets of the characteristic old town of Vieste, with its white houses and panoramic views of the sea.
Visit the Swabian Castle: Admire the Swabian Castle, a medieval fortress that dominates the town and offers spectacular views of the coastline and harbour.
Beaches of Vieste: Visit our page to discover the most beautiful beaches of Vieste.
Sea Cave Excursion: Take a boat trip to explore the fascinating sea caves along the coast between Vieste and Mattinata, such as Grotta Sfondata and Grotta della Campana.
Visit the Foresta Umbra: Enjoy the nature of the Gargano National Park and explore the Foresta Umbra, a natural area with dense vegetation, trails, and picturesque views.
Taste the food of Vieste: Enjoy typical Gargano dishes, with specialities based on fresh fish, extra virgin olive oil, local cheeses and farm produce.
Visit Churches and Sanctuaries: Explore Vieste's churches and sanctuaries to immerse yourself in history and art. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Merino and the Church with the Convent of San Francesco are unmissable stops. In addition to their religious importance, they will surprise you with extraordinary works of art and breathtaking views.
Attend Local Events: In Vieste, cultural life is animated by various events that make your visit even more special. Highlights include 'Vieste in Love' and the 'Olive Oil Week'. The former celebrates love and passion through various initiatives, while the latter highlights the green gold of the Gargano with tastings and events related to extra virgin olive oil. Participating in these events will allow you to fully experience the culture and tradition of Vieste. On 9 May, Vieste celebrates its patron saint, Santa Maria di Merino, with an evocative procession that starts from the Cathedral and winds for about 7 km along the coast road to Peschici and the beach, finally reaching the sanctuary of the same name. An even more evocative moment is the night procession, which accompanies the statue of Santa Maria di Merino back to the Cathedral, lit by torches and enriched by songs and prayers.
Take a boat tour to explore the fascinating sea caves along the coast between Vieste and Mattinata. The Grotta della Campana, Grotta Sfondata and Grotta dei Contrabbandieri are just some of the natural wonders you can admire.
During your holiday consider taking a boat trip to the Tremiti Islands, an unmissable archipelago off the Gargano coast. Its crystal-clear waters, transparent seabed, romantic coves and seascapes make it an unforgettable experience.
Explore the green heart of the Gargano through the many excursions available in the National Park. The various trails in the Foresta Umbra offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in a dense vegetation of beech trees and centuries-old oaks.
Explore this authentic early Christian burial complex, located only 3 km from the campsite. Take advantage of organised guided tours to discover this spiritual and evocative place!
The Trabucchi are not only fishing tools, but also symbols of a deep connection between the local community and the sea. Visit them or take part in a fishing demonstration. It will be an unforgettable experience!
