14/07/2025
The Italian region of Puglia, the heel of the booth, is one of the most sought out vacation spots in the south of the country.
The Salento region is by far the most visited (Alberobello, Ostuni, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Otranto, Gallipoli), but the Gargano Peninsula is a hidden gem that not many are familiar with.
The sandy beaches, great seafood and historical old towns, make it a must see when in the area.
Places like Vieste, Termoli, Peschici (Santorini of Gargano), Rodi Garganico, Pugnochiuso, Mattinata, are just a few great towns worth a stop.
My favorite childhood destination is the Tremiti Islands or Isole Tremiti. My entire family spent many summer vacations on the islands and i remember those times fondly.
The islands are located 12 miles from the Gargano coast (50 minutes) and 24 miles from the coast of Molise and are one of the Bel Paese’s least-known destinations.
San Nicola, San Domino, Cretaccio, Caprara and Pianosa are a truly natural island paradise that can be reached by ferry for a day trip from the Puglia coastline, although in my opinion, they merit a longer stay of at least 3-4 days.
Daily departures are available from Puglia and the port cities of Rodi Garganico and Vieste, from the harbours of Pescara and Vasto in Abruzzo, and also from the town of Termoli in Molise region.
San Domino is the widest island, the greenest and the one with the highest number of hotels and restaurants. The island is famous for its caves, coves and rock pools (Cava Bue Marino).
San Domino is easily explored on foot or by bicycle: footpaths criss-cross the island in the shade of impressive pine forests, and bikes are available to hire from the appropriately named Jimmy Bike, who sets up in front of the bank on San Domino’s main square (about €15 per day).
San Nicola is the most populated of the islands and historical centre of Tremiti. San Nicola island is perfect for a day between history and sea. The island is considered by many scholars to be a natural open-air museum, where you can get lost among the fortifications as you wander through towers and monuments, including the church of Santa Maria a Mare.
San Nicola is easily reachable by ferry from San Domino.
From the marina, there are two alternatives to get to the fortified village: comfortably with the elevator, or climbing the steps with a view of the sea and the islands.
Nowadays San Nicola is a small touristic center with 4 – 5 restaurants, many bars and some bed and breakfast managed by locals, no hotels on the isle.
The other 3 islands, Cretaccio, Caprara and Pianosa, are uninhabited, but can be reached and enjoyed by renting a boat and spending time discovering hidden caves and beaches.
Sandy Beaches (3 on the island of San Domino, and 1 on San Nicola).
-Cala delle Arene, is just by the port in San Domino. Up until June it is free and unserviced, whereas from mid-June to early September it is serviced with deckchairs and beach umbrellas.
-Cala Matana is a popular bay which is made up of a mix of sandy and a rocky beaches. As you descend towards the bay, the sandy section of the bay can be found to the left. Much like Cala delle Arene, it is unserviced and unmanned until peak season, when you can rent deckchairs, beach umbrellas etc.. There is also a kiosk selling light bites and refreshments.
- I Pagliai is a very evocative sandy beach. It’s right at the bottom of a sheer drop to the side of the port, and it can only be accessed by boat. Short visits to the beach, keeping clear of the rocky walls, make a great bathing spot from a boat or rubber dinghy.
-Just by the port of San Nicola is a small sliver of pebbly sand, and it makes an enjoyable spot to cool off after a visit to the Medieval town on top.
I am including some photos to this post to better descibe the beauty of these islands.
Keep this on your radar for your next trip to Southern Italy, you won’t regret it.
