Rodi Garganico is a seaside village set on a small promontory on the northern side of the Gargano, between two long, flat sandy shores, surrounded by citrus groves that are hidden from view by reed beds but betrayed by the strong scent of orange blossom. The town has distant origins and dates back to the end of the 13th century BC. This ancient Cretan colony today offers the relaxing sight of a clear sea and beautiful sandy beaches along the two shores of “levante” and “ponente” and in the hamlet of “Lido del Sole”.
To spend a holiday in Rodi Garganico, whose surroundings are marked by a picturesque splendour, you have to enter a national park. The town lies on the top of a promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea, immersed in the green of orchards that bear witness to the important local citrus production. Walk around this dreamlike area on foot, laze on the beach and set off to discover ancient buildings. Give yourself over to relaxation on one of the excellent sandy beaches (there are both public and private ones) at the foot of the town. Enjoy excursions to other natural attractions nearby. Head to the little harbour and book a boat trip along the rocky coast, with its many sea caves. During your trip to Rodi Garganico you can also arrange an outing to the Tremiti Islands, an archipelago of five islands popular with diving and hiking enthusiasts. Back on the mainland, set off for more walks in the Foresta Umbra.
Not far from the town you can stroll among lemon and orange groves. Rodi Garganico boasts a long tradition in citrus growing, to which the Sagra delle Arance, the orange festival, is dedicated every year in May. Taste a whole range of cakes, biscuits, jams and spirits made from this fruit. If you like history, do not miss the medieval quarter (with its red tiled roofs) and the ancient churches. Among the latter is the Santuario della Madonna della Libera, which houses a venerated painting of the Virgin Mary and Jesus that, according to legend, is said to have appeared miraculously in the 15th century on a rock, still visible today and considered a sacred place. Holiday packages in Rodi Garganico also give you the chance to step inside the Chiesa di San Pietro, with an organ more than 500 years old. Stop off at the Convento dei Cappuccini, built in 1538.
The town has the privilege of seeing the sun rise and set over the same sea. No less fascinating are its artistic treasures, such as the Santuario della Madonna della Libera, the bell tower of the church of San Nicola di Mira, the convent of Santo Spirito, the churches of San Pietro and del Crocifisso, the remains of the Aragonese castle and the lanes of the distinctive fishermen's quarter with its monumental chimneys.
The nearest airport is Bari International Airport, from which you can hire a car and take the Poggio Imperiale exit. For those arriving by train, on the other hand, the only option is to get off at San Severo or Foggia, from where a bus connection is in service.
Website: www.comune.rodigarganico.fg.it
