Vico del Gargano EN | villaoleandro.eu

Vico del Gargano

Occupying approximately 110km² of the north-eastern area of the Gargano Promontory, the municipality is part of the Gargano National Park and is a member of the Comunita Montana del Gargano. Listed as "one of the most beautiful villages in Italy", the historic center of Vico del Gargano hugs the top of a hill. Located between sea and forest at about 450m above sea level, Vico del Gargano is included in the Rete Citta Sane (healthy cities network) as promoted by the World Health Organisation.

At the heart of the Gargano National Park the municipality comprises a variety of landscapes at a range of altitudes. From spectacular coastline and beaches at San Menaio and Calenella to cool shade and natural habitats in the Foresta Umbra (Shady Forest) at 782m above sea level. And in between: beech and pine woodlands, including Pineta Marzini with its Aleppo pines; extensive centuries-old olive groves that produce some of the best olive oil in Italy; citrus gardens that grow PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) varieties of oranges (Arancia Duretta, Arancia Biondo) and lemons (Limone Femminello).

First and foremost an agricultural town, Vico del Gargano is also known as the "town of citrus fruits", a resource that, in the past, brought work and well-being to its citizens. The cultivation of citrus fruits is traditionally believed to have been started by Benedictine monks, however, historical documents attest to the fact that the fruits were originally brought to the Gargano promontory by the Knights Hospitalier (today known as the Knights of Malta).

San Valentino, the patron saint of citrus groves, also makes Vico the "city of love". The town celebrates each February 14th by decking itself with bay branches, oranges and love hearts, and by carrying the statue of the saint in a time-honoured procession around the colourful streets. As with most of the numerous saints feast days celebrated throughout the year, festivities end with a visually and audibly impressive fireworks display.

San Menaio Beach Calenella Beach

Located on the main coastal road between Peschici and Rodi Garganico and about 7 km north of Vico, San Menaio is Vico's charming and popular beach resort. Renowned for its long beach of fine sand and for the Pineta Marzini, one of the oldest and largest Aleppo pine forests in Italy, for many years it was the mainstay of the local summer economy.

Cucina Povera, or peasant food, local traditional cuisine consisted mainly of bread, pasta, olive oil, home-grown vegetables and fruit with locally caught fish and local meat only on high days and holidays. Many traditional dishes are still enjoyed and include i paposc'l' (similar to a thin ciabatta bread); i pett'l' (scrumptious fried bread dough); pan' e p'm'dur' (bread and tomato); u pan'nfuss' (wet bread with vegetables); gacquasal' (wet bread with fish); i strasc'nat' p'i rap' (handmade ear-shaped pasta with turnip [brassica rapa] greens); i 'ntrocc'l' p'i fazjul' (homemade square short spaghetti with beans); u vinocott' (a type of vincotto made with figs); i susspoir', also known i dov'c' d'a spus' (little sponge cakes coated with icing); i crust'l' (handmade shaped and fried sweet pasta dressed with dried fruits, nuts and vincotto).

Foresta Umbra - Il Laghetto Vico del Gargano - Centro Storico

With unpolluted and restorative clean air, bounteous sun, sea and sand on the beautiful beaches at San Menaio and Calenella, a healthy Mediterranean cuisine, countless natural, cultural and religious attractions and numerous saints' feast days, including the renowned Festa di San Valentino, Vico del Gargano has much to offer. With so many reasons to visit, Vico del Gargano is currently promoting itself as a year-round holiday destination; its unique historic centre is definitely worth a visit at any time of year.

Vico del Gargano - captivating on so many levels: history, art, religion and traditional artisanal crafts; delicious gastronomy; beautiful beaches with a great choice of accommodation solutions. Also, the refreshing Foresta Umbra (the lungs of the Gargano) where visitors can enjoy the many picnic areas and nature trails, all in close contact with the flora and fauna of this amazing shady forest.