Gargano National Park: planning guide
The spur of Italy — limestone coast, caves, and the Umbra forest of Apulia.
Gargano National Park is in Apulia, Italy. The nearest town is Manfredonia — roughly 13.5 km (8.4 mi) out, about 23 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May, June, September, and early October. Shoulder season: April and late October.
Winter is cool and wet at low elevation and snowy in the mountains, with reduced hut and refuge service.
July and August combine peak heat with peak domestic holidays. Shoulder months are both cooler and quieter.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Manfredonia | 13.5 km (8.4 mi) | 23 min |
| Vico del Gargano | 16.3 km (10.1 mi) | 27 min |
| San Giovanni Rotondo | 19.1 km (11.9 mi) | 32 min |
| Vieste | 23.5 km (14.6 mi) | 37 min |
| Foggia | 46.3 km (28.8 mi) | 1 hr 2 min |
| San Severo | 47.7 km (29.7 mi) | 1 hr 3 min |
| Cerignola | 54.1 km (33.6 mi) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Isole Tremiti | 55.3 km (34.4 mi) | 1 hr 11 min |
Where Gargano National Park sits
Official Gargano National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Gargano National Park
Gargano National Park sits close enough to Alta Murgia National Park, Appennino Lucano – Val d'Agri – Lagonegrese National Park, Majella National Park, and Mljet National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Alta Murgia National Park | 95 km (59 mi) | 1 hr 51 min |
| Appennino Lucano – Val d'Agri – Lagonegrese National Park | 156 km (96.9 mi) | 2 hr 45 min |
| Majella National Park | 160 km (99.1 mi) | 2 hr 48 min |
| Mljet National Park | 164 km (102 mi) | 2 hr 51 min |
Parks close by
- Alta Murgia National Park
Karst plateau and steppe in Apulia around Castel del Monte.
- Appennino Lucano – Val d'Agri – Lagonegrese National Park
Wild Lucanian Apennines with wolves, eagles, and deep valleys of Basilicata.
- Majella National Park
The “Mother Mountain” of Abruzzo — hermitages, gorges, and high karst.
- Mljet National Park
A forested Adriatic island park with saltwater lakes and a Benedictine islet. Quiet relative to the coast towns.
Common questions
Where is Gargano National Park?
Gargano National Park sits in Apulia, Italy. Manfredonia, about 13.5 km (8.4 mi) away — roughly 23 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Gargano National Park?
Generally May, June, September, and early October, with April and late October quieter on either side.