Hiking near Mattinata in Gargano in September
Mattinata is good for hiking more than spending time on the beach. There are actual trail running routes and there's a map and description available, also in English, in most tourist offices in the Gargano area but we just did some of the Sentieri Natura which are part of these longer routes.
An easy walk along the coast with splendid views, see here for more information about how to arrive. It's about three quarters of an hour each way and takes you from the high road along the coast, with fine views of Baia Mergoli/Zagare, down to the beach of Vignanotica which is backed by very high cliffs. The two Lidos were still open at almost the end of September and the narrow strip of shingle also includes a fraction of free beach.
Short walk from the old highway (don't take the tunnels) between Mattinata and Manfredonia to the top of Monte Saraceno with more splendid views of the coast. It would probably be more interesting to arrive there starting from the coast in Mattinata because the path looked really panoramic.
Monte Sacro
Another easy walk high up in the woods to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Another special place, just follow the signs for Agriturismo Monte Sacro and the path starts about 500 metres before.
The best day was undoubtedly when we hiked from the countryside above Manfredonia to the Abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano, clambering up the rocks of the narrow valley where there are the ruined hermitages on rocky and sometimes inaccessible outposts. This is not an easy walk, it's a tiring clamber so should only be undertaken if you are used to demanding excursions in the mountains. That said, the places are spectacular and the Abbey itself a very special place. Proper hiking shoes with a good grip are essential and this hike would absolutely not be a good idea in wet conditions because the slippery limestone rocks could be treacherous.
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