10 must-do things in the Tremiti Islands

We are in Puglia, in Gargano, off the Adriatic coast. in the archipelago so beloved by the artist Lucio Dalla

"How deep is the sea....:"

There must be a reason why the artist Lucio Dalla composed some of his most famous songs on these islands. The Tremiti Islands are still one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Little known by the people of Puglia themselves here you find a deep crystal sea with shades of blue and green that surprise you with every dive. I enjoyed the most beautiful sea of the Tremiti by renting a tender, by stopping at the most magical places, snorkeling, exploring the caves. There are so many of them, whose depths give you unimaginable vegetation and undersea rocks that are even more beautiful than what is visible on the surface.

Now also very easy to reach with NAVI TREMITI - From this site you can see all the opportunities and where to embark with daily departures to the Islands! NAVI TREMITI carries passengers from the ports of Peschici, Vieste and Rodi Garganico to the Tremiti Islands from late April to early October

In my column "A portata di Manu" I offer you ideas, experiences and itineraries, but also things to do if you come to these parts whether you are a foreign visitor or a tourist at home. In the article (next to each experience) are all the references for booking tickets or excursions or guided tours in the area .

If we forgot to mention something in this article write to us at apugliesearoundthewolrd@gmail.com Would like to tell us about your business or simply propose unique experiences? Do you organize events events and want to invite us?

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It is an archipelago of islands located off the coast of Gargano. The Tremiti Islands belong to the Province of Foggia, in the Region of Puglia They are an archipelago of extraordinary beauty located in the heart of the Adriatic Sea. The total size is about 3 sq. km. It consists of two inhabited islands: San Nicola and San Domino and three uninhabited Capraia (also called Caprara or Capperaia), Pianosa and Cretaccio. The Tremiti Islands municipality has about 500 inhabitants, is part of the Gargano National Park and is a Marine Nature Reserve. Populated, on the other hand, are the seabed, where you can find everything from groupers to moray eels, octopuses to giant mullet, sea bream to amberjack, colonies of red, yellow and black gorgonians.

Here you can enjoy boat trips, snorkeling and many other outdoor activities.

If you love the sea, you are in the right place. The archipelago is not at all fashionable, it is stuck in the 1980s although lately there are many open construction sites and renovation works to make the islands more usable for everyone, thanks also to the mega funding obtained from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Perhaps for this very reason, it remains unspoiled and boasts crystal clear waters.

Among the companies. From here you can see all the opportunities and where to embark

From this site NAVI TREMITI you can see all the opportunities and where to board with daily departures to the islands! It carries passengers from the ports of Peschici, Vieste and Rodi Garganico to the Tremiti Islands from late April to early October, and fares for round-trip routes are as follows:

- Adulti: 40€

- Ridotti (3-12 anni): 22€

- Bambini con meno di 3 anni: gratuito

From Aug. 3 to Aug. 31, rates increase to:

- Adulti: 44€

- Ridotti (3-12 anni): 23€

Departure times are:

- Vieste: 8:30

- Peschici: 8:50

- Rodi Garganico: 9:15

Return from the Tremiti Islands is at 16:35.

ALISCAFO PER LE TREMITI - It should be considered that only Termoli is active year-round. While the other ports operate from June 1st to September 20th for the summer season.

By Helicopter it is possible to reach the Tremiti Islands with Alidaunia his is a service that has an agreement with the Puglia Region, it is necessary to book well in advance, it makes scheduled flights 365 days a year on the route Foggia - Tremiti Islands. The helicopter departs daily from Foggia's "Gino Lisa" airport. The cost of the ticket varies depending on the season (high or low season). The approximate cost is 50 euros (air taxes and VAT included) in high season (July - August), 25 euros the rest of the year.

I love the Tremiti Islands and have included them in my top list of the most beautiful places in the world. For some people it is just a day trip. Here the sea is amazing.

For me at least three to four days by boat is a regular stop I love to make every summer of my life. There are so many bays and caves to discover, which characterize it and make it unique, and they are always beautiful to see again.

The best of an island in my opinion is only experienced by staying there to sleep, when the hustle and bustle goes away.

I have been there 5 times and for a more intimate experience I preferred to stay the last time on San Nicola Island, which of the two inhabited islands is definitely the smaller.

During the day you go to the sea. By boat/dug boat is the best way to discover and explore the area looking for the coves inaccessible from land. Besides the well-known ones, Grotta del Sale, Grotta delle Viole, Grotta dell'Elefante, and Grotta delle Rondinelle that you can see in this updated INFOTREMITI site, there are many coves you will fall in love with; Drop anchor and relax exactly as soon as it happens. The underwater one is an experience not to be missed for anything in the world while vacationing in the Tremiti Islands. With the dinghy, anything seems possible: sleeping, swimming, snorkeling and feeling on a deserted island while appreciating the silence

San Domino is the largest and most touristic island, so if you love going out in the evening, you will have bars and piano bars available here. The atmosphere is 80s style. Choose San Nicola if you love the quiet life and silence and especially if you like the idea of having an experience in contact with the islanders. In the years since I have been visiting the Tremiti Islands, I have stayed on both islands with different solutions. Follow your instincts and choose according to your mood of the moment. We stayed in San Nicola in Antonio's small apartments. Minimal but basic apartments with refrigerator and mini kitchen (it is not the comfort island even if you go to Hotel) but we had a great time. It feels like staying with a family. This island is perfect for those who like authenticity with no glitz, If you want to live in a medieval setting, with no evening events but just the sound of the sea or chatting with neighbors disconnecting with the world and reconnecting with yourself and nature, you are in the right place. Contact him by emailing him on my behalf antoniotremiti65@gmail.com

In the past, I have also stayed in San Domino at the BB LE RONDINELLE .

Minimal rooms here, too, but completely surrounded by pine forest and vegetation. Excellent international breakfast. A nice option if you go in a group.

In the past I have also stayed at 'Hotel Kyrie a few meters from Cala Tramontana, which can be reached on foot via a footpath. The only time I have stayed on this island only for 1 night, with my sister, it was sold out and very expensive.

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We rented an inflatable boat in St. Nicholas with IN GOMMONE CON SIMONE

However, there are many companies that offer you rentals or excursions, located directly on the pier, in both Islands. They cartel among themselves. Therefore unless you go in low season, no one gives discounts.

The rental price varies depending on the season, on average you pay 80 euros for the whole day (until 6 p.m.) in low season while 120 euros in high season. The island is small and all activities are seasonal and familiar. Simone for example in the daytime sea entrepreneur, in the evening chef indeed "Master Chef" in his mother's restaurant DA ENRICHETTA seafood restaurant also in St. Nicholas, in my opinion the best on the island from all points of view..

As soon as you book your lodging on these islands, immediately reserve a table for dinner hoping to find at least one available in the 30-seat pastry restaurant DA ENRICHETTA at the foot of the Abbey..

Genuine but top-notch restaurant has maintained its simplicity despite a menu of the highest standards and sophistication. Family-run. As soon as you arrive Enrichetta immediately tells you the catch of the day that the sea offers, the price, and how she can cook it for you. She suggested scampi to us, and we had them in a sauce with spaghetti alla chitarra.

Go there. Enrichetta is the pastry chef, and she has a dessert menu worthy of a star: try the Neapolitan pastiera and cheesecake. Enrichetta's father helps at the tables and Simone in the kitchen. The fried cod simply melted in the mouth.

In San Nicola you can also eat very well at the ristorante Architiello da Carolina restaurant known for the quality of the excellently processed raw material, try and I guarantee you will not regret it, their classic but very tasty spaghetti with clams, a dish that is never missing from the menu and is the ultimate scarpetta.

TAKE THE CAB BOAT BETWEEN THE ISLANDS AT LEAST ONCE

For travel from San Nicola to San Domino and back depending on where you sleep and if you want to do some nightlife there is this very convenient service. They are only 450 m apart and are connected all day long by cab boats (from 6 € A/R during the day and 10 € A/R during the evening - From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the cab runs every hour. In the evening it is served at 7 to 8 p.m. and at 11 p.m. last ride) -

COOPERATIVE A.MAR.BLU (Maritime Agency) Water Taxi Service - St. Nicholas Island - tel. 0882 834487 - Cell.360/373527 348/0166961/60

ADMIRE THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET AT SEA

From the highest point of the Abbey of St. Nicholas

EXPERIENCE A DAY ON THE FISHING BOAT WITH A COOK ON BOARD

My first time in the Tremiti was with my sister Federica, and the following year, I returned with office colleagues. We decided with my sister to spend a whole day aboard a fishing boat with the cook on board. A surreal and fantastic experience to say the least. It was in 2019

The following year I returned with colleagues and wanted to repeat the experience with them as well.

On the fishing boats (which you can catch from the San Domino pier) you can both sunbathe and enjoy the bounty of seafood, cooked directly on board. The formula on the fishing boats where I had the pleasure of having this experience is more or less similar. Mega table set for lunch with appetizer of bruschetta, urchins and fresh fish, mussels. First course pasta with fish and mussels and seafood, second course catch of the day.

In between white wine, seafood lunch and tours among the most beautiful coves in the archipelago, we enjoyed the day in the company of perfect strangers.

And yes, In the boat there are about 15 places available. The first time there were 2 of us, me and my sister. The second time with colleagues we were 5. In both cases we joined in. I recommend it to do at least once.

SHOPPING AT CONVENIENCE STORES ON THE ISLAND 

In the Tremiti Islands it is common to have a bag lunch to take by boat or by the sea on the rocks.

There are some interesting markets, small but stocked with the essentials

- Market Fentini - trovate tutto per una buona spesa

- Minimarket Shop 88 (bazar e market essenziale)

SNORKELING NEAR THE SUBMERGED STATUE OF FATHER PIO

I had not brought the Go Pro, however, I assure you the excitement was great when I saw it with the mask on! I borrowed this picture from colleagues.

With her arms outstretched and looking skyward: this is the image I found underwater when I caught sight of the famous Padre Pio statue in the Tremiti Islands.

It was not so easy to spot it. Then diving in with mask and tube we made it.

The sculpture, made by Foggia-based sculptor Mimmo Norcia, was laid on a concrete base in the seabed of the island on Oct. 3, 1998, between Caprara and the Tremiti Island of San Nicola. It lies 13 m deep and was cleaned of fouling and algae in 2016 to restore its splendor. You immediately understand where it is because there is a cluster of boats nearby and people diving in hopes that the water is not murky. It is surreal to see numerous small fish swimming around it, almost as if they want to keep company with the Pugs' most beloved saint

SEA BAPTISM OR DIVING

WHEREAS, I snorkel which I am a big fan of (with mask, tube and fins) but I have never dived as I am a big wimp.

However, it is one of the most popular activities to do in the Tremiti Islands because of its fantastic seabed to say the least.

I would like to point out the possibility of taking courses to get certified or simply approach the seabed with the wonderful BAPTISM OF THE SEA (at a cost of 80 euros) with AQUO DIVING . The baptism of the sea consists of a 40-minute dive completely attached to an experienced instructor who helps you with your breathing preventing any possible panic attacks.

In San Domino there is also a DIVING CENTER the formula is the same for them as well.

Always better to save this number too, in high season everything is always full

EXPLORING THE ISLAND OF SAN DOMINO: WALKING, BIKING, HIKING

San Domino is the largest island in the archipelago and the one with the most amenities for tourists. It is also the most important island, entirely covered with Mediterranean scrub, has only one sandy beach, Cala delle Arene (25 euros the location with 2 sunbeds and an umbrella) behind the harbor. Here are some of the island's most beautiful rocky coves that can also be reached via a marked hiking trail (for enthusiasts).

As soon as you arrive at the port of San Domino, the climb to the center of the island is challenging

You have two choices.

Pay 5 euros for a transfer that takes you to the center of the island (recommended choice if you have luggage and children)

Make the short climb on foot, tough but doable, after 15o mt it becomes flat and gives breathtaking views

In San Domino there are 5 hotels (Hotel Levante, Hotel La tramontana, Hotel Le Viole, Hotel Eden, Hotel Kyrie, Hotel La Pineta) and multiple apartments or room rentals or lodgings, which is the most popular mode of vacation accommodation used by tourists on the island. There are several restaurants on this island, as well as small restaurants or bars. There is also a bar that serves as a disco for those looking for nightlife (La Fenice and A Furmicula).

Segnalo tra quelli provati:

- Capatosta - Ottimi Burger e Gin list, provate il London Dry con gin fatto da loro ai capperi

- L'altro Faro - consigliatissimo anche dagli isolani, il pesce è protagonista di questo posto

- La Fenice - Ottimo per cena ma anche per l'aperitivo. Provate lo "Scialatiello"

- Da Elio Fish Bar - Qui spopola il finocchietto tremitese. Ambiente molto friendly. Menù a base di pesce. Se riuscite assaggiate la lasagna ai frutti di mare.

During the day, the island offers unique views with beautiful coves and caves: don't miss Cala delle Arene, Cala Matano, where artist Lucio Dalla's villa is located and has been rentable for the past few months.

Cala Spido - we arrived by a raft is wonderful (richly vegetated setting in which I took my first swim) Cala degli Inglesi, Cala Tamariello.

San Domino is also rich in caves such as Bue Marino, Viole or Rondinelle caves or Grotta and Cala dell'Elefante and Grotta Architiello

One of my favorites is the Spiaggia dei Pagliai - from this link you can see the videos I made on this Island

The Mediterranean macchia and Aleppo pines are the stars of the island's vegetation. In San Domino if you are a walker and the high heat doesn't scare you, there are several trekking routes, some I practiced, others I discovered by asking locals for information. All lead to the lighthouse, but from different directions.

1. San Domino Lighthouse

   It starts from a small rural village in the center of the island consisting of modest colonial-style houses. Three roads depart from here, the central one is referred to as “the pine forest road,” it leads through the forest, first climbing to the Romito Chapel and then descending to the lighthouse.

   
   

2. The western route

From this route passing through the pine forest you will meet: Cala degli inglesi, Cala dei Benedettini, Punta Secca, the Grotta del Bue Marino and then you can get to the lighthouse by following a marked coastal route

1. The Levante Route

This route runs along the east coast and will take you first to Grotta del Sale, then to Grotta delle Viole, Punta di Ponente, the Grotta delle Murene and then straight to the lighthouse.

Wear TREKKING shoes and take water, food and fruit with you; there are no refreshment stations along the route.

TAKE A PICTURE FROM THE WINDOW OVERLOOKING THE ISLAND OF SAN NICOLA

The fifth time in the Tremiti I spent time on the island of San Nicola. It is the place where I experienced the history of the Tremiti Islands. When you get there, the climb from the harbor to get to the living village is rough. It is steep with a pavement. Doing it backwards is likely to be slippery.

Uncomfortable, but the achievement is worth all the difficulty. The toughest is the first climb after which wearing sneakers everything becomes easier.

Here is the Fortress and the Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare.(oggi un cantiere aperto per via dei finanziamenti ricevuti dal ministero dei beni culturali)

Before the fortress, a window overlooking the island, a must stop for a photo.

These are the main attractions besides the Knight's Tower of the Crucifix and the mysterious tomb of Diomedes about which so many Legends have arisen. From here I was able to admire some of the most beautiful sunsets . In no other corner of the Tremiti Islands will you be able to enjoy the unique panorama that stands before your eyes as you ascend to the Fortress.

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