Pugnochiuso on the Gargano: coves, beach and towers

Pugnochiuso is located on the Gargano promontory in Gargano National Park, overlooking the sea and the coves of Pugnochiuso and Portopiatto. The town lies on the coastal road between Vieste and Mattinata: Vieste is 20 kilometres from Pugnochiuso, and Mattinata is 25 kilometres away. The sea and coves define the local landscape; these two distances indicate its position between the coastal towns.

Coves and beach conditions

Spiaggia di Pugnochiuso is about 200 metres long and has a seabed of sand, gravel and pebbles. Spiaggia di Portopiatto is about 100 metres long and has a pebble-and-sand beach. Mediterranean vegetation, rocks and natural grottoes surround Spiaggia di Portopiatto. The two beach sections therefore differ in their approximate length, as well as in their seabed and surroundings. Spiaggia di Pugnochiuso is accessible only through the resort or by sea.

Water sports and pools

Lessons with qualified instructors are available at the diving centre on Spiaggia di Pugnochiuso. You can book canoes there to explore the grottoes and natural coves of the bay. Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, snorkelling and diving are possible in the small bay in front of Spiaggia di Pugnochiuso. The activities therefore include experiences on and under the water; canoe trips focus on exploring the grottoes and coves.

Guests of Pugnochiuso Resort have access to two seawater pools, including an Olympic-size pool, as well as a third adjoining pool for children's play. The pools are among the facilities available during a stay at the resort; access is intended for resort guests.

Coastal towers and Gargano National Park

Torre di Pugnochiuso was built to guard the beach below at Porto Piatto. The tower is accessible only through the Pugnochiuso accommodation complex. It is within sight of Torre di Porto Greco and Torre Preposti, which is now used as a lighthouse. Torre Preposti was built in 1946 on an existing ancient watchtower dating from the 16th century. To enjoy the panorama from Faro di Torre Preposti, you must follow a path within Pugnochiuso Resort.

The area around Torre Preposti is part of the Pugnochiuso Reserve; wild boar and mouflon live there. The establishment of the Pugnochiuso holiday centre is also connected with the area's tourist development: it helped put tourism in Vieste and the Gargano on the map.

Cycling and boat trips

From Pugnochiuso, cyclists can ride towards Monte Sant’Angelo and then take minor roads into the heart of Gargano National Park. Route details may vary depending on the provider or season.

A travel description dated 18 November 2021 names Pugnochiuso as the starting point for a boat trip to the Gargano sea caves. If you are planning this trip, check the current dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Alberona, Vico Del Gargano, Bovino, Cagnano Varano, Sant'agata Di Puglia, Foggia, Trinitapoli, Serracapriola.

Back to the main travel overview: Foggia.