The sea caves of the Gargano
Between Vieste and Mattinata the Gargano coast is a succession of caves, arches and sea stacks: by kayak you enter the Grotta Sfondata, pass under the Architiello di San Felice and reach the Baia delle Zagare.
The story
In Vieste the Pizzomunno monolith, about 25 metres high, is linked to a love legend: the young fisherman Pizzomunno was turned to stone by grief when the sirens carried off his beloved Cristalda.
Why go
Because by kayak you enter caves where boats cannot go, in some of the most beautiful water in Puglia.
Which wind
Good with Light Libeccio, calm sea
Avoid with Bora, strong Maestrale
Practical information
- Activities
- Kayaking, SUP, Snorkelling
- Level
- Beginner to intermediate
- Seabed
- Limestone cliffs, arches and caves, turquoise water
- Best time
- June–September
- Seasons
- Summer
- Getting there
- Kayak rentals and guided trips from Vieste and Pugnochiuso.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind, wave height and sea temperature.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Peschici Calenella station, 17.1 km away. Alternatively: Bellariva station, 19.3 km away. From the station you need a bus, a taxi or a car.
- By air. The nearest airport is Bari Airport (BRI), about 95 km away.
- Parking. The nearest public car park is 600 m away.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from May to November, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. The wettest month is November (about 78 mm), the driest July. The sea is above 22 °C from June to September, peaking at 27 °C in August.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from 11 to 13 °C | 13° 11° | 63 | 14° |
| Feb | from 11 to 13 °C | 13° 11° | 61 | 13° |
| Mar | from 12 to 14 °C | 14° 12° | 58 | 14° |
| Apr | from 14 to 16 °C | 16° 14° | 36 | 15° |
| May | from 18 to 19 °C | 19° 18° | 45 | 18° |
| Jun | from 22 to 24 °C | 24° 22° | 35 | 23° |
| Jul | from 25 to 27 °C | 27° 25° | 24 | 26° |
| Aug | from 26 to 27 °C | 27° 26° | 40 | 27° |
| Sep | from 23 to 25 °C | 25° 23° | 52 | 25° |
| Oct | from 19 to 21 °C | 21° 19° | 65 | 21° |
| Nov | from 16 to 18 °C | 18° 16° | 78 | 18° |
| Dec | from 13 to 15 °C | 15° 13° | 49 | 16° |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 0 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total; sea: surface temperature from NOAA OISST. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Other spots nearby
- Snorkelling and diving in the TremitiSnorkelling, Scuba diving, Kayaking · 62 km
- Kayaking the caves of Polignano a MareKayaking, SUP, Snorkelling · 130 km
- Torre GuacetoSnorkelling, Kayaking · 187 km
- ★ Porto Cesareo and the Isola dei ConigliKayaking, SUP, Snorkelling · 230 km
Sea conditions can change within hours: before going in, check the marine forecast and the local harbour office (Capitaneria di porto) rules. Emergencies at sea: 1530.