Foresta Umbra, Gargano National Park
Less than 90 minutes from Foggia, the Foresta Umbra is the last great primeval forest of the Italian peninsula — a cathedral of centuries-old beech, oak and yew trees draped in moss and silence, sitting incongruously atop the sunny limestone plateau of the Gargano promontory.
The Forest Itself
The name means 'shady forest' and it earns it: even in July, the canopy is so dense that the temperature drops noticeably as you enter. Beech trees here reach 30 metres and some are estimated to be over 500 years old. The forest floor in spring is carpeted with wild orchids, cyclamens and ferns that seem to belong to a northern European latitude, not the heel of Italy.
The Corpo Forestale dello Stato maintains a network of well-marked trails ranging from easy 2 km loops to full-day 12 km circuits. The Sentiero dei Cervi (Trail of the Deer) is named for the roe deer that are genuinely common here — slow walkers at dawn or dusk will almost certainly see them.
Practical Planning
The forest's visitor centre near the hamlet of Umbra (between Vieste and Peschici on the SP52) has trail maps, a small natural history museum and a café serving local honey and Gargano citrus products. It is the best starting point for any walk.
Combine Foresta Umbra with a descent to the Adriatic coast at Vieste or Mattinata for a day that moves from cool green silence to white limestone cliffs and turquoise sea — one of the most satisfying single-day contrasts in southern Italy.
Foresta Umbra, Gargano National Park on video
More of Foggia
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Foggia →
