Monte Sant' Angelo - The Gargarno, an uindiscovered gem

A UNESCO world heritage site, Monte Sant Angelo is an exciting and unique place to visit. The town itself contains remarkable features as to both its unique architecture and the historical and artistic sights. It is regarded as one of the most interesting examples in Apulia of a "settlement" perched on the crest of a hill; its buildings follow the level curves of the mountain without affecting the integrity of the landscape.

Nearby attractions are equally stunning. As you leave the town to the west you travel into the Foresta Umbra National Park, (or Forest of Shadows) which stretches right across the centre of the Gargano massif - 11,000 hectares of pines, oaks and beeches, hiding a rich variety of wildlife, roe deer and wild boar especially and is the last remnant of an ancient forest which once covered most of Puglia. The area was designated a national park in 1991 and there are various marked walks through the forest and a Centro di Visita (visitor centre) in the middle which hands out advice and information.

To the south, you travel down within 20 minutes to some of the quieter untamed beaches in Italy. Particularly outside of August you will find that you will have roads and beaches to yourself. Food in this area is absolutely fabulous with many restaurants and agro-turismos serving fresh local dishes. Local delights include lamb, kid, eel, orange and lemons salads, stuffed morsels, cheeses, broad beans, snail soup, grape and fig cordials, macaroni with goat's meat sauce...I could go on, but you must find out for yourself.

Written by Graeme Beedham - Owner of Property 16054 in Monte Sant' Angelo, Italy