Why visit the Bay of Zagare

Imposing cliffs of dazzling whiteness, sea stacks, and natural arches with unreal shapes by the sea, golden beaches and emerald colored waters. The Bay of Zagare is a natural spectacle that in spring is fragrant with orange blossoms. "One of the places to visit at least once in a lifetime," according to the New York Times, captivating every traveler with its lush vegetation, the brightness of the limestone cliffs, and the silence of this bay of wonders.

This is why to visit the Bay of Zagare, in the Gargano, in Puglia.

The Bay of Zagare is named for the fragrant orange blossoms that intoxicate the coast with their intense scent in spring. It is also known as the Bay of Mergoli, named after the local dialect term for the blackbirds and solitary sparrows that inhabit the area. Awarded the 3 Sails by Legambiente, the Bay of Zagare is a beautiful cove bathed in emerald green sea and surrounded by breathtaking scenery along the southern coast of Gargano, in the territory of Mattinata.

It is recognized by the white limestone cliffs plunging into a crystal clear sea and two spectacular sea stacks that rise from the water a short distance from the shore, called the Arch of Diomede, or Magic Arch to the locals, and The Scissors. They are extraordinary rock formations shaped by the erosion from the weather and sea. Today, they have become symbols of Gargano.

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The Bay of Zagare has three beaches, consisting of light pebbles and golden sand, from which to admire this panorama. The northern beach, about 260 meters long, is separated from the southern beach, about 460 meters long, by a high cliff and the sea stacks. The beaches are washed by a crystal clear sea that quickly becomes deep, offering a range of blue shades best admired when calm.

However, the beaches face east and are in shade in the afternoon because the sun sets behind the high cliff. Therefore, arrive early in the morning.

Guests of the hotel or those who have requested a pass from the municipality of Mattinata can access the beaches via the staircase or the elevator carved into the rock of the Hotel Baia delle Zagare. The third beach, further north and 60 meters long, is only accessible by sea.

The coast around the Bay of Zagare hides some wonders such as the Red Cave, which houses an incredible lagoon inside, the Caves of Chiancaliscia and the Bats, as well as the Puntone cave near the promontory of Puntone, behind which stands another sea stack called La Pipa. Furthermore, along the stretch of coast from Mattinata to Vieste, there is another stunning sea stack called the Arch of Lovers. If you are unfamiliar with the area and want to explore these wonders safely, it is advisable to join a guided boat tour that departs daily from the Bay of Zagare.

The best way to enjoy this marvelous cove is to stay at the Hotel Baia delle Zagare. It is a 4-star hotel with 150 rooms and Mediterranean-style villas, built nearly sixty years ago perched on the cliff and perfectly integrated into the surrounding environment. The hotel is immersed in lush Mediterranean maquis and boasts a panoramic restaurant where breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed with views of the entire bay and the sea stacks below.

Additionally, hotel guests have access to the two beautiful beaches of the Bay of Zagare via panoramic elevators that descend six stories directly onto the golden sand and emerald waters. It is a historic hotel with retro charm and a loyal clientele that often returns due to the pampering from the hotel staff and the magic of the place.

Don't forget to take a canoe ride, available to guests, to admire the beauty of the coast from the sea or take a boat to discover the caves.

The Bay of Zagare has been included among natural oases for the beauty of its landscape and because it is part of the Gargano National Park. Covering 118,144 hectares, the park includes the northeastern part of Puglia, often referred to as the "spur of Italy," and the Tremiti Islands.

It is a promontory clad in coastal forests of pines and oaks and cultivated with almond, orange, and olive trees. The low sandy coast in the northern stretch gradually becomes steep with high limestone cliffs that open into coves of very fine sand. The heart of the park is largely covered by the Foresta Umbra where beeches and pines grow. Among the dense vegetation, fascinating villages such as Vieste, San Menaio, Peschici, and Mattinata are hidden. Therefore, for those who do not like to spend the day at the beach, they can explore the park and climb to Monte Sant'Angelo, where the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina is located, or visit nearby villages.

Located on the southern coast of the Gargano promontory and overlooking the Gulf of Manfredonia, Mattinata is a seaside resort repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, about 15 km from the Bay of Zagare. Amidst a sea of olive trees, almond trees, and prickly pears descending towards the sea, rests the white village of Mattinata, inhabited since the 5th century BC. Carved from the rock of two hills, Castellacelo and Coppa della Madonna, the village is protected by Monte Sacro, known in ancient times as Monte Dodoneo, and by Monte Saraceno, where the remains of a Bronze Age necropolis can be seen. In the marina, the remains of an ancient Roman villa are visible, and on Monte Sacro are the ruins of the Abbey of the SS.

Trinity. It's worth visiting Mattinata especially for its beautiful and wide beaches: kilometers of pebbles smoothed by a crystal-clear sea, which serve as a starting point for boat excursions to the numerous caves and coves.

As you continue along the Gargano coast to the north, you will encounter Pugnochiuso, another tourist location with beautiful beaches surrounded by greenery, and Vieste, a picturesque center with narrow alleys and white houses perched above the sea. Further up the coast, you will reach Peschici, another white village characterized by an intricate network of alleys, steps, arches, and courtyards overlooking the blue sea and the marina. Continuing up the coast, you arrive at Rodi Garganico, an ancient fishing village described by many as the "garden of Gargano," surrounded by citrus and olive groves, perched on a promontory overlooking the sea.