Peschici is a charming small town in Puglia, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of both the sunrise and sunset over the sea. The coastline of Peschici is adorned with Saracen Towers, which are ancient defence structures that once protected against enemy invasions. An insider tip with Italians - hence less crowded with tourists - stylish and fabulous restaurants, luxurious hotels, and accommodation. The most captivating aspect of Peschici is undoubtedly its historic centre—a labyrinth of alleys just waiting to be explored. You'll find charming white houses, craft shops, and stunning views of the sea, along with little stores where you can sample typical local products.
Be sure to visit the Castle - Castello di Peschici and the Torture Museum, both of which are located near one of the most scenic squares in all of Puglia. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Gargano coast, this castle was remodeled in the 18th century. Originally built by the Normans between the 10th and 11th centuries, it served as a defense against attacks by Saracens and pirates, and also as the residence of the monks from Tremiti Abbey. During the reign of Frederick II, the castle's defensive capabilities were enhanced with the construction of a tower known as the "Imperial Fortress," followed by the addition of the baronial enclosure. Today, the castle is privately owned, but visitors can explore its dungeons, which were once used as prisons and a weapons depot. Here, you can admire various torture instruments and artifacts dating from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. After exploring the dungeon, the terrace garden overlooking the sea offers a more tranquil and reassuring atmosphere.
In the historic center of Peschici, you can find artisans' workshops and artists' laboratories. Take a moment to admire the unique pieces and ask the friendly artisans for details about their craftsmanship. Local crafts include ceramics, papier-mâché, embroidery, musical instrument making, wrought iron, glass and mosaic making, among other things.
We recommend trying the typical products of the region, including taralli, stuffed wafers, caciocavallo cheese, and the "Limolivo" or "Veleno del Gargano" liqueurs. The filled wafers ('ostie ripiene') are a typical sweet of Monte Sant'Angelo, a small town in Gargano are, in northern Puglia; made with almonds, honey and cinnamon. Their birth is linked to a very curious legend. It is said that, around 1600, in the Monastery of the Trinity of Santa Chiara, some nuns were preparing the dough for the sacred hosts to be served at mass. Some almonds accidentally fell into a bowl of hot, freshly cooked honey. A nun noticed what had happened and, not having anything to hand to collect them, thought it best to use two wafers of rice paper. A few seconds later, almonds, honey and wafers had become a single compound, giving life to the typical mountain dessert. Be sure to visit the most famous ice cream shop in Peschici, "Michel," where you can taste local flavors like cartellata and caciocavallo podolico ice cream! Or try the Ai Tre Latte: Apricena three-milk blue cheese ice cream with asparagus cream and browned bacon.
Peschici is renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets over the sea. If you’d rather not wake up early, you can still experience the beauty of the sunset from one of the trabucchi in Peschici. Be sure to visit the famous Trabucchi da Mimi, where you can enjoy both spectacular sunset views and excellent seafood cuisine. The atmosphere is truly magical.
The beaches of Peschici are entirely sandy and feature shallow waters. Among the most popular spots is Baia Jalillo, which offers several lovely sandy areas perfect for enjoying the beautiful sea. Visitors can also take pleasant walks while admiring stunning views of Peschici, with its white houses perched high above.
The beaches of Peschici are entirely sandy and feature shallow waters. Among the most popular spots is Baia Jalillo, which offers several lovely sandy areas perfect for enjoying the beautiful sea. Visitors can also take pleasant walks while admiring stunning views of Peschici, with its white houses perched high above. Zaiana Beach: You will find a flight of steps leading down to a dark sand beach nestled between the cliffs—truly remarkable. Mannacora Beach: This beach has shallow water and is home to high-quality bathing establishments, along with a good portion of free beach area. It is worth a visit. Procinisco Beach: This beautiful beach features fine sand and is surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. It is not very crowded and is located just a few kilometers from the center of Peschici. The beach is well-equipped, and for those interested, a bar and restaurant are available. Peschici undergoes a complete transformation during the summer months of July and August, with many bars in the historic center coming to life through live concerts, themed evenings, and various events. The lidos near Peschici also organize music evenings on the beach. In contrast, during the other months of the year, Peschici offers a slower, more relaxed pace.
There are plenty of accommodation options on offer. From Airbnb to private Villas or Hotels. The Boutique Hotel Mangiano, is a new hotel with a bold design that reproduces the sinuosity of a cruise ship. Located in the bay of Peschici, the Hotel boasts a breathtaking panoramic view, perfect for those who want a harmonious combination of luxury, innovative design and natural beauty.
Renowned for its vibrant and flavourful dishes, Michelin-Star Ristorante Porta di Basso offers guests an elegant dining experience in an ancient oil mill overlooking the sea. The cuisine celebrates simplicity, focusing on three key ingredients that enhance each other through contrasting flavours. Guests are greeted with homemade, naturally leavened bread, Peranzana oil, and fresh tomatoes, followed by “Biancofiore” eggs with capocollo and guanciale, and a selection of fresh and aged cheeses with Marruco honey and jams from their family business. Citrus juices and seasonal fruit prepare the palate for a variety of homemade desserts, including yogurt and ricotta from the Facenna farm, fresh garden fruits, and delightful pastries. The dishes feature a lively array of colours and textures, beautifully balancing the flavours of the sea and land. This culinary experience captures the essence of Puglia and the Mediterranean, showcasing a rich blend of cultures and traditions. Porta di Basso has also an elegant accomodation offering with the Albergo Diffuso, with a range of suites - with Puglian decor and the most incredible sea views!
Porta di Bossa also offers lessons at their cooking school, which is the first established cooking school in the village. Guests can participate in traditional cooking courses in the central classroom or join gourmet cooking master classes with the chef. Additionally, there are opportunities to forage in the Manaccora olive grove, learn about marinades, and take part in open-air grilling and smoking lessons.
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