There Puglia it is not a predominantly mountainous region. Those few reliefs present are mainly rugged or thin out into gentle hills, and are concentrated in some of the most pristine and characteristic areas of the Foggiano and of Daunia.
In these places it is possible to enjoy a cool climate in summer. From the pastures it is even possible to see, in the distance, the intense blue of the sea that sculpts the Gargano cliffs. Let’s find out where to go to the mountains in Puglia during the hot season.
What are the most important mountains in Puglia?
Puglia is best known for its varied coasts, covering approximately 865 kilometers of profile. A few kilometers from some maritime areas, and on the border with Campania and Basilicata, you can find mountainous areas. THE main reliefs of the region they are grouped into two complexes:
- The Gargano;
- the Daunia Mountainsalso known as Daunian sub-Apennines.
They are the only mountainous areas in Puglia, with heights reaching respectively 1065 hey 1152 meters above sea level.
The highest peaks in Puglia, in order of altitude, are the following:
- Monte Cornacchia (1152 m);
- Mount Crispiniano (1105 m);
- Bald Mountain (1056 m);
- Monte Pagliarone (1042 m);
- Monte San Vito (1015 m);
- Monte Nero (1012 m);
- Monte Spigno (1009 m).
Where to go to the mountains in Puglia?
Puglia offers several ideal locations for those who love the mountains, excursions between the plateaus and protected areas, such as that of Alta Murgia National Parkwith gentler and less high peaks than a mountain, a few steps from the Apennines.
In fact, in addition to the Gargano and the Dauno Subappennino, in southern Puglia there are the Murge Altewith plateaus, ravines and caves that can be visited, protected parks, sheep tracks, and two peaks in particular:
- the Desperate Tower (686 m);
- the Murgia Serraficaia (673 m).
Where to go to the mountains in summer in Puglia
Summer in Puglia is not just the sea, but also experiences in the Murgia farms, among the protected parks of Alta Murgia, in the mountains and forests of Daunia and Gargano, from whose peaks in some places it is possible to admire the sea.
Despite theabsence of ski resorts, the region is perfect for excursions with nature, in the world of agriculture and pastoralism, and numerous outdoor activities. Here you are some of the high altitude locationswhere to spend the summer as an alternative to sunny and crowded beaches:
Daunian sub-Apennines
Ideal for trekking, this area offers fairytale landscapes with lush forests and natural paths.
The organized routes allow you to explore small local areas immersed in nature, with routes on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Here you can also enjoy the delicious local gastronomy.
Biccari
Village overlooking Monte Cornacchia, boasts breathtaking views of green valleys. The protected areas of Cornacchia and Bosco Cerasa, Lake Pescara and the Vado del Tufo forest are ideal sites for summer excursions.
Faeto
It is the highest municipality in the province of Foggia, lying at 866 meters above sea level, offering summer coolness and suggestive views.
Pietramontecorvino
Listed among the “Most beautiful villages in Italy“, this village offers a charming medieval center and numerous farmhouses and B&Bs for a relaxing stay all year round. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
Bald Mountain
In the Gargano National Park, it is known for the presence of karst phenomena which shaped the rock, forming graves and sinkholes. The wildlife is rich in examples of ravens, kestrels, owls and buzzards.
Sacred Mountain
With his 874 metersis the highest peak in the eastern Gargano and hosts the remains of the Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity.
Gargano and Monte Sant’Angelo
Territory crossed by numerous routes that start from the Umbra Forest and reach the abbey of Monte Sant’Angelo and Monte Sacro. The Gargano appears rough and rugged here, with the climb towards Monte Sant’Angelo, at 800 meters above sea level.
It can be reached on foot via the Scannamugliera Path, part of the Via Francigena Micaelicacarved into the rock between the terraces, considered a historic rural landscape by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Alternatively, you can get there by car through the hairpin bends. A few steps away is the Sanctuary in San Michele Cave, among the UNESCO heritage sites of Pugliawhich is advisable to visit with a guide so as not to miss the ancient part of the crypt.
