Granello d’Oro Beaches in Gargano: Prices and Services
Where to stay near the sea, how much a beach umbrella costs, and how to get around Lesina, Rodi Garganico, and Vieste
Between Lesina, Rodi Garganico, and Vieste, you'll find beaches awarded for family support, accessibility, nature, and sustainable mobility. These places won the *Granello d'Oro*, a recognition from the Puglia Region based on the quality of services offered. Official list.
To reach these beaches and travel along the coast, using a car is the most practical option, but public transport is still possible if you plan ahead. Beaches, villages, and places to visit are spread out, and connections aren't always frequent. This is different from Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, where train stations are in town and trains run often.
Lido Rosa, Lido Blu Marine, and Vela Velo Beach: costs, accommodations, and transport
Lido Rosa - Lesina is a beach resort on the northern Gargano coast. It balances comfort, untouched nature, and organized hospitality. The beach is so wide that I found space even on Ferragosto. It offers umbrellas and sunbeds for 25 euros, plus showers and parking. For leisure, there are beach volleyball, basketball, and soccer fields, along with entertainment and a kids' club.
The day can end at the on-site bar-restaurant, where you can also have seafood dinners. It's not a gluten-free kitchen, but they offer options for celiac customers.
The facility also manages accommodations just 200 meters away. I rented a room in July for 85 euros per night, including breakfast.
Lido Blu Marine - Rodi Garganico is a beach resort on a stretch of golden sand between the sea and the Lago di Varano nature reserve. In August, the cost for one umbrella and two sunbeds is a bit high, around 40 - 50 euros per day. I suggest going in June or September to spend 20 - 25 euros per day.
The beach stands out for accessibility and offerings. There are areas for people with disabilities or reduced mobility and those traveling with pets. A small sailing center offers courses or rentals for SUP, windsurfing, canoeing, and catamarans.
I'm lazy and often preferred relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.
Then I had lunch at the restaurant with a sea-view terrace. They offer a buffet of typical Puglian dishes, costing about 30 euros per person for a full meal.
In the afternoon, I went to Peschici (22 km) using the public bus from Ferrovie del Gargano. You board at Lido del Sole, on via delle More, just a 5-minute walk from Lido Blu Marine. You get off in Peschici, on via Montesanto in the center. The service is punctual and well-organized with hourly trips until 9:30 PM. Tickets can be bought online for just 2 euros or on board for a small extra charge.
Lido Vela Velo Beach - Vieste is a long, sandy beach right after the Vieste marina. It's a modern beach combining relaxation, water sports, and local dining. I found the umbrella and sunbed service very affordable compared to similar places: 10 euros per day in low season; 25 euros in high season.
After a day at the beach, I walked to the center. It's a pleasant 15-minute walk. This way, I reached restaurants and bars without worrying about traffic or parking.
Vieste is also the perfect base for exploring the Gargano inland and coast. You can head north to Peschici and Rodi or south to Mattinata.
If you have 4 or 5 days, the beach can be the starting point for a broader itinerary covering Lake Lesina, the coast, Gargano villages, and natural landscapes inland. With a bike, you can also ride parts of the Giro del Gargano, combining sea and villages in one trip.
