Vico del Gargano: what to see and how to get there
Vicolo del Bacio, Valentine's Day celebration, medieval alleys, and practical tips on cars, parking, and buses
Vico del Gargano is about 20 kilometers from Peschici, but it's a different experience. Peschici is all about the sea, beaches, and coastal views. Vico is a small inland village, listed among Italy's most beautiful villages. You don't need a long list of monuments. Just stroll through the medieval historic center, with its stone houses, arches, and stairways.
The GAG, the Giro del Gargano by bike, also passes through Vico. The village is one of the gateways to the Foresta Umbra. A significant part of the forest is within Vico del Gargano's territory. Other areas belong to Monte Sant'Angelo, Vieste, Peschici, and Carpino.
Castle, iconic alleys, parking, and how to get there
In the oldest area, you'll find the Castle, a military fortress from 1167, and the Chiesa Matrice, built in 1675. There are also other churches and parts of ancient fortifications. The Castle isn't accessible for people with disabilities due to architectural barriers. For some years, it has hosted associations and isn't open for tourist visits.
These are stops on a long walk, where the journey matters as much as the sights. Among alleys, stone houses, arches, and stairways, it feels like stepping back in time.
One of the most characteristic places is the Vicolo del Bacio, 30 meters long and 50 centimeters wide. The narrow street opens onto a square dedicated to San Valentino, with an old stone well. Visitors leave messages or make romantic wishes there. We visited to take a photo for Instagram.
The town is also known for the February 14th celebration, the feast of San Valentino. During the festivities, the town turns into a fragrant garden of lemons, oranges, and bay leaves.
But Vico isn't just a winter spot. It's great in summer too, especially if you're staying in Peschici or Rodi Garganico. I think Vico and Peschici complement each other well on the same trip: Peschici is perfect for a beach vacation; Vico is ideal for peace and the greenery of the promontory.
If you're based in Peschici, it's better to drive to Vico. The trip on the SS89 takes about 40 minutes and the road gently climbs towards the promontory, offering several scenic views along the way. Once in town, you can park in the public parking outside the center, both free and paid, on via del Risorgimento or piazza Monte Tabor. The historic center is a restricted traffic zone.
To avoid parking, we comfortably took the Gargano railways public bus, boarding in Peschici near the cemetery and getting off in Vico's central area. The service is well-organized with trips starting at 6:30 AM and returning until 7:30 PM.
The ticket costs 2 euros at the newsstand or on board, with a small extra charge.
We ended the day with a great dinner in town. Also, the prices seemed lower compared to Peschici, probably because Vico is less affected by beach tourism. Eating here can be a good idea even for those staying in Peschici.
The only regret is discovering Vico at the end of our vacation. If you're planning your trip, include it from the start.
