Isole Tremiti
Tremiti Islands: a charming archipelago in the heart of the Adriatic
If you want to spend a holiday surrounded by the sea and nature, the Tremiti Islands archipelago is a destination that you absolutely cannot miss. Located in the Adriatic Sea, north of the Gargano promontory and east of Termoli, this scattered municipality of 496 inhabitants in the province of Foggia in Puglia is a true gem of our peninsula.
Physical geography
The Tremiti Islands archipelago is composed of several islands, including San Nicola, San Domino, Capraia, Pianosa, Cretaccio, and Vecchia. San Nicola, with its surface area of 45.07 hectares, is the municipal seat of the archipelago and where the main monuments are located. San Domino, on the other hand, is the largest and most inhabited, and is known for its beautiful sandy beach. Capraia and Pianosa, on the other hand, are uninhabited but still worth a visit for their natural beauty. Cretaccio and Vecchia are two rocks located a short distance from the other islands.
The archipelago has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Rainfall is concentrated mainly in the autumn-winter period, while the wind regime is dominated by wind coming from the east and west. In the summer, the sea is favorable, while in the autumn-winter period there may be big waves and storms.
The marine nature reserve
Since 1989, part of the archipelago territory has constituted the Tremiti Islands marine nature reserve, which extends over an area of approximately 15,000 hectares. The reserve includes both the waters of the archipelago and a vast surrounding area, and is an important sanctuary for marine fauna and flora. Here, numerous species of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and algae can be observed, as well as many species of birds that nest on the cliffs.
The reserve allows for scuba diving, which lets visitors discover the beauty of the marine floor of the archipelago and see the many animal species that live there. Furthermore, the numerous trails that cross the islands are a great opportunity to admire the wild nature of the archipelago.
How to reach the Tremiti Islands
The most convenient way to reach the Tremiti Islands archipelago is by ferry. The main boarding ports are Manfredonia, Vieste, Rodi Garganico, and Termoli. However, only the port of Termoli guarantees a connection to the islands all year round. The trip takes about an hour and a half and offers a splendid view of the Adriatic Sea.
Things to see and do
The Tremiti Islands offer numerous activities for all tastes. Here, visitors can spend a day at the beach in San Domino, go for a hike or bike ride around the islands to admire the scenery, visit the Santa Maria a Mare church in San Nicola, or go scuba diving to discover the treasures of the marine floor.
Furthermore, the archipelago offers numerous opportunities for sports fishing enthusiasts. From the shore or from boats, it is possible to catch many species of fish, such as sea bream, bream, and swordfish.
Where to stay and where to eat
The Tremiti Islands archipelago offers numerous accommodation options, ranging from camping to vacation homes to luxurious hotels. However, the lodging facilities are relatively few and, during high season, it is advisable to book in advance.
With regard to cuisine, the archipelago offers a wide variety of dishes based on fresh fish and seafood. The Puglia cuisine is famous for its simplicity and genuineness, and here visitors can taste dishes such as pasta with clams, mussels marinara, spaghetti with seafood, and grilled fish.
Conclusions
In summary, the Tremiti Islands archipelago is a truly enchanting destination for all those who love the sea and nature. Here, visitors can spend a holiday dedicated to relaxation, fun, and discovery of the natural beauties of the Adriatic. With its beaches, trails, and culinary delights, the Tremiti Islands are an unforgettable experience that I recommend everyone to try at least once in their life.
