Mattinata
Welcome to Mattinata: a seaside resort in the heart of Gargano
Hello everyone! Today we're talking about Mattinata, a small town in the heart of Gargano, in Puglia. With its 5961 inhabitants and strategic position on the southern coast of Gargano, Mattinata has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Here's everything you need to know about this wonderful seaside resort.
A territory that combines sea and mountains
The territory of Mattinata covers an area of almost 72 km² and is included in the Gargano National Park. The town is located in a green olive grove basin surrounded by sea and woods. The coast of Mattinata is famous for its beautiful white cliffs and its sea stacks. Some unexplored coves and caves also attract many visitors, especially at the Bay of Zagare.
Mattinata is situated on two hills, Coppa Madonna and Castelluccio, surrounded by Mount Saraceno to the south, Mount Sacro to the north, the Oliveto plain and the sea to the east and Mount Sant'Angelo to the west. This location makes Mattinata an ideal place to spend holidays, as many outdoor activities can be done, while enjoying the unique landscape of Gargano.
Origins of the name and history
The toponym Mattinata or ''Matinata'' probably derives from the toponymy of the places where in the 1780s the first nucleus of the town was born. The original origin of the toponym is to be attributed to the ancient city of Matinum of which some vestiges are still visible in the municipal territory of Mattinata.
The foundation of the city dates back to the last segment of the 1700s, where there is news of the presence of the first straw huts, very simple dwellings generally one-roomed, used by shepherds for overwintering in places with a less harsh climate than that of the surrounding mountains, which will become the first permanent inhabited nucleus of the town. The current town center of Mattinata is located on the hills facing the bay, about one and a half kilometers from the site of ancient Matinum, and began to develop thanks to some mountain dwellers who, due to the mild climate, "descended to the valley" starting from the 16th-17th century.
From this primitive nucleus and with the construction of the first connecting roads with the surrounding centers, an agricultural village develops that little after 1950 becomes an independent small municipality. The inhabited center of Mattinata suffered serious damage and four victims due to the earthquake of Gargano in 1893.
An award-winning seaside resort
Mattinata is a well-known tourist destination, thanks to its beaches and crystal-clear waters. It has been awarded several times both the Blue Flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education and the "vele" of the Blue Guide of Legambiente. These recognitions were awarded for the quality of water, the cleanliness of beaches and the sustainable management of the environment. In short, Mattinata is an ideal destination for all those who love the sea and want to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
What to do in Mattinata
Mattinata offers many opportunities to spend your holidays. Firstly, there are the beaches: the "sorgenti" beach, the "roselle" beach, the "Pietre Nere" beach, the "Mattinatella" beach and the "Bay of Zagare" beach. The latter is the most famous because it is located in a protected bay and offers a spectacular view of the sea stacks. In addition, there are many sports activities to do such as trekking in the Gargano natural park or boat excursions to admire the marine caves.
The cuisine of Mattinata
As in every tourist destination, local cuisine is an important part of the travel experience. In Mattinata there are many typical dishes to taste such as the tiella di rosticceria, made with puff pastry stuffed with potatoes, rice, mussels, and clams; orecchiette with turnip greens, fresh fish, and extra virgin olive oil. Moreover, the area is famous for its wine, particularly Nero di Troia.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Mattinata is a beautiful seaside resort in the heart of Gargano. With its award-winning beaches and many outdoor activities, it is the ideal place to spend a relaxing summer holiday. Additionally, the history and culture of this city make it an interesting destination for lovers of art and history. In short, Mattinata is a must-visit destination if you are looking for a beach holiday in Puglia!
