The name tells you something before you arrive. Zagare is the Italian word for orange blossoms — named for the orange groves that once covered the hillsides above this bay on the southern Gargano coast. The orange trees are largely gone. What remains is the bay itself: white pebble beach, two tall limestone sea stacks (faraglioni) rising from the water immediately offshore, and cliffs on three sides that drop straight to the Adriatic in shades of white and grey and pale green.
Baia delle Zagare is widely considered the most dramatic bay on the Gargano coast — and consequently one of the most photographed coastlines in all of Puglia. The combination of the faraglioni, the cliffs, and the clarity of the Adriatic water creates a visual composition that photographers specifically travel to capture. The difficulty of access — the beach is reachable only by steep path on foot, by hotel shuttle, or by boat — has helped preserve it.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit: access options, parking, the permit system for the public beach, boat tours, and what to expect when you get there.
What Makes Baia delle Zagare Special?
A Coastal Haven
Baia delle Zagare, also known as Baia dei Mergoli, is renowned for its striking natural beauty. Located in the Gargano National Park, this secluded bay boasts white pebble beaches framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery. The crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations, including the iconic sea stacks known as “Faraglioni,” make it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.
The faraglioni of Baia delle Zagare are the defining feature of the bay — two tall white limestone stacks rising from the water just offshore, their bases washed by the Adriatic on all sides. The taller of the two reaches approximately 74 metres above sea level. Between them and the cliff face, the water is sheltered and extraordinarily clear — the pale limestone bottom visible at considerable depth.
The geological process that produced them is the same that shaped the entire Gargano coast: millions of years of wave erosion working on the limestone promontory, isolating resistant columns of rock from the main cliff face. The faraglioni are what remains of a cliff that once extended further into the sea.
They are accessible by swimming or kayak from the beach — circumnavigating the base of the larger stack is a 20-minute swim and one of the most specifically Gargano experiences the bay offers.
Rich in Natural Beauty
The bay is part of the Gargano National Park, a protected area that offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. The juxtaposition of azure waters against the backdrop of rugged cliffs creates a mesmerizing landscape that feels like a slice of paradise.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| April – May | Mild 15–22°C, wildflowers, almost no visitors. | ✅✅ Outstanding for photography and hiking |
| June | Warm, sea swimmable (22–24°C), manageable crowds. | ✅✅ Best overall window |
| July – August | Hot, 30°C+, peak season, 30-permit daily limit fills fast. | ⚠️ Book permits ahead, arrive early |
| September – October | Sea still warm (24–26°C), crowds thin sharply. | ✅✅ Excellent — underrated window |
| November – March | Quiet, mild, hiking season. No swimming. | ✅ For photographers and walkers |
💡 The 30-permit daily limit for public beach access applies from June through September. Outside these months, access is unrestricted.
🚗 How to Get to Baia delle Zagare
By Car — The Practical Option Baia delle Zagare is on the SS89 coastal road between Vieste and Mattinata — approximately 35km south of Vieste and 14km north of Mattinata. The beach is signed from the road.
- From Bari airport: approximately 170km via the A14 and SS89 — around 2 hours
- From Vieste: approximately 35km south on the SS89 — around 35 minutes
- From Mattinata: approximately 14km north on the SS89 — around 15 minutes
- From Foggia: approximately 90km — around 1 hour 15 minutes
Parking is available at the roadside pull-offs on the SS89 above the bay. In July and August these fill by 9am — arrive early or you’ll park further along the road and walk.
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On Foot — The Public Path The public path from the road to the beach is steep and requires sturdy footwear. The descent takes approximately 15–20 minutes; the ascent longer. The path is marked from the road.
The Public Access Permit System Free public access to the beach is limited to 30 visitors per day during peak season (June–September). Passes are issued by the Mattinata municipality:
- Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico, Corso Matino 70, Mattinata — Monday to Friday, 8:30am–11:30am
- Comando Vigili Urbani, Corso Matino 90 — Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 8:30am–11:30am
- Phone: (+39) 0884 559097 / 550310
Passes are daily, free, and non-transferable. In July and August they go quickly — call ahead or collect the morning you plan to visit.
By Boat — The Best Option in Summer Several tour operators in Vieste and Mattinata offer boat trips along the Gargano coast that include a stop at Baia delle Zagare. This bypasses the permit system, allows you to see the faraglioni from the water (the best angle for photography), and includes other coves along the coast.
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From the Hotels The Hotel Baia delle Zagare and Baia dei Faraglioni Beach Resort both provide direct access for guests via private paths or shuttle services. If you’re based at either hotel, the access question is resolved automatically.
Where to Stay Near Baia delle Zagare
Hotel Baia delle Zagare
The Hotel Baia delle Zagare is a luxurious option right on the beach. It offers stunning sea views, private beach access, and excellent amenities, including a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Things to Do at Baia delle Zagare
Relax on the Beach
The primary draw of Baia delle Zagare is its beautiful beaches. Spend your days lounging on the soft white pebbles, swimming in the clear blue waters, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Explore the Sea Caves
Rent a kayak or join a boat tour to explore the fascinating sea caves along the coast. These hidden grottos are accessible only by water and offer a unique adventure.
Hike the Coastal Trails
For those who love hiking, the surrounding area offers several scenic trails. The paths lead you through fragrant pine forests, along the cliff edges, and offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Insider Tips for Visiting Baia delle Zagare
- Arrive Early: During the peak season, the beaches can get crowded. Arrive early in the morning to secure a good spot.
- Bring Supplies: There are limited facilities on the beach, so bring your own water, snacks, and sunscreen.
- Respect Nature: As part of a national park, it’s important to respect the natural environment. Take your trash with you and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Baia delle Zagare is a true hidden gem on the Gargano coast, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore sea caves, or hike scenic trails, this stunning bay has something for everyone.
Plan your visit to Baia delle Zagare today and experience the magic of one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal destinations. For more travel tips and guides, explore other articles on www.beautifulpuglia.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The beach has both free public access and a hotel-managed private beach. Public access is free but limited to 30 people per day during peak season (June–September) — you need a free permit from the Mattinata municipality office before visiting. The hotel beach sections are reserved for hotel guests. Outside peak season, public access is unrestricted.
Three options: by car on the SS89 between Vieste and Mattinata (35km from Vieste, 14km from Mattinata) then on foot down the steep public path; by boat from Vieste or Mattinata on a Gargano coast tour; or as a hotel guest with direct access. In July and August, the boat option is the most practical for day visitors who don’t want to deal with the permit system.
The faraglioni are two tall limestone sea stacks rising from the Adriatic just offshore from the beach — the most dramatic and most photographed feature of the bay. The taller stack reaches approximately 74 metres. They were formed by wave erosion isolating columns of resistant limestone from the main cliff face over millions of years. They are accessible by swimming or kayak from the beach.
June and September offer the best conditions — warm sea, manageable crowds, and the 30-permit limit less likely to be exhausted before you arrive. July and August are peak season with the most dramatic atmosphere but the most difficult access logistics. April and May are excellent for photography and hiking without crowds, though the sea is cooler. The faraglioni are spectacular in any season.
Yes — the Hotel Baia delle Zagare sits directly above the bay and gives guests private direct access to the beach, bypassing the permit system entirely. It’s a luxury property with stunning sea views and a restaurant serving local Gargano cuisine. For visitors who want the full Baia delle Zagare experience without the access logistics, staying at the hotel is the cleanest solution.
