Tremiti Islands is an archipelago composed of five small islands and is located just 20 km from the Northern coast of Gargano. The five islands are: St. Nicholas (San Nicola), St. Domino, Capraia, Cretaccio and the farthest out, Pianosa; from an administrative point of view they belong to the Foggia Province and are also part of the Gargano National Park.
The archipelago was originally named Insulae Diomedae in honor of Greek hero Diomede, which as the story goes, founded the archipelago and was buried on one of the islands.
The archipelago is a jewel, literally a pearl in the Adriatic Sea, and makes for a splendid trip. The hour-long boat ride takes you to a world of raggedy cliffs, sandy coves and thick pine woods, surrounded by the cobalt-blue sea. Pretty deserted during winter months they become very crowded in summer when some 100,000 tourists descend on the archipelago.
This is due mainly to its natural beauty, history, nature, sunshine and sparkling blue waters, all within a national marine park. The crystalline waters and the splendid backdrops recall many tourists, attracted by the possibility of diving and underwater fishing where permitted. This is a wonderful destination for a day trip, or even better a relaxing extended holiday.
How to reach Tremiti Island
The most obvious solution to reach the Tremiti Islands is by hydrofoil or ferry. The choice for one or the other varies according to your budget and your tolerance of the sea. You can choose the option that is best for you depending on your place of departure
The main ports of departure to reach the Tremiti Islands are Rodi Garganico, Peschici, Termoli and Vieste. The destination ports are only those of San Domino and San Nicola. Three ferry companies offer the transport service.
The port that guarantees you a number of more frequent departures is that of Termoli, connected all year round, while the ports of Peschici, Vieste and Peschici are only active during the tourist season. The crossings are pleasant: the time it takes to reach your destination varies from a minimum of 50 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours depending on the line chosen and the type of vehicle used,
The vehicle can be parked in custody at the port, as the Tremiti islands do not authorize entry with vehicles except for San Domino. The islands are very small and there is no need to transport a vehicle. You can easily explore on foot and transport services such as taxi boats or boats, which can also be rented on site.
The ports and ferries to the Tremiti Islands
Make sure to check the ferry schedules in advance and consider making reservations, especially during busy times.
Termoli
The most common and popular way to reach the Tremiti Islands is by taking a ferry from Termoli. Ferries operate on a regular schedule, especially during the peak tourist season (from spring to early autumn). The routes are available every day. From Sunday to Thursday on a daily basis, but once a day. Instead, on Friday and Saturday, two journeys are available, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
Vieste
Another option is to take a ferry from Vieste to the Tremiti Islands. This route provides a different perspective and allows you to enjoy the stunning coastline of the Gargano Peninsula before reaching the islands. Gruppo Armatori Garganici is available for this route and the trips are on a daily basis starting from the summer period.
Peschici
This route is available only in the summer period; the trips to the port of San Nicola start from June and the boats of the Gruppo Armatori Garganici serve the route every day. The trip is available on a daily basis.
Rodi Gargano
From Rodi Garganico you can reach the port of San Domino. The ferry company that serves the route is NLG, which also provides a daily route throughout the summer.
For further information and tickets reservations please visit the following website https://traghettiisoletremiti.it/
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Some practical tips
Weather Check: The weather might be unpredictable, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast before your trip. Sea conditions can influence ferry schedules and travel comfort.
Booking in Advance: Especially during the peak tourist season, booking your ferry tickets in advance is a wise move. This helps secure your spot and prevents any last-minute inconveniences.
Island Choice: The Tremiti Islands consist of multiple islands, each with its own unique charm. Research and choose the one that aligns with your preferences and activities.
Pack Essentials: Depending on your planned activities (swimming, hiking, exploring), pack essentials such as sunscreen, comfortable footwear, swimwear, and any necessary medications.
St. Nicholas Island
St. Nicholas is the second largest inhabited island, it is also the heart of the archipelago. In fact it has always been the historical, religious and administrative center of the entire archipelago. Inhabited by monks since ancient times, it was a refuge for hermits and was also a penal colony. In the past it has also been used as the main defense against intruders, with its high walls and fortifications perched at the top of the island.
From a historical point of view there are large tracks of the past, among these we recall the castle like cluster of medieval buildings which rises up from the rocks, churches and fortifications walls. The Santa Maria a Mare Abbey which was founded in 1045. It guards a wooden cross (the only Greek Byzantine found in Italy) and its floor is made of a huge mosaic dating from the eleventh century. Its rocky coastline is dotted with dramatic caves and beaches, some of which can be reached by steep paths and others only by boat.
St. Domino
St. Domino island is the largest and most beautiful from a scenic point of view. Its coastline is characterized by the presence of several caves: Bue Marino cave, Murene cave, Viole cave, Sale cave. Not to be missed is a boat trip to the Rondinelle and Coccodrillo caves. Entirely covered with the beautiful coastal pines, thanks to its breathtaking seabed, the waters clear, cliffs and beaches this island is the main tourist destination in the archipelago as it is the most equipped in terms of tourism facilities. It offers a port, heliport, and a large number of hotels, restaurants, holiday villages, camp-sites and diving centers.
Capraia Island
Capraia is the second island in order of extension and is absolutely wild and uninhabited. This island is a favourite destination for scuba diving, among other excursions you can visit the wreck of the Roman ship Three Senghe dating back to the second century BC. The extraordinary clarity and color of its waters allow visitors to admire through the depths some of the most colorful sponges, annelids, curly fans and marine stars.
Pianosa Island
Pianosa is a deserted island and is barely more than an out-cropping of rocks but has extraordinary environmental importance and is one of the most protected under the Marine Reserve established in 1989 to preserve the exceptional variety of underwater plant life. Bathing, boating, and fishing are virtually impossible here. In addition to being abundant with sea-life, the waters around the island also gives up fragments of ceramics and Roman amphorae, resulting from the Roman ships that sailed its seas.
Cretaccio Island
Cretaccio is simply a large rock and is uninhabited, according to legend it is populated by ghosts. As the legend goes, a prisoner was executed on this island, and his ghost still now lives there, holding his head in his hands. To enrich the”thrill” contributes to the nearby rock La Vecchia, a dark black, owned by an old witch.
