Few expressions conjure a specific geographical picture like “the heel of the boot.” Most can immediately picture a map of Italy and the thin “heel” that reaches southeast into the Adriatic. The region itself is called Apulia, but not many people know much about it — also known as Puglia in Italian. It’s forgivable when Italy offers tourists such a bounty of options in all seasons, like hiking or skiing in the Alps, wine tasting in Tuscany, little-known medieval villages on the island of Sicily, and of course, a world-recognized and beloved cuisine with dozens of must-try pasta dishes – just remember not to ask for this delicious, iconic dip.
With so much to dive into, it’s understandable that a place like Apulia might get missed on an itinerary, even though it boasts incredible, untouched natural beauty. One such overlooked yet ridiculously gorgeous place is the Tremiti Islands, which lie 12 miles off the coast of the northern end of the Gargano Peninsula (the “spur” of the heel). The Tremiti Islands consist of five islands: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio, and Pianosa.
Part of a protected natural area and Italy’s only archipelago in the Adriatic, this island chain of small beaches tucked into little white-walled coves, limestone cliffs overlooking clean turquoise water, and postcard-worthy views from castle walls is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat or casual days on the water. The islands even have excellent snorkeling and scuba adventures, but be sure to leave your car on the mainland because the only automobiles allowed on the islands belong to the locals.
Tremiti Islands: Enjoying this car-free marine paradise
The best way to visit the Tremiti Islands is to fly into Bari or Pescara. From either, it’s about a two-hour drive or train to Termoli, where the most convenient ferries embark from and take around an hour, although there are ferry options from Vieste, Peschici, Rodi Garganico, and Manfredonia. Each does a morning route to the islands and an evening trip back at varying hours. Daily ferries make a day trip an option, but the Tremiti Islands are too picturesque and deserve more time.
The arriving ferry eases into the islands past numerous little boats dotting the clear Adriatic water and brings visitors into the port of San Domino — the main island. Of course, the 11th-century Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare stands tall on the island of San Nicola to the right. Those two islands, San Domino and San Nicola, are the only populated islands of the five Tremiti Islands, and each offers a variety of hotel options. San Domino has the charming sandy beach, Cala delle Arene, lined with bright umbrellas and nestled into a small bay, while San Nicola has the main historic attractions like the aforementioned Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare, built by Benedictine monks in 1045, and the Badiali Castle, whose tall walls reach up from the limestone seawall and shrubbery.
Travelers can wander the castle walls or take a walk on paths through forests of thick Aleppo pine and Mediterranean scrub to other inlets and remote beaches. Going on foot is quite easy, as the largest island of San Domino is only 1.4 miles long, but the best way to get around is to take a taxi or get a guided tour to picnic and sunbath in a beautiful spot like the Lighthouse of San Domino.
The Tremiti Islands are a great destination for snorkeling and diving
