Umbra Forest: the green heart of Gargano

In the Gargano National Park lies a green lung, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that tells the story of unspoiled nature in Puglia. We are talking about the Umbra Forest, an ancient woodland of beech, oak, and Turkey oak trees, nestled in a hilly landscape. The name can be misleading; Umbra does not derive from the region of Umbria, but means "shadow" in Latin, perfectly describing this spectacular spot in Puglia.

The Umbra Forest offers an enchanted atmosphere with its centuries-old trees, where light filters through the foliage, creating beautiful plays of light and shadow. The biodiversity is extraordinary, featuring deer, roe deer, and wild boar, as well as the Eurasian eagle-owl, making the walk a true paradise for wildlife lovers.

The trails are for everyone, from those who love extreme trekking to quieter families. The easy routes, such as those leading to the Lago d'Umbra (Umbra Lake), are suitable for all, while longer excursions towards Monte Iacotenente offer an itinerary immersed in breathtaking views for every skill level.

The Umbra Forest is positioned as one of the perfect destinations for those seeking a summer oasis and a cool refuge, with its average altitude of 800 meters. The shade of the beech trees, in fact, offers sanctuary for those who suffer greatly from the heat, far from the crowded coasts of Gargano.

For those looking for a getaway from the usual seaside moments in Puglia, taking refuge in this forest will provide peace.

Furthermore, it is a short distance from the villages of Vieste and Peschici, where you can taste local specialties and enjoy their seaside beauty. The Reserve's Visitor Center also offers guided tours and insights into the history and ecology of the Gargano, enriching the experience. We highly recommend everyone visit it.

Photo credits: Mboesch - licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.