The Gargano National Park was created in 1991 and covers an area of 121,118 ha in the province of Foggia. A visit to the protected area of the Foresta Umbra National Park is recommended for all tourists. Since 1977, the Foresta Umbra has been a nature reserve and, in the context of the development of tourism in the Gargano region, the Gargano National Park has been designated, of which the aforementioned Foresta Umbra is a part. Its purpose is to protect the last remnants of the old forest that once covered much of south-eastern Italy.
The original forest is located in the eastern part of the peninsula on an area of around 11 000 ha between the towns of Vico, Vieste and Monte Sant'Angelo. It consists of stands of typical local flora, beech, oak, yew, maple and pine. There are several lakes, beautiful species of orchids, anemones and violets, approximately 120 wild deer, badgers, martens, wild cats, many species of other wild animals and birds. The Umbra Forest is interspersed with hiking trails, nice places to rest and have an afternoon picnic. The climate in the lush green surroundings of the national park is mild and pleasant even in summer.
