You are in Mattinata, tired of lying on the beach. It sounds odd, I know, but let’s assume you’re one of those people pondering things to do in Gargano. If so, for example, you can do a short Monte Saraceno hike in Mattinata. Along the way there are nice views, a Daunian necropolis, and the ruins of an abbey, where people usually go back. But if you do the whole route, you can end up on the beach again.
How to Get to Monte Saraceno from Mattinata
Monte Saraceno is located between Manfredonia and Mattinata. From Mattinata you can theoretically hike along the road going by the sea, but it’s a long way, and sometimes there are annoying dogs, so it’s better to drive. Just go along Contrada Funni to the end of it. There’s a board with the map and stone stairs, i.e., the beginning of the path. And since they’re stairs, it means you have to climb. And then go back down again.
How to Get to Monte Saraceno from Manfredonia
To do Monte Saraceno Hike in Mattinata from Manfredonia you need a vehicle; public transport in Gargano is a joke. Going from Manfredonia towards Mattinata, pass the first tunnel and turn right onto the road leading up. This old winding route is loved by cyclists and motorcyclists, so don’t be surprised if one suddenly jumps out in front of your car.
Hiking in Mattinata attracts more and more people, and so does Monte Saraceno. I remember our first walk there; we were the only souls there, but it’s changing. Still, without GPS it’s difficult to know you’ve reached the place; the ‘helpful’ signs are a board and trees standing in the grass on the left side at the beginning of a beaten path. There’s no parking, so everyone leaves their cars wherever they can.
Daunian Necropolis of Monte Saraceno – A Bit of History
The name of the place comes from the Saracens, who settled there about 1,000 years ago. Before them, during the Bronze Age and the Copper Age, farmers in this land were Daunians. Besides farming, they were busy digging tombs, so they left over 500 of them in Monte Saraceno.
The Daunian necropolis of Monte Saraceno is not just tombs – these are quite nice (if tombs can be nice), sometimes with a quite precise shape, deeply carved in the rocks. Even if the rocks are limestone, making such pits without explosives must have been tedious and taken ages. I can imagine a Daunian sitting on a rock with a small tool in hand, poking a hole. And like that every day…
A few tombs, usually in caves, you can see following the main path; if you want to see more interesting ones (i.e., these handmade ones), take one of several side paths and hike a bit in the rocky Gargano mountains, enjoying the sea view, weird plants, and a few small caves. The Gargano massif is not high and, in my opinion, not mountainous enough (Abruzzo forever!), but actually pretty good if you want to hike, but not necessarily conquer peaks.
Views from Monte Saraceno – Mattinata and the Gargano Coast
Sticking only to the main path, you’ll see a panorama of the white town of Mattinata nestled in greenery and the blue of the nearby sea… it’s quite a sight.
On the other side of the path, there are a lot of trees: some still stand, some old ones are lying on the slope. Their massive roots burst the rocks in whose cracks they grew and ended their lives. Poor dead trees; still, their roots look good in pictures. I suspect the best time for Monte Saraceno is spring, when the plants are green and many species of wild orchids bloom.
Benedictine Abbey of Santissima Trinità on Monte Saraceno
Theoretically, the main path ends at the ruins of the Benedictine abbey of Santissima Trinità, which is now renovated (hopefully without the same effect as the tower on the way to Vieste). Theoretically, as the path continues down to Mattinata and its beaches.
How to Hike Down to Mattinata Beach
Generally, it’s very easy, because it’s a downhill route. On the left of the abbey there’s another ruined building. Between them you can see a small path trodden in the grass; now there’s a small board showing the way. There used to be crumbling wooden barriers; now there is a clear path, so continue down, still enjoying the sea view and other tombs hidden in the mountains.
The path is not difficult, but I hike a lot, also in much higher mountains, so my opinion is just mine, of course. There are more demanding and steeper parts (I always do them on my special-task bottoms), so it might be challenging.
Anyway, if you continue, after 10–15 minutes you’ll reach a viewpoint from which you can see the coast. Getting to the beach is very easy: keep to the path, then the steps, and shortly you’ll be down. Between the rows of houses, look for the “spiaggia” or “lido” signs indicating the beach. And then all that’s left is to lie on the sand and laze around. But if you left your car up… hm.
Monte Saraceno Hike in Mattinata Worth Doing?
The majority of people do just a part of the path, i.e., to the abbey and go back; there aren’t many climbers. Last time we didn’t go down to Mattinata; we stayed up and wandered in the mountains above the main track, enjoying small caves, the view, of course, some weirdly shaped rocks, lonely trees protruding here and there, and the silence.
The Daunian necropolis of Monte Saraceno could attract ancient history lovers, people interested in flora, or just those who like not-too-tiring hikes. One would like to say that if the tombs were in another region, everything would be well organized etc., well, probably it’s true. On the other hand, in contrast to the beaches in Gargano, neglected places like this one are still not crowded, so they are suitable for souls looking for some tranquility and blooming orchids. But remember, orchids are only in spring.
Practical Tips for Hiking Monte Saraceno
- Remember, if you start from Mattinata close to the sea, the path goes up.
- If you take just the main track, without any climbing, comfortable shoes are okay.
- To hike around and climb, wear trekking shoes.
- Hiking sticks can also be useful.
- I always have a bottle of water with me.
