FORESTA UMBRA

It is hard to believe but once the Gargano was an island completely covered in forests. When it joined the mainland, it formed the “spur of the Italian boot”, the Gargano peninsula and of all the vegetation that covered the entire surface of Gargano, nowadays only the Foresta Umbra survived. The green lung of the territory has an extension of over 10426 hectares. The forest, despite the deforestation, blazes and arsons that have occurred over the centuries, has almost completely preserved its canopy and hosts a peculiar biodiversity. Among the animal species are to mention the roe deer, the badger, the wild cat and many species of birds, like woodpeckers, the eagle owl and sparrows.
The Foresta Umbra is well known by those who love birdwatching or naturalistic photography enthusiasts. Inside the forest there is the Naturalistic Museum, where you can also admire archeological finds. For Trekking or Mountain Bike enthusiasts, the State Forestry Corps has created 14 trails, all suitable for beginners. At the start of each path there are wooden bord with all the informations you need and each path is marked with yellow bands on the trees to make it easier and reduce the risk you get lost. In the same area there is the Daini Wildlife Reserve, with a small pond.

It is hard to believe but once the Gargano was an island completely covered in forests. When it joined the mainland, it formed the “spur of the Italian boot”, the Gargano peninsula and of all the vegetation that covered the entire surface of Gargano, nowadays only the Foresta Umbra survived. The green lung of the territory has an extension of over 10426 hectares. The forest, despite the deforestation, blazes and arsons that have occurred over the centuries, has almost completely preserved its canopy and hosts a peculiar biodiversity. Among the animal species are to mention the roe deer, the badger, the wild cat and many species of birds, like woodpeckers, the eagle owl and sparrows.
The Foresta Umbra is well known by those who love birdwatching or naturalistic photography enthusiasts. Inside the forest there is the Naturalistic Museum, where you can also admire archeological finds. For Trekking or Mountain Bike enthusiasts, the State Forestry Corps has created 14 trails, all suitable for beginners. At the start of each path there are wooden bord with all the informations you need and each path is marked with yellow bands on the trees to make it easier and reduce the risk you get lost. In the same area there is the Daini Wildlife Reserve, with a small pond.