Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Travel / Places to Visit => Topic started by: ian mcenery on January 21, 2011, 03:39:20 PM

Title: The Gargano
Post by: ian mcenery on January 21, 2011, 03:39:20 PM

I am considering a trip to the Gargano in spring and wondered whether any forumist has experience or knowledge of the area.

Details of places to stay, useful maps with paths and best times and possible locations would be very much appreciated

Title: Re: The Gargano
Post by: Maggi Young on January 21, 2011, 03:46:32 PM

Kees Jan van Zwienen and Cliff Booker have been, for a start, (though Cliff wasn't impressed with the condition of the Park: "some memorable flowers, especially orchids but, unfortunately, the overriding memory of the Gargano National Park will be of a paradise being destroyed and ruined by litter and neglect.")

.......... see http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6273.0  
 
and Kees Jan's site:
http://keesjan.smugmug.com/Botanical-trips/Europe/Italy-Naples-to-Gargano-spring/
to get your plant juices flowing!

 Thomas Huber has this: http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=1628.msg41237;topicseen#msg41237

 Roland ("bulborum") is another who may be able to give you advice.... and Tony Willis.....    8)

Title: Re: The Gargano
Post by: ranunculus on January 22, 2011, 11:22:47 AM

Hi Ian,
I have only just spotted this topic ... my thanks to Maggi for replying so quickly.
The Gargano would be, without the litter and illegal dumping, a paradise for flower enthusiasts.  We found so many species and a host of differing habitats during our seven day break in March.
We stayed in Vieste at the end of the promontory and the town (and the peninsula) was still in hibernation, many hotels, shops and restaurants were shut, but on the plus side the roads were incredibly quiet and we had the flowers and scenery to ourselves.
You will enjoy your visit if you can ignore the ever increasing piles of garbage and trash ... unfortunately we couldn't!!!
Should you require further information or advice then please feel free to contact me privately.

If anyone from the Gargano tourist office or from the local government is reading this then PLEASE save your National Park before the illegal tippers destroy it completely.  You are the custodians of an unbelievably beautiful area.

Title: Re: The Gargano
Post by: Tony Willis on January 22, 2011, 06:38:37 PM

Ian

Lesley and I had a wonderful week there with numerous flowers. I will email/speak to you in the next couple of days

Title: Re: The Gargano
Post by: ian mcenery on January 23, 2011, 11:53:19 AM

Thank you Maggi for your helpful links and info. Great pictures by Kees Jan by the way

Also thanks Tony and Cliff for your kind offers of advice.