Ciao! Hello!
I'd like to share a bit of what I just sent out in my newsletter. This is one of the beaches we go to when I take groups of people to Roseto!
Everyone has heard of the Amalfi Coast...right? But... have you ever heard of the Gargano? Ahaaaa!!! I'll bet most of you have not! (and if you have please don't take offense!!!)
The Gargano is the "spur" at the top of the "heel" of the boot of Italy in the region of Puglia. This beautiful picture is not of Amalfi or the west coast of Italy but from a beach called Mattinata which is on the Gargano.
Most of the Gargano is part of the Gargano National Park in the central part of the spur and then there are the glorious beaches surrounding it all! Besides Mattinata, there are other beaches such as Vieste, Peschici, Rodi Garganico and so many more along the whole coastline! What sights to behold!
You can also visit the Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. It is the 2nd most visited Catholic Shrine in the world.(second only to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City) . This is where San Pio (who was made a Saint in 2002) served most of his life. He was known to have many mystic abilities including prophecy, miraculous healings, personal visits from Jesus and Mary and more. It is a beautiful and holy place to visit.
There is also the Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo... The Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel. An absolutely beautiful shrine dedicated to where St. Michael appeared in the cave below.
As for the food!...
Puglia is known for its olive oil, sweet tomatoes and has been making a name for itself in the wine world in recent years. Puglia is also home to some very special pasta shapes such as orrecchiette(pasta shaped like "little ears")and cavatelli and also known for taralle and caciocavallo cheese. Don't know what these are?
You can see some homemade cavatelli on my Dorina's Kitchen page on FB... as well as many other pictures of the area and its foods! And maybe soon you can see the recipe on a blog post here or even on video!
Don't forget the Puglia region when looking into travel in Italy. It's the least known region to visitors but ever so lovely and a great secret... You see...it's where the Italians go!