Step into the green heart of the Gargano National Park on a guided hike through the Foresta Umbra, a breathtaking woodland dominated by centuries-old beech trees. Often described as the park’s “green lung,” this forest is a remarkable leftover from the last glaciation and a hotspot of biodiversity. Since 2017, the Foresta Umbra has been recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage site.

Thanks to its rich soil and unique microclimate, the Umbra Forest feels almost like a Northern European woodland transplanted into the Mediterranean. Its distinctive flora and fauna draw nature lovers and botany enthusiasts from all over—making it one of the must-see landscapes of the Gargano massif.

This experience follows an easy route suitable for everyone, including families. The walk begins at Lago Umbra and heads toward Caserma Murgia, the former forest rangers’ barracks once used as a base to monitor human activity in these vast woodlands. After a short break, you’ll complete the loop passing impressive karst sinkholes and encountering thousand-year-old yew trees.

The route is mostly flat and is also suitable for children (recommended from 7/8 years onwards). Throughout the hike, your expert nature guide—highly fluent in English—will share insights about the forest’s ecology, geology, and natural history, helping you notice details you might otherwise miss.