Between the deep green pines and the blue of the sea, Gargano reveals its truest side: a land illuminated by light, silence, and authenticity. In San Menaio, a small hamlet of Vico del Gargano, you’ll find the Park Hotel Villa Maria, a Liberty-style villa from the early 20th century nestled in the quiet, where elegance blends with simplicity. Managed with heartfelt passion by the Diurno family—deeply rooted in this region—the property is a place where warm hospitality, nature, and memory come together. We spoke with those who manage it daily to understand how tourism in Gargano is evolving, what new trends are emerging, and what the future holds for those who choose this corner of Puglia.
- How has tourism in Gargano changed in recent years?
- What sets Gargano apart from the rest of Puglia?
- Park Hotel Villa Maria is a historic villa: how was it created and how has it changed over time?
- What can we expect in 2026?
- Is the future of tourism becoming more “slow”?
- What would you recommend to someone who has never visited Gargano?
- Is there a time of day that captures the spirit of Villa Maria?
How has tourism in Gargano changed in recent years?
“Hugely. In the past, visitors came to Gargano mostly for sea and relaxation, but today, people seek out more authentic, locally connected experiences. Travelers are eager to explore ancient towns, hike through the Foresta Umbra, taste local products, and join cultural events. It’s a kind of tourism driven by curiosity and respect, not haste. Gargano, with its untouched nature and welcoming atmosphere, is ideal for this new traveler.”
What sets Gargano apart from the rest of Puglia?
“Gargano is almost like a ‘Little Puglia within Puglia’. It’s mountain and sea together, silence and sound, nature and spirituality. There aren’t just beautiful beaches, but also a thousand-year-old forest, villages frozen in time, and a culture deeply connected to the land. Here everything moves at a different tempo: the wind, the light, even people’s words. This is a place that makes you slow down and really see. Anyone who arrives with curiosity and respect falls in love with it.”
Park Hotel Villa Maria is a historic villa: how was it created and how has it changed over time?
“Ours is a family story stretching back generations. The villa, built in the early 1900s in Liberty style, was once a holiday home in the San Menaio pine forest. When it was time to give the property a new chapter, we chose to preserve its soul: the timeless charm where every detail meant something. Today, Villa Maria is a small hotel where tranquility is a refined luxury. The rooms are bright and carefully maintained, surrounded by greenery and just steps from the sea. For us, hospitality starts with simple gestures: listening, kindness, attention to small details.”
What can we expect in 2026?
“2026 is going to be a significant year. We are working on new wellness and relaxation areas, including a pool surrounded by pine trees, perfect for unwinding between laps and listening to the cicadas. It won’t just be an ordinary addition, but a space designed to blend naturally into the landscape.
Next to the pool, there will also be tasting areas and spaces dedicated to sharing local products, offering guests unique experiences tied to Gargano’s culinary traditions. Our goal is to ensure that when you arrive at Villa Maria, you find much more than just a place to stay—you discover a place to truly recharge.”
Is the future of tourism becoming more “slow”?
“Yes, we’re convinced of it. People no longer want to fill their days with a packed itinerary—they want authentic moments. Travel isn’t just about moving around, but about seeking meaning. Gargano perfectly embodies this: a slowness that is not about being still, but about depth. Walking among the pines, listening to the sea, breathing in the scent of resin, or just watching the sunset—these are the experiences that linger within you, telling a different story of travel.”
What would you recommend to someone who has never visited Gargano?
“Arrive without expectations and be open to surprise. Gargano isn’t a postcard—it’s a living land, full of contrasts, silences, and scents. Anyone coming for the first time should stroll under the San Menaio pines at sunset, speak with local farmers, step into a village bakery, and watch the sunrise by the sea. Even the simplest gestures take on new meaning here. This is a place you don’t just pass through: you listen.”
Is there a time of day that captures the spirit of Villa Maria?
“Probably dawn. When the first light filters through the pines and the air is fresh with sea scent, anything feels possible. There’s a silence full of life, broken only by birdsong and the gentle wind that ruffles the pine needles. In these moments, nature reminds you how simplicity can be the purest form of beauty.”
The story of the family managing Park Hotel Villa Maria is living proof of a Gargano faithful to itself while embracing change. Here, modern touches enhance tradition, renewing it through care and respect.
Every project begins by listening to this land and its rhythms, like the pool making its debut in 2026—a new way to experience nature without overwhelming it. In a fast-moving world, Gargano chooses to move slowly. Perhaps this gentle pace, this warm welcome, is what makes it truly unforgettable.
