Ischitella is located on the north side of the Gargano Peninsula, at around 310 metres above sea level. The town was founded around a fortress in 1058, the ruins of which can still be seen today. The castle however, which you can admire in the town centre, dates from the 17th Century.
On clear days, there are the most stupendous views of the Adriatic coast, Molise and Abruzzo, and of the Tremiti islands and the Dalmatian coastline in the distance from the rooftops and hills in Ischitella.
Today the town is inhabited by approx. 5,000 inhabitants, and is typical of other towns in this part of Italy. It is an excellent base for visiting the Gargano Reserve and its treasures. It is worth mentioning that in this town and other nearby towns there is a tradition of folk music and dance. Several annual festivals are held where groups of elderly gentlemen show off their dancing skills and create a lively and jovial atmosphere. I Cantori di Carpino is the most well-known group that plays folk music from Gargano (the singer is over 90 years old) and you can even find their music in the Northern Italian shops. Their taranta songs are played here and in the Salento area, and they have attracted the interest of several famous rock musicians over the years.
From Ischitella we recommend the following excursions:
- Carpino and Monte San'Angelo and Gargano Reserve
- Gargano coast road with stops in Vieste, Peschici, Vieste
- Tremiti Islands
