Italy's Most Biodiverse Forest Is A Secret Charmer With Ancient Trees, Wildlife, And Mediterranean Flora

In the Gargano Peninsula, where quiet medieval towns lie tucked away hidden in the Italian mountains, and far from the well-trodden paths of the nearby cities of Venice and Florence, there lies a forest so dense in natural beauty that it could be something from a fairytale. The Foresta Umbra, which translates to the "shady forest" is the heart of Gargano National Park, perhaps Italy's most biodiverse woodland, with ancient trees covering over 10,000 hectares of land.

This massive, biodiverse forest in northern Puglia, which is better known for its stunning gothic architecture and sunny beaches, is a captivating remnant of the primaeval forests which once covered much of the continent. Recognized by UNESCO for its ecological significance, some of the beech trees in Umbra are thought to be over 500 years old. Walking beneath the thick canopy of these giants is like being transported into a living museum that tells of the history of the European continent. With more than 2000 plant species known to exist in its depths, this forest is a sanctuary of life.

Here, in the lush depths of Umbra, you'll find an incomparable silence and tranquility. As one of the most botanically diverse forests in Italy, springtime visitors will be greeted with blankets of wild orchids and violets, with rosemary, thyme and other aromatic herbs filling the air with their fragrance. Beech trees tower overhead, and other parts of the forest host oak and hornbeam, creating an evocative and varied landscape that shifts throughout the seasons. However, it's not only the flora that's rich and diverse, with the forest being home to a wide range of fauna, including wild boar, roe deer, red foxes and badgers. This biodiversity means that rarely seen animals such as the European wildcat have even been spotted in the midst of the forest, and lucky visitors may hear the call of the Apennine wolf from far away. Likewise, over 170 bird species live in the depths of the forest.

Umbra isn't just a place where nature thrives; it also holds great historical and cultural significance for the locals. With the nearby Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel in the vicinity, the forest paths have served as routes for monks and pilgrims, with Umbra being a site of pilgrimage since around the 5th century. Even today, stepping onto the trails feels like stepping into an ancient ritual.

Getting to this forest is easier than you'd expect: From the closest major city, Foggia, the forest can be reached by car, and this is the easiest way to travel to Foresta Umbra as public transportation to the site is somewhat limited. The drive eastward from Foggia is lined with olive groves and limestone hills and takes roughly 1.5 hours. Roads from Vieste and Peschici lead to entrances in the forest. The main point of arrival is at the visitor center at Laghetto d'Umbra, a pond that's ideal for picnicking. Local accommodations range from boutique luxury to cheap and convenient. Many travelers will choose Hotel Rifugio Sfilzi, a simple lodge within the forest that offers hikes and hearty meals. Masseria La Chiusa delle More is a restored farmhouse that provides refined rooms.

Within the forest itself, you'll find around 63 miles of marked trails, from loops around the Laghetto d'Umbra, to longer hikes around the Sentiero Sfilzi, which is good for foraging. Other paths lead to viewpoints for panoramic views of the Gargano hills, and mountain biking is also allowed on certain trails, with some horseback tours available in certain areas. For those curious about the local ecology, the Forest Museum at the visitor center has exhibits on the area's ecology, geology and wildlife, making the experience both immersive and educational.

The best time to visit the Foresta Umbra is definitely in the springtime and autumn, when temperatures are mild. Hiking shoes are recommended as some trails can be tricky. Ultimately, the Foresta Umbra offers more than a scenic escape, proving that there is more to Puglia than just little port cities and fresh pasta: It's a full immersion into the heart of Europe's woodlands where biodiversity reigns in an ancient living forest.