Peschici Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Peschici is accessible via the SS89 coastal highway, connecting it to major cities in Puglia, with Foggia about 90 minutes away by car. The nearest railway station is in San Severo, approximately 60 km from Peschici, with regular bus connections completing the journey to the town center and ferry terminal. For international travelers, Bari Airport is the closest major air hub, roughly a 2.5-hour drive away. If arriving by car, several parking areas are available near the port, though spaces can be limited during peak summer months, so arriving early is advisable. Local shuttle services operate between the town center and the ferry terminal during the main tourist season.

Perched dramatically on a limestone cliff overlooking the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea, Peschici captivates visitors with its whitewashed buildings and medieval charm. This enchanting Italian seaside town on the Gargano promontory offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean atmosphere. As a key ferry destination in Puglia, Peschici serves as a gateway to explore the stunning Tremiti Islands and the broader Adriatic coastline.

Peschici enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The ideal time to visit is during the late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasantly warm, typically 20-25°C, and the tourist crowds are thinner. July and August bring the hottest weather and busiest periods, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and the town humming with festivals, including the Madonna di Loreto celebration in early September. Ferry services to the Tremiti Islands operate most frequently during summer months, with reduced schedules in the off-season. Spring visits reward travelers with blooming wildflowers along the coastal paths, while autumn offers warmer sea temperatures for swimming compared to spring.

From Peschici's harbor, the stunning Tremiti Islands archipelago is the premier ferry destination, with journeys taking approximately 1-2 hours depending on the vessel type. These protected marine reserve islands offer crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. Vieste, another charming coastal town, is accessible by a short 30-minute ferry ride along one of the most scenic stretches of the Gargano coastline, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves. During summer months, ferry services also connect Peschici to Croatia's Dalmatian coast, with Split and Hvar reachable in about 4-5 hours, offering an excellent opportunity for international island-hopping. The nearby Mattinata, with its distinctive white pebble beaches, can be reached via a coastal ferry in under an hour.

Wander through Peschici's historic center with its maze of narrow streets, ancient stone staircases, and the imposing 13th-century castle that offers panoramic views across the Adriatic. Beach lovers should head to Baia di Peschici or the nearby Baia di Zaiana, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. The local cuisine centers around fresh seafood, with 'tiella' (a rice, potato, and mussel bake) and 'orecchiette con le cime di rapa' (ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops) being must-try specialties at waterfront restaurants like Da Mimì or Il Trabucco. The atmospheric Borgo Antico neighborhood, with its traditional 'trabucchi' (ancient wooden fishing platforms), offers the most authentic glimpse into Peschici's maritime heritage and makes for stunning sunset photography.

Peschici was founded by a group of Slavic soldiers sent by Emperor Otto II in the 10th century, giving the town a unique cultural heritage distinct from other Italian coastal settlements. The town's name is believed to derive from the Slavic 'Peskliz,' meaning 'sandy place,' a fitting description for its beautiful beaches. Peschici is famous for its traditional 'trabucchi' – ingenious wooden fishing platforms that extend over the sea and have been used by local fishermen for centuries, now protected as historical monuments. The town was once a target for Ottoman pirate raids, which explains the watchtowers dotting the coastline and the defensive layout of the historic center with its maze-like streets designed to confuse potential invaders.