Carpino

A charming village located in the heart of the Gargano, known as the “town of oil and serenades.” Perched on a hill between Lake Varano and the Umbra Forest, Carpino retains an authentic soul and still-alive folk traditions that harken back to the Gargano tarantella, making it an evocative place full of rural charm.

Points of interest:

• The Old Town: A tangle of cobbled lanes, stone courtyards and ancient buildings. Its urban structure retains its medieval layout, with picturesque views at every corner.

• Mother Church of St. Cyril: Built in the 17th century, it is the main place of worship in the town, with a sober facade and a richly decorated interior.

• The sanctuary of St. Savior: Surrounded by greenery and a pilgrimage destination, it is a place of spirituality and peace, linked to deeply rooted religious traditions.

• Ethnographic Museum: It tells the story of rural life in the Gargano, with tools, clothing and environmental reconstructions that transport visitors to the area’s rural past.

• Nature excursions: Carpino is an ideal starting point for exploring the Umbra Forest and the shores of Lake Varano, offering trekking, birdwatching and nature immersion experiences.

Curiosity:

• Carpino is nationally known for the “Carpino Folk Festival,” one of the main events dedicated to folk music in southern Italy. During the festival, the town is filled with sounds, dances and ancient flavors.

• It is famous for the production of extra virgin olive oil, considered among the best in Italy for quality and taste, thanks to the centuries-old olive groves surrounding the town.

• The “serenades” and folk songs passed down orally are part of the local cultural identity, making Carpino a true treasure chest of intangible traditions.

Carpino is a perfect destination for those seeking authenticity, folk culture and breathtaking landscapes of the less touristy Gargano.