With direct flights from the United States to Puglia launching in June 2025 it's never been a better time visit the region of Gargano Driving the Litoranea del Gargano–the coastline of Gargano–that snakes along the “spur” of Italy’s boot centuries-old fishing trabucchi are revealed the whitewashed villages and idyllic beaches feel quintessentially Puglian nearly 500 square miles of protected parkland hide ancient forests This region is also home to UNESCO-listed sanctuaries, an island archipelago, Puglia’s only mountain range, and DOP citrus, cheeses, and wines. With the Italian airline Neos Air launching the first direct U.S from New York-JFK to Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport there’s never been a better time to explore the rugged Though Vieste is the largest coastal town on the Gargano Peninsula it still holds the soul of a fishing village Vieste’s iconic 85-foot-tall monolith marks the site of a fisherman’s tragic tale It’s said that after his lover was stolen by sirens he turned to limestone—forever frozen by grief A perfect day might start with a pulpo (octopus) panini on the beach followed by a boat tour of the grottos and Arco di San Felice An aperitivo in Largo Seggio on Via Ripe while the moon rises over Chiesa di San Francesco is pure magic Marina Piccola in the summertime comes alive with art installations and music festivals while autumn is for cozying up in a trattoria over a pot of zuppa di mare Foresta Umbra is part of the UNESCO-listed “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.” It’s one of the last remnants of a vast forest that once stretched across Europe and parts of Asia Over 60 miles of trails wind through the forest Foresta Umbra offers a rare glimpse into Europe’s natural heritage and a peaceful retreat in Puglia’s wild beauty where the scent of fresh frutti di mare drifts through the air Peschici’s white-and-blue palette—reflected in its buildings and shuttered windows—along with olive-wood artisan shops and bougainvillea-draped restaurants perfectly captures the Mediterranean spirit of the Gargano Peninsula offers a panoramic lookout over turquoise waters lovers fasten padlocks to Peschici’s lucchetti d’amore (love-lock bridge) chic trabucco restaurants offer the rare experience of dining over the Adriatic Peschici boasts a variety of sandy beaches many with camping hookups for nature-loving travelers Legend has it that Italy’s Tremiti Islands were formed by the mythological hero Diomedes who hurled massive stones into the Adriatic Sea this five-island archipelago has been a protected marine reserve since 1989 Its emerald ombre waters draw divers and snorkelers while nature trails wind through the various islands with flora and fauna home to the 11th-century Abbey of San Nicola Ferries from towns like Vieste and Rodi Garganico run seasonally Sundays are for cappuccinos and pistachio cream cornetti (croissants) in the palm-lined square of Rodi Garganico—a relaxed beach town in northern Gargano Rodi is famous for producing some of Italy’s most fragrant oranges and lemons This citrus legacy is carried on the breeze Sun-bleached fishing boats bob beside mega-yachts in the harbor while the historic center’s whitewashed walls feature poetic prose painted in blue Visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Libera or time your trip for the Sagra delle Arance a lively festival celebrating the town’s citrus heritage Vico del Gargano is known as the “Village of Love.” With ivy-clad stone houses and winding alleyways it feels like the backdrop of a medieval love story thanks to its patronage of Saint Valentine the “Alley of the Kiss,” so narrow that couples must press close as they pass Vico boasts historical sites like the 12th-century castle and ancient city walls particularly the fragrant arance del Gargano the town hosts a vibrant celebration of love and citrus with heart-shaped decorations and local festivals honoring its heritage Accessible via a scenic trail from an olive grove carpark Vignanotica Beach is one of the most picturesque pebbled coves on the Gargano Peninsula this spiaggia libera (free beach) rewards those who make the trek with its natural beauty the northernmost section is a designated naturist area Several beachside lidos serve up spritzes and patatine (chips) with tour groups admiring the dramatic rock formations Lago di Lesina and Lago di Varano are tranquil coastal lagoons separated from the Adriatic by narrow strips of land Flamingos wade gracefully through the shallows while fishermen in traditional wooden boats called “sandali,” continue time-honored fishing practices or “sea asparagus,” as well as mussels and eels the lagoons are an integral part of local cuisine spending time at the lakes can feel more relaxing with pastel hues filling the sky at sunset It’s the perfect place for a quiet lakeside meal with family or a leisurely stroll this town has been a pilgrimage site for over a thousand years It’s known for its role along the ancient Cammino di San Michele (Way of Saint Michael) a spiritual trail that stretches across Europe and leads to the Holy Land At its heart is the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo a breathtaking church carved directly into the rock the medieval streets wind through the town each turn offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Adriatic Sea in the distance San Giovanni Rotondo draws millions of visitors each year because of its connection with the legacy of Saint Padre Pio Its sweeping curves stand out against the rugged mountains around it Whether you’re drawn to the town for its religious significance or just to soak in the peaceful vibe Standing tall at the southern tip of Gargano the Castello di Manfredonia has been keeping watch since the 13th century the castle has seen its fair share of battles the National Archaeological Museum houses ancient artifacts from both local and faraway cultures But it’s the views from the ramparts that really hit home You’re reminded that this fortress was built for one reason—to protect the coast from whatever came its way hermits seeking refuge in the cliffs of Gargano carved out lives of solitude The Abbey of Saint Mary of Pulsano dates back to the 6th century and was revived by Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages Scattered around it are 24 ancient hermitages Recognized as a “Luogo del Cuore” (Place of the Heart) by FAI this sanctuary invites visitors to explore its stone courtyards and glimpse the tiny cells where monks once lived—all while soaking in panoramic views of the Gulf of Manfredonia This article was published more than 11 years ago The mountaintop town of Monte Sant’Angelo is a labyrinth of sun-bleached homes built on steep streets.Lili Okuyama Things are a little different in Vico del Gargano That becomes apparent the moment you're greeted by one of countless inquisitive stray dogs or search for a parking space while following a donkey-drawn cart Behind an unimposing door marked with the words "Il Trappeto," a flight of stairs descends into a cave that's been converted into a restaurant and wine bar The unexpected comes as standard in the Gargano Peninsula Puglia does not feature in Rick Steves's guide to Italy even though the region has spent a decade taking steps to promote its treasures Polignano and Gallipoli – are full of architectural and artistic gems and its food and wine culture is rightfully regarded as one of Italy's best But even as Puglia's popularity continues to grow (Lecce is a candidate to be European Capital of Culture in 2019) combined with a distinct lack of sizable towns ensures that intrepid travellers will never pass through on the way to more celebrated locales because villages such as Vico have sights as fascinating as their rusticity If the Gargano's relative anonymity does come to an end soon a large part of the credit will be go to bar and B&B owner Giuseppe Romondia is the hub of Vico's social existence – one of those uniquely Italian cafés whose culinary excellence spans coffee patisserie and gelato (and has been officially recognized by Italy's Gambero Rosso bar guide) It was Romondia's idea to expand the family business into an eco-conscious and use the English and social-media skills he picked up during a year in New York to spread the word about this undiscovered corner of Italy you'll almost certainly encounter Giuseppe "You can still see women on the street doing their washing or making fresh pasta here," Romondia says "This is a place that still has tradition and deep culture Someone who grows up here can still play football in the street or in the historic centre We have a foot in the past and a foot in the future." the best way to get around the Gargano's spectacular landscapes is by car you'll be driving winding roads blessed with spectacular clifftop views of beaches and medieval towers plus – for anyone who's endured the white knuckle ride of the Amalfi Coast – a refreshing lack of traffic The only prep work required is to arm yourself with Romondia's contact book of friends He seemingly knows everyone on the entire peninsula and will call ahead to let them know you're coming It's a service that comes as standard – it's part of being a good host a mountaintop town with views stretching as far as Bari Its old town is a warren of sun-bleached alleys and stone staircases the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo looks much like any other small Italian church But walk through its doors and instead of a traditional interior there are only stone steps lined with chapels and pews containing the devout delivering their prayers to Western Europe's oldest shrine to the archangel Michael who reportedly appeared in the cave to the local bishop in 490 Much more modern is Monte Sant'Angelo's other essential stop the Romondia-recommended restaurant La Taverna Li Jalantuumene and proceeded to theatrically hold court in the dining room between every course revealing his personal gastronomic philosophy ("I'm not interested in Michelin stars; I cook to my own standards") and happily snatching food off other diners' tables to show what we could have ordered An even more spectacular meal greeted us in Vico the next evening when Romondia suggested we try the trattoria L'Artistico Finding an unlit storefront with an unlocked door we're closed tonight," said owner Maurizio Tricarico puzzled as to why two foreigners were inside his restaurant "we're having some food for our staff and family Thus began a magical evening of grilled steaks and sausages accompanied by a never-ending stream of red wine and the charming company of the extended L'Artistico family Tricarico caught us reaching for our wallets we returned as paying customers the next day although the countless plates of their astonishing "sea" and "land" antipasto courses only left room for tiramisu but also so much more: The hospitality of L'Artistico's staff serves as a microcosm of the Gargano Peninsula an untouched chunk of Italy where the only thing you can expect is a warm welcome but it's the people you'll meet who prove that even as Puglia's global reputation grows there are still magical corners of this country waiting to be discovered Bari is the nearest airport to the Gargano Peninsula Flights arrive on a regular basis from London Public transit is minimal at best. There are no online timetables, so to figure out a feasible itinerary visit Ferrovie del Gargano at ferroviedelgargano.com/en All the major companies have offices in nearby Bari and Foggia There are countless hotels and B&Bs in the Gargano, mostly concentrated around Vieste, Peschici and Monte Sant'Angelo. Pizzicato Eco B&B in Vico del Gargano comes with the added benefit of welcome drinks and breakfasts in one of Puglia's top cafés and the recommendations of owner Giuseppe Romondia (@PizzicatoEcObEb). Rooms from €25-€45 a person per night; pizzicatobeb.com La Taverna Li Jalantuumene: Here, fine dining combines Puglian tradition with the creative influences of a chef on a mission to redefine eccentricity. Monte Sant'Angelo; li-jalantuumene.it L'Artistico: A rustic exterior can't disguise the brilliance of chef Leonardo Di Fine's flair for flavour. Enormous portions. Vico del Gargano; facebook.com/artisticorestaurant Il Trappeto: A flight of stairs leads into a cave containing an underground treasury of well-priced Puglian delicacies and wines. Vico del Gargano; cantinailtrappeto.it Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Editorial code of conduct Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way. Click here to subscribe If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please forward it to letters@globeandmail.com. 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For more information on our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines and our Terms and Conditions The naturalistic wonders to see in the Umbra Forest due to its immense biological and ecological value the Umbra Forest became a UNESCO World Heritage Sitethanks to its ancient beechwoods admit 45 meters in height and can live up to 350 years trees absorb for centuries the amount of carbon dioxide produced by seven cars in a year represents a very rare example of mixed beech forest with an exceptional variety of tree species the holm oak of Vico del Gargano stands out with 50 meters high and a circumference of 5 meters The territory of the Umbra Forest is devoid of watercourses due to its karst nature Thanks to the impermeable bottom of the ground in some sinkholes fundamental for the development of settlements in the past and still exploited today to water the herds and flocks the peasants adopt a system of Arab origin to create a lever with which to facilitate its recovery: a long wooden pole at the ends of which are fixed a rope with the bucket and a stone as a counterweight hinged on a post which generally tend to dry up in the summer season are a specific feature of the Apulian history and traditions Even if it’s the most difficult animal to meet the Gargano roe deer is present in the Umbra Forest with one of the three native nuclei in Italy in addition to those present in Castel Porziano and in the Orsomarso Mountains The Gargano roe deer is distinguished from the European populations by its smaller size for the complexion of the forehead and the darker nose area and by the lack of white spots on the throat and on the neck The male has simple horns with a maximum of three points for about 8 months a year Near Laghetto d’Umbra you can visit the fallow deer wildlife reserve hundreds of animal species live in the area pheasants and small rodents as well as wild boars An ancient legend tells of a sacred place between Vico and Monte Sant’Angelo there was the beautiful nymph of the forest the nymph refused him and was saved by the humans and animals of the Umbra Forest reminding him of the same wrong suffered by the nymph Since then the faun lived crouched on its branches to defend it for eternity Continue to find out on Viaggiare in Puglia Copyright © 2022 WMOC Italy – P .IVA 05158960285 Everything is ready for the awaited start of the World Masters Orienteering Championships (WMCO) the over 35 orienteering World Championships presented this morning in the Sala Di Jeso of the Palazzo of the Presididenza of the Puglia Region in Bari where from 8 to 16 July will compete in the evocative landscapes of the Gargano organized by the International Orienteering Federation FISO – Italian Federation of Sport Orientation and WMOC Organizing Committee in collaboration with Sport and Health was able to count on a strong synergy at both national and territorial level thanks to the important patronage of the Ministry of  Tourism and the Province of Foggia as well as the teamwork of 14 Municipalities (Vieste The WMOCs will involve over 3 thousand athletes from 40 countries with an expected daily presence in the Gargano of 5 thousand people also considering their families and friends this means a raw total of 50 thousand presences in the ten days of stay Considering an average investment per person of 100 euros the organizers expect a local induced activity of 5 million euros in addition to the enormous value linked to the promotion of the territory to users in central and northern Europe as 50% of the orienteers coming from the Scandinavian countries “Puglia is a region that invests heavily in sport – said the president of the Puglia region It is therefore with a particular emotion that we are about to welcome and host the World Masters Orienteering Championships 2022 will be the backdrop to the world competition that will involve over three thousand athletes from all over the world We will continue to support and encourage these sporting events which represent an important opportunity to make the beauty of our territory known to a large public I wish the sporting competitions maximum success and I send the warm greetings and welcome of the Apulian to all the participants “ It is a real honor to share my linguistic and intercultural abilities with my homeland This event will finally highlight the richness of the Gargano area WMOC will also be a boost for the local economy and tourism Responsabile Relazioni Internazionali WMOC biodiversity: orienteering is proposed as a sport discipline and practice fully within the ‘spirit of the time’ we are experiencing – commented the vice president of the Puglia Region and councilor for Sport per tutti “The Puglia Region welcomes the WMOC 2022 – Gargano caravan and their families will have the experience to be kept among the most cherished treasures Finance and Control Section in Health and Sport thinking of the great value of a sporting event that will live in one of the most evocative contexts on both naturalistic and cultural levels and services so that the positivity we all need is unleashed after two dark years and while in Europe the fear of war has even returned: with the participation of women and men from countries close to the conflict and where orienteering is very popular we hope that a message for the peaceful and prosperous coexistence of all European peoples will spread from Puglia and the Gargano ” “Puglia still protagonist with sporting events – underlined the Tourism Councilor of the Puglia Region After the Italian road cycling championship we are preparing to welcome a worldwide event in the wonderful locations and protected areas of the Gargano Corsican Orienteering is often part of training practice in our schools and is an outdoor sport appreciated by all because it stimulates a spirit of adaptation and creativity About 50 thousand presences are expected during the days of the competition with repercussions imported on the territories in economic terms In the wake of an increasingly varied and sustainable tourist offer this is an opportunity to give visibility to unique tourist destinations in our region such as the UNESCO heritage sites of Monte Sant’Angelo and the Umbra Forest and to the entire Gargano “ “When more than a year ago they came to talk to us about orienteering – said the regional manager of the Administration Finance and Control Section in Health and Sport of the Puglia Region Benedetto Giovanni Pacifico – none of us knew this discipline in light of all the efforts made by the organizing committee the WMOCs represent what we consider the true We are happy to have contributed to its realization because these World Championships will have a great return on the territory ” “Sports tourism is a vocation of Puglia on which we are working through events of international importance The Orienteering World Championships on the Gargano for us – said the general manager of Pugliapromo Luca Scandale – represents a further opportunity to make known the authentic wonder of 14 Municipalities of the Gargano which will be involved in the path which will involve over 3000 athletes from 40 countries athletes will experience a sporting emotion in the name of sustainability and their stories they will become the new ‘ambassadors’ of Puglia “ “Our territory is proud to host the World Masters Orienteering Championship 2022 – stated the President of the Province of Foggia this is an award that contributes to celebrating and honoring the environmental and landscape excellence of a province which seems to be made especially for orienteering we could only support with conviction a sporting initiative of extraordinary importance and prestigious international scope An event that will allow us to enhance our immense wealth to an even greater extent placing them in an extraordinary showcase “ “The choice to host the Orienteering World Championships – said the Mayor of Vieste Giuseppe Nobiletti – has a strategic value in conveying the image of Vieste and its territory in the circuit of highly attractive landscape holiday resorts Considering its sporting-environmental value a great event such as WMOC 2022 represents the ideal event to relaunch and modernize our tourist offer on the basis of a landscape rich in natural attractions that can also be oriented towards other types of tourist flows We also appreciate the support that the Puglia Region has ensured for the event together with ours and that of the other Gargano municipalities WMOC 2022 is an event that will also sound like a message of peace and concord that starts from sport and spreads throughout society ” THE STRONGEST ORIENTEERERS OVER 35 IN THE WORLD and Switzerland are the nations with the highest number of holdings The event will see the involvement in the role of tracker of the Finnish Janne Salmi with a world gold in the relay and three world silver in the Palmares a representation full of illustrious names from Switzerland with his 8 career world golds accompanied by 11 silvers and 9 bronzes under the ASCO Lugano but political in life competing in the M60 category which boasts about 200 members with an experience of 13 World Cups with the Swiss national team She was first world champion and then European in the Sprint distance winning another 2 gold medals in the relay at the World Championships Sarah Rollins is also a favorite thanks to her 12 participations as a protagonist at the World Championships with the shirt of Great Britain “FISO is pleased to see the WMOC 2022 assigned to Puglia – declared the president of the Italian Sports Orientation Federation which has always been attentive to respect for the environment will bring a peaceful invasion of competitors interested in the discovery of the territory and its excellences I believe that the typical Apulian hospitality and the wonderful locations will make the experience unforgettable Swiss and also all the other nations present will know how to become ambassadors of your values ​​in the world I especially thank those who have lent themselves to the success of the event: institutions “I want to underline – commented the president of the WMOC Committee Michele Barbone – the goal achieved that we set ourselves by identifying the Gargano and in particular the Umbra Forest as the seat of a FISO Federal Center for development and the promotion of the sport of orientation in the Center-South of Italy and in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Basin the involvement of technicians and sports managers as well as teachers and students of institutes and schools in the municipalities of the Gargano and the University of Motor Sciences of Foggia in special training courses was and will be even more important in the future “ “The participation of over 3 thousand athletes – added the general director of the WMOC Committee Gabriele Viale – will result in the daily presence in the Gargano of 5 thousand people equal to a total of 50 thousand in the ten days of average stay If we consider an average investment per person of 100 euros the local induced will be equal to 5 million euros The WMOCs will be activators for the future of seasonally adjusted tourism because athletes will become ambassadors around the world in addition to promoting the area to users in central and northern Europe 50% of orienteers coming from Scandinavian countries there will also remain a mapping plant area for orienteering at an international level and with zero impact full of gratitude to all the working group who are organizing this World Cup and with whom we managed to make the Organizing Committee work in a network with all the institutions 2001 Foresta Umbra Training Credits PWT Italia – Bernt Bjornsgard In 2001 the exploration of the woods of southern Italy was carried out by Gabriele Viale together with the Scandinavian orienteers Jorgen Martensson and Bernt Bjonsgaard brought to light one of the most technical undergrowth in the world for orienteering Its development path from an oriental point of view at an international level started sixteen years ago with a series of events: the 2004 Italian Cup and many other competitions in the historic centers of Vico del Gargano the world candidacy project was launched with Gargano Park as a leader repeated three times until the assignment in 2019 The highlight was the official handover of the flag of the International Orienteering Federation by the Hungarian authorities to the Italian Committee in August 2021 during the World Masters Championships in Csákvár in Hungary including the pandemic and recent problems in Eastern Europe The desire to show this landscape pearl of Italy that is the Gargano and the belief in offering an opportunity to young people have pushed the Committee to continue pushing the heart beyond all obstacles The orienteering champ Bernt Bjørnsgaard is officially the WMOC 2022 International Ambassador Bernt is one of the stronger orienteers in Norway around years 2000: World Champion in relay 1999 4 times winner of Jukola and 4 times of Tiomila At the top of the PWT World Series ranking it’s also thanks to Bernt if orienteers with be able to run and enjoy Foresta Umbra In the early 2000 Bernt with Gabriele Viale and Jorgen Martensson found a real paradise for orienteering and decided to make an international orienteering map your Italian friends are happy to hear from you again and it’s great to see you WMOC 2022 ambassador What do you tell us about your post-sport career “Sadly I can’t say I’m running much orienteering right now but I might take up the sport again to this summer 2022 I do have a lot of contacts through the friendship of orienteering I have been the chairman of the board of Stolpejakten where you find “post” / controls with an app 250.000 Norwegians take part in this activity through the last year Now I’m working as a digital business developer for a building construction company in Lillehammer I’m looking forward to meet many old friends and competitors from old time in WMOC together with good relation and friendship” welcomed in 2001 by the Mayor of Vico del Gargano Matteo Cannarozzi De Grazia What do you remember of the 2001 exploration adventure in southern Italy “I never forget the days back in Italy 2001 This was a great opportunity for me to explore Italy and the huge potential of orienteering in Italy Let me tell the stories from my diary a bit later These days in 2001 was the start of lifelong friendship good relationships and good concepts with Follow the Sun” Scandinavian team training sessions in Foresta Umbra the welcoming of the Swedish National Team by the city board of MonteSant’Angelo in 2004 You’ve been training in the area in 2003 We also remember a training section on the athletics track in Sannicandro Garganico your coach at the time was Anders Gârderud Olympic champion of the 3.000 steeplechase in 1976 “Gargano and Foresta Umbra are very special places in Italy This green peninsula in east part of Italy invite the runners into a wild open terrain with a mix of good runnability Here you can run along sandy beaches or run into deep green forests over 1000 meters above sea level I have been in Gargano actually three times First time with orienteering exploring tours with Gabriele Viale together with a good friend JØrgen Mårtensson Then with the Norwegian national team and also together with my Swedish club Malung SK back in 2005 And we got a lot of new energy to train in these areas” how do you think one should prepare to better master the tricky terrains of Foresta Umbra so you definitely should be prepared for some hard exercises up in Foresta Umbra But you also have to stay focused at the map because the terrain will always challenge you through the competition” Do you recall some other special moments from your visit in Italy “I have a lot of special moments with the PWT crew in Italy competitions and all the spectacular moments at different places and areas but also the people related together with tasteful and healthy food and wine I do have some good memories of mapping Reggia di Caserta and there was lovely to get Italian visitors from Caserta back in Norway last summer was the moment when the concept “Follow the Sun” invented waiting for the sunrise early in the morning of course with the president of PWT Italy Gabriele Viale” for the wonderful people in the PWT Italy crew I am looking forward to meet you in Gargano and WMOC 2022!”  WORLD MASTERS ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIPS 8-16 LUGLIO The World Masters Orienteering Championships greet the Gargano In the long distance in the Umbra Forest the redemption of the Swiss Hubmann the Ukrainian Marchuk is the new M35 champion The 39-year-old Swedish Lonnkvist queen of the woods triple for the 95-year-old Finnish Nieminen In Peschici the closing ceremony of the international orienteering event which has brought 3,000 athletes from 35 to 95 years from 40 different countries to the spur of Italy The association of orienteering with the Gargano area will continue with the birth of the FISO Federal Center The strategic skills of a chess player combined with the athletic skills of a runner These are the skills fielded by 3 thousand athletes from 40 countries and more than half Scandinavian protagonists of the World Masters Orienteering Championships which end in Gargano with the assignment of over 35 Long distance titles With the organization of the International Orienteering Federation the Italian Federation of Sport Orientation and the WMOC Committee the event was able to count on the collaboration of Sport e Salute together with the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and the Province of Foggia and to the synergy of 14 municipalities (Vieste in the presence of the Mayor Francesco Tavaglione the Councilor for Sport Luca Esposito and Isabella Damiani from Vico del Gargano representing the Puglia Region “After 14 years of waiting we managed to fulfill a dream it was a great World Cup – declared Gabriele Viale Director General of the WMOC 2022 Committee – We brought 3 thousand athletes from 40 countries to enjoy the technical features of the Apulian villages and the Umbra Forest unique in the world from an oriental point of view We have triggered an important path for the future of tourism deseasonalization as this discipline is practiced a lot in Scandinavian countries in spring and autumn I have to thank all the staff and the organization whose strength was based on the winning mix of technical resources and young talent with their modern and technological language We have made a system with FISO Puglia and the institutions the Carabinieri Command and the Civil Protection of Vieste the Biodiversity Department of Carabinieri and the Municipal Police of the 14 Municipalities involved We all have worked 110% to complete this project but above all to promote the extraordinary identity of Puglia and the Gargano at an international level” “A great participation for a World Championships – declared Sergio Anesi President of the FISO Italian Federation of Sport Orientation – which Italy has been able to express in organizational terms with the care shown in the realization of the various races The prospect for Puglia is now really interesting with the arrival of new national and international competitions and the now forthcoming establishment of a FISO Federal Center the second in Italy after the one on Alpe Cimbra which will be a reference for the center and south of the peninsula The presence in the Gargano of people of all ages and entire families committed to practicing an outdoor discipline is the emblem of our sporting culture which has an inherent social but also economic value due to the significant induced generated in the area” LONG AND MIDDLE TITLES ASSIGNED IN THE UMBRA FOREST At Riserva Falascone and Laghetto d’Umbra the Long race (up to 10 km) on karst terrain with sinkholes and depressions among the beech woods recognized 5 years ago as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO the most medalist in the discipline in activity the very favorite Swiss had to give way to the Ukrainian Marchuk Oleksandr with the Swedish team OK Sodertorn In W35 Sweden Sofia Lonnkvist won gold medals in both finals in the forest with 13 World Championships in his Palmares with the Swiss National But the absolute phenomenon is the 95-year-old Finnish Sole Nieminen “It was a good race – commented Sofia Lonnkvist – harder in my opinion than the Middle The end of the route was the most demanding part of all but I appreciated the woodland I tried to familiarize myself with the continuous ups and downs of the terrain to be ready for the final I will bring back home from Gargano beautiful memories of my first World Masters Championships as well as my first experience in this green and luxuriant area of ​​Italy the coast with its wonderful beaches” The complete rankings and the winners of the Long races: https://bit.ly/3zbnABF M35 / W35 – Daniel Hubmann (Switzerland) – Sofia Lonnkvist (Tullinge SK)  M40 / W40 – Oystein Kvaal Osterbo (Baekkelagets SK) – Celine Dodin (ACA Aix-en-Provence) M45 / W45 – Petteri Muukkonen (OK Trian) – Yvonne Gunell (Pargas IF) M50 / W50 – Fabrice Vannier (Balise77) – Vroni Koenig Salmi (Finland) M55 / W55 – Svajunas Ambrazas (S Sportas) – Annika Viilo (Tampereen Pyrinto) M60 / W60 – Jozef Pollak (Klub OB ATU Kosice) – Laila Hoglund (FK Herkules) M65 / W65 – Jorma Nissila (Kokkolan Suunnistajat) – Kjellrun Sporild (Malvik il) M70 / W70 – Tom Arild Karlsen (Fredrikstad Skiklubb) – Maria Nordwall (OK Kolmarden) M75 / W75 – Veikko Loukonen (Piikkion Kehitys) – Kari Timenes Laugen (Imaas il) M80 / W80 – Stig Israelsson (OK Tyloskog) – Torid Kvaal (Freidig) M85 / W85 – Sivert Axelsson (Kalmar OK) – Eivor Steen Olsson (Kungalvs OK) M90 – Kjell Arne Pettersson (Harlovs IF) W95 – Sole Nieminen (Jamsan Retki Veikot) The complete rankings and the winners of the Middle distance: https://bit.ly/3o32vmx M35 – W35 – Oleksandr Marchuk (OK Sodertorn) – Sofia Lonnkvist (Tullinge SK) M40 – W40 – Roman Ryapolov (IFK Mora OK) – Katri Lindeqvist (Paimion Rasti) M45 – W45 – Marek Prasil (OK Jihlava) – Yvonne Gunell (Pargas IF) M50 – W50 – Janne Salmi (Turun Suunnistajat) – Anna Gornicka Antonowicz (Stowarzyszenie Team 360 stopni) M55 – W55 – Matti Yliluikki (Suomusjarven Sisu) – Annika Viilo (Tampereen Pyrinto) M60 – W60 – Michael Wehlin (Skogspojkarnas OK) – Laila Hoglund (FK Herkules) M65 – W65 – Antanas Pauzas (OK Dainava) – Lotta Linsefors (Lunds OK) M70 – W70 – Bjorn Grinde (Oslostudentenes IK) – Britt Eriksson (Sala OK) M75 – W75 – Timo Peltola (MS Parma) – Bjoerg Lohne Kocbach (Bergens TF) M80 – W80 – Roland Karlsson (Ronneby OK) – Torid Kvaal (Freidig) M85 – W85 – Jaroslav Havlik (Sportcentrum Jicin) – Eivor Steen Olsson (Kungalvs OK) M90 – Martin Hutzli (Ulus Reisewelt)  SPRINT TITLES ASSIGNED BETWEEN PESCHICI AND VIESTE After the qualifying session in the suggestive historic center of Peschici Vieste definitely put the athletes to the test The 3km route proved to be technically challenging both from a physical point of view in light of the continuous and steep ups and downs between the streets of the town forcing a careful reading of the map during the constant changes in direction The arrival on the seafront of the Marina Piccola is not to be missed including that of the favorite Sarah Rollins with her 12 World Championships appearances with the Great Britain jersey and now W45 champion The complete rankings and the winners of the Sprint races: https://bit.ly/3RpF1Wf M35 – W35 – Francois Van der Ouderaa (Belgium) – Tatsiana Voveriene (Devyni OSK) M40 – W40 – Alessio Tenani (Polisportiva G Masi) – Katri Lindeqvist (Paimion Rasti) M45 – W45 – Nick Barrable (South Yorkshire Orienteers) – Sarah Rollins (Southern Navigators Orienteering) M50 – W50 – Fabrice Vannier (Balise77) – Anna Envall (IK Hakarpspojkarna) M55 – W55 – Svajunas Ambrazas (S Sportas) – Annika Viilo (Tampereen Pyrinto) M60 – W60 – Graham Patten (WARROC) – Laila Hoglund (FK Herkules) M65 – W65 – Mario Ammann (OLG St Gallen/Appenzell) – Unni Strand Karlsen (Fredrikstad Skiklubb) M70 – W70 – Mikko Sani (Hollolan Urheilijat 46) – Maria Nordwall (OK Kolmarden) M75 – W75 – Peter Gorvett (CADOC) – Bjoerg Lohne Kocbach (Bergens TF) M80 – W80 – Otto Venhauer (OLCU Viktring) – Ulla Lindhe (IK Stern) M85 – W85 – Rune Carlsson (Sundbybergs IK) – Inger E Vamnes (Hamar OK) M90 – W90 – Martin Hutzli (Ulus Reisewelt) – Eileen Bedwell (Sugar Loaf OK)