Hi!
im debating on where to stay along the coast of the Gargano. Just my husband and me, we are in our 60s. Here is what’s important in order of importance:
- seaside or great sea view
- walk to beach access or hotel shuttle to beach
- pool
- bar
- smallish hotel, no tourist villages
- centro storico within walk or short drive

So far, on my list is Rodi resort in Rodi G., and Hotel Torre Santa Maria in Mattinata.

thanks in advance!

I would stay at Vieste.
The bnbs in the medieval city center have their own charm but no pool.
Hotels with pool along the sandy beach:
Melograni
Vieste Palace Hotel
Pellegrino Palace Hotel
Villa Ascoli
IMO the Hotel Baia delle Zagare is the absolute highlight, but not advisable for September, because the afternoon sun diappears too early behind the cliffs in this season

Vieste! Definitely! Hopefully ekscrunchy will tell you where she stayed, I love Vieste but never stay in hotels.
Rodi Garganico is nowhere near as nice as Vieste
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspo...ve-vieste.html

We stayed at IL CASTILLINO RELAIS in September 2023. We had a car and parking was free. They have a deal with a blah club cross the road and you are given two chairs and an ombrllino.
We drove to the parking area next to the marina, adjacent to the old city. You could easily walk if you preferred. The beaches have golden sand and they were lightly used In mid-September. Water swam enough for me to swim.

The old town is a jewel, overlooking tha sea, with gleaming white marble street and many good restaurants.

We loved the hotel; we had panorama sea view from our terrace, and the pool is large and very warm so I swam laps.

I'd return in a heartbeat:



Here are a few paragraphs from my trip report:; Vieste/Gargano begins with Sept 19 post. We cut our time in Vasto at the last minute and cut time from Caffaliccio country house, to make room for a visit to Vieste.



Live! Very brief report on a few southern italian destinations

I ca post a few photos if you like:

We also stayed in Il Castellino Relais. Ticks all your boxes.
Here's the lovely beach in front of the hotel.

Yes! We LOVED the hotel; here are some pics of Vieste and food there:


https://www.hungryonion.org/t/gargan...vieste/36074/7