Italy's 'Bay Of Orange Blossoms' Boasts Beautiful White-Pebble Beaches & Stunning Cliffs

The Baia delle Zagare (Zagare Bay) is one of the best-kept secrets in Italy with white-pebble beaches, steep limestone cliffs, and two prominent sea stacks. The hills above it are topped with large Aleppo pine and beech trees, while its sparkling water appears blue, green, and every shade in between depending on how the sunlight hits. Once you catch a whiff of the fragrant orange blossoms in the air, you'll be thoroughly enchanted.

It's easy to avoid the bustling crowds at this Italian beachside hot spot, although you'll probably be scratching your head as to why this gorgeous bay has managed to remain under the radar. The answer? Its location. Also known as the Baia dei Mergoli (Mergoli Bay) due to the merli (blackbirds) that nest here, the stunning stretch of coast is located inside the Parco Nazionale del Gargano (Gargano National Park). The park's 300,000 acres include the Umbra Forest, the largest deciduous forest in the country, and a protected natural marine reserve known as the Tremiti Islands. The Gargano, the mountainous promontory on which the national park sits, is in the northernmost part of Puglia. This region, considered the heel of Italy's boot, is a gorgeous and very overlooked Italian destination along the Adriatic Sea.

Even with a car, the Baia delle Zagare is difficult to access. It's about a two-hour drive north of the closest airport in the region's capital city of Bari. The Bari International Airport (BRI) has direct flights from across Europe, including many nonstop flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), one of the cheapest airports to fly into Italy, every day. If you aren't staying at a nearby hotel or visiting the beach on a boat tour, you will need to pick up a day pass in Mattinata, a beach town along the way. These passes are free; however, only 30 are allotted each day. If you manage to secure one, you then have to find a paid parking spot and follow a steep path down to the beach.

You'll probably be hot and sweaty by the time you reach the beach, but you'll have the sparkling sea to cool off in. Set your backpack down, have a sip of water, and take in your beautiful surroundings. The beaches, Baia delle Zagare and Baia dei Faraglioni, have a mixture of sand and smooth white pebbles. They are bordered by steep cliffs, which have been carved by the wind on one side. Crystal-clear water and small waves await on the other side, while the two sea stacks, the Arco di Diomede and the scissor-shaped Le Forbici, rise up from the sea. 

After taking in the stunning view from the beach, it's finally time to cool off in the water. Visitors can look forward to swimming in the turquoise water, snorkeling, or scuba diving to discover the underwater rock formations. Or you can stay above the water and rent a kayak. This allows you to paddle out and see the sea stacks up close. There is also a hiking trail with spectacular views of the coastline. The Sentiero dell'Amore (the Path of Love) connects the Baia delle Zagare with the nearby Baia di Vignanotica (Bay of Vignanotica). The rocky path is lined with olive trees, wild rosemary, and that sweet scent of orange blossoms.

For those who can't stomach the thought of leaving at the end of the day, you're in luck. The Hotel Baia delle Zagare is perched on the cliffs high above the bay with uninterrupted ocean views. Its elegant restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool also overlook the water. Best of all, a panoramic lift, instead of the steep stairs, carries guests straight down to either beach. The hotel is a splurge with August rates starting at $426 per night, but off-season travelers will be rewarded with less expensive prices. Be sure to set your alarm for the morning because you won't want to miss sunrise on the empty beach.