San Domino: Coastal Paths, Nature and History

San Domino is the largest island of the Tremiti Archipelago. Mediterranean maquis and a lush Aleppo pine forest shape the island. It is surrounded by Zone B of the Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area, where diving and research and environmental monitoring activities are permitted. Nature, the coast and the underwater world offer different themes for a stay on San Domino.

Getting around San Domino

Visitors get around San Domino on foot or by bicycle along numerous marked paths. Cars and motorcycles may not be brought to the island. Before travelling, check whether any exceptions apply locally.

A nature trail runs around San Domino and branches off to coves, grottoes and beaches. The Perimetrale San Domino–Faro San Domino circular route has a stabilised surface and Braille panels. As trail conditions can change, check the condition of your planned route before your visit.

Coast, grottoes and sea

Between Punta Secca and Cala del Bue Marino lies the Architiello, a natural arch. Cala delle Arene is located behind the harbour and is San Domino’s only sandy beach. The beach is accessible and equipped; its facilities may change seasonally, so it is advisable to check before visiting.

Visitors can see numerous species in a grotto; which ones are found there varies as the light diminishes. The way the habitat changes with the light is also one of the natural phenomena visitors may observe on San Domino.

At the Scogli del Sale dive site, an easy dive follows a rugged rock face. There are Posidonia seagrass meadows, as well as groupers, sea bream, spiny lobsters and conger eels, among other species. Here, the underwater world reveals both its habitats and the animal species mentioned.

Boat trips are available on San Domino: boats can be rented or visitors can join organised boat tours. Operators and availability may vary seasonally; it is best to check what is on offer before your trip.

Geology and history

At the Pagliai, visitors can observe the Eocene San Domino Formation and fossil-rich organic limestone. The island’s geology adds a specific rock formation to its coastal and nature themes.

Between the end of the 9th century and the beginning of the 10th century, Benedictines built a monastery and the Church of San Giacomo on San Domino. Several shipwrecks are also part of the island’s history. The Roman ship Relitto delle Tre Senghe sank 80 metres off the coast of San Domino, at a depth of about 25 metres.

The Relitto delle Tre Senghe A lies off the southern coast of San Domino at a depth of 24 metres. It is a Roman transport ship about 20 metres long, carrying a cargo of Lamboglia 2 and Dressel 2–4 amphorae. The Relitto del Lombardo lies at Cala degli Inglesi. Nino Bixio seized it in 1860 to transport part of Garibaldi’s Mille. The Relitto delle Tre Senghe B near San Domino preserves a cargo of stone blocks that probably belonged to another Roman or late antique merchant ship.

Discover more destinations: Castelluccio Dei Sauri, Alberona, Candela, Foce Varano, San Nicandro Garganico, Mattinata, Serracapriola, Volturara Appula.

Go to the regional travel overview: Foggia.