Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Nicola
Medieval buildings thrust out of San Nicola's rocky shores, the same pale-sand colour as
the barren cliffs. In 1010, Benedictine monks founded the
Abbazia e Chiesa di Santa Maria
here;
for the next 700 years the islands were ruled by a series of abbots who accumulated great
wealth.
Although the church retains a weather-worn Renaissance portal and a fine 11th-century
floor mosaic, its other treasures have been stolen or destroyed throughout its troubled his-
tory. The only exceptions are a painted wooden Byzantine crucifix brought to the island in
AD 747 and a black Madonna, probably transported here from Constantinople in the
Middle Ages.
ISLAND
ISLAND
Capraia
The third of the Isole Tremiti, Capraia, (named after the wild caper plant) is uninhabited.
Birdlife is plentiful, with impressive flocks of seagulls. There's no organised transport, but
trips can be negotiated with local fishing folk.
Sleeping & Eating
In summer you'll need to book well ahead and many hotels insist on full board. Camping
is forbidden.
La Casa di Gino
( 0882 46 34 10;
www.hotel-gabbiano.com
;
Piazza Belvedere; r €180; )
A tranquil accommodation
choice on San Nicola, away from the frenzy of San Domino, this B&B run by the Hotel
Gabbiano has stylish white-on-white rooms.
B&B
$$
Hotel Gabbiano
( 0882 46 34 10;
www.hotel-gabbiano.com
;
Piazza Belvedere; s incl breakfast €45-105, d incl breakfast €120-128;
)
An established icon on the island and run for more than 30 years by a Neapolitan
family, this smart hotel has pastel-coloured rooms with balconies overlooking San Nicola
and the sea. It also has a seafood restaurant.
HOTEL
$$
Architiello
(
SEAFOOD
$$
Apr-Oct)
A class act with a seaview terrace, this specialises in -
0882 46 30 54; meals €25;
what else? - fresh fish.
