SPORTS & HOBBIES
Anyone imagining that the province of Foggia does not offer plenty of chances for practising sports and intelligent leisure activities in a natural milieu is making a big mistake! In fact, it is the very multiplicity of the environmental resources and the variety of the landscapes – the sea, lakes, highlands, the coast, grottos – that provides so many opportunities to discover the territory in original ways.
Flying high in the sky in a microlight, fulfilling Icarus’ dream, is possible from the natural promontories of Rignano Garganico where this is one of the most popular hobbies and aficionados from all over Italy often convene. The same can be said of Panni, where hang-gliding is top on the list of activities.
Trekking on horseback is a favourite sport both in the Gargano and the Pre-Apennines, and here mountain-bikers, too, can go cross-country for short or longer rides. The grottos and rock faces all over the Gargano promontory are the natural home of speleologists and all those who wish to pit their strength against the elements and conquer the majestic heights.
Paddling around the lagoons in a canoe is increasingly popular, especially on the Lake of Lesina, while windsurf lovers should not forego the chance to surf and compete in regattas in the areas around Peschici and Vieste. Sailing is a way to enjoy the sea practically all the year round and the “Spur of Italy” offers a unique coastline and safe harbour inlets. Nautical camping is a more recent invention, that allows sea-lovers not only to explore the local surroundings but also to venture further, to other nations lying nearby on the Mediterranean.
Rubber dinghy enthusiasts have plenty of scope and each year a crossing is organized from the Gargano to the Tremiti Isles and sometimes even to Italy’s neighbouring “cousins”, Greece, Albania and Croatia.
The Gargano and the Pre-Apennines are places of unalloyed joy for birdwatchers: the fens of Siponto, the lagoon of Lesina and other marshlands in this territory offer a wonderful opportunity to come in close contact with the rich variety of fauna, exploring nature but without disturbing its legitimate inhabitants.
Chi pensa che la provincia di Foggia non offra occasioni legate allo sport e allo svago intelligente, sempre in un'ottica naturalistica, si sbaglia. 
