Vieste is the main tourist centre of Gargano and is approx 20 km from Pugnochiuso. The Pizzomunno rock is a 25-metre-high natural white monolith situated at the entrance to the cities' coastline.

Vieste is a medieval small village of ancient origins. The legend of Pizzomunno is rather famous: it is said that Pizzomunno was a young man turned into stone by the mermaids, who were jealous of his love for the gorgeous Cristalda. The historical centre is made up of stair-like alleys and of serried houses especially on the peninsula of Saint Francis, around the Swabian Castle built by Frederick II in 1240. Not-to-be-missed is the 11th century Cathedral on top of the monumental staircase of the Archibishop’s See. The Trabucco (drop net) of Saint Francis, currently at Vieste WWF disposal, is an over-a-hundred-year-old, ancient fishing tool in Aleppo pine.