Mattinata is a famous seaside resort and it is an important part of the National Park of the Gargano area. The town is built on two hill tops at 72 metres above sea level. The coast line between Mattinata and Vieste proposes typical white cliffs and caves (grottos) excavated by the sea. The bay of Vignanotica, once upon a time, reachable only by sea, is the most famous example of the large amount of grottos along the coast visited by tourists in the area.
The original settlement was built where the touristic port is situated today; the Greeks gave it the name of Apeneste that, in Ancient Greek, means "that rises" with clear reference to the location of the town, facing the sun that rises from East. The Romans called the village Matinum, goddess of the morning, Mater Matua, for the same logistic reason and for the same meaning of its actual name.
Apeneste was built on the ruins of a village of the Dauni, that settled here, building a small commercial centre to exchange their goods with the Greek merchants.
Part of these ruins are still visible such as the necropolis of Dauna which counts 500 tombs excavated on Mount Saraceno.
The actual economy of Mattinata is based on tourism, farming and agriculture.