The 20 best experiences to have in Puglia

Horseback riding in Otranto, on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, allows you to discover the beauty of the area through beautiful natural areas and historical sites. Accompanied by professional instructors, you will explore Salento's secrets and local traditions.

The route winds through Mediterranean scrub and coastline, offering spectacular views of the sea. During the excursion, you will visit places of great interest such as the small lake in the former Bauxite quarry, the Orte Bay, the Orte Masseria, the legendary Serpe Tower, and the Orte Grove.

Instructors will provide technical assistance and tourist information about the places traversed.

Horseback riding on the beach in Porto Cesareo is a relaxing experience that will allow you to admire the wonderful beaches of Salento. During the excursion you will be able to go swimming while riding your horse.

The departure of the horseback ride is set in the morning (duration 2 hours and 30 minutes) or in the afternoon (duration 1 hour). The morning ride includes breakfast at the stables before departing to the sea, where you will access the beach with the horses

The afternoon ride, on the other hand, does not go all the way to the beach, it is done sea view, passing over the cliffs. 

You will be provided with all the necessary equipment to ride horses, including helmet. The price includes the insurance.

The recommended clothing includes closed shoes and long pants.

Outside of the morning tour (2:30h), from April 15 to October 15 there will be no horse riding on the beach due to an ordinance for the beach season.

From October 30 onward you will be able to access the beach with both tours!

Depart at 5:00 p.m. from the Riva di Levante marina in San Leonardo for a sunset boat tour along the Gallipoli coast, accompanied by an experienced skipper.

The cruise will begin by sailing along the historic center, surrounded by its ancient walls, and then continue toward Sant’Andrea Island. Two stops for swimming are planned along the way, perfect for relaxing and taking a dip in the waters of Salento.

On board, you’ll find a shaded area with comfortable seating, a sun deck with a float and pillows, a boarding platform with a ladder, a shower, restrooms, a refrigerator, goggles and fins, kickboards, life jackets, and binoculars.

As the sun sets, you can enjoy the view accompanied by good music. An “apericena” (evening aperitif) will also be served with a drink of your choice, so you can toast the picturesque Gallipoli sunset.

The return to the port is scheduled for after sunset.

Depart from the Riva di Levante marina in San Leonardo for a group boat tour along the coast of Gallipoli.

The cruise will begin by sailing along the historic center, surrounded by its ancient walls, and then continue toward Sant’Andrea Island, where a stop for swimming is planned.

On board, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the experience in complete comfort: a shaded area with comfortable seating, a sun deck with a float and pillows, a boarding platform with a ladder, a shower, restrooms, a refrigerator, goggles and fins, kickboards, life jackets, and binoculars.

During the excursion, a refreshing aperitif with prosecco or a non-alcoholic beverage will be served, accompanied by fresh fruit.

Discover Salento on horseback with a walk suitable for everyone, even beginners.

The excursion, lasting about an hour, includes a ride through the Salento countryside, olive groves, pine forest, until you reach part of the Sant'Andrea cliffs.

You will be provided with all the necessary equipment for horseback riding, including a helmet.

Recommended clothing includes closed shoes and long pants.

To get insurance, you can sign up for a membership card at a cost of €5.

Set out to discover the Otranto caves guided by an experienced skipper and lulled by the waves of the sea.

Once you set sail from the port of Otranto, you can take 2 itineraries at the captain's discretion and depending on weather conditions:

•    North Itinerary: Grotta Monaca, Baia Mulino ad Acqua, Baia dei Turchi
•    Southern itinerary: Grotta Palombara, Baia delle Orte, Faro Palascia, Sant Emiliano

The skipper, present on board for the duration of the excursion, will tell you the history of the caves and can answer all your questions.

In addition, thanks to a dedicated stop, you will have the opportunity to swim in the sea, for which we suggest you bring snorkeling equipment to enjoy this moment.

Return is scheduled about 2 to 3 hours later, depending on the option you choose, still at the port of Otranto.

Enjoy a tasting of BIO extra virgin olive oil at an agritourism just a stone's throw from Vieste, accompanied by typical local products. Live a’genuine experience among tradition, nature and local products.

When you arrive, you will be welcomed by the agriturismo family, who will take you on a journey to discover the culture of Apulian olive oil and the characteristics that make an authentic organic extra virgin special. Through a guided tasting you will learn to recognize the scents, aromas and nuances of quality oil, distinguishing its fruity, bitter and spicy notes.

During the experience you will taste the oil accompanied by bread and selected local specialties, to appreciate how a good extra virgin can enhance the flavors of tradition.

After the tasting you can walk among the olive trees and green spaces of the farmhouse, immersed in the tranquility of the Gargano countryside.

Horseback riding in Vieste is also suitable for those who have never ridden a horse, and you can choose from several tours:

Afternoon

The afternoon tour takes place on the plains among the olive trees. Departure is set at 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The expected duration is about 1 hour.

Sunset

The sunset tour takes place in the hills. Departure is set at 6:30 pm. Expected duration is about 1 1/2 hours.

Experience a day trip to the Tremiti Islands departing from Vieste that includes a motorboat transfer, free time on the island and tour of the archipelago.

After the ferry transfer, you can choose to visit San Nicola or San Domino.

In San Nicola you can immerse yourself in the history of the ancient village and visit the imposing Montecassino Abbey-Fortress of the Adriatic. If, on the other hand, you choose San Domino, the largest island in the archipelago, you can stroll through dense Aleppo pine forests and discover beautiful coves such as Cala Matano, Cala dello Spido and Cala degli Inglesi.

Next you will take part in a boat tour around the archipelago on a smaller motorboat, sailing between San Domino, San Nicola, Cretaccio and Capraia. While sailing you will visit sea caves with a swim stop.

If time permits, you can also disembark on the other island you have not yet visited and continue your exploration.

Rent a rubber boat in Vieste and enjoy a day at sea on your own terms, with no boat license required. Explore the Gargano coast at your own pace and stop wherever you like to swim or relax.

Aboard a 5.60-meter inflatable boat with a 40 CV Mercury motor, you’ll have everything you need to cruise safely and comfortably. The awning will provide shade from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, while the comfortable cushions will make every moment of your trip enjoyable. Thanks to the boarding ladder, you can easily jump in and climb back on board after a swim in the crystal-clear waters.

To make your day even more enjoyable, you’ll also find a cooler bag to keep drinks and snacks fresh, in addition to all the required safety equipment on board. A perfect experience for exploring the sea off Vieste in total freedom—as a couple, with friends, or with family.

This day excursion will depart at 10:00 a.m. from the Vieste marina on the 12-meter boat Albachiara.

The boat has an awning that will allow you to experience the excursion and the listening to the description of the sea caves and the coast by the tour guide comfortably in the shade, afterwards instead for those who want to enjoy the sun the boat has a wide bow equipped with comfortable mats to which you can lie down freely.

The first swimming stop will be about an hour after leaving the marina in Porto Greco, one of the most breathtaking bays of the Gargano along with Baia Vignanotica and Baia delle Zagare.

After finishing the first swimming stop, obviously without any time limit, the second stop is Baia di Vignanotica. It is precisely in this bay that lunch will take place, consisting of fresh local products (sea and land products) prepared on board, accompanied with some excellent fresh prosecco.

For those who do not drink alcohol will be provided peach tea, lemon tea and water. 

After eating and resting, navigation resumes in the afternoon where the third swimming stop will take place in the most suggestive bay of the Gargano, Baia delle Zagare, where there will be a buffet of seasonal fruits and also an excellent coffee prepared on board at the moment. 

Return to port is scheduled at 17:00.

Fuel is included in the price.

Embark on a boat adventure among crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery in the Gargano.

You will embark on a boat excursion at sunset, enveloped by the waters and lights of twilight. You will be treated to a delicious apericena with drinks on board.

Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

Have an authentic experience in Alberobello with an evocative truffle hunt ending with a tasting and typical lunch.

You can participate in a guided hike in the Alta Murgia forests, designed for small groups eager to discover the magic of searching for fresh truffles.

Accompanied by expert truffle hunters and their faithful trained dogs, you will experience a unique adventure in the heart of nature. Among trails and forest scents, you will learn the secrets of truffle hunting, following the tracks of your four-legged companions.

The excitement of discovering these precious underground treasures will be contagious: every step will become an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the fascinating world of truffles.

At the end of the excursion, a delicious tasting and lunch of Apulian truffle specialties, prepared with local and genuine ingredients, awaits you.

An experience suitable for everyone, ideal for food and wine lovers and for those who wish to experience Puglia in its most authentic essence.

Dive into this wonderful area of Fasano in the province of Brindisi as you stroll through the Apulian countryside and coastal dunes area.

The experience begins with an introduction in which you will learn about the itinerary and be provided with the necessary equipment for the walk.

Exiting the riding stables you will be surrounded by the greenery of Apulian nature including olive and fig trees that will accompany you throughout the walk.

The equestrian guide will accompany you throughout the experience answering any curiosity you may have about everything that surrounds you during the experience.

On summer weekends, è only the 1-hour, 30-minute excursion is available, which’includes an inland stretch and a stretch of beach.

The horseback ride in the Murge from Corato will last about 50 minutes and will allow you to discover the Alta Murgia National Park with a fantastic experience on horseback, with an equestrian guide.

The horseback ride will be preceded or followed by a lunch held in the farmhouse adjacent to the equestrian club. In summer, the ride is only available at 5 p.m., so lunch precedes it.

Lunch consists of an appetizer of cold cuts, cheeses, focaccia, salted meat, eggplant other typical Apulian products. You will also be offered two first courses, a side dish with vegetables, sweet fruit and drinks included.

The menu varies slightly each week and the Sunday menu is more substantial. 

The Alta Murgia Park is an area of special historical as well as naturalistic importance, visiting it on horseback is an experience that allows you to stay in touch with nature.

Explore Puglia's most fascinating caves with this group boat tour ideal for visiting Polignano a Mare, the fantastic waters of the Adriatic Sea and its charming bays.

You'll have the opportunity to swim, enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and visit some of the area's most evocative sites, including the "Grotta Palazzese", the "Cave of Love" the Archbishop's Cave, the Domenico Modugno Statue, Lama Monachile, the Red Bull Balcony, the Ardito Cave, the Favale Cave and many others.

The excursion lasts 1 1/2 hours and you can choose between the shared and exclusive options.

Maximum capacity: 10 people.

Private experience of traditional gozzo fishing in Bari, designed to let you experience the sea in an authentic way aboard the historic wooden boat of local fishermen.

During 2,5 hours of sailing, you will be accompanied by an experienced Bari sailor, who will teach you traditional fishing techniques and guide you in your choice between bolentino fishing or octopus fishing, sharing tales and curiosities about seafaring life and the link between the city and its port.

The activity is reserved for a maximum of 4 people and allows you to bring your catch with you, for an intimate, genuine experience deeply linked to Bari's seafood tradition.