The 20 best experiences to have in Puglia

Enjoy a sunset aperitif in Porto Cesareo and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Salento as the sun sinks to the horizon.

Departing from the Lungomare Raffaele Sambati, you will embark on the motorship Santa Maria, which will take you along the following itinerary:

•    Rabbit Island
•    Scala di Furno
•    Island of the Mallow
•    Chianca Tower
•    Bay of Torre Lapillo
•    Castiglione Tower
•    Punta Prosciutto

During the navigation you will be offered an aperitif on board at sunset based on typical Salento products, accompanied by rosé wine and fresh fruit.

You will also be provided with equipment to practice surface snorkeling and admire the Salento flora and fauna.

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

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 10 participants.

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!

Leaving from the Raffaele Sambati waterfront in Porto Cesareo, the motorship Santa Maria will take you to the most picturesque destinations in the Marine Protected Area, with swimming stops for a dip in the sea.

The Motorship will sail northward touching some of the most important points of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, thus exploring natural and archaeological sites, between a snorkeling stop and one with a typical Salento aperitif, included in the price.

The itinerary will touch destinations such as Isola dei Conigli, Scala di Furno, l'Isola della Malva, Torre Chianca, Torre Lapillo, Punta Prosciutto and Torre Castiglione, where you will stop for an aperitif on board based on typical products and rosé wine, accompanied by fresh fruit.

In Torre Lapillo Bay, moreover, a snorkeling stop is planned, where you can dive into the seabed with the equipment provided directly by the facility.

Depending on weather conditions and the decisions of the skipper, the stops may be subject to change.

Maximum capacity: 60 people.

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 10 participants.

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.

Discover St. Andrew's Island starting from Gallipoli with a boat excursion.

For this experience you will have a choice of:

•    Morning excursion
•    Afternoon excursion

For each of these excursions, the itinerary includes:

•    departure from the port of Gallipoli
•    Island of St. Andrew and swim stop to swim surrounded by fish
•    Punta Pizzo bay with a stop to swim in the blue waters of this natural oasis
•    return skirting Punta Suina with typical aperitif served on board

During the morning excursion, the boat staff will serve you both an aperitif and a typical fish dish.

During the excursion you will be guided by a skipper who can satisfy all your curiosity about the place.

On the boat there is snorkeling equipment, to admire the seabed, and a sunshade awning to relax in the shade if necessary.

The use of sunscreen, not on board, is recommended to protect yourself from the sun.

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.

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.

The group boat tour of the southern coast of Vieste will take you on a journey to discover the stunning Gargano coastline.

The group tour departs from Vieste with two daily trips to Baia delle Zagare. You’ll visit the most picturesque bays and beaches—some of which are inaccessible from the main road—as well as sea caves visible from the outside. During the cruise, descriptions of points of interest are provided in Italian and English. A stop of about 40 minutes is planned at Baia dei Gabbiani.

The exclusive tour takes place aboard a rubber dinghy with a skipper included who will guide you along the Gargano coast. Embark on this excursion and experience an adventure in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 90 people for the group tour, 15 people for the private tour.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a boat excursion to discover the coast of Polignano a Mare and its picturesque coves starting from the small port of San Vito.

The tour is conducted with 7-meter open boats, ideal for visiting the coves. Each boat has a maximum capacity of 10 people. 

During the tour you will have the opportunity to discover all the wonders of the Polignano a Mare coastline and to swim at the spots where the sea is more blue.

Departure is scheduled from the small port of San Vito, with subsequent navigation to the most famous caves, including: Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Ardito, Grotta dei Fossili, Grotta dei Due Occhi and the Scoglio dell’Eremita.

On board an aperitif with prosecco and taralli is included.

The tour can be taken in shared mode with other guests or privately.

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.

Shared boat tour to Polignano a Mare caves departing from Monopoli.

Enjoy a’unique experience off the coast of Puglia with this boat tour.

The departure è from Monopoli and, while sailing, you will get a close-up view of Polignano a Mare's striking caves.

The tour also includes a rejuvenating swim stop in the crystal clear waters of Cala Corvino.

On board a’pleasant atmosphere awaits you, accompanied by good music and a rich aperitif based on typical local products.

An’experience suitable for everyone, ideal for groups of friends who want to experience a day of relaxation and carefree.

A unique excursion aboard a vintage gozzo to discover the beautiful caves of Polignano a Mare.

Starting from Cala Ponte Marina you will sail south along the coast of Polignano a Mare passing by Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito.

You will then make a stop at the Scoglio dell'Eremita and on this occasion you will be offered refreshments of local products to be consumed on board the boat. Also, during the stop you can take a swim in the "blue painted blue" and enjoy the relaxation of these crystal clear waters.

You will then resume sailing north to return to Cala Ponte Marina.

Throughout the excursion, which lasts about 2 hours, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will be able to tell you the best facts about the area and the caves.

Among the various times offered, you can choose the last run of 18:00 or 19:00 to make the exit during sunset.

To ensure the safety of passengers, in case of bad weather the itinerary may vary at the discretion of the captain.

Leave for a half-hour tour along Monopoli's picturesque coastline, departing from Molo Margherita.

You will board a comfortable boat and be accompanied by a skipper who will tell you stories and traditions of the places you will visit.

You will have the opportunity to sail along the coast, admiring unique sights and hidden coves, and enjoying spectacular views of Monopoli from the sea.