The 20 best experiences to have in Puglia

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.

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!

The group sailing day trip to Gallipoli allows you to admire this stretch of Salento coastline from the sea in the company of friends or family.

You will sail along the southern side of Puglia and can reach St. Andrea Island, Torre Pizzo and Giudecca.

This boat trip has a duration of about 7 hours. After a short cognitive briefing on board, you will depart for the Ionian coast of Salento.

Swimming stops and visits to the most beautiful coves in the area are planned during the excursion. Snorkeling equipment and sup will also be at your disposal.

On board you will be offered a tasting aperitif full of typical Apulian products with wine.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

Group boat excursion with Skipper in Porto Cesareo, including crystal clear sea, regenerating swim and visit to the Rabbit Island, ideal for couples, families and small groups.

You can choose from three types of tours:

•    Short tour: discovering the picturesque Roman Columns with swimming stop and visit to the Rabbit Island
•     Long tour: with sailing to Punta Prosciutto, two swimming stops and visit to the Rabbit Island
•    Sunset Tour: to enjoy a romantic atmosphere by the sea.

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.

Discover the southern coast of the Gargano on board an exclusive boat accompanied by a skipper.

Departing from the port of Vieste, you will sail south to visit all the most beautiful bays and caves on the coast.

Among the caves featured, you will be able to visit the Rainbow Cave, the Dolphin Cave, the Small Bell Cave, the Small Pierced Cave and the Purgatory Cave.

The tour goes all the way to Faraglioni Bay, visiting the entire southern coast of Gargano with all the caves, of which there are about ten.

During the outing, you can make multiple stops for swimming in the sea at the most beautiful spots along the coast, in agreement with the skipper.

The boat is equipped with a large sundeck with cushions, telescopic awning, ladder, anchor and on-board equipment.

You can choose from 3 outings:

•    Morning excursion with departure at 9:00 a.m. and return for 1:00 p.m.
•    Afternoon excursion with departure at 2:00 pm and return for 6:00 pm
•    Day excursion with departure at 9:00 a.m. and return for 6:00 p.m.

The group boat excursion to Vieste Sea Caves will take you to discover the beautiful Gargano coastline.

The group tour departs from Vieste with two daily trips to Baia delle Zagare. You will visit the most striking bays and beaches, some not accessible from the main road. Descriptions of points of interest are provided in Italian and English during navigation. A stop of about 40 minutes is planned at the Bay of Seagulls.

This exclusive tour is taken aboard an inflatable boat with a skipper included who will guide you along the Gargano coastline. Embark on this excursion and experience an adventure in Vieste's Sea Caves in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 120 people for the group tour, 15 people for the private tour.

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.

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 boat tour from Monopoli to the caves of Polignano a Mare allows you to discover the Apulian sea and its gastronomic traditions.

The first part of the tour takes place in the historic area of Monopoli as seen from the sea. Here you will admire Charles V Castle and its ancient walls.    

Next, passing through Cala Corvino, a small cove visible only from the sea, you will sail to Port'Alga, a characteristic cove reachable only on foot or by boat 

Passing Scoglio dell'Eremita, you will arrive in Polignano a Mare to enjoy a typical Apulian aperitif consisting of:

•    focaccia Barese
•    homemade taralli of different flavors
•    frisella with tomato and basil
•    prosecco or soft drinks

Here you can also enjoy a relaxing swimming stop.

The last stop will be the most famous beach in Polignano, Lama Monachile. Next to it you will also meet the statue of the famous Italian singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno.

Back in Monopoli you will stop to admire all the famous caves of Polignano, including the Grotta degli innamorati. 

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Boat excursion to the caves of Polignano a Mare with skipper and aperitif served on board.

Departing from San Vito, you will head out to discover Polignano a Mare from a new point of view. You will admire the grandeur of this town overlooking the sea and the beauty of its caves.

The itinerary includes:

•    Grotta Palazzese, which houses an exclusive restaurant inside
•    Lama Monachile, a famous natural inlet with a pebble beach
•    Hermit Island
•    Lovers' Cave
•    Ardito Cave

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to stop for a swim in the sea among the crystal clear waters of the area.

On board you will be offered a flute of prosecco, typical Apulian taralli, water and fresh soft drinks. There will be music on board the boat for dancing and having fun together.

You will be able to choose from 3 possible options with the same itinerary:

•    Excursion shared with other participants: 1 1/2 hours
•    Private excursion with exclusive boat: 1 1/2 hours
•    Private excursion with exclusive boat: 3 hours

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.

Go aboard a sailboat and enjoy an authentic sailing experience departing from Monopoli, exploring the coast to the picturesque caves of Polignano a Mare.

The excursion lasts 3 hours and is available in a group formula in the morning, afternoon and sunset, so you can choose the time of day you prefer.

During the cruise you can admire the coastline from a unique perspective and reach the fascinating caves of Polignano a Mare, then return to Monopoli. Bathing stops are planned at the caves or along the way, depending on sea conditions and your preferences.

To accompany you there will be an experienced skipper, who will make the experience even more engaging with stories, trivia and notions about the world of sailing and navigation.

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.