The 20 best experiences to have in Puglia

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.

The Gallipoli boat excursion allows you to explore the Salento region while admiring the Apulian coastline from the sea and diving into the crystal clear waters.

You will have the opportunity to admire Old Gallipoli with its towers, walls and churches. You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will share with you the history and traditions of this area. 

The tours last 3 hours; the morning and afternoon departures include a swim stop at the island of Sant’Andrea, a natural park dominated by a tall lighthouse and characterized by a rich marine ecosystem, and one at Punta Pizzo where the sandy seabed and inlet create a natural pool.

The sunset tour includes a stop at the island of Sant’Andrea and one in the Lidi area where it will be possible to admire the sun disappearing into the sea in peace.

You can dive, snorkel or relax on a SUP thanks to the equipment provided by the facility.

On board you will be offered an aperitif with artisanal focaccia, fresh fruit and local wine. 

The boat can accommodate up to 11 people and it is equipped with soft cushions, awning then extended shade area, swim platform and ladder for comfortable ascent, music and freshwater shower.

Shared or private tours can be arranged.

Experience a day at sea along the Salento coast by renting a comfortable and easy-to-drive boat, perfect for exploring bays and coves in total freedomà.

A sailing license is not è required, but è minimal sailing experience recommended. Departure is from Castro Marina, from which you can start discovering one of the mostù suggestive stretches of Salento, among crystal-clear waters, sea caves and natural landscapes.

The hull, equipped with a Yamaha 40 hp engine, canò accommodate up to 7 people and è complete with all safety equipment, awning for shade, sundeck and ladder for the ascent, to ensure your comfort throughout the experience.

You can choose from several duration options:

morning, afternoon or all-day rental.

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 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.

Experience a day at sea along the coast of Vieste by renting a dinghy that is easy to drive and requires no boat license.

È an ideal experience to independently explore coves, sea caves and crystal clear waters of the Gargano.

The inflatable boat è equipped with a 40 hp engine and è designed to provide comfort while cruising, with space to relax and take bathroom stops along the coast. Starting from Vieste you can organize your itinerary in freedom, reaching the most suggestive and less accessible areas by land.

You can choose between half-day or full-day rentals.

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.

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.

Horseback riding in Ruvo di Puglia allows you to enjoy a unique experience surrounded by nature and far from the city chaos.

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those new to horseback riding, and is perfect for couples or groups of friends.

The horseback ride lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is preceded by a short introductory briefing.

The activity includes an easy loop trail where you will see the whole area of the first plateau.

You will have the opportunity to pass through areas that have been the scene of thriving pastoralism for centuries, both sedentary and transhumant. These activities have left a remarkable legacy of white roads called "tratturi" carrari , interponderali roads, tratturelli and trails.

You can travel all this on horseback: this experience allows you to relive the history of a time that was, along areas that have not yet been disrupted by the hand of modern man, where the air has a scent all its own and the sky is always blue.

When booking, you can choose from 2 options:

•    horseback ride
•    horseback ride with aperitif on return

The aperitif includes: cold cuts and cheese board, bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, tomatoes in oil, green olives, baked onions, wine and water.

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

Suitable sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required for this experience.

Maximum allowed weight: 120 kg.

A two-hour shared boat trip to discover the most beautiful sea caves on the coast of Polignano a Mare departing from Monopoli.

Polignano is a real jewel on the Adriatic Sea and offers all its beauty precisely when seen from the sea. In fact, with this boat excursion you will be able to admire the buildings overhanging the sea and the caves below.

You will set sail from the port of Monopoli and sail up the coast until you reach Polignano. Along the way you will see beautiful caves such as Grotta della Colonna, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta delle Monache.

You will also be able to see Lama Monachile and Scoglio dell'Eremita from offshore.

During this excursion you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will allow you to dive into the sea at one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on the coast before returning.

Finally, you will be offered refreshments of local products to eat on board.

This exclusive boat excursion departing from Monopoli takes you to discover the most beautiful sea caves on the coast of Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare is a location of great scenic interest along the Adriatic coast, particularly striking when viewed from the sea.

This boat excursion allows you to admire the historic center perched on the cliffs and the numerous sea caves located at the base of the coast.

Departure is from the port of Monopoli, from which you will sail up the coast in the direction of Polignano. Along the way you will be able to see some of the most characteristic caves in the area, including Grotta della Colonna, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta delle Monache.

From offshore it will also be possible to see some iconic places such as Lama Monachile and Scoglio dell'Eremita.

The excursion is led by an experienced skipper and includes a stop for swimming in one of the most scenic stretches of the coast. Refreshments with typical local products will be offered on board.

For this experience you can choose 2 options with the same itinerary:

•    Private tour of about 2 hours
•    Private tour of about 3 hours

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.

The private sunset boat excursion with aperitif in Polignano is a perfect experience to admire the caves and coves of Puglia when they are tinged with striking colors.

The departure is scheduled from Polignano a Mare, from the port of San Vito. You will be accompanied by a skipper to discover unique sea caves that can only be reached by sea.

The skipper will tell you fascinating stories about Polignano and its traditions, letting you discover secret corners and curiosities about local history.

You will also stop at a cove where you can dive into the crystal clear Apulian waters: here you can swim and snorkel.

After swimming you can enjoy an aperitif on board that includes:

•    prosecco
•    the
•    cola
•    water
•    pugliese marbles

Next you will stop at another charming cove, where you can take another swim before returning to the port of departure.