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!

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.

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.

Get ready to explore Salento's most fascinating caves aboard a 10-meter gozzo or a 7-meter gozzo with bathroom stops.

Departing from Castro's Porto Vecchio, the itinerary includes three main stops, namely Grotta Palombara, with its striking triangular entrance, Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Zinzulusa, known for its stalactites ("zinzuli") hanging from its ceiling. Finally, on the return trip to Castro, there will be a bathroom stop at Porto Miggiano and nearby Santa Cesarea Terme.

The excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts 2 hours. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

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.

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 è also suitable for those who have not è never ridden a horse and è you can choose from several tours: 

Afternoon

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

Sunset

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

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.

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.

Daily excursion leaving from Vieste aboard a Turkish yacht with skipper, aperitif and lunch on board.

The excursion will depart from the port of Vieste and, depending on weather conditions and the captain's decisions, you will travel along the Gargano coast to discover the most beautiful caves and beaches in the area.

During the day you will make stops (including an extended one for lunch) where you will have the opportunity to take one or more swims in the sea among the crystal clear Apulian waters.

The special feature of this boat is that it features, on board, a kitchen in which fresh, locally sourced dishes will be prepared. In fact, you will be served an aperitif and a multi-course lunch including wine and water. 

For organizational reasons, the experience is not è suitable for those with food intolerances or special dietary needs.

For the more curious, the staff will be able to offer explanations and cultural nods related to the traditions of the area. 

The price also includes insurance and membership in the organizing association, namely Gulet Eco Freedom Team Project A.P.S.

.

Finally, there will also be the possibility of requesting on board the book, with dedication, "The Emotions, the keystone", whose author, Elisabetta Monaco, will be on board with you during the outing as the owner of the boat.

During the winter period, the reservation will be confirmed having reached 8 total participants.

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.

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.

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 exclusive boat tour to the caves of Polignano a Mare allows you to explore some of the most fascinating spots in Puglia.

You will have the opportunity to swim, enjoy both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink, and visit some of the area's most striking sites, including the "Grotta Palazzese," the "Grotta dell'amore," and the Archbishop's Cave.

The tour will start from the picturesque port of San Vito. You will then sail along the rugged coastline, exploring unique sea caves, some accessible only by sea. You will admire incredible play of light, turquoise waters and sheer cliffs.

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

After a second swimming stop, you will enjoy an aperitif on board with prosecco, tea, cola, water and delicious Apulian taralli.

Later you will stop at another charming cove, perfect for another rejuvenating swim and freshwater shower before setting sail for the port from which you departed.

The excursion has a duration of 1 1/2 hours.

Maximum capacity: 5 people for the private tour.

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 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.

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.

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

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those who are approaching the world of horseback riding for the first time, and it is perfect for couples or group of friends.

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

The activity includes an easy loop trail where you can admire the entire 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. Such activities have left a remarkable legacy of white roads called "tratturi" carrari , interponderial roads, tratturelli and paths.

You can travel through 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 è always blue.

When booking you can choose from 2 options:

•    horseback riding
•    horseback ride with aperitif on the way back

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

Maximum weight allowed: 120kg.