The 10 best things to do in Vieste and Gargano on vacation in 2026

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Take the quad bike tour departing from Alberobello, and set out to explore nature trails in Puglia.

Two routes are possible for this quad bike tour, with two different durations:

Easy route (2 hours and 30 minutes).

During this tour, after renting the quad bike, you travel through the surroundings of Alberobello, touching some provinces of bari, brindisi and Taranto. The route starts out gently and then tightens into paths through the woods

Trip to the sea (4 hours and 30 minutes)

This tour is completely off-road. You will stop at a lido where you can swim. We therefore recommend that you bring a bathing suit and towel. Next you will pass by Ignazia, a place rich in Byzantine frescoes, and the Selva di Fasano. The return is always scheduled to Alberobello.

Each ATV can carry 2 people, with a maximum weight of 150 kg. The driver must have a B license, while the passenger has no special requirements.

Sportswear is recommended; the facility will provide a tear-resistant suit and a raincoat to protect clothes. Helmet and insurance are included in the price.

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.

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