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!

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.

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.

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.

Experience a gozzo excursion along the coast of Castro Marina and discover sea caves, bays and crystal clear waters of Salento, accompanied by experienced sailors.

During the cruise, visit some of the area's best-known caves, such as Grotta Palombara, Grotta Rotundella, Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta Zinzulusa, as well as Baia Romanelli.

You can choose from three options:

•    The 1-hour tour with cave visit and one swimming stop
•    The 2-hour tour that continues to Porto Miggiano and Santa Cesarea Terme with more time for swimming
•    The 3-hour tour that offers a more complete experience, with additional swim stops and an aperitif on board, all the way to Luvara Bay.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.