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

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!

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.

Depart from the Riva di Levante marina in San Leonardo for a group boat tour along the coast of Gallipoli.

The cruise will begin by sailing along the historic center, surrounded by its ancient walls, and then continue toward Sant’Andrea Island, where a stop for swimming is planned.

On board, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the experience in complete comfort: a shaded area with comfortable seating, a sun deck with a float and pillows, a boarding platform with a ladder, a shower, restrooms, a refrigerator, goggles and fins, kickboards, life jackets, and binoculars.

During the excursion, a refreshing aperitif with prosecco or a non-alcoholic beverage will be served, accompanied by fresh fruit.

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.

Depart at 5:00 p.m. from the Riva di Levante marina in San Leonardo for a sunset boat tour along the Gallipoli coast, accompanied by an experienced skipper.

The cruise will begin by sailing along the historic center, surrounded by its ancient walls, and then continue toward Sant’Andrea Island. Two stops for swimming are planned along the way, perfect for relaxing and taking a dip in the waters of Salento.

On board, you’ll find a shaded area with comfortable seating, a sun deck with a float and pillows, a boarding platform with a ladder, a shower, restrooms, a refrigerator, goggles and fins, kickboards, life jackets, and binoculars.

As the sun sets, you can enjoy the view accompanied by good music. An “apericena” (evening aperitif) will also be served with a drink of your choice, so you can toast the picturesque Gallipoli sunset.

The return to the port is scheduled for after sunset.

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.

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.

Discover the beauty of the Polignano a Mare coastline with an’eco-friendly catamaran excursion.

Go aboard the Suncat, Mar y Sol's sustainable catamaran, and sail past hidden coves, sea caves and crystal clear waters. During the tour you will make stops for swimming and snorkeling in the most striking areas of the coast.

You will explore the famous sea caves, relax on the sundeck, and enjoy an onboard aperitif with snacks and soft drinks, all in small groups for a comfortable and intimate experience.

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.

Private experience of traditional gozzo fishing in Bari, designed to let you experience the sea in an authentic way aboard the historic wooden boat of local fishermen.

During 2,5 hours of sailing, you will be accompanied by an experienced Bari sailor, who will teach you traditional fishing techniques and guide you in your choice between bolentino fishing or octopus fishing, sharing tales and curiosities about seafaring life and the link between the city and its port.

The activity is reserved for a maximum of 4 people and allows you to bring your catch with you, for an intimate, genuine experience deeply linked to Bari's seafood tradition.