The 9 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!

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.

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.

The shared boat excursion departs from San Foca and then sails along the coast of the Melendugno Marines.

This experience is perfect for admiring the Apulian coastline from the sea in the company of friends or family.

You will sail across

•    Roca Vecchia (archaeological site, cave of Poetry)
•    Torre dell'Orso (rocky ridge, Faraglioni delle Due sorelle, Spiaggia dell'orso beach)
•    Torre Sant'Andrea with the famous Faraglioni and beautiful bays
•    Conca Specchiulla with shallow waters, small hidden coves and a white rock surrounded by miles of Mediterranean scrub

Basic duration is about 2.5 hours with 2 swimming stops.

On board you will find:

•    sun shade,
•    decker,
•    cushioning,
•    snorkeling gear,
•    Refreshments and Salento snacks (fruit, local baked goods with drinks)

Embark on a private boat excursion that takes you to explore the Melendugno Marines departing from San Foca.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing time with friends or family while admiring the Apulian coastline from the sea.

You will sail to the crossing of

•    Roca Vecchia (archaeological site, cave of Poetry)
•    Torre dell'Orso (rocky ridge, Faraglioni delle Due sorelle, Bear Beach)
•    Torre Sant'Andrea with the famous Faraglioni and beautiful bays
•    Conca Specchiulla with shallow waters, small hidden coves and a white rock surrounded by miles of Mediterranean bush

The basic duration is about 2.5 hours with 2 swimming stops, all times and stops are easily customizable by hiring the boat exclusively.

On board you will find:

•    sunshade awning,
•    hand shower,
•    cushions,
•    snorkeling equipment,
•    refreshments and Salento snacks (fruit, local baked goods with drinks)

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 boat tour from Monopoli to the caves of Polignano a Mare allows you to discover the Apulian sea and its gastronomic traditions.

The first part of the tour takes place in the historic area of Monopoli as seen from the sea. Here you will admire Charles V Castle and its ancient walls.    

Next, passing through Cala Corvino, a small cove visible only from the sea, you will sail to Port'Alga, a characteristic cove reachable only on foot or by boat 

Passing Scoglio dell'Eremita, you will arrive in Polignano a Mare to enjoy a typical Apulian aperitif consisting of:

•    focaccia Barese
•    homemade taralli of different flavors
•    frisella with tomato and basil
•    prosecco or soft drinks

Here you can also enjoy a relaxing swimming stop.

The last stop will be the most famous beach in Polignano, Lama Monachile. Next to it you will also meet the statue of the famous Italian singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno.

Back in Monopoli you will stop to admire all the famous caves of Polignano, including the Grotta degli innamorati. 

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

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.

Horseback riding in the Murge from Corato allows you to discover the Alta Murgia National Park accompanied by an equestrian guide.

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those who are approaching the world of horseback riding for the first time. The minimum age to participate is 16.

The Alta Murgia Park is an area of special historical as well as naturalistic significance, visiting it on horseback is an experience that allows you to stay in touch with nature.

Sporty and comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes is required.

The boat tour from Monopoli to the caves of Polignano a Mare allows you to discover the Apulian sea and its gastronomic traditions.

This private boat experience is perfect for those who want the ultimate in personalization and comfort.

The boat is chartered exclusively to fully enjoy bathroom stops in sought-after places. A full aperitif with typical Apulian products is also provided during the cruise.

This option is ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries, bachelorette/bachelorette parties or simply to experience the Apulian sea in total privacy and relaxation.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Discover the caves of Polignano a Mare aboard a spacious catamaran with friends or family on this private day tour.

Departing from Cala Ponte Marina you will sail to Polignano and sail along the coast to see the main caves and coves such as Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Lama Monachile and Grotta Palazzese.

There will also be a guide on board who can describe all the places you will see and can answer all your questions or curiosities about the place.

The stops planned during this tour are:

•    Polignano a Mare
•    Cala Portalga
•    Cala Corvino
•    Monopoli
•    Cala Santo Stefano

The excursion lasts about 7 hours, and during the trip you will have the opportunity to take swim stops in the sea, discover the seabed and venture into the caves.

On board the boat there will also be music, to keep you entertained, and a SUP to explore the caves in simplicity. In addition, you will be treated to an aperitif of local products.

During the excursion you will be provided with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the open bar (white and rosé wine, prosecco, beer, still and sparkling water, regular and zero Coke, iced tea, and fruit juices).

When booking, you can also select lunch if you wish. Three different menus are available:

•    Menu 1 (light buffet lunch) which includes hot and cold typical Apulian dishes such as frittatina with vegetables, rolls, bread balls, savory croissants and rustic pizza
•    Menu 2 (2-course lunch) which includes first or second course and side dish
•    Menu 3 (3-course lunch) which includes first course, second course and side dish

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