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

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.

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.

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.

Go aboard a sailboat and enjoy an authentic sailing experience departing from Monopoli, exploring the coast to the picturesque caves of Polignano a Mare.

The excursion lasts 3 hours and is available in a group formula in the morning, afternoon and sunset, so you can choose the time of day you prefer.

During the cruise you can admire the coastline from a unique perspective and reach the fascinating caves of Polignano a Mare, then return to Monopoli. Bathing stops are planned at the caves or along the way, depending on sea conditions and your preferences.

To accompany you there will be an experienced skipper, who will make the experience even more engaging with stories, trivia and notions about the world of sailing and navigation.

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.

Shared boat tour to Polignano a Mare caves departing from Monopoli.

Enjoy a’unique experience off the coast of Puglia with this boat tour.

The departure è from Monopoli and, while sailing, you will get a close-up view of Polignano a Mare's striking caves.

The tour also includes a rejuvenating swim stop in the crystal clear waters of Cala Corvino.

On board a’pleasant atmosphere awaits you, accompanied by good music and a rich aperitif based on typical local products.

An’experience suitable for everyone, ideal for groups of friends who want to experience a day of relaxation and carefree.

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

Visit Polignano a Mare's most picturesque caves and enjoy an aperitif on board among the waters of the Adriatic.

Departing from Cala Ponte Marina, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper along the coves and beaches around Polignano. The journey starts from Cala Ponte Marina and passes through Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta della Rondinella, Grotta Ardito, Grotta delle Monache and many others. During the trip, guests can enjoy swimming in front of Polignano's ramparts and snorkeling.

During the cruise, you will also be offered a small aperitif on board based on local products.

The boat tour is organized on a shared or exclusive basis and lasts 2 hours. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 10 people. 5 boats are available.