The 20 best experiences to have in Puglia

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 beautiful beaches of Salento. During the excursion you will be able to bathe while riding your horse.

The horseback ride is scheduled to start in the morning (duration 2 hours and 30 minutes) or in the afternoon (duration 1 hour). The morning ride includes a breakfast at the stables before leaving, and the afternoon ride does not go all the way to the beach.

You will be provided with all the equipment you need to ride a horse, including helmet. The price is inclusive of insurance.

Recommended clothing includes closed shoes and long pants.

Until Oct. 30, you will not be able to go to the beach with horses even during the 2-hour, 30-minute tour due to a beach season ordinance.

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 boat excursion from Otranto along the coast with aperitif is a fantastic experience to explore the Salento coast directly from the sea.

On board, staff will tell you the stories behind the most beautiful places in Salento and the most interesting secrets and take you to see some of the wonders north and south of the harbor such as Grotta della Monaca, Grotta della Fraula, and Baia Morrone.

An aperitif of typical Apulian products, focaccia, frise salentine, mozzarella and sparkling wine will then be served.

Discover Otranto and the Salento sea with a boat excursion among the most beautiful caves and bays of the Apulian coast.

Half-day boat excursion to explore the caves around Otranto.

Departure is scheduled from Otranto harbor at 9:30 am and 3:00 pm each day.

Once you set sail, 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, Laghi Alimini, Sant Andrea
• Southern itinerary: Grotta Palombara, Baia delle Orte, Faro Palascia, Sant Emiliano, Porto Badisco, Grotte della Nuvara, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Miggiano

During the excursion, there will be 2 or 3 stops for swimming in the sea. Therefore, we recommend that you bring snorkeling equipment with you to be able to admire the depths of this sea.

In addition, you will be offered an aperitif of local products to be consumed on board.

Throughout the excursion you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you the best trivia about the caves and the area.

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.

Horseback riding by the sea in Vieste è also suitable for those who have never ridden a horse and can choose from three different tours: 

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Afternoon

The afternoon tour takes place in the hills. Departure è set at 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The expected duration è is about 1 hour.

Sunset

The sunset tour takes place in the hills. Departure è set at 6:30 pm. The expected duration è is about 1 1/2 hours.

Experience an adventure in Puglia with a quad bike excursion in the Gargano. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide with a choice of two alternative routes of different durations:

With aperitif (2 1/2 hours)

The experience will take you along a fascinating route between dirt sections in the woods and scenic roads. You will stop at the beautiful Zaiana Bay, admiring the seascape, and then finish with a relaxing aperitif of your choice. The duration of the experience is about 2 1/2 hours.

With lunch (6 hours)

This adventurous hike will take you through evocative forest trails, immersing you in unspoiled nature. With a stop at the Sgarazza farm, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Manfredonia. The duration of the experience is about 6 hours.

Regardless of which tour you choose, the quad bike excursion in the Gargano will provide you with an adventurous and exciting experience in the Gargano.

Daily excursion departing from Vieste aboard a Turkish yacht with skipper, aperitif and lunch on board.

The excursion will depart from the port of Vieste and, depending on weather conditions and the captain's decisions, you will travel along the Gargano coastline to discover the most beautiful caves and beaches in the area.

During the day you will make stops where you will have the opportunity to swim in the sea among the crystal clear Apulian waters.

What's special about this boat is that it features, on board, a kitchen where fresh dishes made from local products will be prepared. In fact, you will be served an aperitif and a multi-course lunch including wine and water. Other drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, may be purchased on board.

It is possible, by advance request only, to have a vegetarian or gluten-free menu.

For the more curious, the staff can offer explanations and cultural nods related to the traditions of the area.

Also included in the price are insurance and membership in the organizing association.

Finally, there will also be the opportunity to purchase, on board, the autographed book, "The Emotions, the keystone," whose author, Elisabetta Monaco, will be on board with you during the outing as the owner of the boat.

The group boat excursion to Vieste Sea Caves will take you to discover the beautiful Gargano coastline.

The group tour departs from Vieste with two daily trips to Baia delle Zagare. You will visit the most striking bays and beaches, some not accessible from the main road. Descriptions of points of interest are provided in Italian and English during navigation. A stop of about 40 minutes is planned at the Bay of Seagulls.

This exclusive tour is taken aboard an inflatable boat with a skipper included who will guide you along the Gargano coastline. Embark on this excursion and experience an adventure in Vieste's Sea Caves in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 120 people for the group tour, 15 people for the private tour.

Embark on a boat adventure among crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery in the Gargano. This experience can take place in three different modes:

Dawn Breakfast (max. 6 people).

A sunrise sea trip will give you a truly unique experience as the sun rises on the horizon. Aboard the Albachiara, you will explore the coast, stop for a refreshing swim and enjoy a rich breakfast accompanied by freshly brewed coffee.

Aperitivo Al Tramonto (max. 9 people)

You will embark on a boat excursion as the sun sets, enveloped by the waters and lights of twilight. You will be treated to a delicious apericena with drinks on board.

Day At Sea (max. 9 people)

Experience the excitement by boat among crystal clear waters, fantastic coves and breathtaking views. On board the Albachiara you will visit the entire coastline with various swim stops accompanied by an aperip lunch, prosecco and seasonal fruit.

Choose the tour you prefer and get ready to experience a unique moment on the Gargano coast while swimming among its coves. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

Discover the caves of the Gargano with a skippered boat excursion and included aperitif.

Departing from the port of Vieste, you will pass by the islet of S. Eufemia and the peninsula of San Francesco to the Pizzomunno monolith, which owes its name to the legend of the fisherman Pizzomunno and his beloved mermaid Cristalda.

You will then skirt Scialara beach and Portonuovo beach to arrive at the San Felice Arch, where the entrance to the Campana piccola cave is visible, and the Testa del Gargano.

Along the crossing, you can admire high white cliffs overhanging the sea with gorse, cysts and pine trees jutting out over the blue waters and picturesque beaches such as San Felice Bay, Campi Bay, Porto Greco Bay, Pugnochiuso Bay, Pergola Bay, Vignanotica Bay and Zagare Bay.

You will also have the opportunity to dive into the sea, thanks to some stops at the most striking points of this trip.

Finally, before returning, you will enjoy an excellent aperitif of local products, offered by the boat's staff.

Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by a skipper who will be able to tell you delicious anecdotes about this particular area of Puglia.

Immerse yourself in this wonderful area of Fasano in the province of Brindisi by walking through the Apulian countryside and coastal dune area.

The experience begins with an introduction where you will learn about the itinerary and be provided with the necessary equipment for the walk.

Leaving the riding stables you will be immersed in 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 questions you may have about everything around you during the experience.

The 1 hour and 30 minute walk includes a landscape section and a beach section.

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 horseback riding experience, with an equestrian guide.

The horseback ride will be preceded or followed, if selected, by a lunch held in the farmhouse adjacent to the riding club, consisting of an appetizer of cured meats, cheeses, focaccia, salted meat, eggplant other typical Apulian products. You will also be offered two starters, 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 particular historical as well as naturalistic importance, visiting it on horseback is an experience that allows you to stay in touch with nature.

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.

Enjoy a boat excursion to discover the coast of Polignano a Mare and its picturesque coves starting from the small port of San Vito.

You can choose from 2 tours:

Group Day Tour

This option lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is organized on a shared basis. The tour includes an aperitif with fresh fruit and prosecco.

You will visit the main local coves and caves, such as Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta delle monache and many others. A short stop to swim in Polignano's waters is also included.

Private night tour

This 2-hour tour is exclusively organized and will let you discover the beauty of Polignano at sunset, in the company of an experienced skipper. You will enjoy some excellent local prosecco and also have the opportunity to take a swim in the waters of the Ionian Sea.

A unique excursion aboard a vintage gozzo to discover the beautiful caves of Polignano a Mare.

Starting from Cala Ponte Marina you will sail south along the coast of Polignano a Mare passing by Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito.

You will then make a stop at the Scoglio dell'Eremita and on this occasion you will be offered refreshments of local products to be consumed on board the boat. Also, during the stop you can take a swim in the "blue painted blue" and enjoy the relaxation of these crystal clear waters.

You will then resume sailing north to return to Cala Ponte Marina.

Throughout the excursion, which lasts about 2 hours, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will be able to tell you the best facts about the area and the caves.

Among the various times offered, you can choose the last run of 18:00 or 19:00 to make the exit during sunset.

To ensure the safety of passengers, in case of bad weather the itinerary may vary at the discretion of the captain.

Explore Polignano a Mare aboard a sailboat on an unforgettable group excursion.

Departing from the port of Monopoli, you will set sail north to discover the coastline and caves that lie hidden beneath Polignano a Mare.

The gentle progress of the sailboat on the crystal clear waters will lull you and listening to the wind caressing the sails you can relax for a boat trip unlike any other.

The itinerary, determined by the captain according to the weather conditions, will take you to visit the most beautiful caves, coves and beaches in the area, such as Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta dell'Eremita, Lama Monachile and Cala Eremita.

In addition, you can dive into the clear waters populated with colorful fish and admire the seabed by snorkeling.

Finally, you will be offered a tasty aperitif on board based on typical local products.

Throughout the experience you will be accompanied by a skipper who can answer your questions and tell you pleasant trivia about the caves.