Exploring Puglia by Kayak: An Adventure Between Sea and Nature

Puglia, with its over 800 kilometers of coastline, offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes perfect for exploring by kayak. From hidden coves and towering cliffs to crystal-clear waters, this southern Italian region is one of the most fascinating destinations for kayaking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to enjoy an unforgettable kayaking adventure in Puglia, along with information on where to rent a kayak.

1. Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

Polignano a Mare, famous for its spectacular cliffs and fascinating sea caves, is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the Apulian coast by kayak. The clear waters and numerous hidden caves make this location perfect for an unforgettable adventure.

Kayak Routes in Polignano a Mare

  • Grotta Palazzese: One of the most famous and impressive caves in Polignano a Mare, Grotta Palazzese is accessible only by sea. By kayak, you can enter the cave and admire its majestic rock formations and the crystal-clear water that fills it. The cave is particularly spectacular at sunset when the light reflects off the walls creating a magical atmosphere.
  • Grotta delle Rondinelle: Another cave not to be missed is Grotta delle Rondinelle. Known for its impressive size and vegetation-covered walls, this cave is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the surrounding nature. Entering by kayak allows you to explore the interior of the cave and observe the swallows that nest there.
  • Lama Monachile: Starting from the beach of Lama Monachile, you can explore the surrounding coast by kayak. This area offers numerous small bays and coves where you can stop for a swim or simply relax. The clear waters and rocky seabed make this area ideal for snorkeling.
Where to Rent a Kayak in Polignano (BA)
  • Santa Caterina Sea Kayak
    • A local organization located in Polignano, Porto Selvaggio, and Leuca, offering kayak courses, rentals, and equipment, as well as guided tours along the coast.
    • +39 320 492 3730
    • https://santacaterinaseakayak.com
  • Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
    • Cala Paguro, Polignano a Mare (BA)
    • +39 339 890 4504
    • freeridewatersport@gmail.com
    • https://escursionisuppolignano.it/escursioni/
Where to Rent a Kayak in Monopoli (BA)
  • 3 Sensi – Via V. Gioberti 3 Monopoli (BA)
    • info.3sensi@gmail.com
    • +39 3203787700
    • https://www.3sensi.it/it/3sensi-watersports-sport-acquatici-activity-monopoli-puglia

2. Tremiti Islands

The Tremiti Islands, a small archipelago located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Puglia, are a perfect destination for kayaking enthusiasts. Comprising mainly the islands of San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio, and Pianosa, the Tremiti offer breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a rich marine biodiversity. Exploring these islands by kayak allows you to discover hidden corners, sea caves, and isolated beaches, away from the mass tourism.

Kayak Routes in the Tremiti Islands

  • Isola di San Domino: San Domino is the largest and greenest of the Tremiti Islands, famous for its sea caves and white sandy beaches. By kayak, you can explore the Grotta delle Viole, known for the purple reflections on its rocky walls, and the Grotta del Bue Marino, one of the largest and most spectacular caves in the archipelago. The perimeter of the island offers numerous tranquil bays where you can stop to swim and snorkel.
  • Isola di San Nicola: San Nicola, the historic and cultural heart of the Tremiti, is dominated by a majestic abbey-fortress. The perimeter of the island is rich in coves and small natural harbors. By kayak, you can admire the ancient walls of the fortress and the watchtowers, as well as explore small caves and hidden beaches.
  • Isola di Capraia: Capraia, one of the wildest and most unspoiled islands of the Tremiti, is an ideal place for a kayaking adventure. Its jagged coasts and crystal-clear waters offer a perfect setting for marine explorations. The island is famous for its spectacular cliffs and numerous sea caves, such as the Grotta del Sale and the Grotta della Madonna.
  • Isola di Pianosa: Pianosa, a small uninhabited and protected island, is accessible only with special permits but represents a fascinating destination for those seeking an exclusive and pristine experience. By kayak, you can admire its clear waters and marine life-rich seabeds.
Where to Rent a Kayak in the Tremiti:
  • Blu Tremiti:
    • Located on the island of San Domino, offers kayak rentals and guided tours to explore the caves and bays of the archipelago.
    • +39 349 731 9260
    • https://www.blutremiti.it

3. Gargano

The Gargano promontory, located in northern Puglia, is one of the most fascinating destinations for those wishing to explore the Adriatic coast by kayak. With its spectacular cliffs, sea caves, isolated beaches, and hidden coves, the Gargano offers a unique experience for kayaking enthusiasts. The Gargano National Park, which also includes the Tremiti Islands, guarantees a protected and unspoiled natural environment.

Kayak Routes in the Gargano

  • Baia delle Zagare: Baia delle Zagare is one of the most iconic bays in the Gargano, famous for its white cliffs and turquoise waters. By kayak, you can explore the surrounding coast, admiring the sea stacks emerging from the sea and the numerous sea caves. The bay offers a tranquil and picturesque environment, perfect for a day of relaxation and adventure.
  • Baia di Vignanotica: Another must-visit destination for kayakers is Baia di Vignanotica, with its high limestone cliffs and long white pebble beach. Paddling along this coast allows you to discover hidden caves and solitary coves where you can stop for a refreshing swim or snorkeling.
  • Grotta Sfondata: Grotta Sfondata is one of the most fascinating sea caves in the Gargano. Accessible only by sea, this cave offers a suggestive environment with its high rocky walls and the upper opening that lets in natural light, creating spectacular reflections in the water.
  • Vieste: The town of Vieste, with its picturesque old town and sandy beaches, is an excellent starting point for kayaking excursions. From Vieste, you can paddle south along the coast, exploring numerous sea caves and isolated beaches like San Felice beach, famous for its natural arch.
Where to Rent a Kayak:
  • Gargano Tour:
    • https://www.garganonatour.it
    • info@garganonatour.it
    • + 39 3931753151

4. Kayaking and Canoeing in Salento

Salento, with its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular sea caves, is an ideal destination for kayaking enthusiasts. Paddling along the Salento coast offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden corners, quiet coves, and fascinating rock formations that are not easily accessible from land. You can get close to towering cliffs, pass through natural arches, and discover isolated beaches where you can stop for a refreshing swim. One of the highlights of kayaking in Salento is the opportunity to explore the numerous sea caves that dot the coast. Grotta della Poesia, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world, and Grotta Zinzulusa, with its stalactites and stalagmites, are just some of the spectacular sites you can visit. Where to Rent a Kayak in Salento:

a. Naturalmente Salento

  • They organize trips to Otranto, Roca, Porto Badisco, Castro, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Miggiano, Leuca on the Adriatic coast, San Gregorio, Ugento, Gallipoli, Porto Selvaggio, and Porto Cesareo on the Ionian coast.
  • naturalmente.salento@gmail.com
  • Via Carlo Massa, 29 – Lecce
  • +39 338 7799477
  • www.naturalmentesalento.it/escursioni-kayak-canoa/

b. 18° Meridiano Escursioni

  • Excursions to Otranto, Roca Vecchia, Leuca, Porto Selvaggio, Porto Cesareo, and Santa Cesarea Terme.
  • +39 351 997 002
  • info@18meridianoescursioni.it
  • www.18meridianoescursioni.it/escursioni-in-kayak/

c. Santa Caterina Sea Kayak:

  • The same as in Polignano, they organize tours in Porto Selvaggio and Santa Maria di Leuca and offer equipment rental.
  • +39 320 492 3730
  • https://santacaterinaseakayak.com

d. Salento Adventure

  • They organize excursions to Roca Vecchia and the Grotta della Poesia, Santa Maria di Leuca, and the western caves.
  • Via Mascagni 26, 73030 Tiggiano (LE)
  • www.salentoadventure.it/kayaktour

e. Locals Salento Kitesurf

  • +39 328 4260226
  • info@localsalentokitesurf.com
  • https://www.localsalentokitesurf.com/en/

f. Salento Outdoor

  • salentooutdoor@gmail.com
  • +39 348 306 2231
  • Torre Specchia Grande. Loc. Pozze – Corsano(LE)
  • https://www.salentooutdoor.com/kayakita

g. Canoe Club Badisco

  • Spiaggetta di Porto Badisco, Otranto
  • +39 328 099 1871
  • www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063681263372

It’s Kayak Time! Start from Bari and BeBari Apartments!

Exploring Puglia by kayak is a unique experience that allows you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes, enjoying a privileged perspective on the sea and the unspoiled nature of this fascinating Italian region. Before you depart or after discovering the wonders of kayaking along the beautiful coast of Bari, why not extend this unique experience by staying in Bari? At BeBari Apartments, we offer you all the comfort and independence you need to relax after a day full of adventure. Thanks to our virtual check-in, you can manage your arrival without time constraints. Moreover, our strategic location will allow you to enjoy tranquility while being just a few steps from the main attractions of Bari. Start your perfect holiday with us. Be Smart, Be Relaxed, Be Happy. Be Free, Be Bari! We look forward to welcoming you and making your stay unforgettable. See you soon, Elisabetta Ciliberti

Where to sleep in Bari before visiting Puglia

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