Puglia Coast: Boat Tour of Caves & Swim with Aperitif

Summary

Boat tour from Torre Vado to Leuca caves swim and Salento flavors

You’ll set out from Torre Vado by boat with a local guide who brings Puglia’s coastline alive through stories and legends. Swim in crystal-clear bays beneath dramatic cliffs, explore mysterious sea caves, then relax on deck with a Salento aperitif—friselline, focaccia, fruit, and regional wine—while sunlight dances on turquoise water.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the color of the water to look so unreal—almost like someone had turned up the saturation. We left Torre Vado with the sun already warming the deck, and our guide, Paolo, started chatting about the old watchtowers along the coast. He had this way of mixing stories and facts, pointing out San Gregorio’s villa while a couple of locals waved from their fishing boat. The engine hummed under us, salt spray in the air. I kept thinking how different it all felt compared to crowded beaches—just open sea and limestone cliffs.

We drifted close to these enormous caves—I think Paolo called one Grotta del Drago?—and he joked that if we listened hard enough we’d hear ancient legends echoing inside. Honestly, I was more focused on not dropping my phone overboard while snapping photos. The light inside those caves is something else; it turns everything this cool blue-green shade. Later we reached Punta Ristola—the “heel” of Italy—and Paolo explained how this spot marks where the Ionian meets the Adriatic. You could actually see where the colors shift in the water. I tried to say “Punta Meliso” in Italian and got it completely wrong; everyone laughed, including me.

The best part? We stopped in a bay where the water was so clear you could see every pebble on the bottom. I jumped in even though it felt colder than expected (should’ve known by Paolo’s grin). After swimming around for a bit—my skin still tingling—we climbed back on board for an aperitif: friselline with tomato, focaccia, some local bread I can’t pronounce, fresh fruit. Wine and prosecco too, if you wanted. There was this easy silence as everyone munched—just waves slapping against the hull and someone peeling an orange nearby. I still think about that salty taste on my lips mixed with sweet tomato.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal caves tour with swim and aperitif

• Start tour from Torre Vado
• Explain history of coastal towers
• Visit San Gregorio villa and history
• Admire Ionian Sea caves with legends
• See Punta Ristola, southernmost tip
• Explain nautical chart and Leuca villas
• Pass Punta Meliso lighthouse
• Visit Adriatic Sea caves
• Stop for swim in emerald bay
• Enjoy aperitif with local products

Top questions

How long is the Puglia coast boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes from departure to return.

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour departs from Torre Vado marina along Puglia’s southern coast.

Is there a swimming stop during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming in a bay with clear turquoise water.

What food or drinks are included?

The aperitif includes friselline with tomato, focaccia, local bread, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, wine and prosecco from Salento.

Are guides included on this day trip?

Yes, local guides accompany you throughout and share historical notes and legends about each site.

Is this boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and all areas can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller.

What sights will we see along the route?

You’ll see San Gregorio’s villa, coastal towers, Punta Ristola (Italy’s heel), Punta Meliso lighthouse where two seas meet, plus several famous sea caves.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat trip from Torre Vado along both Ionian and Adriatic coasts with stops at famous caves and Punta Ristola; time for swimming in emerald bays; plus an onboard Salento-style aperitif featuring friselline with tomato, focaccia bread, fresh fruit, soft drinks as well as regional wine and prosecco—all before heading back to port together.