Nestled in the southern tip of Puglia, Tricase offers one of the region's most authentic ways to explore the countryside: on horseback. The Eleventh Horse Club invites riders of all abilities to discover ancient olive groves, stone farmhouses, and hidden trails that wind through the landscape where the Adriatic meets the Ionian.
Saddle Up in the Salentine Countryside
The riding experience here is rooted in masseria tradition those historic fortified farms that dot the region. You'll follow paths once used by shepherds and farmers, where the rhythm of hoofbeats replaces engine noise. The terrain shifts from sun-dappled forest tracks to open fields where wild fennel and prickly pear line the route.
Guides tailor each ride to the group's experience level, whether you're taking your first lesson or looking for a more spirited gallop. The horses are calm and well-trained, making this an approachable introduction for families and first-timers.
What You'll Encounter on the Trail
Each ride reveals layers of rural Puglia that car-bound visitors never see. Watch for stone pajare ancient shepherd shelters built without mortar peeking through the scrub. In spring, the fields explode with wildflowers; by late summer, the golden stubble contrasts sharply with the deep green of century-old olive trees.
- Panoramic views toward the Adriatic coast and the hilltop town of Tricase itself
- Quiet dirt roads shaded by carob and almond trees, cool even in August
- Encounters with local wildlife hoopoes, kestrels, and the occasional hare
- Stone walls and dry-stone terraces that have shaped this landscape for centuries
Beyond the Ride: Tricase and Its Treasures
After your ride, the historic center of Tricase rewards exploration. The baroque Chiesa Matrice and the sweeping Piazza Pisanelli anchor the centro storico, where narrow lanes open onto flower-filled courtyards. Many riders combine their visit with a trip to nearby Castro, a clifftop fishing village just fifteen minutes away, or the crystalline coves of Porto Tricase.
The club welcomes riders throughout the year, though spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures and the richest palette of colors. Sunset rides in October, when the light turns the olive groves to silver, are particularly memorable. Whether you're a confident equestrian or trying the reins for the first time, this corner of Puglia reveals itself best at walking pace, one hoofbeat at a time.