Just outside Melendugno, where the Adriatic coastline gives way to the ancient olive groves and stone farmhouses of inland Puglia, Circolo Ippico Malepezza offers a chance to explore the countryside on horseback. The facility welcomes riders of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced equestrians looking for a new landscape to discover. Whether you're staying near the beaches of Torre dell'Orso or exploring the baroque streets of Lecce, a morning or afternoon ride here adds a different rhythm to your days in Puglia.
Riding Through Centuries of Olive Trees
The guided rides wind through terrain that feels timeless—gnarled olive trees centuries old, dry-stone walls marking property lines that predate modern Italy, and dirt tracks that follow the natural contours of the land. The pace is gentle, allowing you to notice the scent of wild fennel and rosemary crushed underfoot, the distant outline of the coast, and the way afternoon light filters through the olive canopy. The horses know the trails well, moving with calm confidence even when you're still learning to find yours.
Rides Tailored to Your Saddle Time
The instructors here read riders quickly, adjusting routes and instruction to match your experience. First-timers spend time getting comfortable with the horse before heading out, while seasoned riders can explore longer loops that reach toward the coastal pine forests or deeper into the agricultural heartland. The atmosphere is patient and welcoming, with none of the pressure that can sometimes make beginners tense up in the saddle.
- Beginner-friendly introduction to horseback riding with calm, well-trained horses
- Guided trails through olive groves, farmland, and coastal pine stands
- Routes that suit varying skill levels, from short introductory rides to longer explorations
- Proximity to Torre dell'Orso, Roca Vecchia, and other Adriatic beaches for easy day-trip combinations
- A quiet, rural setting that feels worlds away from the summer crowds on the coast
Making It Part of Your Coastal Escape
Melendugno sits just a few kilometers inland from some of Puglia's most celebrated beaches—Torre dell'Orso's twin rock stacks, the archaeological ruins at Roca Vecchia, the wild beauty of San Foca. A morning ride at Malepezza pairs beautifully with an afternoon by the sea, especially in late spring or early autumn when the coastal crowds thin and the inland trails are at their greenest. Families find the welcoming atmosphere and flexible pacing especially appealing, while couples looking for something beyond the beach routine often discover that an hour on horseback reframes the entire landscape.
The facility also serves as a gentle introduction to the agricultural side of Puglia—the side that exists year-round, beyond the summer beach season. After your ride, the drive back toward the coast takes you past roadside vendors selling fresh figs, small-town forni baking focaccia, and the kind of everyday Puglian life that's easy to miss if you never venture inland.