Just beyond the gleaming white walls of Ostuni, the countryside unfolds in silver-green waves of ancient olive trees, stone walls threading through red earth. At A.S.D. Gli Ulivi, horses wait to carry you through this timeless landscape, where the rhythm of hooves on dusty trails connects you to centuries of rural life in Puglia.
Riding Through Living History
The trails wind through contrada Santuri, where gnarled olive trees stretch their branches like sculptures against the sky. Some of these trees are hundreds of years old, their trunks twisted into shapes that tell stories of drought, harvest, and survival. The scent of wild herbs—rosemary, thyme, fennel—rises with each step, mixing with the earthy smell of sun-warmed limestone.
Guides tailor the ride to your experience, whether you're sitting on a horse for the first time or ready to trot through the open countryside. The pace is unhurried, giving you time to absorb the silence broken only by birdsong and the gentle creak of leather.
What Makes This Ride Special
Unlike coastal riding centers, Gli Ulivi immerses you in the agricultural heart of the Valle d'Itria region. You're not following a beach path—you're moving through working farmland, past masserie with their fortified walls, through groves that still produce some of Puglia's finest olive oil.
- Views of Ostuni's white skyline rising like a mirage from the hill
- Quiet dirt tracks far from traffic and tourist crowds
- Shade from ancient olive canopies during the summer heat
- Wild spring flowers carpeting the fields in April and May
- The steady presence of well-trained horses comfortable with beginners
Beyond the Saddle
The countryside around Contrada Santuri rewards exploration before or after your ride. The nearby Santuario di San Biagio, a small rural chapel, sits just a few minutes away, often completely deserted. From certain high points along the trails, you can see both the Adriatic coast shimmering in the distance and the cone-shaped trulli of the Itria Valley to the west.
Many riders make a half-day of it, booking a morning ride and then heading into Ostuni's old town for lunch in one of the whitewashed alleys. The contrast between the quiet countryside and the lively centro storico captures two sides of Puglia in a single afternoon.
Timing Your Visit
Early morning and late afternoon offer the softest light and coolest temperatures, especially from June through September when midday heat can be intense. Spring brings wildflowers and green fields; autumn offers golden light and the start of olive harvest. Winter rides have their own stark beauty, with clearer air and fewer visitors, though you'll want an extra layer against the breeze.