Puglia is a particular popular vacation spot for those who have already traversed the well beaten track of Rome, Florence, Venice and want something a little more authentic, more immersive, more relaxed with minimal crowds. This is not to say that there is less to do in fact there is lots to do in Puglia with kids and for families in general.
There is no doubt that the further south you go in Italy the people get warmer (as does the climate!). Things move at a far slower pace then the north of Italy and so you will find that the ‘Pugliesi’ are really friendly, inquisitive and will make more time for you. There is a lot of pride in this part of the country and this comes through not only in their songs and traditions but also in their food, which has a more simplistic cuisine, that is vegetarian-friendly only because of the history of poverty in this part of the country over the years.
Our recommendation would be to spend no less than 7 days in Puglia, 10 days would be perfect. We also find that if you want to balance exploration and relaxation while on vacation, especially with a family, then moving around too much can cause unnecessary stress and aggravation so it is for this reason that we normally suggest no more than three locations on a 7 to 10 day vacation. Choosing three locations as a base will allow you to explore the towns and villages around you. Our recommended itinerary would look as follows:
- Bari – 3 days (allowing you to visit Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli)
- Ostuni – 2-3 days (gives you the opportunity to visit Brindisi)
- Lecce – 2-3 days (allowing you to explore Otranto)
…and if you have some extra days then incorporate Matera
Things to do for kids in Puglia
While in Puglia we would recommend that you incorporate some of the following in your itinerary. Puglia has something for everyone, of all ages and for those who want to just spend their vacatoin at the pool or beach then Puglia is a perfect choice for this too!
Head underground to the Grotte di Castellana – this is for older active kids that love to explore. Very close to Alberobello and Polignano a Mare this is an ideal activity allowing you to head off to the beach or one of these towns in the morning and then explore these caves in the afternoon as the temperature remains at a constant 16° -18° Celsuis (60° -65° F). Take a tour if possible and the guides will assist you along an incredible three-kilometre stretch of caves, where you can see the colourful formations that have evolved over millions of years.
Explore Il Parco dei Dinosauri (the Dinosaur Park) – here is one for the younger travelers. There is a one hour trail, that can be guided, that allows you to interact with life-size dinosaurs that have been replicated from fossils found by palaeontologists from around the world.
Spend the day at ZooSafari – rent a car and drive safari-style through the 150 acres of hillside at the coastal town of Fasano. Animals of all shapes and sizes are present here including elephants, giraffes, bison, camels, monkeys and penguins but there is also a fantastic dolphinarium and a selection of roller coasters, water rides and a fairground.
Take part in the Jonian Dolphin Conservation – you can actively participate in sailing on board one of the conservatoin boats, designed and built specifically to help guests get involved in conservation activities for the protection of cetaceans that have lived in these waters for over 4,000 years. Identify different dolphins by photographing their fins, register their distinctive whistles and clicking noises, and gather environmental data from the ocean itself.
Enjoy some time at the Splash Aquatic Park – a 78,000 square metre water amusement park that is full of rides and pools in every shape and size – a great day out for the family. There are also several family-friendly restaurants on-site.
Visit Le Cesine Nature Reserve – take a guided tour to learn more about one of the best preserved wetlands of Southern Italy, the National Nature Reserve. Le Cesine is the last surviving portion of what was once a vast wetland area ranging from Brindisi to Otranto. It comprise sand dunes, marshy areas, canals, mixed woodlands and Mediterranean maquis.
Places to visit in Puglia with (or without) kids
You could combine some of these if you wanted to do a few at a time.
Alberobello is not to be missed, as it’s the home of Puglia’s famous Trulli houses. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and in Alberobello you will see a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses.
Locorontondo’s is a cute little town with paved streets – easy with a stroller and balconies covered in flowers. We consider it one of Italy’s best kept secrets.
Martina Franca is fun to visit on Wednesday mornings for the Farmer’s Market.
Cisternino. Another medieval town typical of the area. You can visit the historical center, walk around the squares, take in the views of the Itria Valley.
Ostuni, called the “white city” because its buildings are all painted with white lime paint—caters to tourists with a nice selection of quaint restaurants. Great for strolling, especially in the evening, but it is up a big steep hill so a bit challenging with a stroller but can be done. There is also a fascinating archeological museum in the cathedral at the top of the old town that houses well-preserved human remains from around Ostuni from the Paleolithic period.
Monopoli and Polignano a Mare are both seaside towns near Bari. Monopoli has a historic center right by the town square. The kids will love to watch the fishermen repair their nets at the harbor, see the cannons along the walls of the ancient castle and play on the playground before splashing into nearby family friendly beaches – many within walking distance.
Known as the Amalfi of Puglia, Polignano a Mare, is a picturesque town that affords stunning panoramas from the sea, exploring caves hidden underneath the town, imagining the many centuries of smugglers who used the caves and the land. The town itself is a real must-see and is home to some of the very best seafood restaurants in the area. Indulge in a delicious fish lunch before taking a walk through town and tasting some of the delicious artisan gelato for which the town is famous.
If you need some assistance in Puglia and want us to help you plan something extraordinary then please drop us a line here.
Please leave a comment below if there is anything you want to share with us or ask a question.
