🇮🇹 The 10 Best Things To Do in Puglia With Kids
Thinking about a family vacation that’s off the beaten path, filled with sunshine, history, incredible food, and plenty of space for kids to roam and explore? Let me introduce you to Puglia, a sun-drenched gem in southern Italy that has quietly become one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for family travel.
This is slow travel at its finest—charming whitewashed villages, sandy beaches lapped by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, family-run restaurants where kids are truly welcome, and experiences that let your children engage with local life in meaningful ways.
In this guide, we’ll explore not just the top 10 family-friendly activities in Puglia, but also where to stay, when to go, and how to make your visit unforgettable.
Why Visit Puglia With Kids?
Puglia is a region that welcomes children with open arms. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teens, there’s something for everyone—and the pace of life here makes it easier to enjoy it together. Here’s why it’s ideal for families:
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🌊 Safe, shallow beaches ideal for swimming and playing
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🍝 Kid-friendly cuisine (pasta, pizza, gelato—need I say more?)
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🏰 Historical sites that feel like adventure stories come to life
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🐓 Masserie (farmhouses) with animals and open space to run around
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🚶♀️ Walkable villages with no traffic and lots to discover
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💛 A culture that genuinely loves children—no side-eyes in restaurants here!
📍 Where to Base Yourself in Puglia With Kids
1. Monopoli
A charming seaside town with a real local vibe. The historical center is car-free and perfect for strolling, with castles, gelato shops, piazzas, and beaches all within walking distance. It’s a great base if you want the sea at your doorstep but also easy access to inland villages.
2. Polignano a Mare
Famous for its dramatic cliffside views and clear water beaches like Lama Monachile. The old town is compact and full of character, with panoramic terraces and boats offering short sea cave tours that kids love.
3. Alberobello & The Valle d’Itria
Stay in a trullo, those fairytale-like cone-roofed homes unique to this region. Nearby villages like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino offer peaceful, whitewashed streets perfect for an evening stroll and plenty of spots for pizza and panzerotti.
4. Ostuni
The “White City,” perched on a hill with sea views. It’s full of little alleyways, secret doors, and pretty balconies that feel like part of a storybook. Great for a short stay or a dinner stop after a beach day.
5. Lecce
Baroque, vibrant, and full of life—Lecce is a city that even little ones can enjoy. Street performers, churches that look like wedding cakes, and amazing pasticciotti (custard-filled pastries) await.
🗓️ When to Go
While summer is the most popular season, it’s not necessarily the best if you're traveling with children:
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May, June, September: Warm weather, fewer crowds, cheaper prices.
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Early October: Still beach weather, plus olive harvest season!
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Winter: Peaceful and beautiful, especially during the holidays with festive lights and events in towns like Locorotondo.
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February/March: Carnival time—parades, costumes, music in the streets.
👣 10 Unforgettable Experiences for Families in Puglia
1. 🌌 Explore the Castellana Caves
Just outside Alberobello, these massive underground caves are like stepping into another world. Children aged 3+ can enjoy the shorter 1km tour, while older kids might love the full 3km route. It’s cool inside, so bring a jacket even in summer.
2. 🌊 Beach Days at Porto Ghiacciolo or Torre Guaceto
Porto Ghiacciolo (near Monopoli) has shallow water and a calm atmosphere, while Torre Guaceto (a protected marine area) is great for snorkeling and has fewer crowds. There are shady spots and picnic areas too!
3. ⛵ Boat Ride in Polignano a Mare
Take a short boat trip to see sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and even swim in hidden coves. Many tours provide life vests for children and operate in the early morning when the sea is calmest.
4. 🍝 Pasta-Making Class in a Masseria
Imagine your kids learning to roll orecchiette from a local nonna in a 500-year-old farmhouse. Many masserie offer short, interactive classes for families, followed by a delicious meal under the olive trees.
5. 🐐 Visit a Farm With Animals
Many rural agriturismi (farm stays) open their doors for day visits. Kids can feed chickens, meet donkeys, and even milk a goat. Some offer cheese-making demos and fresh meals onsite.
6. 🌳 Picnic Among the Olive Trees
Head inland to the Valle d’Itria for a peaceful day under ancient olive trees. Some picnic spots are surrounded by dry stone walls, vineyards, and views for miles.
7. 🍦 Gelato Tastings
Almost every town has at least one top-notch gelateria. Try nocciola (hazelnut), stracciatella, or local flavors like fico mandorlato (fig and almond). Turn it into a game: “Which village has the best gelato?”
8. 🚴 E-Bike Ride Through the Countryside
Older kids (age 10+) and teens will love riding e-bikes along scenic country lanes between trulli and dry stone walls. Many guided tours offer child seats or tandem bikes for younger kids too.
9. 🏰 Castle-Hopping Day
Visit Castello Aragonese in Otranto or Castel del Monte, a mysterious 13th-century octagonal castle that looks straight out of a fantasy film. Perfect for storytelling and pretend play.
10. 🚂 Ride the Tourist Train in Locorotondo or Alberobello
Hop on a small open-air train that gives a kid-friendly tour of town. It’s an easy way to explore when little legs are tired—and parents get a rest too!
🚗 Getting Around
To truly explore Puglia, a rental car is essential, especially when traveling with kids. While public transportation connects major towns, the most charming places (beaches, farms, masserie) require your own wheels.
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Most roads are quiet and easy to drive.
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Use Google Maps and look out for Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTLs) in old towns.
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Parking is often free or low-cost outside historic centers.
🏡 Where to Stay
Opt for accommodations that offer space and flexibility, like:
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Masserie with pools, animals, and shaded outdoor dining.
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Trulli rentals in the countryside—some even come with swings and treehouses!
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Apartments or small hotels in walkable towns like Monopoli or Lecce.
Look for:
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Family rooms or suites
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Air conditioning (essential in summer)
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Kitchens or at least a fridge
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Proximity to a town square or beach
💡 Pro Tips for Traveling Puglia With Kids
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🕰️ Plan slow mornings and siesta-time breaks—locals rest in the afternoon, and it’s wise to do the same.
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🧃 Always carry water and snacks. Small corner shops ("alimentari") are lifesavers.
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🧼 Public bathrooms can be scarce—restaurants are usually happy to help if you ask nicely (and order something).
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🎒Bring a lightweight stroller for younger kids (but be ready for cobblestones!).
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🐞 Bug spray is a must in rural areas, especially near olive groves.
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📱Download Google Translate—it’s helpful in smaller villages.
🌿 Ready to Discover the Real Puglia?
Puglia is not just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s warm and wild and full of soul. And seeing it through your children’s eyes? That’s magic. Whether you’re building sandcastles, hunting for the best gelato, or learning to make pasta from scratch, the memories you make here will stay with you long after your trip ends.
✨ Need help planning your perfect family trip to Puglia?
I am a local expert and I create custom itineraries for free (yes, FOR FREE, because I love it!), help you find the best family-friendly accommodations and book authentic experiences that your kids will love.
📩 Contact me at mypugliaplanner@gmail.com
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