Puglia, Italy’s sun-drenched heel, is a dream destination for families. With its fairy-tale towns, shallow turquoise waters, and endless gelato, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for kids and parents. If you’re planning a trip, here’s how to make the most of Puglia with little ones in tow, without sacrificing style or comfort.
The Best Towns for Families
- Alberobello: A Trulli Magical Experience
Kids (and adults) will feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook in Alberobello, famous for its trulli—tiny, whitewashed houses with cone-shaped roofs. Climbing in and out of these whimsical homes is pure fun.
Book a Puglia private tour with a kid-friendly guide who can turn history into a treasure hunt. Some tours even arrange for families to make traditional Frisell (crunchy bread snacks) in a trullo kitchen.
- Ostuni: The White City with Stunning Views
Perched on a hill, Ostuni’s maze of white alleys is like a giant playground for curious kids. The town is car-free in the center so that little ones can roam safely.
Don’t miss a stop at a local caseificio (cheese farm) to see how cheese is made. These visits often include freshly made mozzarella, burrata, and ricotta tastings, giving kids (and adults) a fun, hands-on way to learn about local food traditions.
- Lecce: Baroque Beauty & Gelato Galore
Lecce is Puglia’s most elegant city, but it’s also incredibly kid-friendly. The piazzas are spacious, the gelato is some of Italy’s best, and there’s even a small Roman amphitheater where kids can pretend to be gladiators.
Families can take a private walking tour that ends with a gelato-tasting stop and a puppet show in a tucked-away artisan workshop, perfect for mixing a bit of culture with pure fun.
Beaches Made for Kids
- Torre dell’Orso
One of Puglia’s best beaches for families, Torre dell’Orso has shallow, crystal-clear water and fine sand—perfect for toddlers. The twin sea stacks, Le Due Sorelle (The Two Sisters), make an excellent backdrop for family photos.
You can rent a private cabana at a lido (beach club) with waiter service to relax while the kids play.
- Baia dei Turchi
This beach near Otranto feels like a secret paradise. A short walk through a pine forest leads to soft white sand and gentle waves. Older kids will love snorkeling here as the water is teeming with fish.
Pack a picnic with panzerotti (Puglia’s fried pizza pockets) from a local bakery—kids adore them.
- Pescoluse: The “Maldives of Salento”
Long stretches of powdery sand and waist-deep water make Pescoluse ideal for young swimmers. The beach has lidos offering umbrellas, loungers, and even kids’ clubs with activities.
You can book a boat trip along the coast—many operators provide child-sized snorkeling gear and stop at hidden caves.
Activities Kids Will Love
Castle Hopping
Puglia has some of Italy’s most incredible castles, and many welcome kids with interactive exhibits. Castel del Monte, a mysterious octagonal fortress, feels like a real-life knight’s tale.
Some Guided Tour Puglia include costumed guides who bring castle history to life with stories of battles and treasure.
Farm Visits & Cooking Classes
Puglia’s farms (masserie) are heaven for kids. Many offer hands-on experiences like collecting eggs, petting donkeys, or making fresh pasta. These activities give children a real sense of where their food comes from while allowing parents to enjoy local wine, olive oil tastings, and home-cooked meals in a relaxed countryside.
Bike Rides Through Olive Groves
For active families, renting bikes (or kid trailers) is a great way to explore Puglia’s countryside. The flat, quiet roads around Valle d’Itria are safe and scenic. Along the way, you’ll pass trulli houses, vineyard-covered hills, and small farm stalls where you can stop for fresh fruit or local cheese.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Luxury
Masserias (Farmhouse Resorts)
Many of Puglia’s historic farm estates have been transformed into luxury hotels with pools, kids’ clubs, and even cooking classes. They offer the comfort of high-end hospitality combined with wide open spaces, making them ideal for children to play safely while adults relax with spa treatments or aperitivo in the garden.
Villas with Private Pools
Renting a villa gives families space and privacy. Look for properties near the coast with enclosed gardens, perfect for an evening aperitivo while the kids splash safely. Many villas also come with concierge services, so you can arrange private chefs, grocery deliveries, or local guides without leaving the comfort of your home base.
