Apulia (Puglia) is the sun-drenched heel of Italy's boot, stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts with over 800 km of coastline, centuries-old whitewashed towns, and a food culture that rivals anywhere in the country. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the iconic trulli of Alberobello and the enigmatic Castel del Monte — Apulia blends Norman castles, Baroque Lecce stonework, and ancient masserie (fortified farmhouses) into an unforgettable landscape.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Fasano Zoo Safari
Southern Italy's best safari park — drive through African animal enclosures and visit the zoo section. Children under 4 free.
Duration: Full day
Grotte di Castellana Short Tour
Italy's most spectacular cave system — the 1 km short tour (50 min) is perfect for younger children. Cave temperature is 15°C.
Duration: 1 hour
Trulli Discovery, Alberobello
Children love exploring the fairy-tale cone-roof houses. Visit Trullo Sovrano museum (entry €1.50) for a peek inside a two-story trullo.
Duration: 2 hours
Beach Days — Torre dell'Orso or Punta Prosciutto
Shallow, calm Ionian water at Punta Prosciutto and Torre dell'Orso is ideal for young children. Lifeguards in season.
Duration: Full day
Puppet (Pupi) Show, Lecce
Traditional Apulian marionette performances run in summer evenings in Lecce and Alberobello. Check Il Vecchio Baule (Via Tancredi 13, Lecce; +39 0832 301309) for schedules.
Duration: 1 hour
Orecchiette Pasta Class for Families
Family pasta-making workshops available at La Cucina delle Nonne in Alberobello — children shape the pasta, then eat it for lunch.
Duration: 3 hours
Sea Kayaking, Polignano a Mare
Guided sea kayak tours through sea caves around Polignano's cliffs — calm conditions in summer make this safe for older children.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Borgo Egnazia
Exceptional kids club (BabyGo!), toddler pool, and full activities programme. Italy's most family-friendly luxury resort.
Fasano Zoo Safari Hotel
On-site hotel at the safari park — children fall asleep to animal sounds. Simplest accommodation with direct park access.
Masseria Il Frantoio
Working farm with space for children to roam — olive grove, animals, vegetable garden. Family suites available.
Hotel dei Trulli
Sleep inside a trullo complex — children are amazed by the conical rooms. Pool, garden, and central Alberobello location.
Grand Hotel Riviera, Gallipoli
Resort hotel with private beach, pools, and entertainment for children. Good base for Salento beach days.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book Fasano Safari Park tickets online at zoosafari.it — weekend queues can be 1+ hour at the gate
Grotte di Castellana cave temperature is a constant 15°C — bring a light jacket even in summer
The flat terrain of Salento (south of Lecce) is ideal for cycling holidays with children — rentals available in Otranto and San Foca
Italians adore children — children will be welcomed warmly in restaurants, even at formal establishments
August in Apulia is extremely hot (32–40°C) — plan outdoor activities for early morning (7–10 AM) and late afternoon (17:00+)
Carry insect repellent May–September — tiger mosquitoes are active in olive groves and near water at dawn/dusk