Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Puglia

Planning a trip to Italy with the kids? If you’re looking for a low-key destination that’s not swarming with tourists, Puglia, which you’ll easily recognize as the heel of Italy’s boot, is perfect for a family getaway no matter what age your children are. Boasting unspoiled beaches, a wealth of history, and locally grown organic food galore, this underrated Italian region has everything you need to keep everyone happy and well fed! So pick your favorite property from among our curated collection of vacation rentals in Southern Italy and let us guide you through Puglia’s top 5 kid-friendly attractions.

1. Discover Trulli country

No trip to Puglia would be complete without a visit to the town Alberobello, where you will marvel at hundreds of little cone-roofed houses typical to the region, the trulli. Steeped in legend and history, this unique town is sure to capture the imagination of kids and adults alike. Of course, you could also opt to stay in an authentic trullo as seen in our collection of vacation home rentals.

2. Hit the beach!

This one is a no-brainer: Bordered by both the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, Puglia has no shortage of gorgeous, family-friendly beaches. In Pescoluse, you’ll find soft sands and clear, shallow waters where the little ones can swim and play safely. If you prefer a more secluded setting with pristine beaches and good snorkeling, the nature reserve and protected marine area of Torre Guaceto makes a memorable family day trip. Why not even rent mountain bikes onsite for a scenic ride? (Alternatively, if your kids really can’t get enough of playing in the water, take them to Splash Parco in Gallipoli. Packed with rides and pools, this waterpark promises endless fun.)

3. Become a marine biologist for a day

Hop aboard a catamaran with the Jonian Dolphin Conservation marine researchers in Taranto, and take to the waters for half a day to observe marine mammals in their habitat. You’ll get to assist the team as they identify the dolphins, register their unique whistles and clicking sounds, and collect environmental data from the sea. This is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip!

4. Explore the underworld

Puglia is a paradise for budding speleologists! Make sure to visit the Grotta Zinzulusa on the Adriatic coast, or Grotte di Castellana, north of Alberobello, for their amazing underground treasures. As an added bonus, you can combine your excursion to the Castellana caves with some family fun at the nearby Indiana adventure playground, where rope ladder walking, tree climbing, and cable slides await.

5. Master the art of making orecchiette pasta

Self-professed foodies can book a cooking class in the comfort of their vacation rental to learn how to make this Puglian speciality from scratch. Aspiring young chefs will love stirring and kneading the dough, then shaping the pasta into “little ears”!