The Best Things to do in Puglia for Families

Discover the best things to do in Puglia for families – everything  you need to fall head over heels with Italy’s heel!

Puglia is a stunning region of Italy and has so much to see and do. There is a real mix of attractions and activities – making it the perfect location for families. Whether you are travelling with younger children or teens – there’s something for everyone. The best way to get the most from your time is to have a plan before you go. Having made several trips over the years with our own children, we also realise that most trips to Puglia for families have to happen in the school summer holidays. And while the region will always be busier during these times, as long as you book tours and experiences in advance you can have a wonderful holiday. So here are some of the best family-friendly things to do when you’re in Puglia. 

Visit a Waterpark

Our first option is Splash Gallipoli. Water babies of all ages will love this water park. There are many along the Puglia coast, but this is perhaps the most well-known. It has pools and rides aplenty with something for everyone to do. It is packed into 78000sqm, and you will find gentle attractions for the little ones while your water-confident teens can take themselves off and explore the more adventurous slides.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, there is an excellent choice with numerous restaurants, or you bring your own packed lunch and set up camp in the shaded picnic area.

Tickets are 12-18EUR per person, depending on season. Click here to visit the park’s website and for more information and how to book tickets in advance.

Alternatively, try Acquapark Egnazia. The largest waterpark in South Italy, this park is the perfect destination for kids of all ages (including the big ones). There are more waterslides than you could ever wish for, a giant wave pool, and a big lagoon-style pool. It makes a fun day out, and a great escape from the summer sun.

Tickets here are between 23 -20EUR depending on the age and height of the children. To book and for more information visit their website here. 

Hit the Beach

If you are looking for a low-cost day out, then a family day at the beach could be the perfect solution. Our top choice for families is probably Pescoluse. Like many of the beaches in the area, the sand is soft, white and goes on for miles. The Ionian waves are shallow and not known for currents so younger children can splash and swim in the warm water. There are no water sports on the beach, which keeps it even quieter.

You can hire a gazebo for the day with sun loungers and a protective cover from the sun or just sit out on your towels while the kids build sandcastles. It’s a truly stunning beach that seems to have slipped the tourist net; you’ll find a relaxed location without the noise and bustle of the better-known beaches.

Other very good alternatives for families are Torre Canne and Torre Guaceto. Or, discover our full guide to the best beaches in Puglia here. 

 

 

Visit Zoo Safari Fasanolandia

This is a a full-on wildlife park with a huge range of animals to see. Drive through the safari area to see the free-roaming bison, elephants, giraffe and more or visit the tropical houses that are home to crocs and snakes. Pop by the penguin house, splash around the dolphinarium, and take the zoo train into monkey and lemur territory.

There is so much to see here, and the owners have expanded the original zoo further with many roller coasters, fairground attractions and a few water rides. You can easily make this a long day out no matter how old your kids are – and you can pretty much guarantee an easy, early bedtime when you return back to your accommodation!

Delve into Grottos and  Caves

Puglia is a region where you really need to head underground — trust us. Near Bari, you’ll find the caves of Castellana Grotte – this day out is probably better suited to the older members of the pack. It is a stunning history lesson, and is over 90 million years old. There are lots of very entertaining local guides available to take you on a walking tour which is about three kilometres long and takes you through the fantastic naturally formed colours and shapes with stalagmites and stalactites. The excursion reaches a staggering 60 metres under the ground. Book your guide in advance here. 

Alternatively,  head to Matera, in neighbouring Basilicata, to explore the old cave-dwelling districts (the ‘Sassi’) which were still inhabited until the mid 20th Century. If you prefer your caves surrounded by the sea, head to Grotta della Poesia near Otranto or Zinzulusa caves in Salento; they make an idyllic location for swimming and water sports and adrenaline hungry teens will love jumping into the sea from the rocks. 

Enjoy a Cooking Class

Italians love sharing their knowledge and love for food nearly as much a s we all enjoy eating it! Puglia is the perfect place in Italy to learn some of these age-old skills and doing it together as family can be really fun. 

A local speciality pasta – Orecchiete — translating to ‘little ear’ — is a very popular choice, and you can learn to make it from scratch as part of a pasta making workshop. Alternatively, plump for a traditional pizza — a family-friendly favourite for kids of all ages. A fantastic hands-on experience, and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour; you might just be able to persuade the kids to cook when you return home too…

You can read all about one of our favourite cooking class experiences near Ostuni here. 

Get on a Bike

Puglia is reasonably flat, which makes it ideal for a family bike ride. As with most of Italy, the countryside is wonderfully picturesque, and you’ll easily find a farm or olive grove open for lunch (and maybe a tasting or two). There are many options for guided tours in most of the region’s cities but also along coastal paths and through the beautiful countryside too. Find out what’s on offer here and be sure to book your experience in advance – especially in the summer months. These guides offer bikes to hire for all the family and even have e-bikes for those who prefer a more relaxed ride. 

Tips for Trips to Puglia for Families

• Stay in a villa or apartment with a pool – especially if your trip is in July or August.
• Book tours and experiences in advance. Discover what’s on offer here.
• Rent a car for at a least a couple of days – much of Puglia’s beauty is off the beaten track
• Try not to over-schedule – even thought here is so much to see and do, all kids need some down time.
• Consider travelling in the spring or autumn holidays – Puglia is lovely and warm at these times and is less busy too. 

Looking for accommodation in Puglia for families? Discover our full collection of villas and apartments here. We’re sure we have the perfect place for families of all sizes along with some perfect villas multi-generation holidays.