Puglia with Kids: Where to Stay and What to Do

In-depth guide to family holidays in Puglia - luxury villas, golden beaches, and bespoke activities and experiences that will delight children and adults alike.
Puglia with Kids: Where to Stay and What to Do
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Why Choose A Family holiday in Puglia?

A family holiday in Puglia offers the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. With its sun-drenched beaches, charming villages, and welcoming atmosphere, Puglia is a destination that both children and parents will adore.

Exploring Puglia with kids means architecture out of a fairy tale, crystal-clear waters for safe swimming, and local cuisine that even the fussiest eaters enjoy. Add in spacious villa rentals and curated activities, and you have a Puglia luxury holiday for families that is both effortless and unforgettable.

beeach in puglia

When is the best time to Visit Puglia with kids?

Wondering about Puglia weather for your family trip? 

Spring (April to June) brings mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds—perfect for exploring towns and beaches with little ones.

Summer (July and August) is hot and lively, ideal if your family thrives on beach days and vibrant festivals, though booking a villa with a pool is a must.

Autumn (September to October) is often considered the sweet spot: the sea is still warm, the harvest season adds a magical atmosphere, and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing without the summer bustle and its accompanying heat. Autumn is also the perfect time to visit if you are interested in Agritourism in Italy. Harvest season occurs during autumn in Puglia meaning olive-picking, wine tasting, food festivals, truffle hunts, and golden landscapes waiting to be discovered.

family preparing for an al fresco meal

We recommend visiting Puglia with kids in spring or autumn to benefit from more agreeable temperatures and fewer crowds providing a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience for small children and elderly grandparents.

Where to Stay in Puglia with Kids?

When planning a family holiday, choosing the right home base is everything. Our villas in Puglia are designed with both style and family comfort in mind. From historic masserie to charming trulli, here are some of the best places to stay in Puglia with kids.

Villa Repertorio 

Tucked among centuries-old olive trees outside Ostuni, Villa Repertorio offers a refined escape in the heart of Puglia. Just minutes from the whitewashed villages of the Valle d'Itria, the Adriatic coast, and the historic charm of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, it’s an ideal family villa in Puglia for exploring southern Italy.

Villa Repertorio

Good to Know

  • 8 guests, 4 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms 
  • Infinity pool, surrounded by nature, outdoor kitchen and dining area
  • From €8,600 to €12,855 per week 

 

Why We Love It

  • Secluded setting, offering peace of mind and safety for families
  • Spacious outdoor areas perfect for relaxing, cooking, dining together, and keeping an eye on the children as they play in the pool
  • Rooftop lounge for magical evenings under the stars once the little ones are asleep

Masseria Allessano

Masseria Allessano, dating back to 1750, has been carefully restored, with architects preserving its authentic character while infusing it with understated elegance. This luxury villa in Puglia is set within 4 hectares of private gardens and enjoys sweeping views of the unspoilt Canale di Pirro valley. Framed by the estate’s vineyards, the dramatic approach to the property perfectly sets the tone for the beauty that awaits within.

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Good to Know

  • 20 guests, 10 bedrooms, 10 bedrooms 
  • 2 swimming pool, surrounded by nature and vineyards, outdoor dining space
  • From €13,460 to €37,485 per week

 

Why We Love It

  • Generous layout with space for up to 20, making it perfect for multiple families or multigenerational holidays where everyone has space to gather yet plenty of room to retreat
  • Fully prepared meals so that you can relax knowing every dish is expertly handled by the dedicated staff, leaving more time for family connection and carefree days
  • Magical rooftop lounge for adults to enjoy unforgettable evenings under the stars while the children are tucked into bed preparing for the next days' adventures

Trullo Chiarezza 

In the heart of Italy’s Salento region, Trullo Chiarezza offers a unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary luxury. This perfect family friendly villa in Puglia stands out with its authentic Trullo architecture, featuring conical roofs and whitewashed walls that are synonymous with the region.

trullo chiarezza

Good to Know

  • 11 guests, 5 bedrooms, 5 bedrooms 
  • Swimming pool, nature reserve, outdoor kitchen and dining area
  • From €13,265 to €27,545 per week

 

Why We Love It

  • Family-friendly amenities, including a children’s playground and an outdoor cinema
  • Daily breakfast preparation, making mornings effortless and enjoyable for the whole family
  • Peaceful setting outside of town, surrounded by nature and without neighbours — perfect for children to play freely and for parents to truly unwind

In Need of More Inspiration?

Check out our owner interviews to discover more top family friendly properties in Puglia!

Masseria Capricorno
Masseria Ettore
Villa Ulivi

Things to do in Puglia with kids 

Paleontological Museum of Dinosaurs

Nestled in Gargano National Park, this open-air museum brings prehistory to life with life-sized dinosaur replicas—an awe-inspiring adventure that sparks curiosity and wonder in tiny paleontologists.

Zoosafari Fasanolandia 

A wild ride for all ages—drive-through safari, animal shows, and theme-park thrills. From flamingos and giraffes to roller coasters and a penguin house, it's a full-day adrenaline-packed treat that keeps everyone smiling. 

Jonian Dolphin Conservation Cruise

Why is this outing unforgettable? Glide across the Ionian Sea, spotting dolphins in their natural playground. It’s an educational, eco-friendly journey that teaches kids to love—and protect—the marine world. 

 

Best places in Puglia for families

Where to Eat in Puglia with Kids - Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

 

Osteria del Tempo Perso 

A charming bistro-style restaurant where an eclectic mix of bottles, brass pots and artwork mount the white-washed walls. Families will love the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the variety of dishes that appeal to both adventurous eaters and little ones looking for familiar flavours. 
Osteria del Tempo Perso

 

La Cantina Alberobello 

In this traditional spot, the pasta is hand-rolled. For families, this is a chance for children to taste authentic homemade pasta without straying too far from comforting flavours. The casual setting and generous portions also make it easy to share plates and keep everyone satisfied.
La Cantina Alberobello

Le Zie Trattoria Casareccia

Take a seat among locals and enjoy an unpretentious menu allowing regional produce to shine. Families will appreciate the unfussy, down-to-earth feel of the trattoria, where children are welcomed warmly. With homestyle cooking and a relaxed pace, it’s the perfect place to introduce kids to Puglia’s culinary traditions.

Best Beaches and Beach Clubs in Puglia for Families

kid at the beach

Lido Bambù

With its wide golden sands and calm Adriatic waters, Lido Bambù is a great option for children to play safely while parents relax nearby. The on-site restaurant means you don’t have to pack up and leave when hunger strikes, making the day smooth and stress-free for families.

Lido Ottagono

This private beach offers controlled access, calm turquoise water, and food on site—a winning combination for parents looking for a secure, hassle-free beach day. Kids can splash in safety while adults unwind on loungers.

Togo Bay Beach

With its fine, soft sand and shallow turquoise waters, Togo Bay is picture-perfect for children to paddle and play. Parents will appreciate the well-kept facilities and beach club service, ensuring the whole family is comfortable throughout the day.

Best Towns and Villages in Puglia to Visit with Kids

 

Ostuni

Known as the “White City,” Ostuni’s feels like living in a fairy tale. Parents can indulge a relaxed aperitivo while little ones enjoy gelato. Its central location also makes it a perfect base for day trips to family-friendly activities like the Zoosafari in Fasano.

Valle d’Itria – Alberobello & Cisternino

Alberobello’s architecture enchants children who will love exploring whimsical trulli and masserie. Nearby Cisternino is ideal for a laid-back family evening, where everyone can gather at a local trattoria. Visiting here also provides easy access to countryside adventures like cycling through olive groves and pasta-making classes with local nonne.

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare offers adventure for all ages. Kids will love swimming in the clear waters, while parents indulge in leisurely seaside lunches. Don’t miss the gelato stands lining the old town. Pair your visit with a dolphin-spotting boat tour from nearby Monopoli for a day that blends excitement with relaxation.

A Family holiday in Puglia — Itinerary Inspiration

family sitting on a couch laughing

Day 1 – Arrival & Villa Bliss

  • Arrive in Puglia and step into the comfort of your Le Collectionist villa.
  • Children can dive straight into the pool while you enjoy a welcome glass of local Primitivo.
  • To ease into holiday mode, our luxury concierge can arrange a private chef to prepare your first family meal for relaxation from the moment you arrive.

Day 2 – Fairy-Tale Town

  • Wander through Ostuni, the “White City,” where sunlit alleys, flowered balconies and impromptu gelato stops feel like something out of a storybook.
  • When evening falls, dine at Osteria del Tempo Perso, a charming grotto-style restaurant where traditional recipes shine—perfect for introducing the whole family to Puglian cuisine.

Day 3 – Safari Adventure

  • Spend the day at Zoosafari Fasanolandia, Italy’s largest wildlife park. Children will be enchanted by giraffes, elephants and lions roaming free, before enjoying gentle rides designed for all ages.
  • Return home for a casual poolside pizza night—our chefs can even host a hands-on cooking classes where kids roll their own dough.

Day 4 – Sea & Dolphins

  • Embark on a Jonian Dolphin Conservation cruise, an unforgettable family experience blending fun and education. Watching dolphins leap beside your boat will remain a highlight for years to come.
  • Afterward, stroll through Polignano a Mare—ice cream in hand—while admiring its famous clifftop views.

family setting the table

Day 5 – Beach Bliss

  • Take a break from sightseeing and relax at a family-oriented beach club such as Lido Bambù or Togo Bay Beach, where golden sands, shallow waters, and attentive service make seaside days effortless. You can stretch out on loungers while the kids paddle in safety.
  • Lunch can be reserved at the club’s restaurant, with menus adapted for younger palates.

Day 6 – Living History

  • Step into a fairy tale in Alberobello, where whimsical trulli houses captivate young imaginations.
  • Continue to Cisternino for a family-friendly dinner in a rustic trattoria. Our concierge can arrange early seatings ideal for children, so evenings remain stress-free.

Day 7 – Farewell to Puglia

  • Spend your last morning poolside or venture to Gargano National Park, where the Paleontological Museum of Dinosaurs ignites young imaginations with life-sized replicas.
  • That evening, gather for a final chef-prepared dinner at the villa—raising a glass to a week of unforgettable family memories in Puglia.

mother and daughter walking amongst greenery

FAQS: Visiting puglia with kids

Best time to visit Puglia with kids?

The best time to plan a family holiday in Puglia is during spring and autumn, when the region reveals its gentlest side.  

Both seasons offer comfortable Puglia weather for families: sunny days for beach clubs and boat trips, cooler evenings for al fresco dinners, and fewer tourists, making every outing—from dolphin spotting to strolling through trulli villages—more relaxed and enjoyable.

What to pack for a family holiday in Puglia?

For a family holiday in Puglia during spring or autumn, pack light layers—sun hats, swimsuits, and sandals for warm days, along with light jumpers or shawls for breezier evenings.

Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring towns like Ostuni or Alberobello with kids, and beach gear for family days at Lido Bambù or Togo Bay.

A foldable stroller can be useful for cobbled streets, while a small backpack for day trips keeps snacks, water, and sunscreen at hand. 

Puglia or Sicily with kids — which destination is better?

Both regions are unforgettable, but the choice depends on your family’s style of travel.

Puglia is perfect if you’re looking for a slower pace and ease with children: the beaches are often shallow and calm, towns like Ostuni and Alberobello feel like storybook backdrops, and distances between sights are shorter—ideal for little legs.

Sicily, on the other hand, is larger and more adventurous, with dramatic volcanoes, ancient ruins, and bustling cities that captivate older kids and teens.

For families seeking a gentle, family-friendly luxury holiday, Puglia often wins. For those craving big adventures and cultural depth, Sicily shines.

 

Ready to find your perfect family retreat? Discover our full collection of family-friendly villas in Puglia and start planning your next unforgettable escape.

extraordinary luxury villa rentals in Puglia, discover the collection

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