Traveling with children means finding destinations that balance the adventure and learning of visiting a new place with the rest and peace that traveling with little ones requires. Few places in Europe manage to offer that combination quite like Puglia does—a region that seems designed to spark children’s curiosity without overlooking the needs of adults. In every village, every beach, every rural path, there’s something to tell and something to discover. Here’s everything Puglia has to offer for traveling families, where fun takes center stage in this adventure.
Sleeping in a trullo, a journey into history
The conical shape, the stone roof, the olive field surroundings: the trulli of Puglia are more than just places to sleep—they are storybook settings. Staying in one means offering children an incredible experience that goes beyond rest. From learning how they’re built without cement to exploring the paths around them, trulli invite participation and imagination. And there’s no shortage of family-focused offerings: safe gardens, educational vegetable patches, homemade bread workshops. On the website https://www.pugliadeitrulli.com/en/ , you can find a wide range of trullo accommodations with activities and workshops suited for all ages. From bike routes to vineyard walks, cooking classes, encounters with farm animals, and sunset picnics. A unique screen-free holiday experience!
Calm beaches, clear waters, and sand play
Puglia is surrounded by the sea, and the sea here is almost always gentle. There are shallow coves, free of currents, where kids can splash for hours. There are white sandy beaches where building castles becomes a serious mission. And there are family-friendly beach bars—low-key spots where you can try local dishes while little ones nap in the shade. The Salento coast is particularly recommended. In places like Porto Cesareo, Torre Lapillo, or Marina di Pescoluse, the sea feels like a natural swimming pool. Plus, many of these beaches have equipped areas, accessible bathrooms, and shaded zones—details parents truly appreciate when traveling with young children.
Parks, caves, and nature you can touch
One of Puglia’s strengths is its ability to turn nature into an educational tool without relying on gimmicks. The Umbra Forest, on the Gargano promontory, offers trails through centuries-old trees where you might spot deer and owls. In the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, children can observe sea turtles and learn about environmental protection. And for those seeking more adventure, the Castellana Caves are a fascinating experience: an underground route that amazes without the need for special effects. Each location features visitor centers that organize educational activities—many of them free—aimed at fostering respect, curiosity, and sustainability.
Small towns, child-scale walks
Big cities can be overwhelming for children. Puglia, on the other hand, is filled with medium-sized towns that are best discovered on foot, with no need for public transport or enduring crowds. Alberobello, with its rounded houses and narrow alleys, feels like a living cartoon. Ostuni, all white and open to the sky, invites aimless wandering. Lecce, with its hidden squares and baroque sculptures, stirs up questions and attention. Many of these towns offer family-friendly guided tours, small theatrical visits, or themed routes where history becomes a game. It’s not uncommon to find markets offering local cheeses or sweets, or fairs with antique carousels and street shows in the evening.
No mealtime battles: simple flavors that win everyone over
Puglia’s cuisine is, perhaps unintentionally, a natural ally for traveling with children. Most restaurants serve home-style meals made with fresh ingredients—no unnecessary sauces or artificial flavors. Orecchiette with fresh tomatoes and basil, warm focaccia with olives, meatballs in tomato sauce, soft cheeses like burrata. And for the more curious kids, there are hands-on experiences: picking tomatoes in a field, kneading dough from durum wheat, learning to spin pizza dough. Many rural farms offer these workshops for the whole family. Learning by eating and eating by learning!
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!