Family Holiday in Puglia

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Puglia for Kids Kids love the idea of being in the heel of Italy, share your map with them! This was once the poor south but there is nothing down at heel about the region anymore. Puglia with its 800km of the coastline of smooth beaches and rocky caves is a great holiday destination for families. Two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian meet here so it's made for bucket and spade time. Yet Puglia has a rich history and there is plenty for history buffs too. The Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans, the Turks, and the Spanish have all left their mark. Spring is the perfect time for hiking when the wildflowers are in bloom. Summer is beach time but beware it can get very hot. The October holidays are also a very good time to visit if you want to see the sights.

The Must-See Puglia is home to some truly amazing houses, called 'Trulli'! They look like something from a kid's storybook and are circular stone houses with conical roofs. Alberobello is the capital of this enchanting world. Here one entire hillside is covered by about a thousand of these little munchkin houses. Nearby explore the unique Castellana Caves, going 60m underground. They are 90 million years old so the kids should be impressed and marvel at the incredible rock formations. Do not forget to bring a jacket because it's always pretty cold down there. Take a walk around Ostuni, 'the white city'. It's pedestrianized so well for a family stroll. Check out Delia in the archeology museum, the 25 000-year-old skeletons of a pregnant woman. Then eat at the lovely Le Notti Bianche pizzeria. Dip into Basilicata to see the troglodyte city of Matera. This extraordinary town sits above a deep ravine and has been used as a film set and has stepped in to play Jerusalem. Try the local bread, pane di Matera and then go hiking in La Murgia Park.

The Great Outdoors Puglia with kids is really all about the great outdoors that can be enjoyed all year round, as the temperatures are mild even in winter. There are miles upon miles of beaches. The best for families are near Otranto and Fasano, where there are long stretches of sand and turquoise blue waters. The Torre Guaceto nature reserve north of Brindisi has 6km of unspoiled coastline and is great for nature lovers. Teenagers will enjoy mountain biking here. It's completely undeveloped so be sure to pack a picnic! Horse-riding in Valle d'Itria or in Alimini natural park is also great. If you fancy an escape, take a boat tour in the summer months to see the coves along the coast near Polignano, north of Monopoli. There are some organized with a marine biologist onboard, ideal for taking out the most from the experience.  Fishing and snorkeling tours are a real treat.

The Big Day Out Fasano Zoo Safari near Brindisi is the largest zoo in Italy. The main attraction is the drive-through safari park. There are also animal shows and theme park-style rides.

What to eat That's because the food is all part of the experience here and you don't want the kids to miss out. Little gourmets will wolf down the little ear-shaped pasta, orecchiette. Snack with olives and the typical 'taralli' biscuits available with olive oil, rosemary, peppers. Try the local fresh cheese 'burrata' and the seasoned cheese 'canestrato'.

Where to stay Family hotels in Puglia are normally hosted in an old farmstead, 'masseria', which are modeled on the traditional Roman villa. Many of these farms have recently been converted into stylish family-friendly accommodation. Choose one with a pool, a good-sized garden, and a child-friendly restaurant.

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