Puglia Travel Guide for Families

The abundance of sandy beaches make Puglia a perfect option for children

This summer we were fortunate enough to take a multi-generational trip to Puglia, Italy. Puglia is the once-hidden gem of Italy, where we enjoyed sun-kissed beaches surrounded by beautifully restored masserias and olive trees. The charming towns were filled with friendly locals and visitors from all over Europe and the United States. While Puglia’s popularity has grown exponentially in the past decade or so, it still retains the slow-paced charm of an Italian sea-side escape. Read below to find our week-long journey through the wonders of Puglia.

The kid’s pool at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia

STAY

Our home base for our week in Puglia was Borgo Egnazia. It felt like stepping into a movie set where everything was beautifully curated to to look like an authentic Puglian masseria. This resort was pure luxury with several gorgeous pools perfect for sipping Aperol spritzes near. It also had a free kids club and fun nightly activities for kids and families. During the peak summer months they offer several nights of Festa del Borgo. This was a real highlight of our stay, as it felt like being invited to a wealthy Puglian’s dream wedding. Read our full review here.

Dance the night away, Puglian-style at one of Borgo Egnazia’s Festa del Borgo events throughout the summer

Explore the Surrounding Towns

Exploring the charming harbor of Monopoli

MONOPOLI

Monopoli, with its crystal-clear waters and charming old town, is definitely worth a visit. The town was definitely touristy, yet it still retained the feel of a working port. We watched several fishing boats and commercial vessels come and unload while strolling around this port town. There were charming eateries and plazas around every turn. The old town is all pedestrian-only which we really enjoyed with kids. While you could definitely make Monopoli your home-base for a Puglian vacation, it also felt small enough to explore in one day.

Get lost in the alleys of Ostuni, the White City

OSTUNI
Ostuni, the "White City," will leave you charmed with its labyrinthine streets, whitewashed buildings, and bougainvillea in full bloom. It's like navigating a beautiful maze where every turn is a photo opportunity. Embrace the challenge – getting lost here is the best way to discover hidden gems and a newfound appreciation for Google Maps. The views from the city of the surrounding countryside were magnificent. The abundance of olive oil and wine shops make this a great place to stock up on souveniers as well.

POGLIGNANO A MARE

Polignano a Mare is the Italian version of a postcard come to life. With cliffs diving into the sea, this seaside town is so charming. The water was a beautiful turquoise color and could be seen throughout town. This felt more touristy than Monopoli, but still retained it’s authentic Puglian charm. Several of the streets closest to the sea are car-free making this a wonderful town for a La Passeggiata, or evening stroll.

Cala Masciola seaside dining at Borgo Egnazia

EAT

Find our entire Puglia Restaurant Guide Here.
One of the best parts of Puglia was trying all of the incredible fresh seafood and produce that can be found locally. We gorged on orecchiette pasta and found our new favorite snack, a soft twisted cracker called Taralli.

View of Pogliano a Mare from our catamaran charter

Jump in the Sea

One of our favorite things we did while in Puglia was rent a boat and sail around the Apulian Sea. We rented a catamaran from Almarano Charters and really enjoyed seeing Puglia from a different perspective. The famous beach of Poligano a Mare was also fun to see from the sea. It was a little choppy the day we went out, but it was still nice to be able to jump in the water and use the paddleboards.

Coccaro Beach Club in Puglia

We had an incredible time in Puglia, and we encourage you to get lost in Ostuni's white labyrinth, dive into the turquoise sea at Polignano a Mare, and let Monopoli's coastal charm capture your heart. In Puglia, as in anywhere in Italy, be sure to allow time to embrace the “dolce far niente” or “art of doing nothing.”