We spent a long weekend in Puglia with kids. From fairytale villages, to a drive-through safari park, Puglia served up some great family experiences, including a few surprises along the way.
Zoosafari Fasanolandia
This was the biggest surprise for us, and one of the best things to do in Puglia with kids. Zoosafari Fasonolandia is the only drive-through safari park I have ever been to, and despite torrential rain, we had a fantastic afternoon. Donkeys and camels came right up to our car window, they actually tried to put their heads inside the car – it was hilarious!
Tigers and lions walked next to the car and we saw plenty of bears, elephants and antelope too. We were nervous, but excited at the same time and the kids loved it. There are also water slides and rollercoasters adjacent to the safari park. This is a great place for a family day out – check out this short video and you will see what I mean!
Alberobello
Although there may not a lot for kids to do here, children will be in awe of Alberobello’s fairy-tale village. Pottering along the side streets and walking inside the trulli is something that everyone will enjoy. There are lots of friendly locals selling souvenirs, and prices are inexpensive considering it is a bit of a tourist trip.
We picked up a small stone trullo as a souvenir as well as a Christmas decoration to bring home. Alberobello looks straight out of a Disney movie and kids will love it. Check out where we stayed below- its was fabulous!
Polignano a mare
Another must see in Puglia, Polignano a mare, has the picture perfect cove beach. Walk down the steps from the Ponte Lama Monachile bridge and let the kids paddle in the turquoise sea. If the water is too cold, they will enjoy climbing the cliffs on either side of the cove. This is a regular hang out for locals, who like to jump off the cliffs, so children will love the spectacle. There is a pretty old town beside the beach, with a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Polignano is a gorgeous town to spend an afternoon in, and a great place to visit in Puglia with kids.
Visit Splash Waterpark, Gallipoli
Every child loves waterparks and this is Puglia’s finest. Located close to Lecce, a visit here is ideal if you are travelling to the south Puglia with kids. Packed with rides and swimming pools for kids of all ages, I am sure this would be a fun day out for all the family.
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Go whale and dolphin spotting with Jonian Dolphin Conservation.
This is one of most popular thing to do in Puglia with kids during the summer time, but unfortunately the weather wasn’t suitable during our visit. This award-winning marine conservation company will show you dolphins, and possibly whales, in their natural habitat, over a five-hour boat journey.
Where to stay:
We stayed in a superb villa in the fairy tale village of Alberobello, called Trullo Della Ghiandaia,. Complete with two trulli, a large swimming pool, BBQ and even a pizza oven – it was superb. Our host Cristina welcomed us us with a freshly cooked lasagne and wine from her father’s vineyard, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
Visiting Puglia, don’t miss my other posts on the region:
A magical weekend in MateraThree top places to visit in Puglia
Sarah
