Overview
We recently visited Puglia, Italy with our three kids under five, all four grandparents, and an aunt/uncle (all between 55-75 years of age). The overall consensus was that the sights were gorgeous, the food was delicious, and I definitely crammed too much in a short time fo this age group. We were on-the- go nonstop, and as great as it was to see all the sights we wanted to see, it was especially tiring for our older parents. Based on these lessons learned, I wanted to compile a guide on planning a trip to Puglia, Italy.
When I started to plan Puglia, I realized that it was different from our previous Italy trips. Although it has increased in popularity in recent years, and there are a good amount of tourists, it isn’t as “tourism-centric” as cities such as Florence or the Amalfi Coast. There isn’t an abundance of chain hotels or as high a proficiency in English. Still, there are options for great places to do, things to do, and food to eat. This also means although there are some crowds, the crowds are nothing compared to some of the more famous Italian cities. It makes it more pleasant to peruse around with a large group.
Where to stay in Puglia, Italy:
We chose Bari, Italy as our base city. I noticed that many people plan at least 2-3 base cities around Puglia to optimize their day trips and experiencing the region. With the size of our group and our little kids, moving around different hotels would have been difficult.
We liked Bari as our base city because:
The train station had many direct routes available to almost all the places to we wanted to visit.
There are lots of stores and restaurant options for when we would come back from our day trips each day.
It is also a reasonable distance from the main airport, which is always great for our travel days.
It was also convenient for the relatives flying from the US, as they had layovers in Rome and Rome connects well to Bari.
Our group was split into 4 different apartments, two of which were great and I would recommend below. I booked apartments within a 10 minute walk of the train station as well as Old Town Bari.
Click here to to book an amazing 4 person apartment, which was perfect for our family (and they added a cot for free for our baby!). It includes a small kitchenette.
Click here to book an amazing 2 person apartment, which was great for a couple. My aunt and uncle stayed in this one and they said it was the nicest apartment rental they have ever had!
What to do in Puglia, Italy:
As mentioned before, we stayed in Bari and used it as a base city. We took daily train trips to visit most of the cities except for one guided bus tour we used for Alberobello and Matera, because there was no direct train transfer from Bari. I have consolidated our favorite cities and an activity to do in each spot.
Photoshoot in Puglia, Italy
When we made this trip plan for our kids and our parents, I knew I wanted to have a professional photoshoot to get different variations of family photos with good backdrops. I usually opt for quick, efficient, and cost-effective options, and as I searched for photography options in Puglia, I did not find that. I checked the Flytographer site, which I have always heard of but never used. Although the costs were a bit higher than what I typically pay, they were still cheaper than the standard Puglia photographers I found. So I tried it out!
Our experience with Flytographer and our photographer, Paula in Bari, was wonderful.
Booking Process: From the convenience of finding a local photographer and booking her, to filling out the form with our preferences, and needs, the initial process was so convenient!
Rescheduling: I had to reschedule our photoshoot because of a change in plans in our guided tour for another event, and although she had some conflicts, the photographer helped to figure out an alternative time.
Last minute conflicts: Once we got to the shoot, at that very instance, my dad realized that he had left his passport on the train. He had to run (he got it back thankfully), but he missed many of the group shots. The photographer came back to us later in the day to get some more photos with my dad included. It was so kind of her.
The photos were in my inbox within a few days, and considering the tension amongst our group (due to my dads passport stress and the moods of our kids), I couldn’t believe she had been able to take so many nice pictures! I will absolutely book again during a future trip. If interested in booking for yourself, use my Flytographer Affiliate Link here and use my discount code: SHAINAAZAM.
Bari, Puglia
Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, offers a blend of historical sites, vibrant culture, and coastal beauty. Here are some of the best things to do:
Explore Bari Vecchia: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, discovering historic buildings, local markets, and charming squares.
Visit the Basilica of San Nicola: Admire the stunning Romanesque architecture of this basilica, which houses the relics of St. Nicholas, a significant pilgrimage site for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Stroll along the Lungomare: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque seafront promenade, offering beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and the city’s skyline.
Tip with kids: Bari was manageable to roam around with kids, there were even a few small (very small) playgrounds scattered around the city! Most restaurants had baby chairs, and we didn’t come across too many steps to create issue for our stroller usage.
Monopoli, Puglia
Monopoli is about a 35 minute train ride from Bari. The main center is about a 10 minute walk from the train station. The town offers a mix of historical charm and coastal beauty. Here are some of the best things to do:
Explore the Historic Center and the promenade: Wander through the charming old town with its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and picturesque squares. Make sure to walk along the scenic waterfront promenade, enjoying views of the Adriatic Sea and the colorful fishing boats.
Visit the Monopoli Cathedral: Admire the Baroque architecture of the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia, with its impressive interior and religious significance.
Relax at the Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters, such as Cala Porta Vecchia and Porto Ghiacciolo. We would have liked to sit and relax by the beaches, but they were all quite crowded by the time we were there.
Tour the Castello di Carlo V: Explore the 16th-century castle overlooking the sea, which often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
Tip with kids: The historic center is only few minutes walk from the train station, but with littles it can take time. Add in the summer sun, it can feel quite long, so make sure to look up the exact destination that you will want to walk to ahead of time. Even a few minutes of saving time can make all the difference in heat and crowds. This was a pretty easy with our BabyZen YoYo stroller.
Polignano o Mare, Puglia
Polignano a Mare, a picturesque coastal town in Puglia, Italy, is known for its dramatic cliffs and clear waters. Here are some of the best things to do:
Enjoy the Panoramic Views: Visit Lama Monachile to admire the stunning views from this iconic beach, nestled between cliffs and accessible via a scenic staircase. Also, visit various viewpoints around the town, like the Terrazza Santo Stefano, for breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic Sea and coastline.
Explore the Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, discovering charming piazzas, whitewashed houses, and beautiful sea views.
Dive into the Caves: Take a boat tour to explore the impressive sea caves, such as Grotta Palazzese, and experience the town’s natural beauty from the water. We used this GetYourGuide boat tour to visit the caves. It was relaxing and fun for all of us, and the kids were so excited to see the caves! I later on realized I should have requested life jackets for the kids, so make sure to request upon booking.
Tips with kids: This town was easy to maneuver with kids, during peak season, the restaurants get booked up and for the first time I noticed some restaurants required reservations. Our kids malfunction if we don’t get them their meals right on time, so if you’re like us, try to book the restaurants ahead of time!
Lecce, Puglia
Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” in Puglia, offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Here are the best things to do in Lecce:
Explore Baroque Architecture: Admire the stunning Baroque buildings and churches, particularly the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Cathedral of Lecce (Duomo).
Visit Piazza del Duomo: Wander around this beautiful square, which houses the Duomo, the bell tower, and other significant buildings, often illuminated beautifully at night.
Discover Roman Ruins: Visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, a well-preserved relic from ancient Roman times that once hosted gladiator fights.
Stroll through the Historic Center: Enjoy the charming streets of Lecce’s old town, filled with artisan shops, cafes, and historic palazzi showcasing local craftsmanship.
We strolled around all of these sights, but also booked this GetYourGuide RickShaw tour of Lecce that took us around the city to each of one of those places! With the sun out in full force in the afternoon, this was a much more comfortable way to explore the city. Visit this link here to see the exact tour that we did and recommend!
Tips with kids: Lecce is a big city to walk around. Make sure to take breaks with pizza and gelato for the kiddies and keep them hydrated! Otherwise, this was a manageable city with the littles. I suggest plugging in the destinations in Google Maps as you arrive to the train station, so that you know where you are headed.
Ostuni, Puglia
Ostuni, known as the “White City” for its whitewashed buildings, is a charming town in Puglia, Italy. Here are the best things to do in Ostuni:
Explore the Historic Center: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, lined with whitewashed houses, charming piazzas, and hidden courtyards.
Visit the Ostuni Cathedral: Admire the Gothic-Romanesque architecture of the 15th-century cathedral, featuring a beautiful rose window and impressive interior.
Enjoy Panoramic Views: Head to the city’s viewpoints, such as the Aragonese Walls, for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea.
Our favorite activity was enjoying the ambiance at the Borgo Antico Bistrot. The restaurant swirls around a bit on the hill, so that everyone has a nice vibe and view.
Tips with Kids: Ostuni has quite a few steps, and even the areas without steps, are a bit slippery. We had our light weight BabyZen YoYo stroller with us, although my husband had to carry it quite a bit.This probably isn’t the most toddler friendly city, but it was so lovely and unique, that I consider it worth the hassle.
Alberobello, Puglia
Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses, is a must-visit destination in Puglia, Italy. Here are the best things to do in Alberobello:
Explore the Trulli Houses: Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the iconic whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs in the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts.
Visit Trullo Sovrano: Tour the largest trullo in Alberobello, which is now a museum showcasing traditional furnishings and the history of these unique structures.
Discover the Trulli Church: Visit the Church of St. Anthony, a trullo-style church with distinctive architecture and religious significance.
Shop for Local Crafts: Browse the many shops and boutiques selling handmade crafts, trulli-themed souvenirs, and local products like olive oil and wine.
Because there were no direct trains from Bari to Alberobello, we opted to book a private bus tour from Bari to Alberobello to Matera, where we were in a small group, to go to the tour. Although there was no guide for the actual city itself, it was convenient to have an a semi-private transit. Visit the link here to book your bus.
Tips with kids: There are lots of steps and crowds in this beautiful town. We managed to lug around our lightweight BabyZen YoYo stroller, but it’s not the most stroller friendly town. Lots of walking uphill on cobblestone roads and steps – I would recommend to baby wear your little one here.
Matera, Italy
Matera, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, offers a unique and fascinating experience in Italy. Here are the best things to do in Matera:
Explore the Sassi di Matera: Wander through the ancient cave dwellings and narrow streets of the Sassi districts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Rupestrian Churches: Discover the rock-hewn churches, such as the Crypt of the Original Sin and Santa Maria de Idris, adorned with ancient frescoes.
Tour the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: Experience life in a traditional cave dwelling by visiting this restored home, complete with period furnishings and tools.
Admire the Matera Cathedral: Visit the Romanesque cathedral, located on the Civita hill, offering stunning views of the Sassi and surrounding landscape.
Because of the transit time from Bari to Matera, we opted to book a private bus tour from Bari to Alberobello to Matera, where we were in a small group, to go to the tour. Although there was no guide for the actual city itself, it was convenient to have an a semi-private transit. Visit the link here to book your bus.
Tips with kids: We primarily browsed around the Sassi di Matera, as it was difficult to take the stroller up and down the stairs. Also at this point, our group as a whole hand dwindled energy, otherwise we could have all mustered up energy to explore further. A baby carrier will be better here than a stroller.
Where to eat in Puglia, Italy:
Five popular foods in Puglia, Italy, known for their regional authenticity and delicious flavors, are:
Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa: Small ear-shaped pasta served with sautéed broccoli rabe, garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes.
Burrata: A fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream, characterized by its soft, creamy center.
Focaccia Barese: A thick, fluffy focaccia topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and sometimes potatoes, seasoned with olive oil and rosemary.
Panzerotti: Small, fried or baked dough pockets stuffed with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and other fillings such as ham, ricotta, or spinach.
Tiella di Riso, Patate e Cozze: A layered casserole of rice, potatoes, and mussels, often with onions, tomatoes, and zucchini, baked with herbs and olive oil.
These dishes reflect Puglia’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and its culinary traditions rooted in simplicity and robust flavors. But all in all, you can never go wrong with pasta, pizza, and gelato – which is what we indulged in all week.
City | Type | Name | Comments |
Bari | Pizza | This is a chain, but absolutely delicious pizza – I personally love the Marinara | |
Bari | Pasta | Best meal we had all week – the spaghetti with cheese was amazing | |
Bari | Coffee/Pastries | Jerome (right next to Bari Centrale) | Good table space to be able to reset. The pistachio cream croissant is amazing |
Bari | Gelato/Dessert | Good table space to be able to reset | |
Polignano o Mare | Gelato
| Good seating and bathroom for kids | |
Polignano o Mare | Sandwich | No proper seating, but there are steps nearby | |
Ostuni | Italian | Beautiful views and ambiance | |
Alberobello | Brunch | Satisfying and hearty brunch |
Conclusion
All in all, Puglia is beautiful! The consensus from the group that has explored the rest of Italy, was that it was lovely, but it cannot be rushed (especially with little kids and elderly). To do Puglia properly and visit the amazing spaces, at least a week should be given, if not more. It is amazing how much one region can hold!
For others ideas on trips to Italy, visit my posts on a trip to Sicily, Lake Garda, and Portofino – or check out my ultimate guide on planning a trip to Italy with littles!
