Family-Friendly Activities in Puglia

Planning a family vacation may be a little stressful sometimes – endless hours of research on where to go and what to do with your little ones can take the joy out of the process, turning excitement into exhaustion. So, we’ve curated a list of activities that offer a healthy mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, ensuring that every family member has a memorable and enjoyable time in Puglia.

First, if you're wondering what suite type you should book for your family, we suggest our Rosa Junior Suite, our Emilia Junior Suite, or our Trullo for smaller families, and our Connecting Deluxe Garden Suite or our Belvedere Suite for larger families. Visit our Rooms & Suites page for a full list of accommodations.

Now onto Puglia! Puglia is an ideal destination for families, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages. Children will delight in the region's stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and exploring marine life. Enchanting towns like Alberobello, with its unique trulli houses, provide a magical setting for young imaginations and educational opportunities about local history and architecture. Families can also enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking and horseback riding (perfect for tiring everyone out). Historical sites, like the ancient ruins of Egnazia, offer fascinating insights into the region’s story, while interactive museums and cultural events keep developing minds engaged. The region's warm hospitality and safe communities ensure a welcoming and memorable spot for your next family vacation.

Water Adventures

• Torre Guaceto - Just 50 minutes driving down the coast you'll find Torre Guaceto, a protected marine area with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Its name originates from the sighting tower built by Charl V to protect the regional territory from potential marine attacks. Birdwatching, snorkeling, sea watching, trekking, cycling, hiking, and walking across the reserve are some of the several activities to do in the Torre Guaceto - many just visit to observe the abundant flora and fauna in the area. Find more information on how to get there and what to do here.
• Roca Vecchia - A must-visit destination in Puglia, Roca Vecchia is a scenic 1-hour 45-minute drive from Villa Torre Bianca. We recommend booking a guided kayaking trip through the Ponente caves, while learning about the geological origins and ancient history of the area. Book your spot here.
• Alimini Lakes - For those who don't mind the drive, Alimini Lakes is definitely worth it. A 2-hour cruise south along the Adriatic coastline, you'll find the Alimini Lakes - here, you can enjoy shallow, warm waters, ideal for younger children and slower paced activities. The area is surrounded by lush pine forests and grassy knolls, suitable for picnics and relaxing. Stop by Brindisi on your way to or from Alimini Lakes for a walk along the port, a visit to one of the cities castles, or shopping in one of the local markets.

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Culinary Experiences

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• Pasta making classes in Polignano a Mare, Lecce, and Matera – A pasta lover's paradise, Puglia is a perfect place to hone your skills on how to make Orecchiette from scratch. Orecchiette pasta was born in Puglia and gets its name from its shape resembling “tiny ears”. Top rated classes are offered in Polignano a Mare, Lecce, and Matera, where you can also visit famous town monuments, churches, and squares.
• Cooking class at Villa Torre Bianca - We offer cooking classes onsite for small groups upon request. Without going anywhere, you can learn how to make authentic Apulian cuisine and then enjoy it poolside on our private 50-acre estate. View our Services & Amenities page to begin planning.
• Lecce street food tour – Eat and drink your way through Lecce while admiring towns historic gems such the Duomo Cathedral, Piazza Sant Oronzo, the Santa Croce Church, and Porta San Biggio. Try a variety of local snacks such as pasticciotto, taralli, and local Leccese coffee. All tours finish with a glass of Apulian wine for the parents and a famous frisa. Book your spot here.

Historical, Cultural, and Educational Explorations

• Trulli of Alberobello - Before or after your pasta making class, wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site and marvel at the unique Trulli houses.
• Castel del Monte - Visit the mysterious octagonal castle built by Emperor Frederick II in Alta Murgia National Park. Kids will love the stories of knights and ancient legends!
• Grotte di Castellana - Explore these fascinating limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The “Grotte di Castellana" is located approximately 1.5km outside the town of Castellana Grotte - a quick 12-minute drive from Villa Torre Bianca. Guided tours are available for all ages - view a couple options here.
• Puglia's Festivals - Participate in local festivals such as the Festa di San Nicola in Bari or the Orecchiette Pasta Festival in Grottaglie. These events often include parades, music, and kid-friendly activities.
• Museo Archeologico di Egnazia -Visit the archaeological museum to learn about Puglia’s ancient history - interactive exhibits and workshops make it fun and easy for children to pay attention.
• Museo del Confetto Mucci Giovanni - Discover the history of confetti (sugar-coated almonds) and see how they're made at Museo del Confetto Mucci Giovanni.

Outdoor Activities

• Horseback Riding - Horseback riding in Puglia is a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty, with excursions that take riders through olive groves, vineyards, and along the coastline. There are several riding stables that offer horse riding experiences, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner. Many of them also offer lessons and training for those looking to improve their riding skills. A popular destination for horse riding in Puglia is the Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase. This natural park is a paradise for riders, with its forests, hills, and coastline providing a range of terrains to explore. Another popular destination is Centro Equestre Parco di Mare, near Cisternino, that offers horse riding lessons and excursions, from gentle rides through the olive groves to more challenging routes along the coast. TripAdvisor is another great resource for finding guided horseback riding tours in Puglia.
• Biking - Rent bikes to take advantage of the numerous trails in the Puglian countryside. There are many routes close by Villa Torre Bianca that range from easy paths suitable for young children to more challenging trails for older kids and adults. Visit our Services & Amenities page to arrange your bike rentals.
• Adventure Park Ciuchino Birichino - Ciuchino Birichino is an outdoor adventure park offering zip-lining, climbing, archery, and obstacle courses suitable for various age groups. The park is located in Ostuni, a 45-minute drive south of Villa Torre Bianca.
• Il Piu Grande Parco Avventura - Indiana Park Castellana Grotte is an outdoor adventure offering fun for all ages. The park is located a 10-minute drive from Villa Torre Bianca, featuring various treetop trails with zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing activities, perfect for thrill-seekers and families looking for an adrenaline-filled day. With courses designed for different skill levels, including easy paths for younger children and more challenging routes for adventurous adults, it’s a great spot for a family outing. Indiana Park is accessible from spring until fall - you can enter without a reservation, but we would be happy to help you make one in advance.
• Snorkeling - Snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Bari, Santa Maria al Bagno, Roca Vecchia, Torre Vado, Lueca, and Sant'Andrea. GetYourGuide lists over 30 tours catering to different experience levels, duration, and location preferences.

Creative Workshops

• Grottaglie Ceramic Workshop - located in the heart of Grottaglie, a town renowned for its ceramic heritage, this workshop offers immersive pottery classes. Participants can learn traditional techniques and create their own ceramic pieces, making it a perfect hands-on experience for families. Kids will enjoy molding clay and painting their creations. Learn more here. It's a beautiful 1-hour drive through the Puglian countryside from Villa Torre Bianca.
• La Luna nel Pozzo - An artisan studio in Ostuni offers pottery and ceramic classes that cater to both beginners and those with some experience. The workshops explore a range of techniques from hand-building to wheel-throwing. It's a great activity for kids to explore their creativity in a fun, supportive environment. Visit their website for details. La Luna nel Pozzo is a 45-minute drive from Villa Torre Bianca.
• Laboratoria Urbano Bollenti Spiriti - This creative hub in Martina Franca offers a variety of workshops, including pottery and ceramic classes that blend traditional crafts with modern design. The workshops are family-friendly, providing a stimulating environment for kids to experiment with shapes and colors. Visit their website to learn more. It takes only 40-minutes to drive here from Villa Torre Bianca.

Relaxation

• Corte Altavilla Day Spa - A day spa offering massages, facials, and relaxation therapies, located in Conversano - a quick 15-minute drive from Villa Torre Bianca. Visit our Services & Amenities page to arrange for childcare so you can enjoy your down time knowing your little ones are well taken care of.

That concludes our list of family-friendly activities in Puglia. If you’re looking to arrange private transfers, a guided tour, or for more details on any of these activities, our Guest Services would be happy to help.