A Springtime Adventure in Puglia with Kids: Our 10-Day Itinerary
I finally made it there with my family and our trip was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Planning a trip to this region was tough. There were too many must-see cities and interesting places to stay.
I put together an itinerary that balanced exploration and downtime for our family. Here’s how we spent an unforgettable ten days in Puglia in April 2024.
Day 1: Arrival in Bari
We arrived in Bari, where we stayed at the charming Casa Franca apartment. After settling in, we dined at Murattiana Pizzeria, a local restaurant that made excellent pizzas.
🧑🏻🍳 Recommended restaurants
- Mamapulia
- La Tana del Polpo
- Biancofiore Restaurant
- La Cantina dello Zio
- Nunzia Pasta Lady extraordinaire of Bari Vecchia
- Antica gelateria Gentile for the best ice cream
Day 2: Exploring Bari
Our day started with a visit to Porto Vecchio’s bustling fish market. The kids were fascinated by the fresh catches on display. We ate fish sandwiches at Pescobar overlooking the water. Next, we wandered through Bari’s old town, where we saw the famous pasta ladies making and selling orecchiette along Strada delle Orecchiette. We visited a fantastic photograph exhibit at Teatro Margherita followed by dinner at Terramina, known for its traditional Puglian cuisine. We ended our day with a treat from a local gelateria.
Day 3: Matera via Altamura
We picked up our rental car and headed towards Matera, stopping in Altamura to visit the Archeological Museum and see a rendering of the Man from Lamalunga. After lunch we drove over to the Lamalunga Visitor Center where we watched a movie covering the events that led to the discovery of the cave where the fossilized skeleton was found.
Matera is an otherworldly city of ancient cave dwellings, and we stayed at Seicentotufi, a fantastic apart-hotel in Sasso Barisano. We spent the afternoon exploring the city and walking up to see the great view from the Piazza Duomo and visiting the Cathedrale. With an amazing balcony view, we opted for a relaxed evening with local charcuterie and wine from Arturo.
🍷 Things I would have done if I had more time:
- Take a pottery class Biagio Lamberti at Ceramiche on Via Rosario
- Have a drink at the Regiacorte Lounge Terrace
- Visit the Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso
- Eat fresh baked Matera bread
- Eat dinner at Vitantonio Lombardoi if I had more money
Place we stayed in Matera with a view
Day 4: Matera to Grotte di Castellana
In Matera, we explored the Casa Grotta and Murgia National Park. We checked out of the hotel and drove to Grotte di Castellana to explore the underground cave. We arrived a little late and missed the English tour, but took the Italian tour and still had a great time. After the 3km walk we had a picnic lunch before reaching our next stop, the countryside of Alberobello. Our unique accommodation, Trulli Il Castagno, offered a truly memorable experience in a traditional trulo. My husband and I participated in their wine tasting which made the experience even more special. They also make their own olive oil, which is delicious.
Day 5: Alberobello and Surroundings
This day was packed with activities. We rented bikes and spent the day biking around Alberobello, Martina Franca, (where we stopped at Caseificio Gentile for lunch) and Locorotondo. In the evening, we enjoyed a cooking class at our hotel, learning to make local dishes that we still cook at home.
🍕 🍨 Places I would have gone if we hadn’t taken the cooking class or had more time. The cooking class was really worth it.
- Eat pizza at Casa Pinto in Locorotondo
- Eat lunch or dinner at Trattoria delle Ruote, Martina Franca
- Visit a cheese factory
Place we stayed in the countryside
Day 6: Gallipoli
We started the day doing a tour of an olive farm that ended with an olive oil tasting then drove to Gallipoli, a beautiful coastal town. We spent the day exploring its historic center as it was too cold and windy to relax on the beach.
Day 7: Coastal Drive and Lecce
Our scenic drive took us through Pescoluse, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Otranto before reaching Lecce. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce's Baroque architecture left us in awe. We bought the museum pass and walked around the Amphithéâtre Romain de Lecce, visited the museums and went up the Campanile del Duomo for a 360 view of the city.
It was rainy and cold so we decided to pick up some pizza at Pizzeria Rosetta and call it an early night. There are many places to shop and eat in Lecce and probably would have done more things on my list if the weather had been better.
- Pick up dessert at Pâtisserie Natale
- Buy a vintage Gucci scarf at mile' vintage
- Visit the Railway Museum of Puglia Museo Ferroviario della Puglia
Day 8: Lecce to Polignano a Mare
After exploring Lecce, we headed to Polignano a Mare, stopping in Ostuni and Monopoli along the way. Each town offered its own unique charm and stunning views.
Day 9: Polignano and Surroundings
In Polignano, we explored the coast during a two hour boat tour and enjoyed cocktails at Mojitos and a fantastic dinner at Ruz Cucina Confidenziale.
The kids loved the Belvedere su Lama Monachile, a stunning viewpoint over the cliffs.
Placed we stayed in Polignano with a view.
Day 10: Departure from Bari
Our last day was bittersweet as we packed up and headed back to Bari for our flight home. The trip was a perfect blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and family-friendly activities, making it a memorable experience for all of us.
Highlights and Tips for Traveling with Kids in Puglia
- Accommodation: Staying in unique places like the trulli in Alberobello added a magical element to the trip.
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Food: Puglia is a paradise for food lovers and kids. From fresh seafood in Bari to homemade pasta in Matera, every meal was a delight.
- Activities: The mix of historical sites, scenic drives, and hands-on activities like cooking classes kept the kids engaged and excited.
- Travel: Renting a car was essential for exploring the diverse landscapes and towns of Puglia at our own pace.
Puglia’s rich history, stunning scenery, and delicious food made it an ideal destination for our family. Whether you’re traveling with kids or on a solo adventure, Puglia offers something special for everyone.
Brooklyn-based DJ Joe Claussell at Spazio Murat in Bari