Torre dell’Orso, Puglia, Southern Italy
Introduction
Puglia has been on my list for about a decade, but somehow it turned always challenging to find reasonable flights to this province of Southern Italy.
With only 9 full days at hand there, we had to make some tough choices. Moreover, this trip being the second road trip with our 3 kids (7, 5 and 5 at the time of traveling), we chose to somewhat slow down the rhythm of travel and spend a bit of time on the beach, so that the kids can relax and have fun.
Puglia offers with very different types of experiences and activities, catering for adults and kids alike. The only drawdown is that it is a now very popular destination, with some of the more popular places overcrowded. Be ready to start very early and stay overnight at the destinations you want to really enjoy, as the masses fade away in the evening, and do not start that early.
How long should you plan for Puglia?
Well, that depends of course on how much time you have at hand… Consider the following:
- With 7-8 days, you will only be able to focus on some of the “touristic highlights”, on a part of Puglia (North or South of Bari) and you will have some tough choices to make.
- With 2 weeks on your agenda, you will be able to not only discover the more touristic places but go for instance north of Bari and into the mountains, a part that we haven’t even considered due to the lack of time.
- If you want to really discover more in-depth Puglia, then consider allocating at least 3 weeks, so that you can visit more remote places, take your time to sample some fine Italian cuisine and wines, and relax a bit.
How about traveling with kids?
Puglia is quite easy with kids, as you can switch from more cultural visits to activities that better suit children, like time on one of the beautiful beaches of the province (there are not that many, though), a boat trip, or simply sample a nice Gelato Artigianale or tasty local pastries to foster motivation during visits.
Beware of the crowds in some places nonetheless, that might be somewhat bothering or even stressful, as you must keep an eye permanently of the kids in the heavy crowds.
Now the itinerary…
- Day 1: Travel to Puglia / Matera
Technically not in Puglia, this UNESCO World Heritage site is 3rd oldest city in the world with Alepo and Jerico. This beautiful maze of old houses, built on around a hilltop, was one of the highlights of the trip.
Sassi di Matera, or Old Town of Matera, Southern Italy
- Day 2: Matera / Gallipoli
The less visited walled city of Gallopoli, on the shores of the Ionian See, is best enjoyed in the evening, when the maze of small streets is almost void of any tourists.
Matera’s Duomo or Matera’s Cathedral, Southern Italy
- Day 3-4: Otrante
Otrante was a great base to discover with the kids some of the nicest beaches of Puglia, with stops at the Piscina Naturale di Marina Serra and especially the Baia dei Turchi, beautiful & empty. The visit to the Grotte Zinzulusa was also a nice moment for the kids. We clearly could have skipped the Grotta della Poesia, though.
Torre dell’Orso, Puglia, Southern Italy
Baia dei Turchi, Puglia, Southern Italy
- Day 5-6: Lecce
Lecce is a both crowded and beautiful, and definitely a highlight of Puglia.
From there, we started discovering the villages of Ostuni, Cisternino, Locorotondo, all picturesque, especially if you start early.
Piazza del Duomo, Lecce, Puglia, Southern Italy
- Day 7-8: Monopoli
Monopoli should definitely be visited early morning and late afternoon to escape the crowds, as Polignano a Mare – The boat trip there was a highlight for the kids.
From Monopoli, we also visited Alberobello, unfortunately mid-day due to the rainy weather, and had real challenges escaping the crowds.
Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, Monopoli, Puglia, Southern Italy
Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Southern Italy
- Day 9: Back to Paris
With a flight mid-morning, the last day was just a trip to the airport and back to France.
