puglia with the family
this past summer, our founder morgan traveled to puglia with her children and friends, discovering its sun-soaked coastlines, whitewashed towns and storybook villages. days were filled with sandy beaches, plates of authentic orecchiette pasta and gelato more times than they could count (at least three a day!). puglia is a dream backdrop for family travel.
where to stay
they stayed in an authentic trulli airbnb, complete with a pool and vineyard on the property. it was the perfect setup for two families and six children, offering plenty of space to play and unwind. other options in the region also provide family-friendly amenities and easy access to puglia’s charming towns like valle d’itria.
what to do
go to the beach
coccaro beach club has jumping pads for children and plenty of classic blue stripes. this spot is truly minnow-approved.
town hopping
wander through whitewashed towns like ostuni or locorotondo for gelato stops, cobbled alleyways and piazza people-watching.
countryside adventures
tour olive groves and vineyards — many offer family-friendly tastings with snacks and plenty of space to explore.
storybook charm
alberobello’s trulli houses feel like stepping into a fairytale (or straight into your child’s favorite movie set).
where to eat
dining in puglia is refreshingly family-friendly. look for simple trattorias serving handmade orecchiette pasta, wood-fired pizzas and just-caught seafood. meals linger and the atmosphere is a dream. don’t miss fresh burrata, which originates here…
insider favorites
luxury travel advisor emily west shares her recommendations for making the most of this slice of heaven:
ceramiche nicola fasano is a family-run ceramics studio dating back to the 17th century that brings a modern flair to centuries-old techniques, making their studio the crown jewel of the region’s ceramic tradition. known for warm hospitality and one-of-a-kind pieces, it’s a keepsake stop that feels like living history — and will outshine the fridge magnet and coffee mug souvenirs of past travels.
ostuni is a gorgeous town with whitewashed alleys, hilltop views and adriatic breezes. perfect for an afternoon stroll or a cappuccino break. it almost feels like a moment from mama mia and is one of the most photogenic towns in puglia.
alberobello a UNESCO treasure with whimsical trulli houses — magical for children and unforgettable for parents. fun fact: UNESCO stands for the united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization. these trulli are recognized for their unique architectural style and cultural significance. for families who love the movie trolls, this is exactly what their colorful, magical village might feel like in real life..
the best villas in puglia are clustered in the valle d’itria — the central part of the region between ostuni and averobello. this area is surrounded by olive groves, trulli houses and hill towns. it’s perfectly situated for day trips to the coast for beach clubs or countryside for wine and olive oil tastings.
