Destination Next: Puglia, Italy

Puglia is the rising star of Italian tourism and it’s easy to see why. This southern stretch of green countryside and sun-drenched coastline is the perfect destination to enjoy with your little travellers.

Puglia is the heel on the boot-shaped mainland of Italy. For centuries this long stretch of land was used by invaders as a way of accessing the rest of the country. However, the region also had periods of occupation by Turkish and Venetian forces - with two of the country’s largest natural park areas and the longest stretch of coastline anywhere in Italy on offer, you can see why they thought it was worth it!

You’ll need to pack plenty of suncream in your little globetrotter’s Trunki for a holiday in Puglia - the climate is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. In fact, the region enjoys some of the hottest weather anywhere in Italy with summer temperatures sometimes reaching up to and in excess of 40°C, so maybe pack a sunhat too!

There are plenty of fantastic places to base yourself for a stay in Puglia:

Lecce is known as the Florence of the South and is home to beautiful architecture, busy streets and fantastic food - it’s definitely a culture-city-spot for sophisticated travellers!

Bari is the region’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the area. It is home to plenty of history, golden beaches and winding streets - a well-balanced destination for a city and seaside trip.

Salento is the southernmost region of Puglia dotted with cities and towns with a more relaxed lifestyle and some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches - perfect for a chilled seaside holiday.

To truly get a sense of Puglia, it’s important to take a walk on the wild side with your little ones too! That’s why we recommend going to the Gargano National Park and Alta Murgia National Park. The Gargano is famous for its striking coastline and postcard-perfect fishing villages, and the Alta Murgia - famed for its oddly-shaped landscape dotted with ancient sites. Both of these are worth a visit to see the more natural wonders of the area.

Puglia is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. The fantastic green-olive countryside is only matched the aqua blue seas and gold sandy beaches. If you’re looking to have a more relaxed trip with the kids, this southern region of Italy should be your next destination!

Cheers! (Saluti!)