Keeping the Children Happy in Puglia

On any holiday, keeping the children happy will be a high priority – because if they are happy so will you be! When visiting Italy, staying in hotels in Puglia will ensure that you’ll have some 800 kilometres of wonderful beaches on your doorstep, which should provide hours of fun. The beaches fall into two categories: free access beaches and the charged lidos, which offer facilities such as playground areas, bars/restaurants and umbrellas and chairs. However, there will be times when the beach is not enough and knowing what else is available will help keep your holiday harmonious.

Grotto Adventures

The beautiful natural coastline of the region has some wonderful naturally formed grottos, including the Zinzulusa Grotto in the Salento area. It is full of Palaeolithic history and a thriving community of cave-living fish and animals. You can explore the cave in a boat, which will take you through the Corridor of Wonders and into the chamber known as the Cathedral. The unique light and strange stalactite and stalagmite formations give the place a wonderful atmosphere that is sure to fascinate children and adults alike.

Another grotto complex to visit on a day out from your hotels in Puglia are the Castellana Caves, which are formed by an eroding ancient underground river. They were discovered by Franco Anelli, in 1938, and there is a speleological museum on the site. The spectacularly huge stalagmites and stalactites and decorated caves such as the Altar Cave and the Nativity Passage make this an unforgettable experience.

Amusement Parks

For animal loving children, a visit to the wild animal park at Fasano ZooSafari should be on the agenda. It is a genuine safari park so you will drive through it, advisedly at a very slow pace. On your journey you will come across animals such as bears, elephants, leopards, lions and tigers, so caution is needed. You will also meet less dangerous species such as camels, zebras and giraffes, all roaming free. In another part of the park there is an amusement park with rides and a dolphin show.

Next, pay a visit to Splash Parco, which is a waterpark and amusement park that should help your children to burn off some of that overflowing energy. There are numerous waterslides and swimming pools, and activities and water games are organised all day.

In the evening you can visit Fabilandia, which is an amusement park that offers a roller-skating rink and a Wild West train ride, along with many other rides and attractions. For children with a taste for fantasy, a visit to Alberobello will delight them. It is a magical town full of tiny Pugliese trulli, which are houses built using prehistoric building techniques. These cone-shaped roofed houses are decorated with magical symbols and seem to have been designed for fairies or hobbit sized people – it is enchanting for all ages. It was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1996.

No matter where your hotels in Puglia are located, you'll have an excellent choice of activities to please both adults and children alike.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect hotels in Puglia we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.