It is impossible to come to this part of Italy (OK maybe not strictly impossible but...) without making a trip to the Trulli District in Alberobello. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is unlike anywhere you have ever been before. Throughout this part of Puglia you will see the conical shaped trulli buildings - but wandering through the narrow streets of Alberobello is special. On the main tourist streets, most of the trulli have been set up as shops or restaurants - however, many offer free access to their panoramic roof terraces offering some superb photo opportunities of the town. Amongst the usual touristy memorabilia there are some fantastic artisan craftsmen selling their wares. It is a great place for browsing and finding an unusual gift. Our kids love the "hobbit houses" and hunting for the different symbols on top of the trulli. There are some good restaurants, cafes and gelaterias too (normally - but not always - off the main tourist streets) but Alberobello is almost always busy so bear that in mind when you decide to stop for food or a drink. There are also a couple of very good wine shops in the town that stock a great selection of Puglian wine (OK maybe not quite so interesting for the kids!).

A fun alternative to messing around on the beach is to spend a day at one of the local water parks. We have four that are all within easy reach; AcquaParkEgnazia, Carrisiland, Splash! and Tsunami. AcquaParkEgnazia near Fasano is neatly divided into different zones for toddlers, children, teenagers and a quieter area too and features a good variety of pools, a lazy river and some excellent water slides suitable for almost all ages. We usually go a few times during the summer as it works well for Millie (who enjoys the slides) and Freya (happier splashing around in the pool).

Carrisiland is reached by a pleasant countryside drive through Puglia's olive groves and vineyards.  It is well laid out and has expanded recently to include some more exciting water slides and make it more appealing to a wider age range.  The "wave" pool is particularly good - although not suitable for younger children as the waves do get quite big.

Tsunami is the closest, just the other side of Francavilla Fontana, and we go there quite often for a couple of hours or so - there is (the last time we went) a special rate for arrivals after 3pm! It is much smaller than the other water parks and so there are fewer facilities, but the family that run it are always very nice, there are a couple of slides to keep Millie (and Ian!) happy and a good child friendly pool for Freya (and Lucy!) to splash around in.

The caves at Castellana feature an amazing network of cellars and corridors full of stalactites and stalagmites in an incredible variety of formations and colours. There are two organised tours (a partial tour which is about 1km long and takes 50 minutes, and the full tour of about 3kms which takes around 2 hours). We highly recommend the longer tour as it includes several incredible areas that are not in the shorter tour - including the famous White Cave which some claim to be the "most splendid in the world". To enter the caves you do have to descend quite a few steps but from then on the paths provide relatively easy access through the cave network (but sensible walking shoes are a must). Our girls (6 and 9 at the time) were spellbound for the longer tour and so we had very little fuss all the way round. There are usually (depending upon the time of year) two or three tours a day (for each itinerary) conducted in English, French or German. So check the timetable before setting off and allow time for buying your tickets (or buy on-line before travelling). The temperature within the caves is always between 18-20 degrees regardless of the weather above ground.
There are also numerous concerts and performances held in the caves for a truly spectacular atmosphere.

For British guests, Zoosafari / Fasanolandia is a little bit like Chessington World of Adventures - but with fewer (and less impressive) rides and more (and more impressive) animals. So it is actually more of a zoo with a small theme park added on rather than a theme park with a small zoo. Anyway, it is a brilliant day out. The highlight is undoubtedly Zoosafari and driving through the lion and tiger enclosures - although actually the giraffes were, slightly unexpectedly, the stars of the show. The safari is pretty well organised but you still have to be prepared for some exciting local driving! Having done the safari (and hopefully escaped with the car still in one piece!) there are more animals to see in Fasanolandia (included in the price of your ticket) as well as a few theme park rides (although these are extra). The Sea Lion show is definitely worth the small additional fee too!
(PS - If you go please make sure that none of your children decide to cut their sister's / brother's hair just before going out!!!!  Our photos from a family day out are all unusable because Millie decided to practice being a hairdresser on Freya - leaving her with a particularly "interesting" fringe that took several weeks to grow out!)

Depending on how early you can get out and how happy you are driving - head down to the far south-east corner of Puglia and drive up the spectacular coast road from Santa Maria di Leuca to the beautiful town of Otranto. The coast road follows the cliffs and inlets affording views similar to those of the Pacific Highway in California. There are numerous beaches and coves nestled between the cliffs and in many places you will see brave (or crazy depending upon your perspective!) locals diving from the rocks. If that is too far then head instead to the pretty seaside town of Castro and join the road there. Castro is a great place to stop and explore the town or to take a boat tour from the harbour to visit the incredible Zinzulusa cave. Continue up the coast road through Santa Cesarea Terme to historic Otranto (see our recommended Towns) before heading for home.