Italy

Puglia and Lake Como

Our Italian Adventure: Traveling with Our 18-Month-Old Daughter

Hey there, fellow traveler’s! Bianca and Brett here, sharing our recent adventure to Italy with our little explorer, Florence. Traveling with a toddler is always an adventure, so we thought we’d share some highlights and tips from our trip to Puglia and Lake Como. We are big Italy lovers… we love coming back and discovering a different place each time! Although, this is the first time taking a little one along with… there was a lot of research involved before embarking on this epic trip! Enjoy this toddler-friendly Italy guide.

Image of 18-month-old Florence lovingly exploring the Trulli in Alberobello, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique cone-shaped houses, providing a charming backdrop for her adventurous spirit.
Image of the white-washed buildings lining a street in Alberobello, Italy, showcasing the unique and picturesque architecture of the traditional trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Image of a family having fun at Calette Di Torre Cintola, a beautiful beach area in Puglia, Italy, known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic views, offering the perfect setting for a memorable family day out.
Image of Bianca diving into the crystal-clear waters at Calette Di Torre Cintola, a beautiful beach area in Puglia, Italy, known for its pristine waters and stunning coastal views.
Image of Florence cooling off in the waters of Puglia, Italy, enjoying a refreshing dip in the clear blue sea, a perfect way to beat the summer heat in this beautiful coastal region.
Image of the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy, towering over the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, offering a dramatic and breathtaking coastal landscape.
Image of the colorful buildings of Varenna, a charming village on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, known for its picturesque streets and stunning waterfront views.
Image of a beautiful sunset at Lake Como, Italy, with the sky ablaze in hues of orange and pink reflecting off the tranquil waters, creating a stunning and serene scene.

Transport

Tip: Check out our post on how to survive a long haul flight with a toddler – all the tips and tricks of making it as comfortable as possible

Milan to Puglia

Our journey began with a 1.5 hour flight from Milan to Bari airport, where we landed amidst the warm Mediterranean breeze. From there, we hopped into our rental car, complete with a snug car seat for Florence, and embarked on a scenic drive to Locorotondo, our home base for the next seven days. The freedom of having our own wheels allowed us to explore the picturesque region at our own pace, stopping to marvel at olive groves, trulli houses, and vineyards along the way. The drive from Bari airport to Locorotondo was 1 hour.

Puglia to Lago Como

After bidding farewell to Puglia, we retraced our steps back to Bari airport and took a flight back to Milan Airport where we traded our trusty car for a bus to Milan Centrale. From there, a leisurely train ride whisked us away to the stunning shores of Lake Como, where we indulged in two nights of (budget) lakeside luxury.

Image of a street in Alberobello, Italy, known for its unique trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the traditional and picturesque architecture of the region.

Tip: When hiring a car with a toddler/child make sure you do your own research with bringing your own carseat or hiring one. We were relying on public transport on other parts of our trip and wanted to have as few bulky items to carry as possible, so we opted in hiring a carseat for Florence.

Accomodation

Locorotondo

Ancient Stone House – The Three Flowers (AirBnB)

It took us a while to figure out where in Puglia we should stay! Then we crossed this gem on AirBnB. Surrounded by grapevines and olive trees. Our very own Trulli made for a peaceful and perfect place to relax and unwind, especially while Florence was having her daily naps!

It was important to us to have a pool, as we were heading into the Italian summer and needed a place to cool off. The location was ideal, central to all the nearby towns we wanted to see! The owner – Francesco, was awesome to deal with and in the summer time offers home cooked meals typical of the area! He also organised a portocot for Florence so we didn’t have to worry about travelling with one. Highly recommend and can not wait to visit one day again!

Image of the pool at Ancient Stone House - The Three Flowers Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a relaxing and scenic spot surrounded by olive groves and the rustic beauty of the region.
Image of the ancient stone house 'The Three Flowers' Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a rustic and charming accommodation option with traditional architecture and modern amenities, nestled in the scenic countryside of Puglia.
Image of Bianca reading a story to Florence at their Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a heartwarming moment captured in their cozy and inviting accommodation, offering a glimpse into their family travel experience.
Image of Bianca and Florence admiring the olive grove views from the rooftop of their Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a scenic and peaceful setting perfect for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of the Italian countryside.
Image of the ancient stone house 'The Three Flowers' Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a charming and historic accommodation option surrounded by the picturesque countryside of the region, offering a unique and authentic Italian experience.
Image of Bianca relaxing in the pool at their Airbnb in Puglia, Italy, a tranquil retreat surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the region, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and Italian charm.

Lake Como

Lake Como Hostel

We were only staying in Lake Como for 2 nights before heading across the border to Switzerland to stay with family, we weren’t a fan of paying for extortionate tourist prices in Lake Como. Luckily we found Lake Como Hostel that was reasonably priced, close to the Menaggio Ferry terminal and still had the million dollar lake view. Although basic accomodation, the private room had an ensuite suiting our family needs. Continental breakfast was included, and the kitchen does affordable pizza in the evening. Lake Como Hostel was great no frills place to stay for those on a tighter budget.

Food

Image of Casa Pinto, a charming pizzeria nestled in the tiny alleyways of Locorotondo, Italy, known for offering some of the best pizza in the region, a delightful culinary experience not to be missed.
Image of bakery treats including nun's breasts (tette della monache), croissant, chocolate eclair, and espresso, enjoyed at a local bakery, offering a delicious taste of Italian pastries and coffee culture.

One large reason we love Italy so much, is because of the food! You can’t go wrong with pizza, pasta and gelato! We were all in foodie heaven and Italy was the first place for Florence have her first taste of gelato – Lucky girl!

We often went to the supermarket to stock up on fruits, breakfast food and snacks, so that if we were on the go Florence could still be fed. When we did eat out, we made sure Florence was able to eat something off the menu too!

Here are some of our favourite places to eat:

Ostuni – La Pastasciutta. Situated in the main square, you can find cheap pasta – so many different types to choose from!

Poliango a Mare – Il Quadrifoglio. A well rated Pizzeria! We couldn’t get enough of it, we came back twice!

Locorotondo – Pizzeria Casa Pinto. Nestled in the tiny alleyways of Locorondo, Casa Pinto offered some of the best pizza in the region (rumour has it) and it did not disappoint.

Putignamo – Zucchero a Velo. Here we indulged in some bakery treats! We tried the nun’s breasts (tette della monache – a bread with whipped cream inside of it), croissant and chocolate eclair paired with a delicious expresso! All were amazing!

Monopoli – Bella Blu Gelateria. So many delicious flavours to choose from and the perfect spot to cool off with a gelato while roaming the cobbled streets of Monopoli.

Menaggio – Lake Como Hostel. The most decent price place to eat in Lake Como. Stayiong at the hostel entitled us to free drinks vouchers. Great pizza reviews and lots of European tourists also dining in. – Eat like the locals they say.

Menaggio – Il Gabbiano Gelateria. Great spot to grab a gelato and sit lakeside to enjoy the stunning view!

Must See & Do

Puglia

  • Ostuni – Roam around the white-washed city, where every corner is a photo op. Get lost in the maze-like streets, popping into charming shops and cafes along the way. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the stunning coastline.
  • Alberobello – One of our favourite places! Step into a fairytale in this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique trullio houses. Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the cone-shaped roofs and soaking in the enchanting atmosphere.
  • Polignano a Mare – Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea from the cliffs of Polignano a Mare. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning coastal views. In the evening, stroll along the cliffside promenade and dine at one of our recommended restaurants.
  • Locorotondo – Get lost in the charming streets of Locorotondo, known for its circular layout and white-washed buildings. Explore the local shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to try the local wines at one of the cozy wine bars.
  • Putignamo – One of the oldest towns in Puglia. Visit the historic center, with its medieval architecture and charming squares. We loved exploring the many cobbled alleyways!
  • Monopoli – Relax on the sandy beaches of Monopoli, known for their clear waters and picturesque surroundings. Take a stroll through the historic center, with its narrow streets and ancient churches. Stop for a gelato and people watch – check out our recommended gelataria!
  • Calette Di Torre Cintola – Play in the crystal clear water or sunbathe on ancient ruins! We loved this unique spot, the water was safe for Florence to explore and we could have a little nook of paradise all to ourselves.
  • Otranto Coastline – Explore the stunning coastline of Otranto, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Take a boat tour to discover secluded beaches and sea caves. As we had a car we stopped of at these beaches – Baia Imperia, Punticeddha and Torre Sant’Andrea.
Image of a person taking a seat on the cobbled streets of Alberobello, Italy, surrounded by the unique trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into the charming traditional architecture of the region.
Image of Polignano a Mare at dusk, a stunning coastal town in Puglia, Italy, known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque old town, illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun.
Image of Bianca and Florence playing in the ruins at Calette Di Torre Cintola, a beautiful beach area in Puglia, Italy, known for its crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, offering a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Image of admiring the coastline between Monopoli and Capitola, a stunning stretch of the Adriatic coast in Puglia, Italy, characterized by its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns.
Image of Florence, a delightful toddler, trying gelato for the first time in Lake Como, Italy, a moment of pure joy and discovery captured amidst the scenic beauty of the lake.
Image of Bianca and Florence enjoying a boat ride on the pristine waters of Lake Como, Italy, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Italian Alps and charming lakeside villages.
Image of Bianca admiring the beautiful gardens of Villa Monastero in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy, featuring lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning lake views.

Lake Como

  • Hire a Classic Boat – A big highlight for me! Spend a day cruising the pristine waters of Lake Como in a classic boat! Feel the wind in your hair as you explore the lake’s picturesque shoreline. Yes, they have life jackets for little ones. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to capture the memories. We organised an hour long classic boat ride on the lake with Varenna Rent a boat. Highly recommend using this company as they were quick to respond and easy to deal with over Whatsapp and in person.

Note: Grab a ferry pass to hop on and off at the three main stops on Lake Como.

  • Bellagio – Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Wander through the narrow streets lined with colourful houses, boutiques, and cafes. Visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi or take a stroll along the lakefront promenade. Get a gelato
  • Varenna – Explore the medieval alleys and squares, stopping to admire the views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Monastero or relax on the pebbly beach. Get another gelato
  • Menaggio – Stroll along the lakefront promenade, taking in the views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visit the historic center, with its colourful buildings and lively piazzas. Get a third gelato!

Tips & Advice

  • Don’t be afraid to travel with a toddler – with a bit of planning and flexibility, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a memorable vacation.
  • Consider renting a car for the ultimate freedom and flexibility in exploring – Don’t forget to organise car insurance.
  • Think about what items you may need to pack for you toddler e.g carseat, portocot, portable high chair, travel pram. We opted for only having a travel pram as that came in handy for day naps while we were out and about. The rest we hired so we didn’t have to carry it around.
  • Best weather to travel is May – September
  • Avoid crowds in July and August
  • Tipping at restaurants is around 5-10%
  • Italy uses Euro currency
  • 2 pin European standard adapter
  • You can refill your water bottles with still or sparkling water from water kiosks on the outside of buildings in towns in Puglia.
  • Embrace the local cuisine – you won’t regret indulging in Italy’s culinary delights.
Drone shot of Locorotondo, a charming Italian village known for its whitewashed houses and winding streets, showcasing the beauty of the historic town set against the lush green countryside.

Our journey through Italy with Florence was nothing short of magical, filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. We hope our adventure inspires you to embark on your own Italian escapade, toddler in tow, and discover the beauty and charm of this captivating country. Grazie for joining us on our journey – until next time, ciao!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE EUROPE TRAVEL GUIDES

One response to “Italy”

  1. Eugenio Avatar
    Eugenio

    i love your blog its amazing . please think about visiting mine

    I will follow and give a like! My Blog is about the GTA 5 Game. Check it out here http://www.puzzle3D.co

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment