Puglia is one of the easiest regions of southern Italy to enjoy as a family, but it rewards a little planning. The region is long, summer temperatures can be intense, many historic centres have uneven stone streets, and some of the most beautiful beaches are far easier to reach by car than by public transport.
Get the logistics right, however, and travelling through Puglia with kids becomes surprisingly relaxed. Days can alternate between sandy beaches, trulli villages, underground caves, castles, short boat trips, wildlife parks and evenings in pedestrian-friendly old towns where children can stay outside long after dinner.
For a first family trip, the area between Monopoli, Fasano and the Valle d’Itria is particularly convenient because several of Puglia’s best child-friendly experiences are concentrated within relatively short driving distances. Alberobello, the Castellana Caves, Zoosafari Fasano, the archaeological site of Egnazia and the beaches around Capitolo can all be combined without spending half the holiday in the car.
Families staying longer should consider adding either the Gargano in northern Puglia or the Salento peninsula in the south rather than trying to cover the entire region in a few days.
This guide focuses on the places that genuinely work well with children, how long to allow for them, which beaches are easiest for families, where a car makes a major difference and how to avoid turning a Puglia holiday into an exhausting sightseeing schedule.
Why Visit Puglia with Kids?
Puglia works well for families because its attractions are unusually varied.
A child who has little interest in another church or art museum may happily explore a trullo in Alberobello, descend into a limestone cave, see animals from the car at a safari park, climb around a medieval castle or spend the afternoon in shallow water on the Ionian coast.
Distances are also manageable when the trip is organised region by region.
The mistake is to treat Puglia as a single compact destination. From the Gargano in the north to Santa Maria di Leuca at the southern tip of Salento is a substantial journey, and regularly moving between distant bases is rarely enjoyable with younger children.
A better approach is to stay several nights in one area.
Monopoli or Fasano
Best for a first trip.
You are close to beaches, Alberobello, Castellana Grotte, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Zoosafari Fasano and Egnazia.
Monopoli is better if you want to walk to restaurants and have a lively old town in the evening. Fasano and the surrounding countryside are better for families staying in a masseria with a car.
Porto Cesareo or Torre Lapillo
Best for a beach-focused holiday.
The Ionian coast here has some of Puglia’s broadest stretches of pale sand and, in calm weather, shallow water that suits younger children particularly well.
Vieste or Peschici
Best for families who want beaches and nature.
The Gargano combines sandy bays, dramatic coastal scenery and Foresta Umbra, where even relatively short walks feel very different from the dry Mediterranean landscape further south.
Best Things to Do in Puglia with Kids
For bookable tours and activities, check current experiences on GetYourGuide.
1. Explore the Trulli of Alberobello
Alberobello is one of those rare UNESCO destinations that children often enjoy almost as much as adults.
The conical roofs and miniature white houses make the town feel different enough from a conventional historic centre to keep younger visitors interested.
The most photographed district is Rione Monti, climbing uphill from Largo Martellotta. Its principal lanes include Via Monte San Michele and Via Monte Sabotino.
It is picturesque, but also the busiest part of Alberobello. By late morning in summer, the main streets can become crowded with tour groups and souvenir shoppers.
Families will generally enjoy the town more by starting earlier in the day and then crossing to Rione Aia Piccola.
Aia Piccola contains fewer shops and more residential trulli, giving children more room to walk without constantly navigating busy storefronts.
For one of the best elevated views of the trulli, head toward the Belvedere Santa Lucia near Piazza del Popolo. The light is often more flattering later in the afternoon, although sunset itself can draw another wave of visitors.
Allow around two to three hours with children rather than trying to make Alberobello an entire day.
If you are travelling with a stroller, expect slopes and sections of stone paving. A lightweight stroller is much easier than a large travel system.
2. Go Underground at the Castellana Caves
The Grotte di Castellana are among the best alternatives to the beach on a hot Puglia day.
The cave complex is in Castellana Grotte, roughly between Monopoli and Alberobello, with the visitor entrance at Piazza Franco Anelli.
Families can choose between a shorter route and a longer full visit. The complete route reaches the famous Grotta Bianca and takes considerably longer, so the shorter tour may be the better choice for younger children or anyone who becomes restless during guided visits.
The caves involve stairs, damp surfaces and extended walking. Proper shoes are more useful than sandals, and the underground temperature remains much cooler than a summer afternoon outside.
Ticket types, prices and departure times can change during the year, so check the official Grotte di Castellana website before visiting.
Allow roughly two hours for the shorter overall experience including arrival and waiting time, and closer to three hours for the full route.
A particularly good family combination is Castellana Caves in the morning followed by Alberobello later in the afternoon.
3. Spend a Day at Zoosafari Fasano
Zoosafari Fasano is one of the major family attractions in southern Italy and is particularly useful when children need a complete break from churches, old towns and sightseeing.
The distinctive part of the visit is the safari route driven in your own car through areas containing large animals.
The wider complex also includes pedestrian animal areas and the Fasanolandia amusement section.
It is not an attraction to squeeze between two villages. Plan at least half a day and preferably most of a day if you intend to see the wider park as well as the drive-through safari.
Opening days, hours and ticket combinations change during the year, so check the current calendar before setting out.
With young children, arriving relatively early has two advantages: temperatures are lower and you are less likely to spend the hottest part of the afternoon sitting inside the car.
4. Have a Beach Day at Torre Lapillo
For families seeking the classic shallow-water beach experience, Torre Lapillo is one of the strongest choices in Puglia.
It lies north of Porto Cesareo on the Ionian coast and has long stretches of pale sand with a gradually shelving seabed.
That makes it easier for smaller children than many of the compact rocky coves along parts of the Adriatic coast.
The trade-off is popularity.
During July and August, especially on weekends, the central beach fills quickly and parking becomes increasingly frustrating after mid-morning.
Families who want a relaxed day should arrive early, or wait until late afternoon when the strongest heat has passed and some beachgoers begin leaving.
Wind matters in Salento. The Ionian coast can look completely different depending on wind direction, so it is worth checking local marine conditions before committing to a long drive with children.
If the Ionian side is rough, the Adriatic may be calmer, and vice versa.
5. Swim at Porto Cesareo and Punta Prosciutto
Porto Cesareo is another useful family base, particularly for children who mainly want sand and shallow sea.
The coast north of town includes Torre Lapillo and, further on, Punta Prosciutto.
Punta Prosciutto has some of the clearest-looking water in the area on calm days, but it is not automatically the easiest family beach simply because it is beautiful.
Road access and parking can be busy in high season, facilities vary by beach section and shade is limited away from organised lidos.
Families with toddlers sometimes have a more comfortable day closer to Torre Lapillo, where services are easier to find.
For older children who are happy with a slightly less structured beach day, Punta Prosciutto is worth the extra distance.
6. Walk Through Ostuni in the Late Afternoon
Ostuni is not a children’s attraction in the conventional sense, but it can work very well with a family if visited at the right time.
The old town rises steeply above the surrounding olive country and is a maze of stairs, slopes and polished stone lanes.
Trying to explore it in the middle of an August afternoon with a stroller is unlikely to be enjoyable.
Visit instead in late afternoon.
Begin around Piazza della Libertà and walk uphill into the historic centre toward Via Cattedrale. The route eventually reaches the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta near the top of the old town.
The upper streets become quieter once you move away from the busiest restaurant lanes, and small openings between buildings reveal views toward the Adriatic and surrounding olive groves.
Allow around two hours.
Families with very young children may prefer a baby carrier to a stroller because of steps and uneven paving.
Parking directly inside the historic centre is not realistic. Central Ostuni includes restricted traffic areas, so it is better to leave the car outside the old town and continue on foot.
7. Discover Monopoli’s Old Harbour
Monopoli is one of Puglia’s easiest historic towns to enjoy with children because the old centre is compact and there is always the sea nearby.
Start around Porto Antico, where traditional blue fishing boats are often moored beneath the old buildings.
From here, walk through the historic centre toward the Cathedral of Madonna della Madia and continue to the waterfront.
The section around Castello Carlo V is particularly pleasant toward evening, when temperatures drop and the stone walls pick up warmer light.
Rather than forcing children through every church, treat Monopoli as a walking town: harbour, narrow lanes, gelato and waterfront.
Families staying centrally can easily return to their accommodation for a rest before dinner, which is one reason Monopoli works so well as a base.
Several small urban beaches lie very close to the old town, including Cala Porta Vecchia, directly beneath the historic walls.
It is convenient rather than secluded, but few towns in Puglia allow you to finish sightseeing and reach the water within minutes.
8. Visit Polignano a Mare, But Keep It Short
Polignano a Mare is spectacularly positioned, but it is one place where families can easily spend more time than necessary.
The essential route is compact.
Walk from Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi through the old town, stop at the panoramic terraces overlooking the cliffs, and cross the Lama Monachile bridge for the classic view of the beach below.
The narrow lanes around the historic centre can become extremely crowded during summer evenings.
With children, early morning is much easier.
Lama Monachile itself is famous but not the best family beach in Puglia. The beach is small, pebbly and heavily visited in summer.
It is worth seeing, but it is not worth driving across the region specifically for a relaxed beach day with toddlers.
Allow two or three hours for Polignano unless you are also taking a boat trip.
9. Take a Short Boat Trip Along the Polignano Coast
A boat trip can transform Polignano from a quick sightseeing stop into a memorable family experience.
The cliffs are punctuated by sea caves that are impossible to appreciate properly from the streets above.
Trips usually leave from nearby coastal marinas rather than directly from Lama Monachile, so check the exact departure point before booking.
For children, a shorter excursion is generally better than an extended cruise unless they are already comfortable on boats.
Morning departures usually mean cooler conditions, while late-afternoon trips often offer softer light along the cliffs.
Sea conditions matter. If anyone in the family is prone to motion sickness, do not assume a calm-looking harbour means the open-water section will be equally flat.
10. Spend a Morning in Locorotondo
Locorotondo is one of the easiest hill towns to visit with children because its old centre is small.
You do not need a long checklist of monuments.
Enter the historic centre and wander along Via Nardelli and the lanes around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
The belvedere along Via Nardelli is one of the town’s best pauses, looking across the Valle d’Itria toward vineyards, olive trees and scattered trulli.
Families can comfortably explore Locorotondo in 60 to 90 minutes.
That makes it ideal to pair with Alberobello, Cisternino or a countryside lunch rather than treating it as a full-day destination.
11. Explore Foresta Umbra in the Gargano
Foresta Umbra is one of the best places in Puglia when everyone needs shade.
The forest lies within Gargano National Park and feels markedly cooler and greener than much of the surrounding region.
Families do not need to undertake a serious hike to enjoy it.
The area around Laghetto d’Umbra is suitable for an easy walk, and children often enjoy spotting fish, turtles and other wildlife around the water.
Bring proper shoes even for a casual visit, and do not rely on mobile reception everywhere inside the forest.
Foresta Umbra works particularly well as a break from the beach if you are staying in Vieste, Peschici or elsewhere on the Gargano coast.
12. Visit Vieste and Its Beaches
Vieste combines a historic town with easy access to several family beaches.
The old centre occupies a rocky headland and includes steep lanes and steps, so it is better explored in the morning or toward sunset.
Families primarily interested in swimming will find the long beaches outside the historic centre easier than the town’s dramatic rocky sections.
Spiaggia di Pizzomunno, immediately south of the centre, is particularly convenient because it combines a long sandy beach with proximity to town.
The Gargano coast can be more visually dramatic than central Puglia, but roads are slower and more winding. Do not plan driving times based purely on distance.
13. Explore Otranto
Otranto is one of the better Salento towns for families because several experiences fit into a relatively compact area.
Enter the historic centre through Porta Alfonsina and make your way toward the Cathedral, famous for its medieval floor mosaic.
Continue toward the Aragonese Castle and the waterfront.
The stretch along Lungomare degli Eroi becomes particularly pleasant in the evening, when families fill the promenade and the harsh midday heat has disappeared.
Otranto also has swimming options close to town, although families with a car can reach larger beaches further north.
Allow around three hours for the historic centre, or make Otranto a full-day stop by combining sightseeing with the beach.
14. Swim at Baia dei Turchi
Baia dei Turchi, north of Otranto, is one of the most attractive natural beach areas in Salento.
It is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and feels less urban than the beaches directly in Otranto.
The beach is reached on foot from parking areas rather than by pulling up directly beside the sand, something worth remembering if you are carrying umbrellas, toys and everything required for a toddler.
Arrive early in high season.
The limited access that helps preserve the setting also means the final part of the journey is less effortless than at a conventional resort beach.
15. See Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte is one of Puglia’s most distinctive monuments and can work surprisingly well with school-age children because its octagonal design gives them something tangible to investigate.
The castle stands in the countryside near Andria and is unlike the defensive castles children may expect.
Inside, the rooms are relatively bare. The architecture itself is the attraction.
That makes a long visit unnecessary.
Around 45 to 75 minutes inside is usually sufficient for families, plus time for the approach and exterior views.
Admission arrangements, opening times and transport from the parking area can change, so consult the official visitor information before departure.
If children are very young and indifferent to architecture, Castel del Monte may be less rewarding than the Castellana Caves or a wildlife experience.
16. Visit Egnazia Archaeological Park
Egnazia is one of the more interesting choices for families with children old enough to enjoy archaeology.
The site lies close to Savelletri and Capitolo, so it can easily be paired with a beach day.
Instead of seeing ruins isolated in a modern city, children can walk through the remains of an ancient settlement in an open landscape near the sea.
The museum adds context and makes the outdoor structures easier to understand.
In July and August, visit early because much of the archaeological park is exposed to the sun.
Allow around 90 minutes to two hours.
17. Spend a Day at Aquapark Egnazia
For a deliberate sightseeing-free day, Aquapark Egnazia near Capitolo is one of the easiest family options.
The park includes pools, slides and water attractions designed for different age groups.
It is particularly useful during a longer holiday when children have had enough of towns and parents want an activity that occupies most of the day.
The park operates seasonally, so always check the current opening calendar before travelling.
Combine it with nothing else. Trying to fit Monopoli or Alberobello into the same day usually removes the point of having a relaxed water-park day.
18. Try the Adventure Courses at IndianaPark
IndianaPark near Castellana Grotte offers treetop adventure routes for different ages and abilities.
It is a useful option for active children who prefer climbing to sightseeing.
Because opening dates and hours vary during the season, check the park’s current calendar before travelling.
Because it is close to the Castellana Caves, the two can theoretically be combined, but with energetic younger children it is better to choose one major activity rather than rushing both.
19. Spend a Nature Day at Torre Guaceto
Torre Guaceto is a protected coastal reserve between Brindisi and Ostuni and one of the better places to show children a side of Puglia beyond conventional beach clubs.
The landscape combines dunes, Mediterranean vegetation, wetlands and sea.
Access is deliberately more controlled than at ordinary beaches, and depending on the season visitors may use designated parking and onward transport or walking routes.
That extra effort is part of what keeps the reserve different from highly developed stretches of coast.
It is a particularly good choice for families interested in nature, cycling or introductory snorkelling rather than a day centred on beach bars and entertainment.
For a simple beach day with a toddler and large amounts of equipment, Torre Lapillo may be easier. For an older child interested in nature, Torre Guaceto is more rewarding.
Best Beaches in Puglia for Families
Best for Toddlers: Torre Lapillo
Long sandy sections and shallow water make it one of the easiest choices when conditions are calm.
Best for a Beach Holiday: Porto Cesareo Area
The concentration of sandy beaches makes it possible to change location according to wind and crowd conditions.
Best Near a Town: Monopoli
Cala Porta Vecchia is not Puglia’s finest beach, but the convenience is excellent.
You can swim, walk back into the old town, have lunch and return to your accommodation without getting into the car.
Best for Nature: Torre Guaceto
Choose it if your family appreciates protected landscapes and is willing to accept a little more walking and fewer immediate conveniences.
Best in the Gargano: Pizzomunno, Vieste
Long, sandy and close to Vieste, it is easier with children than many of the Gargano’s smaller coves.
Where to Stay in Puglia with Children
For current accommodation options, compare hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
Monopoli
Choose Monopoli if you want to walk to dinner every evening and still have beaches and a railway station nearby.
Stay just outside the deepest part of the old town if you have a car. Historic-centre accommodation can be atmospheric but parking and luggage access may be awkward.
Fasano Countryside
Best for families who want a pool, parking and space.
The countryside between Fasano, Savelletri, Locorotondo and Ostuni contains many masserie and holiday properties.
A car is effectively essential.
Alberobello
Staying in a trullo can be memorable for children, but Alberobello is not necessarily the most convenient overall base.
It is inland and evenings are heavily tourism-oriented.
One or two nights can be fun; for a longer family stay, Monopoli or the Fasano countryside provides more variety.
Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo
Best for families whose priority is the beach.
Traffic becomes heavier in peak summer, and day trips to central Puglia are longer than they look on the map.
Lecce
Best for families travelling without a car who want restaurants, architecture and a transport hub.
It is not a beach town, so sea days require additional transport.
Vieste
Best for a Gargano holiday combining beach and nature.
Use Vieste as its own base rather than trying to visit the Gargano as a quick day trip from central Puglia.
Getting Around Puglia with Kids
A car gives families the greatest flexibility.
This matters less if you are staying in Bari and visiting towns along the Adriatic railway line, but becomes increasingly important for beaches, countryside accommodation, the Gargano and many attractions away from railway stations.
Regional trains connect several important towns along the Adriatic corridor, including Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni, Brindisi and Lecce.
Travelling without a car can therefore work for an itinerary centred on Bari, Monopoli and Lecce.
It is less convenient for a beach-heavy holiday or for families staying in rural masserie.
Driving and Parking with Children
Historic centres are where most first-time visitors encounter problems.
Many Puglian towns contain ZTL restricted-traffic zones. Do not follow another vehicle through an old-town entrance simply because the street looks open.
Instead, park outside the historic core and walk.
This is especially important in towns such as Ostuni, Alberobello, Monopoli and Lecce.
Parking rules and paid zones can change seasonally, so street signs take priority over information found in older travel guides.
In summer beach areas, the more important rule is to arrive early.
At Torre Lapillo, Punta Prosciutto and other popular coastal locations, arriving after the main morning rush can mean driving slowly through narrow roads while children are already impatient to reach the water.
If you plan to drive, compare rental-car prices with DiscoverCars.
When to Visit Puglia with Kids
May
One of the best months for sightseeing families.
Temperatures are usually comfortable for towns, caves and archaeological sites, although sea temperatures may still feel cool to younger children.
June
Possibly the best all-round month.
Beach weather is more reliable, daylight is long and the most famous destinations are generally easier than during peak August.
July
Excellent for the sea but increasingly hot.
Plan sightseeing in the morning and again in late afternoon rather than dragging children through exposed old towns in the middle of the day.
August
This is the busiest period, especially around Ferragosto in mid-August.
Popular beaches, accommodation and coastal roads can be crowded.
If August is your only option, organise each day around early starts, a long lunch or rest and evening exploration.
September
Another excellent family month.
The sea remains warm, the most intense heat usually eases and the atmosphere becomes calmer after the main Italian holiday period.
How Long Should a Family Stay in Puglia?
A week is the practical minimum for a satisfying first trip.
With seven nights, stay in one area and make day trips.
With ten to fourteen nights, split the holiday between two bases.
Days 1-5: Monopoli or Fasano
Use these days for Monopoli, Alberobello, Castellana Caves, Locorotondo, Zoosafari and one or two beach days.
Days 6-10: Salento
Move south and stay around Lecce, Otranto or Porto Cesareo depending on whether sightseeing or beaches are the priority.
Optional Days 11-14: Gargano
Only add the Gargano if you have enough time to stay there several nights.
Driving up solely for a quick visit removes much of the advantage.
A One-Week Family Itinerary
Day 1 – Monopoli
Arrive, explore Porto Antico and the waterfront, then have an early evening dinner in or just outside the historic centre.
Day 2 – Alberobello and Locorotondo
Visit Alberobello early.
Move to Locorotondo later in the day and avoid spending the hottest hours walking through exposed streets.
Day 3 – Beach Day
Choose Capitolo, Torre Canne or another nearby beach according to sea conditions.
Avoid adding sightseeing unless everyone still has energy.
Day 4 – Castellana Caves
Take a morning cave tour.
Spend the afternoon at the pool, beach or in a quiet countryside location.
Day 5 – Zoosafari Fasano
Give the attraction most of the day.
Day 6 – Polignano a Mare
Visit early, take a short boat trip if conditions are good and leave before the centre becomes busiest.
Day 7 – Ostuni
Have a slow morning and visit Ostuni in late afternoon, staying through dinner.
The advantage of this itinerary is that not every day involves a major attraction.
Children generally enjoy Puglia more when beach days and unstructured evenings separate the sightseeing.
Puglia with Toddlers
Toddlers change which destinations work best.
Prioritise sandy beaches, compact towns and accommodation with easy parking.
Monopoli, Torre Lapillo and the Fasano countryside are particularly practical.
Use a lightweight stroller in flatter areas, but bring a carrier for places such as Ostuni and older hill towns where steps appear without warning.
Avoid scheduling two major attractions on the same day.
One morning activity followed by lunch, rest and a gentle evening walk is a far more realistic Puglia rhythm for a family with children under five.
Puglia with School-Age Children
Children between roughly six and twelve can enjoy much more of the region’s variety.
Some of the strongest choices include Castellana Caves, Zoosafari Fasano, Castel del Monte, IndianaPark, boat trips, Egnazia Archaeological Park, Foresta Umbra and nature activities at Torre Guaceto.
At this age, small towns also become more interesting if you turn the visit into exploration rather than a sequence of monuments.
What to Eat in Puglia with Kids
Puglia is relatively easy for children who prefer simple food.
Focaccia barese, panzerotti, fresh bread, grilled meat, pasta and gelato are widely available, but some of the best family food experiences come from bakeries rather than formal restaurants.
In Bari, focaccia is a practical snack rather than something that needs to become a dedicated culinary excursion.
In Valle d’Itria towns, look for bakeries and small food shops away from the busiest tourist lanes.
Orecchiette are worth trying, but dishes vary considerably by area. In Bari they are famously associated with turnip greens, while elsewhere they appear with simpler tomato sauces that may suit children better.
Families staying in a masseria should consider having at least one meal there. It removes the need to drive after dinner and often gives children more freedom than a crowded restaurant terrace in a historic centre.
Is Puglia Good Without a Car for Families?
Yes, but only for the right itinerary.
Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Brindisi and Lecce can be combined relatively easily by train.
Without a car, stay near a station and choose a small number of bases.
Do not build an itinerary around remote beaches, masserie and countryside attractions unless you are prepared to use taxis, transfers or organised excursions.
Is Puglia Worth Visiting with Children?
Very much so, particularly for families who dislike holidays built entirely around organised children’s entertainment.
Puglia gives children a mixture of ordinary family life and genuinely unusual experiences: sleeping in a trullo, walking underground through caves, driving through a wildlife park, swimming below an old town, climbing through a forest adventure course or wandering through Foresta Umbra.
The region works best when parents resist the temptation to see everything.
A successful family trip to Puglia is usually slower than an adult sightseeing itinerary: one meaningful activity in the morning, a beach or rest in the afternoon and a town walk after the heat fades.
That pace fits southern Italy rather well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best part of Puglia for families with children?
For a first trip, the Monopoli-Fasano-Valle d’Itria area offers one of the best balances of beaches, towns and family attractions within manageable distances.
For a pure beach holiday, Torre Lapillo and Porto Cesareo are excellent choices.
Is Puglia stroller-friendly?
Only partly.
Modern waterfronts and flatter town centres are manageable, but historic areas such as Ostuni contain steep streets, stairs and uneven paving.
A lightweight stroller plus a baby carrier is the most flexible combination.
Are Puglia beaches sandy?
Some are, but not all.
The Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo area has extensive sandy beaches, while parts of the Adriatic coast feature rocks, pebbles or compact coves.
Always check the specific beach rather than assuming the entire coast has the same characteristics.
Do you need a car in Puglia with children?
A car is strongly recommended if you want beaches, countryside accommodation or multiple day trips.
It is possible to travel without one if you stay in railway-connected towns such as Bari, Monopoli and Lecce.
How many days do you need in Puglia with kids?
Seven days works for one part of the region.
Ten to fourteen days is better if you want to combine central Puglia with Salento or the Gargano without changing hotels constantly.
Is Alberobello good for children?
Yes, especially for a short visit.
The unusual trulli architecture is visually interesting for children, but two or three hours is normally enough.
What is the best month for a family holiday in Puglia?
June and September offer one of the best compromises between beach weather, manageable temperatures and smaller crowds.
July and August are hotter and busier but work well if sightseeing is kept to mornings and evenings.