Google Maps had a little trouble finding this place, but that was precisely what made it special: Drive right into the olive grove, 3 left turns, 2 right turns, and there you are: Il Tuffo, a beautiful, traditional holiday home nestled in the olive groves near Ostuni in Puglia. Not a hotel, not a resort, but a private retreat, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees – and yet only a short drive from Puglia's most beautiful towns and beaches. For us, it was the perfect starting point to discover the region at our own pace as a family with 2 small children.

In this article, I will tell you what makes Il Tuffo so special, how the house is furnished, and which excursions in the area are particularly worthwhile with children. 

Il Tuffo: A House Straight Out of a Pinterest Board

Il Tuffo is a so-called Lamia, a traditional Apulian country house that has been carefully restored and reimagined by a Milanese architect duo. The result is a blend that immediately captivated us: old, centuries-old stone architecture meets clear, minimalist design. Nothing feels cluttered, but every detail is chosen with love.

What particularly stuck in our minds was the kitchen, and I mean every single item in it. Hand-made French crockery, antique silver cutlery, and Le Creuset pots: It felt as if someone had brought an entire Pinterest board to life. Even the morning coffee from the in-house espresso machine felt somehow special here. 

The Pool in the Middle of the Olive Grove

The absolute highlight for us as a family was the pool. Unlike many holiday homes, it's not just next to the terrace here, but truly in the middle of the old olive grove, surrounded by gnarled trees and the chirping of cicadas. You literally swim through the olive trees – a sight we had never experienced anywhere else. 

An important note for families: The pool and the entire property are not fenced. Small children should therefore be supervised at all times – not a problem for us, but definitely good to know before you book.

Seclusion and Tranquility

What we also immediately noticed about Il Tuffo was its incredibly quiet, secluded location. The house is nestled among fruit and olive trees, all by itself, with no neighbours in sight. Sitting at the long dining table in the middle of the olive grove in the evening, surrounded by absolute silence, was exactly the relaxation we as a family with children were looking for. If you are looking for a place where you can truly switch off completely, this is the perfect spot.

At the same time, you are quickly back in the thick of things: Ostuni is only about a 15-minute drive away, Cisternino similarly close – however, a car is a prerequisite, as Il Tuffo is truly in the middle of the countryside.

Excursions in Puglia with Children

From Il Tuffo, some of the most beautiful corners of Puglia can be wonderfully explored with children:

• Ostuni, the "White City," is only about 15 minutes away. The winding, dazzling white alleys of the old town are loved by children and adults alike – perfect for a relaxed evening stroll with ice cream in hand.
• Alberobello with its famous Trulli houses is a must for families. The conical stone houses look like something out of a fairy tale book - our personal highlight!
• Cisternino and Locorotondo are two more picturesque towns in the Valle d'Itria, ideal for a cosy afternoon with focaccia and gelato in between.
• Grottaglie, the ceramic city, is a nice stopover – children can watch the potters at work, and with a bit of luck, you might even get to try the potter's wheel yourself.
• The Grotte di Castellana, one of Italy's largest cave systems, are an exciting underground adventure for slightly older children.
• Zoosafari Fasanolandia in Fasano is a safari park with an attached amusement park – just right for an action-packed day with children who need a bit more activity.
• For a beach day, Torre Canne or the beaches around Rosa Marina are worthwhile, both easily reachable in about 25 to 30 minutes by car.

Good to Know: Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: approx. 6 km from Ostuni, 10 km from Cisternino, in the middle of the olive grove
• Size: 55 m², 1 bedroom, living area with sofa beds for up to 5 people in total
• For Families: Cot and high chair free of charge on request, books and games for children available
• Amenities: Pool, outdoor kitchen with barbecue, long dining table in the olive grove, fireplace, Wi-Fi
• Important: Pool and property are not fenced – small children require continuous supervision
• Arrival: A rental car is necessary, Brindisi airport is approx. 45 minutes away
• Minimum stay: usually 7 nights, open seasonally (usually late April to October)

Our Conclusion

Il Tuffo was the perfect base for our Puglia holiday with kids: stylish, surrounded by nature, and yet close enough to everything this beautiful region has to offer. Anyone traveling to Puglia with children and looking for a place where they can truly relax, but without sacrificing design and comfort, will feel right at home here.

To Il Tuffo