Agricultural learning centers and child-friendly agricultural learning centers located around Lecce.
In the picturesque region of Puglia, nestled in the heart of southern Italy, a unique collection of farms are redefining travel for families with children. These farms offer more than just traditional vacation activities, providing educational, engaging, and memorable experiences that connect children with nature, food, and culture.
Among the standout farms is Masseria Cinque Santi in Vernole, which stands out for its child-friendly programming, immersive farm experiences, and strong cultural connections. This historic, bio-agricultural farm specialises in traditional cheese production, particularly Apulian cheeses made with centuries-old methods.
Visitors can embark on experiential tasting paths, watching product preparation and participating in guided tastings. Masseria Cinque Santi also welcomes schoolchildren, families, and summer camps, making it a perfect destination for a hands-on, nature-immersive experience connected to Apulian food heritage and farming culture.
Other farms in the Lecce area, such as La Lattoria, Agricole Valiani, and Agricola Boccarello, offer educational experiences suitable for school-aged children and curious teenagers interested in food science and technology, local culture, and the origins of food.
La Lattoria, located near Santa Maria di Leuca, is run by Caseificio Fratelli Melcarne and offers a tour of modern dairy production, including a robotic milking system, calf and cow visits, milk pasteurization demonstrations, and homemade yogurt and dessert tastings.
Masseria Capasa, in Martano, offers experiential learning opportunities such as farm tours, workshops, and seasonal harvesting events. Biological Farm Piccapane, in Cutrofiano, focuses on sustainability and offers activities like gardening, cooking workshops, and creative recycling.
These farms offer a range of family-friendly programming, including seasonal workshops, cheese tastings, and horseback rides for children. Piccapane hosts popular summer camps focusing on green life, slow food, and cooperative play.
The Traveling Families community, based in Lecce, Italy, continues to offer immersive experiences in nature, food education, and cultural exploration, as well as child-friendly programming, seasonal workshops, and family-friendly accommodations. Masseria Sant'Angelo, in Corigliano d'Otranto, provides immersive experiences in traditional Salento farm life, including food education and animal care.
Agricole Valiani, situated in the historic center of Presicce, provides a lesson on olive oil production, showcasing traditional harvesting techniques, the transformation process of olives into extra virgin olive oil, and a multisensory tasting experience with local bread and jams.
Finally, Agricola Boccarello, minutes from Pescoluse beach, offers a guided tour of Salento's olive oil heritage, featuring visits to olive groves, demonstrations of modern and ancient pressing methods, an underground mill, and a tasting room with fresh olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and rustic bread.
These educational farms offer a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature, understand where food comes from, and create lasting memories based on authenticity and learning. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable family vacation, these farms in southern Italy are a must-visit.
At Masseria Capasa in Martano, families can participate in farm tours, workshops, and seasonal harvesting events, fostering an understanding of Apulian food heritage and farming culture.
La Lattoria, near Santa Maria di Leuca, provides an educational tour of modern dairy production, offering a chance for school-aged children and curious teenagers to learn about food science and local culture.
