In the heart of Salento, children and families are discovering new ways to connect with nature, imagination, and each other. While Lecce’s Museo dei Bambini offers a world of indoor discovery, those looking for outdoor adventures will find a magical setting at Melograni Martino in Monteroni di Lecce. This organic pomegranate farm is much more than a place to grow fruit—it is a living, breathing classroom under the open sky, where every event is crafted to awaken curiosity, joy, and a deep respect for the natural world.
A Farm That Inspires Curiosity
Founded on a love of the land passed down through generations, Melograni Martino is not just about agriculture; it is about creating a connection between people and nature. The farm grows over 25 varieties of pomegranates, from local treasures like the Viola di Monteroni to international favorites such as Wonderful and Ako. Walking through the orchard, children are immediately immersed in the vibrant landscape of lush greenery, buzzing bees, and the occasional burst of scarlet from ripening fruit. Every corner of Melograni Martino invites questions and discoveries, making it the perfect setting for educational and playful children’s events.
Seasonal Celebrations for Families
Throughout the year, Melograni Martino opens its gates to families for seasonal events that align with the rhythms of nature. In springtime, the farm celebrates the renewal of life with outdoor picnics, treasure hunts among the trees, and guided nature walks. Children can run freely through the blooming orchards, stopping to examine insects, flowers, and the early signs of fruit on the trees. These moments of spontaneous learning are what set the farm apart—it’s not about formal lessons, but about inviting children to observe and wonder.
Autumn brings the most exciting time of all: the pomegranate harvest. During these months, children are invited to participate in picking the fruit, tasting its sweet-tart seeds fresh from the trees, and learning about the care and patience it takes to grow them. Parents often find themselves just as enchanted, stepping into a slower, more grounded pace of life that offers a welcome break from the digital world.
Workshops That Spark a Love for Nature
Beyond seasonal festivities, Melograni Martino organizes special workshops tailored to young explorers. These activities are designed to introduce basic ecological principles through direct experience. One of the most popular workshops is dedicated to the farm’s smallest workers: the bees. Children don small beekeeper hats and learn how these tiny creatures play a huge role in pollination and food production. Seeing a real hive up close and understanding the teamwork behind every drop of honey leaves an unforgettable impression.
Another favorite among visitors is the ladybug release. In an effort to maintain natural pest control, the farm raises ladybugs that children help release into the orchard. This simple but powerful activity teaches children about sustainable farming practices and the importance of biodiversity in a way no textbook could replicate. Each workshop at Melograni Martino is a miniature adventure, where scientific concepts blend seamlessly with play and wonder.
Picnic Under the Stars: A Unique Family Experience
One of the most enchanting experiences offered by Melograni Martino is the evening picnic under the stars. Families are invited to set up cozy picnic spots among the pomegranate trees, with soft music, twinkling lights, and the scent of nature all around them. A carefully prepared menu, featuring local cheeses, focaccia, and a pomegranate-themed dessert, ensures that the experience satisfies all the senses. A bottle of wine is typically shared between adults, while children delight in fresh juices and homemade treats.
Lying back on the soft grass, children gaze up at the night sky, counting stars and whispering their wishes into the dark. It’s a rare moment of magic, far removed from the noise and rush of daily life. These evenings, filled with music, good food, and nature’s quiet beauty, create memories that families carry with them long after they leave the farm.
A Commitment to Sustainability
At the heart of everything Melograni Martino does is a commitment to caring for the environment. The farm’s practices are rooted in sustainability, from using natural pest control methods to promoting biodiversity. Children who attend events here are not only having fun—they are absorbing a model of respectful, mindful living that will shape how they think about the world.
This underlying philosophy is woven naturally into every experience at the farm. There are no heavy lectures or complicated instructions. Instead, children simply experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from caring for the earth, understanding where their food comes from, and seeing firsthand how small actions can lead to big changes.
Why Melograni Martino Stands Out
While there are many places where families can spend a weekend afternoon, few offer the blend of authenticity, education, and pure enchantment that Melograni Martino provides. Here, the barriers between learning and playing dissolve. A simple question about how a pomegranate grows can lead to a full afternoon of exploration, laughter, and storytelling. Children are given the freedom to wonder, touch, taste, and ask questions—experiences that form the foundation of true learning.
Families visiting Melograni Martino often find themselves returning again and again, each time discovering new delights depending on the season and event. Whether it’s the thrill of the harvest, the peace of a sunset picnic, or the wide-eyed awe of meeting a buzzing hive of bees, every visit deepens a child’s connection to nature and to their own sense of adventure.
Planning a Visit
Melograni Martino is located in Monteroni di Lecce and is easily accessible from Lecce and surrounding areas. Events are organized throughout the year, but it is highly recommended to check their official website or social media pages for updates and booking details, especially during harvest season or special evening events. Early reservations are suggested, as the farm’s intimate events often sell out quickly.
A visit to Melograni Martino pairs beautifully with other family activities in the Lecce area, such as a morning spent at the Museo dei Bambini, followed by an afternoon immersed in nature. Together, they create a perfect balance of discovery, learning, and simple joys—offering children a rich and memorable experience of Salento’s natural and cultural treasures.
