Rione Monti
The trulli quarter: around a thousand of them along uphill lanes, many now shops. This is the postcard view: go early in the morning or at sunset, when the tour groups have thinned out.
Things to do in Alberobello
A short guide for your stay: the trulli, day trips, local food and practical info.
Alberobello on foot
The old town is easy to explore on foot in half a day. UNESCO World Heritage since 1996.
Rione Aia Piccola
Across the square, quieter and still lived in. This is where you get a feel for everyday life in the trulli.
Trullo Sovrano
The only two-storey trullo, now open as a house museum.
Church of Saint Anthony
A church built in the shape of a trullo, at the top of Rione Monti.
Santa Lucia viewpoint
The terrace with the best view over the roofs of Rione Monti. Several shops also have panoramic rooftop terraces.
Basilica of the Holy Physicians
The main church. In late September the patron saints' feast draws pilgrims from all over Apulia.
Day trips
The Itria Valley is compact: by car you reach villages, caves and the sea within half an hour.
Locorotondo≈15 min
A round, all-white old town, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Known for its DOC white wine.
Martina Franca≈20 min
Baroque streets and palazzi, plus its famous capocollo. In summer it hosts the Itria Valley Festival.
Cisternino≈25 min
Go in the evening for the 'fornelli pronti': pick your meat at the butcher's and they grill it on the spot.
Castellana Caves≈25 min
One of Italy's most spectacular cave systems. Visits are guided only, so it's worth booking ahead.
Polignano a Mare≈35 min
The clifftop town with the Lama Monachile cove. In summer go early, or see it from a boat.
Monopoli≈35 min
An old harbour, a seafront old town and small coves just to the south.
Ostuni≈45 min
The white city on a hill, looking out over olive groves to the sea.
Matera≈1 h 15
The Sassi, over in Basilicata: the most popular long day trip, and worth a full day.
Food to try
Itria Valley cooking is rustic, simple and generous.
Handmade orecchiette
With turnip greens, or with tomato sauce and cacioricotta cheese. Several masserie run classes where you can learn to make them.
Bombette
Grilled pork rolls filled with cheese: the signature dish of the valley's butcher-grills.
Capocollo of Martina Franca
A cured, lightly smoked pork salume, protected by Slow Food.
Itria Valley wines
Locorotondo white, and towards the coast Primitivo and Negroamaro: many wineries offer tours and tastings.
Extra virgin olive oil
Ancient olive groves everywhere: visiting an olive mill, ideally between October and December, is worth the trip.
Practical info
Getting here and getting around.
By air
The nearest airports are Bari (about 1 hour by car) and Brindisi (about 1 hour 10 minutes).
By train
Alberobello has a station on the Ferrovie del Sud Est line from Bari.
By car
A car is almost essential for exploring the Itria Valley. Paid car parks sit a few minutes' walk from the trulli.
When to come
Spring and early autumn are ideal: mild weather and fewer crowds. In December the town lights up for the holidays.
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