If you’re headed to Puglia and wondering about things to do in Alberobello then you’ve come to the right place. This post is all about the best things to do in the amazingly beautiful Puglian city.
Alberobello is the most internationally known city in Puglia. And for good reason. It’s the epicenter of a historic, unique type of building known as trulli. A trullo (trulli is plural of trullo) is a rectangular stone house with a conical stone roof.
We will get more into trulli later, but for now all you need to know is that the structures are simply stunning and give Alberobello an inherent charm that is hard to match anywhere in southern Italy. And that sure is saying something! So read on to discover Alberobello and the trulli region of southern Italy. I assure you that you’re going to love it!
- Alberobello – What You Need to Know
- Things to do in Alberobello
- #1) Walk around the Rione Monti historic trulli zone
- #2) Take in a panoramic view of the Rione Monti trulli zone
- #3) Head to the lesser known Rione Aia Piccola trulli zone
- #4) Spend the night in a trullo
- #5) Take some amazing photos
- #6) Shop for some souvenirs
- #7) Visit Trullo Sovrano
- #8) Santuario Chiesa Madre di Alberobello
- #9) Parrocchia di Sant’Antonio da Padova – Chiesa a Trullo
- #10) Visit a winery and an olive oil production plant
- Bonus: Take a day trip to Matera
- Alberobello – Final Word
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Alberobello – What You Need to Know
Where is Alberobello?
Alberobellow is in southern Italy in the province of Puglia (the heel of Italy). It’s inland, between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. The nearest city of considerable size is Bari and the nearest major city Naples all the way on the other side of the country.
How to get to Alberobello
The easiest way to get to Alberobello is to drive yourself. You’ll likely stop in the little city as part of an awesome road trip across Puglia. It’s not the sort of place you visit without seeing anything else in the region, as it is quite small. This isn’t Venice by any stretch of the imagination.
There is no vehicle traffic much of Alberobello, especially the historic trulli zones, but there are numerous parking lots that charge by the hour or day just outside the city center. Most of the parking lots are on Via Indipendenza and the closest one is here. That one charges about 3 euros per hour, but if you go to the ones a bit further out you can get a 6 euro flat rate for the day.
The nearest airports to Alberobello are Naples and Bari, neither of which operate any intercontinental flights. We flew direct to Rome and drove about 5 hours to Puglia from there. It was cheaper and ended up saving time in the end. Plus it also gave us a chance to stop at Castelmezzano and Casertavecchia on the way! And if you’ve never driven in Europe before, be sure to review my guide to driving in Europe first.
Click here to find a great rate on a rental car in Italy!
You can also take the train to Alberobello. It’s a regional train but it will connect you to Bari, which will get you on the main Italian train network. Getting around Puglia by train takes a lot of effort and I can’t say that I recommend it. Do yourself a favor and get a rental car!
How long to spend in Alberobello
It’s easy to see Alberobello in one day. In fact, most people visit the city as a day trip from elsewhere or just spend one night there. The city itself is quite small and walking around it and seeing everything really doesn’t take a whole lot of time.
There are tons of companies that operate day tours to Alberobello from Bari, Lecce, Brindisi and more. You can check out a few of these tours below if you’re staying in one of those larger cities and just want to visit for the day.
- Day tour from Brindisi
- Day tour from Bari (including Matera)
- Day trip from Lecce (including Polignano a Mare and Ostuni)
That all being said, to immerse yourself in Puglian culture you really want to spend at least one night in or around the city in a trullo. Most accommodations in this region are in trulli, so you won’t have a problem finding something authentic. For a more relaxed experience, consider spending two nights in Alberobello. This will allow you to make it your home base for side trips to places like Cisternino and Locorotondo.
Weather and when to visit Alberobello
Alberobello is arguably the most popular destination in all of Puglia. That’s not saying a whole lot though, as Puglia is far less visited than other Italian provinces like Tuscany and Campania, just to name a few. But since it’s so small it can and will get really crowded in the historic trulli zones in summer.
The busiest month is August (as with anywhere in Italy due to the Italian summer holiday period) and the least crowded season is winter. Due to Puglia’s mild Mediterranean climate, winters don’t get all too cold, making winter visits to avoid the crowds manageable.
The average January high is 49 degrees (9 C) with overnight lows above freezing. Summer highs are around 85 degrees (29 C) and the air is quite dry, making nights comfortably cooler. It doesn’t rain a whole lot in Puglia so if you’re visiting in summer you can reasonably expect sunny skies. Even in winter your chances of a clear blue sky day are pretty high, especially compared to northern Italy.
So all that being said, the best months to visit Alberobello are May, June, and September.
Trulli
So what exactly are trulli? A trullo (the singular of plural “trulli”) is a rectangular limestone masonry house with a conical stone roof. The rectangular part is traditionally painted white and the roof is a natural, unpainted grey color.
The masonry construction is mortarless, meaning the stones are just stacked atop one another with no grout. It’s a prehistoric building technique found around the world in places like Machu Picchu, among others.
Trulli are only found in the Puglia region of Italy. They can be found all over central Puglia but the highest concentration of trulli are in Alberobello. The trulli of Alberobello are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which protects the outstanding beauty and fascinating construction method of the trulli. The construction technique dates back to the mid 13th century, though most of what you see today has been reconstructed or significantly restored.
Where to stay in Alberobello
When in Alberobello, you stay in a trullo. Unless you’re on a tight budget I definitely recommend this experience. Be careful when you book, however, as many places that offer trullo accommodations also have standard rooms. Make sure to book the trullo room!
Whether or not to stay in the city is your choice to make. There are tons of trulli accommodations outside the city on larger plots of land. These offer things like pools, gardens, and endless olive tree groves.
We chose to stay outside the city at Casa Relax Isabel and we absolutely loved it. We recommend Isabel’s place with the highest regards we can give! The property was amazing, fig trees with fresh, delicious figs you pick off the tree, a lovely hostess, and amazing food. There was also a family of adorable kittens living in the garden, though they must be all grown up by now.
Where to stay in Alberobello
Budget: Palazzo Scotto (not really budget, but a nice place for the price)
Mid Range: Casa Relax Isabelle (just outside the city)
High End: La Mandorla Luxury Trullo
Money and Language
Most places in Alberobello accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some euros just in case. If you’re staying at an intimate guesthouse or bed and breakfast it’s likely they will only accept cash on site. So if you haven’t prepaid for your room online you might have to fork over some cash for the room as well.
In terms of language, you should expect most of the locals to only speak Italian. While Alberobello is becoming more and more popular globally, it still does not receive the massive amount of foreign tourists that places like Florence and the Amalfi Coast see. So English is not all too common. Having Google translate on your phone will go a long way when traveling around Puglia.
Travel insurance
When visiting Italy, it’s advised to have a good travel insurance program. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can find a great policy on World Nomads by using the link below.
Things to do in Alberobello
Alberobello is small, but packs quite a punch when it comes to man made beauty. There is a lot to take in as you explore the city, so now let’s get into the 10 best things to do in Alberobello.
#1) Walk around the Rione Monti historic trulli zone
Let’s start with the most quintessentially Alberobello thing to do in the city: just walk around exploring the Rione Monti historic trulli zone. There is a lot to pack into this, but I’ll try to be brief.
There are two main concentrations of trulli in Alberobello, Rione Monte and Rione Aia Picolla (though there are trulli scattered all around the town, not just in these two small zones). Rione Monti is the zone where the old trulli have been turned into shops, restaurants, and galleries.
The buildings here have been wonderfully restored and simply ooze charm. They are all painted a brilliant shade of white with natural grey stone roofs. Outside the trulli along the street you’ll find a combination of lush, green vegetation, colorful decorations, and strategically placed cacti.
The trulli zone stretches a few blocks in each direction and is pedestrian-only. The streets are narrow and steep, marvelously cobblestoned and beautifully decorated. It’s like something right out of a fairy tale.
Exploring the Rione Monti trulli zone does not take too long if you’re not a huge photo taker. It’s not a big area so you can comfortably see it in about an hour if you have other places to be. You really don’t want to rush through it though, as it’s unlike anything else you’ll see anywhere else in the world. It’s totally unique and unheralded globally.
If you’re looking for the best photo ops in Alberobello, most of them are in the Rione Monti trulli zone. I have a detailed description of each spot in my article on the most Instagrammable places in Puglia, but I’ve linked to the Google maps location of the best photo spots in the city below as well:
However long you plan on walking around the Rione Monti historic trulli zone, you’ll be wishing you planned to stay longer. It really is just one of the most magical places you’ll ever see!
#2) Take in a panoramic view of the Rione Monti trulli zone
Outside of the Rione Monti trulli zone there are a few viewpoints where you can get an awesome view of said trulli zone. Seeing the old neighborhood as a series of distant conical stone roofs gives a new perspective that you don’t get by strolling the streets.
There are a couple of nice panoramic viewpoints across from Rione Monti that you can stop at. Both are within a very short walk of the trulli zone. The most popular – and most crowded – is Trulli Panoramic View. This is a terrace in front of a small cathedral with a little concrete knee wall that keeps you from falling off the ledge. This viewpoint can get quite busy so you might have to wait to get your photo with the city.
There’s another lesser known viewpoint that offers perhaps a better view, though. And it’s not even a proper viewpoint. It’s in a small park, Villa Comunale Belvedere Parco. From here you can see the roofs of the Rione Monti trulli on the other side of the road. As you can see in the photo below it’s pretty damn awesome.
For the best view in the park, there are some brick walls you can climb up so you can see over most of the park’s vegetation, straight to the trulli zone. These walls are towards the back of the park, close to the houses on the north side of the park. Just don’t bother any locals and you should get an amazing view!
#3) Head to the lesser known Rione Aia Piccola trulli zone
As mentioned before, there are two historic trulli zones in Alberobello. Contrary to the busy streets of Rione Monti full of shops and restaurants, the Rione Piccola trulli zone is residential and quiet.
The trulli here are still occupied by individuals and families, so it’s important to be respectful to the locals as you explore this trulli zone. They are well aware that they live in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are accustomed to tourists, but it’s still best to be courteous and keep noises and distractions down.
The trulli themselves in Rione Piccola are similar to Rione Monti across the street. The area is a bit smaller, and you might see a vehicle or two, but the trulli zone is beautiful nonetheless.
#4) Spend the night in a trullo
One of the most unique things to do in Alberobello is to spend the night in a trullo. Luckily for you, most accommodations in and around Alberobello offer trullo rooms. These types of rooms are usually pretty spacious and more on the luxurious side. But if you don’t mind the price tag they are totally worth it.
We stayed in the trullo suite at Casa Relax Isabel just outside the city. It was lovely and the trullo was just adorable. If you want to spend the night in the trulli zone of the city there are plenty of options there too though.
When booking your trullo, just make sure you specifically reserve a trullo room. Most guesthouses will offer various room types and not every room will be in a trullo. So pay attention when booking!
#5) Take some amazing photos
Alberobello is one of the most photogenic towns in Italy. And that sure is saying something! Italy boasts some of the most stunning villages and cities on earth, but Alberobello is right up there with Italy’s best. So while you are here you are going to want to impress your friends with some amazing photos!
As previously mentioned, I have a separate article dedicated to discussing the most Instagrammable places in Puglia, 4 of which are in Alberobello. So be sure to check that out for more info. Don’t limit yourself to just that though. The entire city is like something from a fairy tale and any spot can be the perfect stop for amazing photos.
#6) Shop for some souvenirs
If you don’t leave Alberobello without a cheap ceramic trullo magnet have you really even been there? The city and many of the beautiful trulli are full of souvenir shops. But it’s not all cheap made-in-China goods. Many of the shops sell handmade local items and this is a great way to take a piece of Alberobello home with you while also supporting the local community.
If you’re not looking to spend too much money on some locally made goods, you can opt to walk away with an Alberobello magnet or ceramic trullo for as low as one euro. Of all the magnets we collect when traveling around Europe, the Alberobello trullo magnet definitely stands out in our collection!
#7) Visit Trullo Sovrano
If you’re wondering what living in a trullo traditionally looked like then Trullo Sovrano is for you. The heritage museum presents what life inside a trullo might have been like back in the day (hundreds of years ago). The museum is small and does not take long to explore. You can reasonably see it in just a few minutes.
Luckily, the entrance fee reflects how small it is and they only charge 2 euros. Advance booking is not required. Trullo Sovrano is located a bit outside the historic trulli zones, but still within the city center. It’s right behind the Santuario Chiesa Madre di Alberbolle cathedral (see #8 below) and takes 10 minutes to walk to from Rioni Monte at a leisurely pace.
#8) Santuario Chiesa Madre di Alberobello
Believe it or not, there is more to Alberobello than just the two trulli zones. The rest of the city is not nearly as picturesque, but it does feature whitewashed buildings and narrow streets, typical for Puglia. You’ll get to walk a bit through the city on your way to Chiesa Madre di Alberobello, the city’s most striking cathedral.
The church is young for Italian standards, having been built in 1885. It’s worth the walk up the hill away from the trulli zones to get a view of the beautiful cathedral. Along the way there are numerous restaurants and shops, and the Trullo Sovrano museum is right behind it.
#9) Parrocchia di Sant’Antonio da Padova – Chiesa a Trullo
Speaking of cathedrals, if you’re wondering if there is a cathedral in Alberobello that is built like a trilli then you would be correct. Parrocchia di Sant’Antonio is a small cathedral at the edge of the Rione Monti trull zone that features the same famous conical stone roofs. It’s not the most spectacular church, but it does look pretty cool from a distance and is well worth a visit as you’re walking around town.
#10) Visit a winery and an olive oil production plant
There are plenty of things to do in Alberobello city itself, but why not get out into the countryside a bit? One of the best things you can do outside the city is visit a local winery or olive oil plant. Puglia isn’t known internationally for its wine, but the region makes some splendid wine. Its warm, dry climate is perfect for cultivating heavy, bold grapes.
There are a number of wineries near Alberobello, but my recommendation is to visit Terrecarsiche. It’s about 20 minutes outside of Alberobello and the winery is in the city and not at a vineyard, but Terrecarsiche makes some of the best wine in Puglia. When you visit Terrecarsiche, they will explain all about their wine and let you try just about anything you want.
All of their wines are delicious and you’ll surely love them if you appreciate good wine. Just be sure to email them in advance to set up a tasting, as they don’t get too many walk-ins and if you plan in advance an employee who is fluent in English can be there.
A good alternative to Terrecarsiche is Masseria Torricella. They’re winery is at the vineyard, so it’s a bit more scenic. Plus they also have a restaurant on site so that’s always nice.
Now, one thing Puglia is really known for is olive oil. Puglia is littered with olive tree groves, so you can be sure you’re getting the best of the best Italian olive oil when you’re in Puglio. So for a true local’s experience, head to Frantoio Olerio Giovanni Loliva.
Giovanni is a local dude who makes olive oil on his property. He has a full oil processing facility and he’ll be happy to show you and let you taste his olive oil. He doesn’t speak a word of English but you’ll get by. We still use Giovanni’s olive oil when we make pasta at home! No advance booking required (so long as Giovanni is home!).
Bonus: Take a day trip to Matera
From Alberobello it’s about a one-hour drive to the ancient city of Matera. Matera is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, where people lived in caves for millennia. Cave culture still exists in Matera today, even if it’s not the main way people live anymore.
Matera is without a doubt one of the most beautiful man made places you will ever set eyes upon. The old city – known as the “Sassi” – is a maze of old stone buildings, mostly unpainted and left to the original tannish color of the stone.
While I recommend staying a night or two in Matera to properly get a feel for it, it’s also perfectly possible to visit as a day trip from Alberobello or elsewhere in Puglia. In that case, make sure you book at least two nights in Alberobello, as you’ll want a full day to explore Matera.
Alberobello – Final Word
As you’ve seen by now, Alberobello is one of the most unique and fascinating places in all of Italy. Filled with historic trulli and views to die for, it’s hard not to fall in love with the beautiful Puglian city. We’ve gone through the best things to do in Alberobello so hopefully now you are ready for an amazing trip!
