For a truly unique experience, you can’t miss visiting Alberobello, Italy. Southern Italy’s most iconic town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to hundreds of incredible trulli. After spending a few weeks in Puglia, I’m sharing this guide so you can make the most of a visit to Alberobello.
Trulli is a traditional prehistoric architectural technique that is still going strong today. And Alberobello is one of Puglia’s must-visit towns because it is home to so many. Declared a world heritage site in 1996, the drywall constructions with a conical roof date back as far as the 14th century.
They were originally built to avoid paying higher taxes when the ruling family visited. Now, they are a symbol of the region. Rione Monti and the quieter Rione aia Piccola have over 1,500 trulli. Today you can explore these unique structures spread across 27 acres in Alberobello which house restaurants, shops, and even accommodations.
A great spot to visit if you’re enjoying a road trip around Puglia, Alberobello is close to neighboring towns Locorotondo and Martina Franca, making it well-suited as a day trip. It’s difficult not to fall in love with the cozy home and its stone roofs — it feels almost otherworldly when you’re there.
So while we were in Puglia, I knew it was one of the places we had to visit. I had heard it was touristy, but nonetheless after our late afternoon visit, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s truly one of the most beautiful sights I have seen on my travels in Italy.
Read on to find my best tips for visiting Alberobello, Puglia, Italy. I will share when to go, where to stay and eat, and what to see.
Why Visit Alberobello?
Alberobello is a unique destination where you can see a concentration of traditional trulli homes and buildings that are specifically from this region of Puglia. Having earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status, it’s a popular town to visit on day trips from surrounding areas in Puglia and affords a great opportunity to see the unique architecture.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Guided Tours in Alberobello:
Hotels
- Le Alcove – Luxury Hotel nei Trulli, for the best boutique hotel
- Truly Trulli, for the best overall homestay for families
- Monte Adamello – dimora nei trulli, for the in-town apartment stay
- Trullo Natù – Private Villa, for the best countryside rental for families
Guided Tours
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, don’t miss my 7 to 10 day Puglia itinerary, guide to the best towns to base yourself, and detailed travel guides to Monopoli, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Matera, and Polignano a Mare!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Puglia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Italy is quite easy, and while driving in Puglia can feel hectic, road-tripping there still felt manageable with a little extra caution (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Puglia). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ultimate Alberobello, Italy Travel Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Alberobello
How to Get to Alberobello
By Car
To reach most towns in Puglia, a rental car is the best way to travel as public transport doesn’t connect all towns or runs on limited timetables. If you’re traveling from Bari, follow the motorway to Monopoli and then follow the signs to Alberobello and the journey takes around one hour, or just 30 minutes from Monopoli.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
If you’re coming from the towns of Locorotondo (approx 10 mins) or Martina Franca (approx 20 mins), follow the signs along the SS172 towards Alberobello. I recommend parking at Alberobello Parcheggio Viale Indipendenza 6, a paid parking lot just outside the ‘trulli zone,’ which is the most convenient location and a short walk to the pedestrian area.
By Train
There is a train that runs from Bari to Alberobello which typically takes between an hour and a half to two hours and this route requires a change at Putignano. There is a direct train service operating daily between Locorotondo and Martina Franca to Alberobello and is a convenient option if you’re staying in either of those towns.
By Bus
There are buses running between Bari and Alberobello several times a day operated by Ferrovie Del Sud Est, and it is recommended to pre-buy tickets.
Best Way to Get Around Alberobello
The ‘trulli zone’ of Alberobello, the most popular area to visit, is easily accessible on foot. Compact and mostly pedestrianized, the area is somewhat hilly with wide stone stairs in places. The best way to explore the sights of Alberobello is by walking.
How Many Days to See Alberobello
You can easily cover all the attractions and things to do in Alberobello in half a day as it’s a small town. But, if you’d prefer to take it slowly you could spend the day in town or even consider staying overnight where you would have the town to yourself.
When to Visit Alberobello
Puglia is best visited in the shoulder season between April to June or September to October. Temperatures can soar well into the 90’s (35+ degrees Celsius) during the height of summer and the holidays, especially August, have larger crowds too.
To avoid crowds at any time of the year, I suggest visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Aim for a time close to sunrise. If you can reach Alberobello before 9 am, that’s my top tip as this is when the tour groups start to arrive for the day.
If early mornings aren’t your thing, then try to arrive late afternoon. Most tour buses tend to leave by around 4 pm, so enjoy a wander around town before stopping at one of the Alberobello restaurants for dinner. This is a great option if you plan on staying a night.
Where to Stay to Visit Alberobello
Like most towns in Puglia, you have two options of where to stay in Alberobello. The first is to base yourself in the historic center of town known as the ‘centro storico’. The other is to choose a holiday rental or hotel outside of town, either in a trullo or a Masseria, a type of Italian farmhouse.
Best Hotels and Holiday Rentals in Alberobello Center
- Le Alcove – Luxury Hotel nei Trulli ($$$) — If you’re looking for a luxury stay in the center of Alberobello, this is a brilliant option. Mixing modern comforts with traditional trulli home details, these rooms are spacious compared to most accommodation options in the region.
- Hotel Colle Del Sole ($$) – Modern rooms overlooking green spaces are a highlight at Hotel Colle Del Sole. A short walk outside the pedestrian area of Alberobello, it also has a pool which is great in summer.
- Monte Adamello – dimora nei trulli ($$) — A great self-contained one-bedroom apartment in a traditional stone home, you’ll find everything you need for a peaceful stay. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen and a modern fitout, it’s great for couples or solo travelers.
- VENTITRÈ- House of Apulia Mea ($$) — This one-bedroom holiday home is ideally located in the heart of Alberobello. With a separate living space and fully equipped kitchen, it’s a great self-contained option.
- Gatto Bianco Case d’Allora ($$) — A series of one-bedroom homes with air conditioning and kitchens, these are an excellent local stay within walking distance of the center.
Best Alberobello Countryside Hotels and Holiday Rentals
- Truly Trulli ($$) — Approximately two miles from the centro storico, this three-bedroom holiday home is the perfect place for a trulli stay. Surrounded by olive trees and access to a shared outdoor space with a pool and BBQ, it’s ideal for families or groups.
- Trullo Natù – Private Villa ($$) — A stunning two-bedroom villa overlooking olive groves a short distance from Alberobello. This is a great value-for-money rental with beautifully designed interiors and a sunny outdoor space.
- Trulli Arco Antico ($$) — Located between Alberobello and Locorotondo, this delightful collection of trulli homes is perfect if you’re looking to stay outside of town. There’s an outdoor terrace and pool to relax.
- Masseria Mezza Ruota ($$) — A charming refurbished two-bedroom farmhouse just a 5-minute drive from town. There’s a lovely outdoor space with garden views and is great for families with kids.
Things to Do in Alberobello
Wander the Streets of Rione Aia Piccola
Surround yourself with the typical whitewashed trulli in the less commercialized side of town, Riona Aia Piccola. There are more than 400 traditional buildings here, many still used as family homes, making it the perfect place to see a more personal side of Alberobello. It’s not as touristy as the other side of Alberobello, so you have a much quieter feel to it.
Visit Trullo Sovrano
The only two-story trullo is Trullo Sovrano, which houses a small museum dedicated to showcasing Trullo living, including a recreation of a typical bedroom, kitchen, and bakery. Dating back to the 17th century, this is a great way to get acquainted with the typical way of life in this town.
Visit the Smallest Trulli of Alberobello
Stop by Il Trullo Più Piccolo, the smallest trullo in Alberobello. Now operating as a souvenir shop, you can pick up local artisan goods from the region and go inside the smallest trulli in town. It’s not a must-see but if you do walk by it, be sure to pop in.
Trullo Siamese
Another unique spot to visit is the Trullo Siamese, the only building in the town where two trulli are joined with two entry points. It’s easy to visit, as it’s also a local souvenir store, and can pop in if you like. Otherwise it makes for a good photo opp!
Head to Villa Comunale Belvedere Parco for the Views
This leafy spot with brilliant views over the traditional trulli architecture is less busy than the more crowded spots in Alberobello. It’s stunning come sunset, I’d head here if you’re in town and soak in the views over Alberobello.
Explore Pozzo Via Monte San Gabriele in Rione Monti
Wander down this central street for great views across the conical rooftops of Rione Monti and spy a view of the cathedral and surrounding skyline in the center of Alberobello. This is the main street that is home to several shops and popular sights. It’s certainly the busiest portion of Alberobello. For a slightly quieter corner of town, take a stroll through Piazza del Popolo.
Take a Guided Tour of Alberobello
Make the most of learning more about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a guided tour. This was highly recommended to us but we had our toddler in tow so wasn’t a good fit. I had saved a few tours like this cheap small-group tour and this private guided tour with a tasting. I have also saved this private guided tour which would be perfect if you’re traveling with a group.
Where to Eat in Alberobello
MaDó Filoneria Pugliese
We stopped here for lunch and the food was absolutely wonderful. Mostly serving freshly made sandwiches like prosciutto and fig or traditional Italian caprese, it also has a selection of boards and salads. It was an easy meal so that we could spend our limited time exploring the town.
La Lira | Focacceria
Great for a quick and easy relaxed lunch, this focacceria is just off the main square but without the crowds. Offering a delicious range of freshly made pizzas and sandwiches, it’s a great cost-effective option.
Arte Fredda
A gelateria tucked away in a traditional trullo, you can expect flavors like stracciatella and hazelnut, as well as more creative options like pomegranate and even wine sorbet.
Bar Pasticceria Martinucci Laboratory
The perfect spot to grab something sweet, this Pasticceria is the way to go. I recommend getting the traditional Puglian baked sweet, pasticciotto, which is typically a custard-filled pie-shaped pastry. Here though, they take it to another level with flavors including ricotta with pistachio or lemon and almond. There are lots of other baked goods to try as well as creamy scoops of delicious Italian gelato.
Corte dei Trulli Alberobello
If you’re in town for dinner, this charming Alberobello restaurant inside a trullo serves local Puglian specialties including orecchiette pasta with turnip tops and Apulian beef bombetta.
Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar
Taste some of the best wine from across the Itria Valley and beyond at this lovely wine bar overlooking the trulli in Rione Monti. With a selection of local and international wines, as well as local cheese platters and small plates, it’s the perfect place for a late afternoon pitstop.
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My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
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Xx,
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