Perched high on a hill in the Itria Valley, Locorotondo is one of Puglia’s idyllic towns that shouldn’t be missed. This was one of my favorite villages visited during our time in Puglia. Surrounded by countryside full of olive groves, vineyards, and trullo (traditional drywall houses), it’s a must-see in this region.
Crowned ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’ (one of Italy’s most beautiful villages), narrow streets are lined with potted cacti and staircases are filled with flower boxes. Less busy than nearby Alberobello or the coastal hotspots of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, it’s one town I loved to visit during our time in Puglia.
The centro storico is a round area with cobblestone streets. It has narrow white buildings where you can escape the crowds and enjoy local restaurants and shopping. The true beauty of this town is that there isn’t too much to do. Instead, it lends itself to slowing down and enjoying the area, including nearby towns like Martina Franca or Cisternino.
We based ourselves between Locorotondo and Alberbello for a few days to make the most of our time, enjoying a slower pace and spending quality time together as a family. This allowed us to stay in a gorgeous traditional trullo, a truly unique experience in this southern corner of Italy.
If you’re planning to include Locorotondo, Puglia in your itinerary, this guide has everything you need from where to stay, eat, and drink, and what to do to enjoy your time.
Is Locorotondo Worth Visiting?
Locorotondo is considered a Borghi più belli d’Italia, one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. For this reason alone you should visit. Less busy than other towns in Puglia, it is surrounded by vineyards, and the town is washed in white with the prettiest corners at every turn. With several great restaurants and just a short distance from Alberobello and Martina Franca, I consider it a must-visit in Puglia.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Holiday Rentals in Locorotondo:
- Trullo Fumarola, for the best traditional trullo stay (where we stayed)
- Da Concavo e Convesso, for the best in the historic center
- Ottolire Resort, for the best rural retreat
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 guides to Monopoli, Ostuni, Alberobello, Martina Franca, 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.
Locorotondo, Italy Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Locorotondo
How to get to Locorotondo
By Train
Locorotondo has a train station, however no direct trains are running between Bari and Locorotondo. If you are visiting from Bari, you’ll need to take a bus or train to Putignano and transfer to a train to Locorotondo from there. The journey is long, taking almost three hours, so isn’t my recommended route.
However, if you’re staying in another town nearby, there are trains running directly between Locorotondo, Alberobello, and Martina Franca, meaning you can visit these towns on the same day.
By Bus
There are direct buses that take around an hour and a half from Bari that operate a few times a day, however the services are several hours apart so may be limited depending on your itinerary.
By Car
If you’re planning a road trip around Puglia, a car will give you the most freedom. The centro storico is a ZTL in Locorotondo, however, there is a paid underground parking lot just outside this area off Piazza Aldo Moro (Parcheggio pubblico a Pagamento on Google Maps). For more guidance on hiring a car and driving in Puglia, I have a full guide to renting a car in Puglia to help you plan your vacation.
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.
How Long to Spend in Locorotondo?
It’s possible to see Locorotondo in half a day as the centro storico is small, yet beautiful. It makes for the perfect destination to visit on a day trip in Puglia from nearby towns such as Ostuni, Alberobello, or Monopoli. I would opt to come early morning and stay for lunch, or late afternoon coupled with dinner.
When to Visit Locorotondo
Spring and early fall are the best times to visit Locorotondo. I’d recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons between April to June or September to October to enjoy the town at its best, when temperatures are more comfortable and to avoid peak summer crowds.
Where to Stay to Visit Locorotondo
We opted not to stay in Locorotondo. Instead, we chose to base ourselves in the loveliest boutique Trullo, Trullo Fumarola, about 10 minutes outside of town, which included a shared pool and garden. It was the perfect base for part of our stay in Puglia, with plenty of space to relax and prepare our own meals when we wanted to. Equally, we regularly visited towns in the area such as Martina Franca, as well as heading into Locorotondo.
Best Hotels and Holiday Rentals in and Around Locorotondo
- Da Concavo e Convesso — A renovated B&B just inside the Centro Storico with just a handful of rooms giving a sense of privacy during your stay. The traditional light stone building features modern amenities and several rooms provide access to a terrace or balcony.
- La Dimora nel Borgo — A charming one-bedroom apartment in the historical center of Locorotondo. With views across the old town, a balcony, and a fully equipped kitchen, you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- Villa Aurelia Suites and Apartments — A lovely B&B with generous hospitality, onsite parking, and it’s budget-friendly. Just a short walk from the historic center, some rooms offer a balcony or terrace and there are bikes you can hire to explore the area.
- Dimora d’Itria — A beautiful, newly renovated property that retains its historical charm on the edge of town. The open terrace has views stretching across the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, and the property can sleep up to four.
- Ottolire Resort — Just 10 minutes outside of town, this gorgeous venue feels like a rural retreat with the convenience of everything you could want. Modern, airy rooms, an outdoor pool, and an onsite restaurant make this one of the best spots to blend comfort with the beautiful surroundings of Puglia.
- Leonardo Trulli Resort — For the opportunity to stay in a typical trullo, this resort just outside of Locorotondo is great if you’re looking for a place to unwind. Rooms are also available in the Art Nouveau-style building, and there’s a lovely outdoor pool and garden.
Things to Do in Locorotondo
Wander the Historic Center
One of the best things you can do in Locorotondo is to simply wander the whitewashed laneways of the Centro Storico. Compact yet picture-perfect, you could easily cover its circular layout in a few hours. With fewer tourists than other towns and villages in Puglia, it feels like a hidden gem — you can often find moments where you are the only one meandering down a flower-packed corner, making it the ideal spot to take your time.
Shop in Some of the Local Boutiques
Locorotondo is home to some lovely boutiques and stores selling local and handmade goods from the region. Two of my favorites were VIDA Concept Store, which sells a curated selection of homewares, accessories, and gifts, and Vicious Store, which offers everything from clothing to vinyl.
Enjoy Panoramic Views from Belvedere di Locorotondo
Perched high above the plateau below, Locortondo is perfectly placed for sweeping views across the Valle d’Itria. Head through Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II to Villa Comunale and the 19th-century gardens which are ideal for seeking out some midday shade and enjoying the panoramic vistas from Belvedere di Locorotondo.
Visit the Church of Saint George Martyr
At the heart of Locorotondo, Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio as it’s known in Italian, is the Neoclassical church resting on the highest point in town. The current building was constructed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but its heritage dates back as early as the 12th century. It’s worth popping inside to take in the pastel interior with its single-nave design, just keep in mind visiting hours vary and the church is still operational for mass. Located on the outer edge of the centro storico, Chiesa Rettoria Madonna della Greca is another historic church that might be of interest.
Spend Time Admiring the Baroque Details of Palazzo Morelli
Palazzo Morelli is a wonderful example of the region’s 18th-century Baroque architectural style. Once belonging to the Morelli Family, the building has become an important piece of Locorotondo’s history. The facade’s decorative elements are distinctive, but you can also join a guided tour to look inside and check out the various artwork on display, from paintings to sculptures.
Enjoy an Afternoon Wine Tasting at Sirose Bufano Wines
The Itria Valley is known for its wine production, mostly white wine varieties, including Bianco Locorotondo DOC. Located on the edge of the historic center, Sirose Bufano Wines allows you to sample some of the region’s local selections. Tables are set right by the vines and it’s a great spot to enjoy the sunset with a view.
Pay a Visit to Conservatorio Botanico “I giardini di Pomona”
I love to engage with more local projects, and Conservatorio Botanico provided an excellent opportunity to do exactly that. Situated between Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino, the garden is dedicated to the Latin goddess Pomona and features thousands of fruit trees that have been saved from extinction.
We loved this family activity, as we were able to spend time picking fruit grown in the organic orchard, and depending on the season, it can vary from citrus or pomegranate to stonefruit and berries. We enjoyed an hour picking during the cherry season and it was absolute bliss. Classes for fruit preservation, such as jam-making or fig drying, are also an option if you want to get even more hands-on.
Travel Tip: They even offer apartment accommodations if you’d like to stay on-site.
Where to Eat in Locorotondo
20m2
Pairing great views with great food and drinks, 20m2 is an American Bar that is full of life. Small but vibrant, the menu chooses carefully selected ingredients and innovative approaches to curate the Italian-American fusion menu.
Pavì Wine Restaurant
Outdoor seating overlooking the Valles d’Itria at Pavi is the perfect place to sample some of Locotorondo’s and the broader region’s finest wine. Whether sharing a drink and antipasti with family or friends or enjoying a more hearty meal of local dishes like orecchiette or pork meatballs, the hospitality and service are great.
Pizzeria Casa Pinto
Best known for its fabulous pizzas, this restaurant tucked away in a quiet street in the old town is ideal if you’re looking for a quick but substantial meal. The traditional wood-fired pizzas are also offered on a selection of specialty doughs, and the topping options are quite extensive. The menu also offers a range of hot and cold Pulian starters as well as a selection of second courses.
Vinifera Vini & Affini
A small and cozy wine bar with a great selection of local varieties, including the Locorotondo DOC. Sit under the small vine-covered terrace and learn from some of the knowledgeable team, or pair your tasting with some of the small plates on offer for the perfect lunch or later afternoon light meal.
Ristorante Osteria Il Rosone
Osteria Il Rosone is a lovely local dining experience with a menu focusing on typical Pulian cuisine, such as grilled octopus, broad bean orecchiette, and bombette. They also offer excellent wine pairings to complement your meal. Service can be a little slower during busy periods, but the food is fantastic. I recommend booking as tables can fill up quickly.
Ai Tre Santi
Fresh, delicious food is the centerpiece at Ai Tre Santi. Set in a picturesque setting in the historic center, you can also enjoy a view of Chiesa di San Nicola while dining. You won’t find pizza on the menu, instead, a variety of local pasta, meat, and vegetarian dishes focused on local flavors and ingredients.
Save This Post for Later on Pinterest
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
