The Perfect Way to Spend One Day in Alberobello

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by Olivia Ellis


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One of the most iconic sights in the Puglia region of Italy, Alberobello draws visitors with its unique and picturesque Trulli, traditional Puglian homes characterised by their charming conical, stoned roofs.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello’s unique beauty and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination while spending time in Puglia.

With just one day in Alberobello, you can immerse yourself in its traditional atmosphere and discover the best that this small, yet extraordinary town has to offer.

How Many Days in Alberobello?

Given Alberobello’s compact size, half a day, or one day, is usually enough to fully experience the town’s charm.

However, finding accommodation in Alberobello can be challenging, as options are limited and tend to book up quickly, often being more expensive than in other nearby towns and cities in Puglia.

Thus, a day trip to Alberobello is an ideal way to enjoy all that the town has to offer, whether you choose to visit by arranged tour, train, bus, or car.

Furthermore, if you’re keen to stay in a traditional Trullo home, Alberobello is conveniently located near other noteworthy towns and cities in Puglia, making it an advantageous home base for a trip around Puglia.

Whether you’re planning to explore Lecce, Polignano a Mare, or Bari, Alberobello’s central location allows for easy access to these and other destinations in Puglia.

View of Alberobello
View of Alberobello

Getting To & Around Alberobello

Like the rest of Italy, Alberobello is an easy destination to reach and navigate, thanks to its efficient transportation system and the town’s small size.

Located in the boot of Italy – Puglia – Alberobello can be reached either by plane, train, bus or car.

If you plan on flying into the region to visit Alberobello, the nearest airport to is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, located about 70 kilometres away from Alberobello.

The airport serves both domestic and international routes, with numerous year round routes and even more seasonal routes. Upon arrival, you can rent a car, take a bus, or catch a train to reach Alberobello.

Travelling to Alberobello by train is a scenic and convenient option, typically the most common mode of transport to get to Alberobello.

Direct trains regularly run from Bari Centrale, with a journey time of about 1 ½ to 2 hours. The train station in Alberobello is centrally located, just a short walk from the main attractions, including the famous Trulli district. You can view schedules here.

The train journey to Alberobello offers picturesque views of the rolling, wild, Puglian countryside, further adding to the benefit of travelling by train.

If you’re planning on travelling to Alberobello from other locations in, Italy, buses are plentiful in Italy and the Puglia region, offering a flexible and often cost-efficient way to reach Alberobello.

Several bus companies operate routes connecting Alberobello with major cities in Puglia, such as Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce.

If you prefer to visit as a day trip, it is also possible to organise a full-day tour from Bari or a guided tour from Lecce.

As for getting around Alberobello, the town is quite small, making the central area that you’ll be exploring both walkable – and enjoyable – taking in the town’s quaint, unique sights and surroundings.

Unique Trulli Houses
Unique Trulli Houses

1-Day Alberobello Itinerary

From historic architecture and postcard-worthy viewpoints to delicious traditional cuisine, this itinerary will guide you through the best things to do in Alberobello, immersing you in its rich culture and charming atmosphere.

The Trulli of Alberobello

At the heart of Alberobello lies its most iconic feature: the Trulli, which are both captivating and intriguing at the same time. These traditional dry stone huts with cone-shaped roofs date back to the 14th century and were originally constructed without mortar to evade taxes.

While the Trulli can be found scattered throughout Alberobello, you’ll find the most concentrated number in a few different neighbourhoods of the town, mostly in Rione Monti & Rione Aia Piccola. Consider booking a walking tour to learn more about the history here.

Alberobello in Miniatura

For a unique perspective to start your day, stop by Alberobello in Miniatura, in the heart of the Trulli zone.

Alberobello in Miniatura is a detailed model of the town that showcases the intricate layout and the impressive number of Trulli, making it a great way to get an overview of the town’s Trulli before diving deeper into the town’s narrow streets.

Rione Monti

An ideal part of Alberobello to first explore, is the Rione Monti district, a once residential area, and the oldest part of Alberobello, boasting over a thousand Trulli. Walking through these narrow, winding streets or along Via Monte Nero, you’ll feel transported back to a bygone time.

Some of the most impressive trulli in this area are il Trulli Siamesi, or the Siamese Trulli. These houses are conjoined (hence the name) and are truly beautiful to take in.

Today, the majority of Trulli in Rione Monti are used as shops, restaurants, and cafés, giving you both the opportunity to find a unique souvenir to bring home such as ceramics, traditional lace, and local Puglian olive oil, and to take in a Trullo from the inside.

Traditional Trulli Houses
Exploring Rione Monti

Rione Aia Piccola

For a Trulli experience away from tourists and shops, the small yet UNESCO-recognised neighbourhood, Rione Aia Piccola, offers a glimpse into the daily life of Alberobello’s residents, with its quiet streets lined with impeccably preserved Trulli homes.

While Rione Monti is the commercial side of Alberobello, with Trulli used as shops and tourist lodging, very few homes in Rione Aia Piccola are used to support the tourist infrastructure.

While Rione Aia Piccola may lack the bustling energy of Rione Monti, its serene atmosphere allows you to enjoy a timeless and authentic corner of Alberobello’s Trulli.

Trullo Sovrano

Dating back to the early 1700s, this remarkably large Trullo holds a significant place in Alberobello’s history. Originally serving as the family residence of Cataldo Perta, a prominent and affluent priest, its grand presence reflects the status and prosperity of its former inhabitants.

What sets this Trullo apart from others, is its unique architectural feature of a second level, rarely found in other Trulli homes.

Trullo Sovrano holds status as a National Monument and is proudly listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a testament to the town’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Trullo Sovrano
Trullo Sovrano

Eat Traditional Pugliese Cuisine

Pugliese cuisine, though not as widely celebrated as some of its Italian counterparts, possesses a rich culinary heritage that is worth exploring during your time in Puglia, and specifically in Alberobello.

For a unique dining experience, I suggest making a lunch stop at Trattoria Terra Madre, a traditional trattoria serving Pugliese and Alberobello specialities with locally grown produce, while in an authentic Trullo.

Enjoy dishes like orecchiette pasta with turnip tops, fresh seafood, and local wines that offer a taste of Alberobello.

If you’re travelling on a budget and prefer to sample local street food, head to La Lira Focacceria to grab a classic Alberobello-style sandwich, the “pasqualino.” This focaccia sandwich, first created by Pasquale Dell’Erba in 1966, is stuffed with tuna, capers, salami, and cheese.

If you want to learn more about the cuisine of the region, consider joining a food tour.

Church of Saint Anthony

After lunch, make your way back to Rione Monti to visit the Church Of Saint Anthony, an architectural gem in Alberobello.

As the only Trullo-shaped church in Alberobello, and quite possibly anywhere, the Church of Saint Anthony is a modern-day church dating back to 1926.

Although the church lacks the deep history that other Italian churches offer to visitors, visiting the Church of Saint Anthony for its unique architecture and captivating frescoes is worth the visit in itself.

Church of Saint Anthony
Church of Saint Anthony

Museum of Olive Oil

The Museum of Olive Oil in Alberobello offers a unique journey into the history and significance of this essential ingredient in Puglian cuisine and culture.

Located in a quaint Trullo, the museum is home to various artefacts, tools, and exhibits that showcase the traditional methods of olive oil production, from harvesting to pressing. Here you can learn about the region’s olive-growing heritage and the importance of olive oil in Italian cuisine.

The museum has interactive displays and guided tours, providing hands-on learning into the olive oil-making process in Puglia.

Santa Lucia Viewpoint

Whether you’re wrapping up your day in the afternoon or evening, I highly recommend visiting the Santa Lucia viewpoint. This spot offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the iconic Trulli.

Conveniently situated next to Santa Lucia Church in the Rione Monti district, the viewpoint, also known as the “belvedere,” is just a short climb up a nearby staircase with stunning views, making the perfect end to your day.

Have More Time?

If your itinerary allows for more than one day, you have a couple of excellent options, either spend longer in Alberobello itself or explore further into Puglia.

By staying in Alberobello, you can spend additional time exploring the town’s enchanting Trulli, heading deeper into Alberobello’s rich culture and heritage.

If you’re hoping to explore the surrounding area further, you can venture out on a day trip to one of the nearby towns like Locorotondo or Martina Franca, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences.

Town of Locorotondo
Town of Locorotondo

E-Bike Tour

One of the most exciting and popular ways to discover Alberobello and its surroundings is on an e-bike tour.

There are quite a few options such as this half-day tour that will bring you through the scenic Puglian countryside, enjoying picturesque landscapes past the charming, yet tourist-filled Trulli neighbourhoods.

This eco-friendly option is the perfect way to cover more ground of the area while still experiencing the beauty of the region up close.

Locorotondo

If you’re eager to explore further outside Alberobello, venture to the nearby town of Locorotondo for a laid-back day trip.

Known for its circular layout and whitewashed houses, Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia. While in Locorotondo, wander through its charming streets, visit the historic Chiesa Madre San Giorgio, and enjoy a local lunch at one of the town’s friendly trattorias.

The town’s relaxing atmosphere and stunning views of the Itria Valley make it a perfect addition to an Alberobello itinerary.

Wine Tasting in the Puglia Region

Puglia is famous for its wine production, and a visit to Alberobello offers a great opportunity to explore the local vineyards and wineries. The region is known for producing vibrant red wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro, as well as refreshing white wines.

While in the region, a wine tasting tour to visit some of the local wineries, where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample a variety of wines. Many wineries also offer tours of their vineyards and cellars, providing a deeper insight into the region’s wine culture.

Castellana Grotte

For nature lovers, a day trip to Castellana Grotte, just around a 15-minute drive from Alberobello, is home to some of the most spectacular caves in Italy.

Here you can take part in a guided tour of the Grotte di Castellana, where you have the opportunity to marvel at otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites in underground caverns.

Afterwards, explore the charming town centre and enjoy a traditional Puglian meal.

Castellana Grotte
Castellana Grotte

Where to Stay in Alberobello

Charming Trulli – One of the highlights of spending a night in Alberobello is staying in a historic Trullo, and this hotel is a great option. Featuring fully-furnished trulli, they’re centrally located, air-conditioned and offer free parking and great breakfast.

Romantic Trulli – An upmarket, furnished trulli option, this is great for couples or for those looking for a fancier day, There are several lushly decorated trulli available, an exceptional breakfast and an airport shuttle available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Alberobello hotels!

Easily one of the most charming towns in southern Italy, Alberobello is a must-visit for lovers of architecture, history, cuisine and culture; whether you visit for a quick day trip or as a component of a longer road trip in Puglia.

Are you planning on visiting Alberobello? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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