Trulli Magic: Exploring the Charm of Alberobello
If you’re dreaming of a totally unique slice of southern Italy that feels straight out of a fairytale, then Alberobello should be at the top of your list when visiting the gorgeous Puglia region. Nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is world-famous for its charming cone-roofed trulli houses. There are plenty of fascinating things to do in Alberobello that will make your visit unforgettable whether you’re choosing to base yourself in the town for a few days or visit on a day trip from a nearby Puglian village and this guide will show you how to make the most of your time in beautiful Alberobello.
Why is Alberobello worth visiting?
Alberobello is one of the most unique destinations in the world as the only place on the planet where you’ll find an entire village of whitewashed, conical roofed trulli houses. They’re centuries old and remain lived in by townsfolk – you can even find some that will house tourists for a very different accommodation experience. It is no doubt one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, if not the world.
The trulli of Alberobello date back as early as the 14th century where the local rulers preferenced dry stone building instead of mortar as a way to evade property taxes from the Kingdom of Naples – the buildings could be easily dismantled if tax inspectors came sniffing around!
Because of its incomparable architecture, Alberobello is on the UNESCO World Heritage register and it truly feels like you’re walking through history when you arrive in the town. The village is super photogenic, so if you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot then you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap it here.
How to get to Alberobello
Alberobello is located in the Puglia region of Italy inland from the rocky coastal beaches. There is a train station located in the town and regular bus services, so connections to other Puglian villages such as Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Martina Franca or Bari are straightforward. If you choose, like I did, to base yourself in charming Monopoli, then a simple one hour bus ride is the quickest way to day trip your way into the Itria Valley to see the wonderfully unique world of the trulli houses.
Puglia is serviced by two main airports – Bari and Brindisi – with Bari being the closest to Alberobello. From Bari Airport, take the train to Bari Centrale and from there you can either continue by train (longer and usually requires a transfer) or hop on the bus Martina Franca – Viale Europa for just over an hour to reach Alberobello.
Alternatively, if you’re game enough to tackle the Italian roads, hiring a car might be a great idea so that you can explore Alberobello and Puglia at your leisure. This option is also great for family travellers ensuring that the kids and luggage is all manageable and kept in the one spot. Most car companies will also hire out child car seats if your kids are young enough to need one.
Not game to drive yourself but would like the convenience of a car? Your final option is to hire a private driver for the day. This is the option we took as we had our then 11 month old daughter in tow and it meant she could snooze in the car in between stops. Not a cheap option, but very convenient!
Where to stay in Alberobello
While it is totally doable to visit Alberobello on a day trip, you may also decide to travel at a slower pace and spend a few days here. For a luxurious trulli themed stay then consider Le Alcove, a series of trulli huts in the heart of the town. Alternatively, the Trulli e Puglia Resort is another great trulli-stay experience with a slightly more homey vibe and kitchenette – very handy for anyone with kids!
Things to do in Alberobello
Explore the trulli lined streets of Rione Monti
Rione Monti is the main trulli district of Alberobello and all buildings must align to the trulli architectural style in this part of town. Located on a sloping hill, this area features over 1000 trulli houses and is a joy to wander through at your leisure. The area is also full of lovely artisan shops, dining spots, piazzas and gelaterias to keep you cool on a hot day. Key streets to make sure you explore are:
- Monte San Michele
- Monte Nero
- Monte Pertica
- Monte Pasubio
Visit living history at Trullo Sovrano
The significance of Trullo Sovrano is twofold in Alberobello. It is the area’s only double story trulli and is one of the earliest trulli to incorporate mortar into the construction, departing from the traditional dry build requirements.
Visitors can wander through Trullo Sovrano and see the house set up with a kitchen, living room, bakery and bedroom, imagining what life must have been like in the 17th century when the building was first constructed.
Trullo Sovrano is open year round, but usually morning entries run from around 10am – 12.30pm and then an afternoon session from 3.30pm – 6pm. Entry costs around 2.50 euros.
Stop in at the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian
This looming 19th century cathedral is Alberobello’s main parish and is usually engulfed in a flurry of activity. On the day of our visit, there was a festival taking place, the Festa dei Santi Medici which centred around the Basilica and drew huge crowds.
The cathedral’s twin bell towers are easily recognisable and are markedly different in style to the trulli-like Church of St Anthony. The cathedral is free to enter and contains relics such as the remains of the town’s patron Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Visit the Trullo-styled Church of Saint Anthony
A totally different architectural style to the much grander Basilica, the Church of Saint Anthony is curiously design in the style of the trulli house.
Built in 1927, this more contemporary church aligns to the Rione Monti district’s building requirements, featuring all the trademark whitewashed conical embellishments of the region. The most impressive interior feature of the church is the lovely rose window which sits above the entrance.
Explore the less touristy trulli houses at Rione Aia Piccola
Whilst there are plenty of trulli to be seen everywhere in Alberobello, the less touristy area to explore is the smaller section of the town at Rione Aia Piccola. There are over 400 trulli houses here and most of them remain lived in by locals, giving this part of town a really authentic, village like feel.
It’s less commercial and usually more peaceful than Rione Monti, though I’d definitely recommend exploring both areas as they’re equally as pretty. Key streets to explore here are Guiseppe Verdi and Duca degli Abruzzi.
Take in the view from Belvedere Santa Lucia
For incredible views of the town, the view from Belvedere Santa Lucia must be taken in. This perfect viewpoint offers a panoramic view where the vast expanse of trulli houses is on full display with conical rooftops on show for miles. Access the lookout area via Indipendenza or stairs from Piazza del Popolo.
In summary:
Alberobello, a charming town in southern Italy’s Puglia region, is a must-visit for its unique and picturesque trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These historic dwellings create a fairytale-like atmosphere that sets Alberobello apart from any other destination.
It’s also an ideal spot for family travel, especially with young kids, who will love exploring the whimsical trulli houses that look like they belong in a storybook. The town’s pedestrian-friendly streets, relaxed pace, and welcoming locals make it easy and enjoyable for families to navigate.
Visitors can stroll through the narrow, winding lanes of the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, explore trulli museums, and enjoy delicious local cuisine in cozy restaurants housed inside these ancient structures. With its rich cultural heritage, safe and scenic environment, and family-friendly charm, Alberobello offers a magical travel experience for all ages.
FAQs
Is Alberobello kid friendly?
Like everywhere in Italy, Alberobello felt really family and kid friendly. The streets are easy to maneuvre a pram and though it is a hilly area, we were able to manage with our eleven month old without an issue. Getting to Alberobello is perhaps the most challenging thing when you have young kids, so planning ahead with transport is the most important task for families.
Is Alberobello expensive?
Alberobello is less expensive than some of the more popular areas of Italy, though in the main tourist centre prices can be much higher. For moderate travellers, budget around 70 – 100 euros per day (including accommodation) per person. You can get meals cheaply, there are plenty of bakeries and markets too which make it easy to get cost-effective snacks.
How much time do I need in Alberobello?
Alberobello can be visited on a day trip or half day trip depending on the pace you explore at. A day trip to Alberobello is enough to see the sights, but for those wanting to really soak in the unique surroundings, I’d definitely recommend an overnight stay – perhaps in a trulli house!
When is the best time to visit Alberobello?
Shoulder season is best – ideally between April and May or September to October where the weather is a little cooler. Italy seems to be packed with tourists year round now, so it may not be any quieter, but at least the sun won’t be as unforgiving in the shoulder seasons.
Where else should I visit in Puglia?
Puglia is a huge area, so there’s ample destinations to choose from. I loved the charming coastal towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare and also really enjoyed the Baroque beauty of Lecce, one of the area’s major cities. If you’re able to venture further afield then Gallipoli and even Matera are often on traveller’s bucket lists.
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