Last Updated on October 14, 2024
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If you were to look up best places to visit in Puglia Italy, one that would definitely come up would be Alberobello. This small town, located in the Valle d’Itria, is famously known for trulli, small white cottages with conical roofs. You can find trulli scattered all over Itria Valley, but it’s in Alberobello, where you can see literally hundreds of them clustered together. Walking around the streets admiring those unique and adorable houses is one of the best things to do in Alberobello and one that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale.
The unique trulli earned Alberobello not only the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, but also immense popularity. With the popularity of course come the crowds, which can become quite overwhelming in such a small town. Everyday thousands of people arrive, and since there isn’t a ton to do, most of them visit Alberobello as a day trip. In high season, between 10 am and 5 pm, the streets get flooded with visitors, which makes it hard to enjoy it.
Alberobello is beautiful and unique, but without a doubt, very touristy. A lot of the trulli are now souvenir stores, restaurants and guest houses. The small town is on everyone’s Puglia itinerary and overcrowding is an issue. So, is Alberobello worth visiting? If you ask me, it’s a definite yes. As long as you know what to expect and plan your visit at the right time, visiting Alberobello can be an enjoyable experience.
So, if you are looking for best things to do in Alberobello, tips on how to get there, where and how long to stay and most of all, whether the popular town is worth your time in Puglia, this guide is for you.
Where is Alberobello
Alberobello is a small town located in Itria Valley, in the heart of Puglia, which is a region in South-East of Italy. It’s easily reachable from many other Puglia destinations. It’s about 55 km from Bari, 21 km from Monopoli, 32 km from Ostuni and 115 km from Lecce, just to name a few.
How to get to Alberobello
The nearest airport is located in Bari (Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport), which is 65 km away. It takes about one hour by car, if you were to drive straight from the airport.
The best way to get around Puglia is by car and it’s no different when it comes to getting to Alberobello. Whether you want to visit Alberobello as part of a Puglia road trip or a day trip from either Monopoli or Bari, having a car makes it extremely easy. It takes about 20 minutes from Monopoli, 50 minutes from Bari and 40 minutes from Ostuni. The car also gives you flexibility, so you can arrive in Alberobello early before the tour buses and most day trippers show up. Once you get to Alberobello, there are a couple of big parking lots right in town, steps away from the main touristy area. Again, if you arrive early, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a parking spot.
Getting to Alberobello by public transportation is also possible, especially if you are coming from Bari or Monopoli.
From Monopoli
If you’d like to visit Alberobello from Monopoli, there is a bus leaving from Piazza San Antonio 4 times a day. It’s about a 40-minute ride and the bus stops on Via Cavour in Alberobello (this spot), which is about a 5-minute walk to the Trulli area. Buses run from Monday- Saturday (no service on Sundays, so plan accordingly!)
You can buy tickets in the little Travel Agency in the square (this exact spot). Tickets are not timed and you can use them anytime, so I recommend buying a round-trip ticket. However, if you don’t, you can buy your return ticket on the bus in Alberobello.
Be sure to get to the bus stop in Monopoli 20-25 minutes before, especially if you plan on taking the 11 am bus. It’s the most popular time with all the day trippers, so there are a lot of people in line. In high season they often have two buses going at 11 am.
From Bari
If you are based in Bari, you can get to Alberobello by bus or train. Buses are direct and leave from Bari Largo Sorrentino, which is located behind Bari Centrale train station (this spot). There is an underpass you can take to get there. It’s about a one-hour bus ride, and you can buy tickets at Cafe La Brassiere.
The train is another option, but it takes twice as long to get to Alberobello (2 hours) and requires a change in Putignano.
Trulli houses
Trulli (Trullo singular) are unique to Itria Valley in Puglia, and this is the only place in the world where you will find these tiny houses. The whitewashed cottages are circular and were built using limestone entirely without mortar. They have grey, cone-shaped roofs, some of them with various symbols painted on them.
It’s believed, that the first Trulli were built in mid 14th century and were originally used as shelter and to store food. Overtime they became people’s homes.
Trulli were build using the drystone method and this kind of unique construction allowed them to be easily dismantled and later put back together. This was a clever way to avoid paying high property taxes imposed by Kingdom of Naples on new settlements.
Today, Trulli houses are the biggest and pretty much only attraction in the small Puglia town, and most of the things to do in Alberobello revolve around them. As you travel through the region, you’ll be able to see them dotted across the countryside, but Alberobello has the biggest concentration of them. Because of that, in 1996, the town was recognized by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site.
Things to do in Alberobello
Wander the Trulli lined streets
Seeing the unique trulli is what draws most people to Alberobello, so the number one thing to do in town, is to just walk around. You really don’t need to follow any map, just wander up and down the streets and admire the unique architecture. If you love photography, you will love wandering the alleys. A lot of trulli are beautifully decorated with flowers and other props, making the whole area insanely picturesque and a photographer’s dream.
Alberobello has two distinct, trulli filled neighborhoods: Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccoli. Rione Monti is the more touristy part of town and it’s also known as Zona Trulli. Most trulli houses you’ll see there are now souvenir stores, restaurants and hotels. It’s also where you will find some unique buildings like Trullo Siamese, Il Trullo Più Piccolo and Chiesa di Sant’Antonio (more on that below). Rione Monti is where most tourists hang out, so it can get pretty crowded.
Rione Aia Piccoli is the other part of town, filled with less, but still quite a few Trulli. This part is more authentic, residential and not as commercialized. Most of the Trulli there are not souvenir stores, but still people’s homes, for the most part. While most Trulli in both neighborhoods are whitewashed and beautifully kept, here and there you can see some, that are empty and in their natural state.
Rione Monti and Rio Aia Piccoli are really close to each other, but while the first is overrun with tourists, the latter is pretty quiet. You might see some people there, but that’s just a small fraction of the crowds you see in Rione Monti. I found that a little odd how empty it was, given how close those two places are from each other. Seems like majority of visitors gravitate towards the most touristy area of Rione Monti.
Take a walking tour
Even though Alberobello is small and easy to explore on your own, you might enjoy a walking tour with a local. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the town, trulli houses, as well as the current life of people in Alberobello.
This 2-hour Walking Tour covers all the Alberobello attractions and includes plenty of time for photo ops.
Find Trullo Siamese
There are a few Trulli, that stand out among the others and Trullo Siamese is one of them. This is the only one in town with a double joined roof and two entrances.
A legend says, that this unique Trullo was once inhabited by two brothers and was interconnected inside. After a dispute over a woman, that connection was sealed and trullo was divided. So, while it looks like one house from the outside, there are actually two separate houses.
You can find Trullo Siamese in Rione Monti in this exact spot. Google Maps lists another Trullo Siamese in Alberobello, but that’s a guesthouse in the outskirts of town. You want what’s marked as Trullo Siamese Negozio Souvenirs.
Stop at Il trullo più piccolo
Another unique stop while walking around Alberobello is Il Trullo Più Piccolo, which is the Smallest Trullo you find in town. Like many other Trulli, this one is now a souvenir store.
Visit a Row of Painted Trulli
One of the most iconic spots in Alberobello is row of several Trulli joined together. Their roofs have painted symbols, which are usually astrological, religious or primitive symbols of the region. This is one of the best photo spots in Alberobello.
You can find the Painted Trulli on Via Monte Pertica. It’s one of the most popular streets in Alberobello, so go there early if you want to take pictures without any people in them. It’s impossible later in the day.
Visit Parrocchia di Sant’Antonio di Padova
Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (Parrocchia Sant-Antonio di Padova) is one of the most unique churches you’ll see, as it’s the only trullo church in the world. It was built in 1927, when the area was already a National Monument and building modern buildings was forbidden.
The church sits up on a hill, on the edge of Rione Monti neighborhood. It’s just down the street from the row of joined Trulli with painted roofs.
Alberobello Viewpoints
There are a couple of viewpoints in Alberobello, from which you can get a nice view of town and of Trulli conical roofs.
The first one is Belvedere Santa Lucia, the more famous of the two, located right next to the church of the same name. It’s also right next to the stairs, that lead to the main square. You don’t really have to go out of your way to find it, as everyone who visits Alberobello walks by that viewpoint. That’s why it gets really packed around 9-10 am when the day trippers and tour buses start arriving. If you stay in Alberobello overnight, this is a great spot to watch the sunset.
Villa Comunale Belvedere Parco is the other viewpoint, located in a small park, right as you enter Rione Aia Piccolo. I liked that viewpoint much better. Not only was there barely anyone there, but I also found the views to be nicer than those from Belvedere Santa Lucia Belvedere.
To find Villa Comunale Belvedere Parco, walk up Via Brigata Regina from the main square and look for a small gate on your right with a sign.
Enjoy the view from one of the terraces
Some of the Trulli turned souvenir stores have small terraces on top of the building, from which you can get a great panoramic view of the iconic roofs and the area. To get access to it, you need to purchase something in the store. There are several of them in town, look for a sign Terraza Panoramica.
Stop at Basilica Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
Be sure to venture out beyond the main Trulli filled center and visit the beautiful Basilica dedicated to the Saints Medici Cosma and Damiano. It was first built in 1609, but it was transformed in the 19th century into the Neo-classical style church you see today. The Basilica is a nice break from the Trulli architecture and a must see in Alberobello.
You can see the Basilica, especially its bell towers, from many spots in town and it’s just a short walk away from the Trulli filled area. Walk up the stairs, past Belvedere Santa Lucia and cross the Piazza, towards Corso Vittorio Emanuale. The Basilica will be in front of you, you can’t miss it.
Visit Trullo Sovrano
Right around the corner from the Basilica is Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo in Alberobello and the only one with two floors. It was built in 1700’s for a wealthy family and today it’s home to a heritage museum. You can visit it for a small fee and can get a glimpse of what living in a trullo looked like back in the day.
There are several rooms to walk through, a bedroom, living room and kitchen, still with original furnishings.
Trullo Sovrano is open daily from 10 am-1.30 pm and 3.30-7pm. It costs 2 Euro to enter.
Stay in a Trullo
When I decided to visit Alberobello as part of my Puglia trip, I knew I would definitely be staying overnight. One of the reasons was to be able to see the town at night and early in the morning without the crowds. The other reason was to stay in a trullo. It ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Alberobello.
As I already mentioned, many of the Trulli houses have been converted into guest houses and if you decide to stay in one you have plenty of choices. From smaller, cozy places to bigger and quite luxurious ones. They are absolutely beautiful and staying in one is such a unique experience. Highly recommend staying in Alberobello overnight vs just coming for few hours during the day.
I booked a night at II Trullo dei Sogni and it was a great experience. It’s located a very short walk from the main square, on a side street away from the crowds, so it was very quiet. I was traveling solo, and it was perfect for me, but it had two beds, so could easily accommodate a family.
Tips for visiting Alberobello
Arrive early – if you plan on visiting Alberobello as day trip, plan to arrive early in the morning. This is one of the most popular places in Puglia and the town gets pretty crowded during the day. There are not only a lot of day trippers who visit independently, but also many group tours. By 9-9.30 am, you can see more and more people arriving. So, try to be there as early as you can, not only to enjoy the empty streets, but also to avoid the mid-day heat, if you visit in the summer. Early morning and late afternoon light is also best for photography purposes.
Or stay overnight – even better than arriving early is staying in Alberobello overnight. I did that and cannot recommend it enough. For more than one reason. You get a chance to see the town at night, after all the day trippers leave and which looks so beautiful by the way, all lit up. You get to spend a night in a trullo, which is an awesome and unique experience. And finally, you can be up and about early to enjoy the town with very few people out.
Alberobello parking – if you plan to arrive by car, parking in Alberobello shouldn’t be a problem. Especially if you get there early in the day. There are a couple of pretty big parking lots, a short walk from where all the trulli houses are.
Visit Locorotondo – if you arrive in Alberobello early, you can easily fit another town, possibly two into your day. Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Southern Italy, is just 10 minutes away. And 10 minutes away from Locorotondo is Martina Franca, another pretty town worth visiting. If you have a car and get an early start, you can visit all three in one day.
Alberobello Tours
If you don’t plan on renting a car in Puglia and don’t want to deal with public transportation, you can also visit Alberobello with a guided tour. There are many options leaving from Bari, Monopoli, Brindisi or even Lecce. Depending on where you are based. Since you don’t need a full day in Alberobello, they always include other towns like Locorotondo, Ostuni or Matera.
Organized Group Tours are very convenient for those, who don’t want to worry about any logistics or transportation. Just be aware, that if that’s the option you choose, you will be visiting at the busiest time.
Where to stay in Alberobello
If you decide to stay overnight in Alberobello, which is something I highly recommend, you have to stay in a trullo hotel. And there are many to choose from.
II Trullo dei Sogni – a beautiful trullo, a short walk away from the center, meaning it’s very convenient, yet quiet. Clean, nicely furnished and has everything you can possibly need. There are 2 beds and a sofa, so it can easily accommodate a family.
Romantic Trulli – one of the most beautiful places to stay in Alberobello. There are several rooms to choose from and some come with a private outdoor area. There is a nice courtyard, that is beautifully decorated with flowers. Many people stop to take pictures, but the area is closed off for privacy. The rooms are absolutely beautiful, and you are right in the heart of Trulli Zone.
Trullo Giardino Fiorito – adorable trullo with a lovely garden area, where each day breakfast is served. The host gets high praises for amazing hospitality. This is a trullo, that would be perfect for a couple.
Trullo Galileo – spacious trullo, that comes with two beds and can accommodate up to 4 people. Beautiful, well equipped, right in the heart of Alberobello. Comes with free parking.
Is Alberobello worth visiting?
Alberobello is absolutely worth visiting. Even more, I think it’s an essential stop on any Puglia itinerary. You will not see a place like that anywhere else in the world. Yes, it’s very touristy, but it’s also insanely pretty, picturesque and unique.
So yes, if you are in Puglia, visiting Alberobello is a must, but do go with the right expectations. This is not a hidden gem, quite the opposite actually. It’s the best known and most visited town in Puglia. Alberobello is really dreamy and picturesque, but it’s also very commercialized and overrun with tourists these days. While you can’t change the first, with enough planning, you can easily work around the crowds.
If you arrive early in the morning, or stay overnight, your experience of visiting Alberobello will be very different from if you visited mid-day. So don’t let the crowds scare you away, just plan ahead.
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