This UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its iconic trulli, delicious cuisine and warm southern charm. But what exactly should you see and do in Alberobello? How do you get there, and what can you expect when you visit? Here is everything you need to know to plan your trip and explore this enchanting corner of Puglia and its beautiful surroundings.
- What to see in Alberobello in one day
- How long do you need to visit Alberobello?
- What to do in Alberobello in the evening
- Visiting Alberobello with children
- The history of the trulli of Alberobello
- Where to eat in Alberobello
- How to get to Alberobello and where to park
- What to do near Alberobello
- Living in Alberobello
What to see in Alberobello in one day
The historic centre of Alberobello is an open-air museum, where trulli are not only homes but also house shops, restaurants, and small museums. The town also boasts beautiful churches and panoramic viewpoints. If you’re planning to visit Alberobello in a day, don’t miss these highlights:
- Rione Monti: The most famous district, with over a thousand trulli, charming narrow streets and artisan workshops.
- Rione Aia Piccola: A quieter, more authentic area, ideal for a stroll away from the crowds.
- Trullo Sovrano: The only two-storey trullo you can visit, now a museum showcasing the history and traditions of the town.
- Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian: An impressive neoclassical church located in the town centre.
- Casa Pezzolla: This house hosts the town’s museum, dedicated to local culture and heritage.
- Santa Lucia Viewpoint: Located in Rione Aia Piccola, this spot offers a beautiful view over the trulli rooftops.
- Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova: Unique in the world for being built in the shape of a trullo, situated in Rione Monti.
How long do you need to visit Alberobello?
A full day is enough to explore Alberobello at a relaxed pace. In around 5–6 hours, you can wander through the main historic districts, visit key museums, and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
If you wish to join guided tours or experiences such as food tastings or artisan workshops, consider staying overnight. However, if you only have half a day, you can still see the main sights comfortably.
What to do in Alberobello in the evening
After sunset, enjoy an aperitivo before dining in one of the restaurants inside the trulli, where you can savour Puglian specialities such as orecchiette, bombette and local wines. During the summer months, the historic centre often hosts cultural events, craft markets and live performances in the main squares, adding to the town’s lively atmosphere.
Visiting Alberobello with children
If you’re travelling with children, many artisan shops offer creative workshops where little ones can learn to shape local stone or create small souvenirs.
The Trullo Sovrano and Casa Pezzolla also feature interactive exhibits suitable for younger visitors. During the warmer months, you can also reach the beautiful Adriatic coast with a short drive.
The history of the trulli of Alberobello
The trulli have become the symbol of Alberobello, but how did these unique structures come to be? Their origins date back to the 16th century when the area was under the control of the Counts of Conversano. To avoid paying taxes to the Kingdom of Naples on new constructions, farmers were required to build easily dismantled houses. This led to the creation of the trulli, built without mortar and characterised by their dry-stone structure.
Architecturally, the distinctive domes with pinnacles, often decorated with magical or religious symbols, were believed to protect residents and bring good fortune. In 1996, the trulli of Alberobello were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their historical and cultural significance.
Alberobello trulli houses for sale
Where to eat in Alberobello
Alberobello offers a wide range of dining options where you can savour traditional Puglian cuisine in a unique setting, often inside the town’s iconic trulli.
For a memorable experience, consider booking a table at one of the trulli restaurants, where you can enjoy dishes like handmade orecchiette with turnip tops, grilled bombette (small pork rolls), local cheeses and cured meats, paired with excellent wines from the Valle d’Itria.
If you’re looking for a casual lunch, you’ll find plenty of small trattorias and bakeries serving focaccia, panzerotti and local street food that you can enjoy while strolling through the historic streets. For a romantic dinner, many restaurants in Rione Monti and near the town centre offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine under the stars surrounded by the trulli’s magical atmosphere.
Don’t miss trying local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro, and finish your meal with a taste of the region’s almond-based desserts or gelato made with fresh Puglian ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a long, relaxed dinner, dining in Alberobello is an essential part of experiencing the warmth and flavours of Puglia.
How to get to Alberobello and where to park
Alberobello is located in the heart of the Itria Valley and is easily accessible from major Puglian cities and the coast.
- By car: Alberobello is around 55 km from Bari and 80 km from Brindisi, both of which have international airports. From the A14 motorway (Bologna–Taranto), exit at Gioia del Colle and follow signs for Putignano, then Alberobello. The historic centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so you will need to park in peripheral car parks or along the main roads leading to the trulli districts.
- By public transport: Alberobello’s railway station is served by Ferrovie Sud Est (FSE) with regional trains from Bari Centrale, taking around one hour. From the station, the historic centre is an easy 10-minute walk. Alternatively, several bus lines connect Alberobello with Bari, Taranto, Martina Franca and Locorotondo.
What to do near Alberobello
This part of Puglia is truly enchanting, offering a variety of historic towns, artistic cities and stunning beaches. After exploring Alberobello, consider visiting:
- Bari: About 55 km away, Bari is easily reachable by car or train. Don’t miss the historic centre with the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Swabian Castle and the lively seafront. Bari is also known for its handmade orecchiette and vibrant markets.
- Polignano a Mare: Less than 30 km away, this gem of the Adriatic is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed historic centre and sea caves.
- Locorotondo: One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, famous for its circular old town, flower-filled lanes and white houses.
- Martina Franca: Known for its elegant baroque architecture and historic palaces, it also hosts the renowned Festival della Valle d’Itria.
- Castellana Grotte: About 15 km from Alberobello, these spectacular limestone caves are among Italy’s most fascinating underground sites.
- Monopoli: A coastal town with a picturesque harbour, beautiful beaches and a historic centre filled with churches and ancient buildings.
Living in Alberobello
Living in Alberobello means experiencing a truly unique environment, not just a tourist destination known for its trulli, but also a peaceful, well-serviced place for daily life.
Practically speaking, Alberobello offers all essential services, including schools, pharmacies, supermarkets and healthcare facilities, while the many restaurants and cafés provide excellent leisure options. Discover the latest homes for sale or rent in Alberobello on idealista and find the property that suits you: