16 of the Best Things to do in Alberobello, Italy

Looking for the best things to do in Alberobello, Italy? In this post I will introduce 16 of the best things to do in Alberobello, along with a map of the region and general travel advice for Puglia.

I have visited Alberobello several times as a solo traveller. Most of the photos in this post are from my most recent visit in March/April 2023. I have also travelled extensively throughout the Puglia region, so be sure to check out my Puglia posts if you are planning a trip to this region.

Alberobello Introduction

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Alberobello is a town in the southern Italian region of Puglia which is known for its distinctive ‘trulli’ buildings. These are traditional conical limestone dwellings, and the whole trulli area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further reading: Your Ultimate Guide to visiting Alberobello.

Alberobello is segmented into two main zones: Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, which is smaller and quieter. Rione Monti houses over a thousand trulli and has a bit of a touristy atmosphere. Rione Aia Piccola offers an insight into what this city was like pre-tourism boom.

Alberobello also has an abundance of rich cultural heritage, along with amazing cuisine too!

16 Things to do in Alberobello, Puglia

Here are some of my favourite things to do in Alberobello and the surrounding area.

1. Visit the Trulli di Alberobello.

The Trulli di Alberobello UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises 1500 trulli buildings, and dates back to prehistoric times. The trulli buildings are unique limestone structures with conical rooftops. Each building is adorned with a symbol-filled stone tablet that is thought to bring luck and protect the inhabitants.

The trulli houses of Alberobello are unique to the region and are one of the main attractions of the town. The two most picturesque parts of Alberobello to explore are Rione Monti and the Aia Piccola. The Rione Monti is the main tourist part of the town, and is often signposted as Trulli Zone.

You can explore the trulli houses on your own, or you can join a guided tour to learn more about their history and construction. You won’t find these types of houses outside of the Itria Valley, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to see these unique buildings for yourself.

One of my favourite things to do in Alberobello is to wander around with no plan, and just take it all in. The winding streets and alleys are beautiful, and there is always something interesting waiting around the next corner!

There are hotels in this area, or you can also stay in a Trulli – I stayed in this one. You can read about my experience staying a trulli here (with photos).

Click here to see all Trulli accommodation rates on Booking.com.

2. Enjoy panoramic views from Monti D’Alberobello.

Monti D’Alberobello refers to the stunning viewpoints located at the top of the hill at Rione Monti. On a clear day you can see for miles and the view is breathtaking.

You can also get great views from Belvedere Santa Lucia in the Northern and more authentic part of town, along with the various rooftops dotted about the Rione Monti quarter (see Terrazza Panoramica below).

3. The basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian.

Puglia is filled with original baroque architecture, and one example is the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Alberobello. This is a beautiful Roman Catholic church that dates back to the 16th century. It features an impressive façade, with a large arch opening at its entrance.

The interior of the basilica boasts many stunning works of art and sculptures, including frescoes depicting stories from the lives of Saints Cosmas and Damian. The church also contains two altars dedicated to these two saints – one on either side of the nave – as well as other shrines honouring other patron saints.

This is one of the best things to do in Alberobello if you are interested in religious buildings. There is another church too – the church of St Anthony – which is a trulli style church.

(In case you’re wondering, I propped my phone up on a windowsill to take the photo on the left!)

4. Enjoy local cuisine.

The cuisine of Puglia is renowned for its fresh ingredients and delicious flavours. When you’re in Alberobello, be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as orecchiette, a type of pasta made with durum wheat and the region’s famous olive oil.

You can find the local grandmothers sitting out in the streets making the orecchiette (or ‘little ears’) at tables. The best place to see these ‘pasta streets’ is Bari, about an hour from Alberobello.

If you like street food tours, try to book this food tour if you can. It looks great but it was fully booked when I visited.

You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the best bread in the world here, including traditional focaccia and Pane di Altamura. The region is also known for its wines, so be sure to sample some of the local varieties while you’re in town.

If you love cheese, you can’t miss the local speciality burrata cheese. Mine below was infused with truffle, and it was delicious. The restaurant was Paco Wines and I highly recommend it.

15 Best Alberobello Restaurants, Cafes, Pizzerias, Bakeries, Dairies and Wine Bars.

5. Take in the view from a terrazza panoramica.

Throughout Alberobello you will see little souvenir shops and cafes with the sign ‘Terrazza Panoramica’ outside. This means there is a rooftop you can go up to and get amazing views.

Most of these places require you to buy something in the shop before you can go up to the rooftop.

6. Hike or cycle the Itria Valley.

The Itria Valley is one of the most picturesque areas of Puglia, with its rolling hills, quaint villages, and olive groves. You can explore this area on foot or by bike, and you can also join a guided tour to learn more about the region.

The Itria Valley is a great destination for hikers and cyclists. With its winding roads and spectacular scenery, it offers a range of routes ideally suited for different cycling levels – from short and leisurely rides to more challenging climbs.

One popular ride takes you through some of the UNESCO-listed Trulli villages. Along the way, you can stop off at local wineries, olive oil presses or shops selling homemade produce such as cheese, salami, and bread. You can collect a bike or ebike with a GPS, and just take to the valley at your own pace.

There are also hot-air balloon tours which take you high above the Itria Valley. You’ll need to be an early riser if you’d like to try one of these tours; most flights begin at 6am.

7. Visit the museum of rural culture.

The museum of rural culture is an interesting museum that showcases the history and culture of the region. The museum houses a collection of artefacts from the area, from ancient tools to traditional costumes, as well as a selection of traditional crafts. All of the furnishings found here are originally from the 19th century and offer a unique glimpse of what life was like back then.

Discover local handicrafts at the Trullo Sovrano museum, and admire traditional artefacts from Apulian culture such as pottery, textiles and carpets, as well as trulli models.

Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.

8. Shop for souvenirs.

Souvenir shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Alberobello.

Souvenirs in Alberobello include locally made trulli models, ceramic items, jewellery and much more. The town centre has plenty of little shops you can explore to find the perfect reminder of your visit to Alberobello.

You’ll also find authentic local products like wine, olive oil and honey.

If you’re looking for something truly unique, be sure to check out the craft markets held in the squares around town from April until October each year. Here you’ll find handmade wooden objects, artworks and other traditional handicrafts that make great gifts for family and friends back home.

If you run out of time for shopping, or you can’t fit any gifts in your hand luggage, fear not! There are a surprising amount of Trulli souvenirs on Amazon, including fridge magnets, keyrings and t-shirts.

These would also make great gifts for when you want to surprise someone with a special trip to Puglia.

9. Shop for Italian fashion.

Everyone knows Italian fashion is up there amongst the best fashion in the world. I met a woman in Puglia who had packed an extra bag in her suitcase, with the intention of filling it with new Italian clothes and shoes to take home!

There are lots of fashion shops in Alberobello and the surrounding region. The handbags and accessories are always particularly beautiful.

10. Olive oil tasting and olive picking.

Alberobello has some of the best olive oil in Italy and is a great place to learn about the production process. Visit an olive grove to pick olives straight from the trees, then sample some of the freshest olive oils available.

The locals will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect bottle of oil for your taste. You’ll get a real insight into how Italian olive oil is made and why it’s so special.

I recommend a guided tour of the active olive oil factory at Oleificio Salamida, where you can see how they traditionally make olive oil. At the end of the tour you can pick up a bottle of top-quality olive oil to take home.

11. Relax at the beach.

The Puglia region is blessed with some wonderful beaches. The most popular beach in Alberobello is Valle d’Itria Beach, located on the Adriatic Sea. It’s a great spot to relax and unwind, with plenty of amenities including umbrellas and lounge chairs.

You can also take part in various water sports such as waterskiing and windsurfing.

Other nearby beaches include La Selva Beach and San Vito Beach, both popular spots for sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, you can check out some of the smaller coves that dot the coastline, including the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. This is a truly beautiful place to visit, and it’s particularly worthwhile if you like snorkelling or birdwatching as there are plenty of unique birds to spot here.

Suggested beach reading: 10 excellent books and novels set in Puglia.

12. Explore the old town.

The ‘old town’ refers to the Rione Aia Piccola area. Considered one of the most timeless and picturesque areas in Alberobello, Rione Aia Piccola translates to “Small Yard District.”

Containing around 400 trulli over eight streets, this district offers an idyllic atmosphere of small alleys with a majority being private residences. There are far fewer shops and tourist establishments compared to its more popular neighbour, the Rione Monti quarter. This is one of the best things to do in Alberobello if you want to avoid tourists.

Taking some time out of your travels to simply explore these winding, cobbled streets is a fantastic experience. Don’t forget to stop off at one of the many cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat.

The best approach to exploring the old town is to go in with no plan at all. The winding streets will take you on a truly magical journey, where you’ll explore the trulli houses at your own pace. If you want to learn more about this area, there are also guided tours available.

13. Head to Locorotondo.

Locorotondo is a small town just outside of Alberobello Italy, and it’s well worth a visit.

This picturesque town is known for its white-washed houses and winding streets. You can soak up the quintessential Italian vibes of this region throughout the day, with the odd stop-off to get a drink or two.

Another worthwhile town nearby is Martina Franca, which is a short train ride (Martina Franca has a stop on the Locorotondo line, so you could do both in one day).

You can read about both of these towns in my guide to the towns of Puglia.

It is also very easy to visit both towns as a road trip, or as part of a guided tour, or even cycle along the Itria Valley between the two towns.

Further reading: 14 Beautiful Towns in Puglia, Italy.

14. Take a Cooking Class.

Puglia is known for its delicious cuisine, and a cooking class is an ideal way to learn more about the region’s culinary traditions. Local chefs often host classes that focus on the traditional dishes of the region, such as the Cesarina tradition, which is based on the recipes of local grandmothers.

Local experts, called ‘Cesarine’, offer an authentic and in-depth experience as you learn to prepare classic dishes like orecchiette alla barese, friselle pugliesi, and much more.

As part of your culinary journey through Puglia, you’ll visit some of the region’s best food markets to pick out fresh ingredients for your recipes. You’ll then head back to your Cesarina’s kitchen where they will lead you step by step through preparing delicious dishes that have been passed down through generations of families living in this unique corner of Italy.

If you’re looking to treat a foodie, this Puglia Cookery Book would be a great accompaniment to a Puglia food tour.

15. Visit the Church of St. Anthony.

The Church of Saint Anthony (or Parrocchia Sant’Antonio da Padova) is a one-of-a-kind Italian trullo church. It is one of the most famous trulli in Alberobello.

Constructed within fourteen months under the guidance of Don Antonio Lippolis, to counterbalance the abrupt increase in Protestantism, this large trullo was designed by engineer Signorile Bianchi and master De Leonardis, before its grand opening on June 13th 1927.

16. Go Wine Tasting.

Spend an afternoon tasting some of the region’s finest wines at one of Alberobello’s wineries. The best place to go wine tasting in Alberobello is the Masseria Torricella. The vineyards are located just outside of town, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to the fantastic wines available for tasting, guests can also enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by an Italian cheese platter on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.

Other popular wineries in Puglia include Masseria Cappuccitti and Cantina Fiorillo, both of which offer delicious wines as well as tours and tastings.

If you arrive home and wish you had brought some wine back from Puglia, you can still buy authentic Pugliese wine on Amazon here.

Further reading: Guide to wine in Puglia + best wineries in Puglia.

Where to stay in Alberobello

There is a wide selection of trulli hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs available for those wanting to experience this unique destination.

Here are my recommendations:

• Gatto Bianco Case d’Allora: Charming and traditional private trulli situated within 5 minutes walk of the heart of Alberobello. I stayed here in April 2023 – see my review and photos. Check prices here.

• Trulli Nuova Aia Resort: aparthotel in Alberobello with terrace or balcony and a swimming pool. Rated exceptional on Booking.com. Check prices here.

• Trulli e Puglia Luxury Suite: ecxeptional trullo property with a hot tub! Check prices here.

• Trulli Terra Viva: huge amazing 5 star villa with swimming pool for a large family, sleeps 14. Rarely have I ever seen a 10/10 rating on Booking.com before! This would be perfect for a large family, check prices here.

There are lots of different types of properties to choose from. You can check the current prices and availability for all properties in Alberobello on Booking.com here.

You can also use this map to see where accommodation by location:

Booking.com

FAQs about Alberobello

Is Alberobello worth a visit?

Absolutely! Alberobello is a must-see destination in southern Italy, and it’s a great place to visit for its unique architecture, delicious food, and friendly locals. The trulli homes are especially impressive, with their conical shape and white limestone walls. You can tour the town and admire the trulli from close up or take an aerial view atop one of the hills. There are also plenty of interesting museums to explore such as the trulli museum or the Pezze di Greco Museum which documents local history.

Further reading: Your Ultimate Guide to visiting Alberobello.

The food in Alberobello is also excellent and there are many wonderful restaurants to choose from where you can sample traditional dishes from Puglia.

How much time do you need in Alberobello?

Alberobello is a small town, so you don’t need an extended visit. You can see much of what this UNESCO-listed town has to offer in a few hours, or a half day trip. A walking tour could include visits to some of the local trulli homes and churches, as well as taking in views from one of the two public parks.

If you have more time, there are plenty of restaurants, shops and wineries where you can enjoy further experiences that Alberobello has to offer. In fact for such a small town, there are a lot of things to do in Alberobello. I recommend two days if you have the time, for a more leisurely experience (that would give you more time to try out the local restaurant scene too).

What is Alberobello famous for?

Alberobello is most famously known for its unique trulli houses. Trulli are traditional limestone dwellings with a conical roof that were built in the 15th century by local farmers. These homes have become a symbol of Puglia and can be found throughout the city, some of which date back to the 1600s. There are over 1,000 trulli houses in Alberobello, making it one of Italy’s most popular destinations for tourists. The town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 due to its historical significance as a trulli settlement.

15 Best Alberobello Restaurants, Cafes, Pizzerias, Bakeries, Dairies and Wine Bars.

Can you stay in a Trulli?

Yes, you can stay in a Trullo when visiting Alberobello. (‘Trulli’ is the plural of ‘trullo’). I stayed in this one and it was lovely. You can check prices of all Trulli accommodation on Booking.com here.

Trulli homes usually come equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, and fully-equipped kitchens. Plus, many of them also boast stunning views of the countryside or nearby towns. Read my trulli review here.

Is Alberobello touristy?

Alberobello can be quite touristy, depending on the time of your visit. There are crowds of tourists and bus loads arriving each day – but they don’t stay long, usually about 1.5 hours. I recommend visiting before or after the high season. It is also a good idea to try to visit early in the morning, or late afternoon after the crowds have left.

Don’t let the tourism put you off – Alberobello really is beautiful and you won’t want to miss it.

Related reading: The Best Time to Visit Alberobello.

Map of Alberobello

The Google map below shows all of the things to do in Alberobello, Puglia as listed in this post. Click the blue icons to see more information about each place, or click the star to add to your own Google Maps. 

Further reading: How to Get to Alberobello by Plane, Train, Bus and Car.

Travel advice for your trip to Puglia

For more in depth travel advice for your trip to the Puglia region of Italy, please see my main Puglia Travel Guide. This guide contains information on things like currency, weather, best time to visit Puglia, tourist seasons, safety and general travel advice for the region.

It also contains a list of every Puglia post I have published, all in one place.

Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.

Climate and tourist seasons in Puglia

Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Tourist season peaks in summer, while spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The longest beach season lasts from May to September, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F) and nighttime temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F).

Winters are mild, ranging from 7-14°C (45-57°F), and snow is rare but possible in higher areas. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with autumn experiencing the heaviest precipitation. Many hotels in Puglia close during the winter months (November to February), and rates may be higher due to limited availability, so it’s best to check with individual hotels for winter hours of operation.

Getting around in Puglia

Puglia offers great opportunities for exploration by car, which is the preferred choice for many tourists. Renting a car from Discover Cars at Bari airport allows you to easily navigate the region and visit multiple destinations in a day. See my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia, Italy for more advice.

Further reading: Hazel’s Guide to Driving in Puglia, Italy.

Alternatively, train travel provides an affordable option, although it may not be as accessible as driving. The main railway connects major towns in Puglia, while buses offer regular services between cities and towns.

Boat trips along the picturesque coastline, visiting charming fishing villages and impressive harbor towns like Gallipoli and Otranto, offer an even more scenic experience.

Further reading: 14 Beautiful Towns in Puglia, Italy.

Currency in Italy

Currency in Italy is the Euro (€ EUR), available in both paper notes and coins. Coins range from 5 cents to 500 euros. Credit cards are widely used. Italy has ATMs called ‘Bancomat,’ similar to those in the UK or USA, providing convenient cash access. Cash is generally preferred, although some places accept card payments. Banks operate from 08:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.

• Reserve your Puglia Hotel early, before they sell out.
• Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
• There are many Puglia tours you can book (no payment required up front).
• This is the best quick-dry sand-repellent beach towel.
• Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
• Going hiking? These are the best hiking socks.
• If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
• Need something to read on the beach? 10 Books and novels set in Puglia.

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Related reading for Puglia, Italy.

Thank you for reading my guide to 16 things to do in Alberobello, Italy. I hope it has helped you plan your trip to the Puglia region. Feel free to leave your comments and feedback below.

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Tags: Alberobello, Apulia, Europe, Italy, Itria Valley, Puglia, Trulli