Looking for an ultimate guide to help you plan your visit to Alberobello, Puglia? You’ve come to the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning your visit to Alberobello, including hints, tips and insider information.

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.

collage of things to do in Alberobello Puglia

This guide contains information on planning your trip to Alberobello Puglia, weather and seasons, where to stay, what to do in Alberobello, the history of the town, things to be aware of, and more.

You can use the above links to skip to specific sections, or use the table of contents below.

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In a hurry? Here are some quick Alberobello links.

Alberobello introduction.

Located in southern Italy, Alberobello is a unique destination with its distinct architecture and historical significance. The town is famous for its trulli, beautiful buildings with conical rooftops that are unique to the region. See my stay in a trulli here.

a row of thatched roof houses on a street.
Trulli in Alberobello

History of Alberobello.

The town of Alberobello, located in the Apulia region of Italy, has a rich history and culture that dates back to the early 16th century. During this time, the Acquaviva family were in charge (see FAQs below for more information on the Acquaviva family).

Farmers and peasants living in the area began constructing ‘trulli’ stone huts with conical roofs as dwellings. Some believe these homes were constructed as a form of tax avoidance – a way for citizens to avoid paying taxes on their land by building homes that could be easily dismantled if needed.

In later years, Alberobello became known as one of Italy’s most important centres for weaving and pottery making. Many people travelled from other parts of the country to purchase goods made here. By the 17th century, Alberobello had become the economic hub of the region, and the town quickly grew in size.

a motorcycle parked in front of a building.
a courtyard with potted plants and stone buildings.

During World War II, Alberobello became a critical strategic position to both Allied forces and Italian resistance fighters. The presence of both sides in the area led to skirmishes between them, which left many buildings destroyed. After the war ended, locals worked hard to restore their beloved hometown and it was finally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. To this day, traditional trulli dwellings are still very much present throughout the city—a reminder of Alberobello’s long and storied past.

Getting to Alberobello.

Alberobello is easily accessible by car or public transport from most major cities in Europe. The nearest airport to Alberobello is Bari Airport (BRI), which has direct flights from a number of cities in Europe, including Rome, Milan, London and Paris. Brindisi airport is also nearby.

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

From Bari Airport it’s possible to take a bus or taxi directly into Alberobello. Alternatively you can take the train from Bari Centrale station with regular services running throughout the day.

For those travelling within Italy, trains run regularly between Rome Termini station and Lecce Station with stops at various towns along the way including Alberobello. These services usually take around 5 hours so bear this in mind when planning your journey.

If you prefer travelling by car then make sure you check out Puglia rental options before arriving. Driving yourself will give you more flexibility when exploring the area around Alberobello, giving you access to all of the towns of Puglia. You can pick up a car from Discover Cars at Bari airport and then explore the region from there.

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

a bicycle with a bunch of flowers on it.

Weather in Alberobello.

Alberobello Puglia is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F).

The climate in Alberobello is Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures generally range from 20-30°C (68-86°F) with cooler nights of 15-20°C (59-68°F), and there may be occasional thunderstorms in July and August. Rainfall is quite low throughout the year but there are occasional thunderstorms in July and August.

The winter months tend to be much cooler than the summertime with average highs of 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) during December through February. Snowfall does occur occasionally but it rarely accumulates on the ground as temperatures usually rise above freezing within a few hours of snowfall. Precipitation levels drop significantly during this time of year so you may want to bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case.

a large group of white buildings in Alberobello Puglia with trees in the background.

If you’re visiting Alberobello between March and May, or September and November, you’ll find that weather conditions are generally pleasant with highs hovering around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). These shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures without too much humidity which makes them ideal times for sightseeing outdoors. However, be sure to pack layers since evenings can get chilly.

Overall, Alberobello enjoys a mild climate all year round making it an ideal destination no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

Related reading: The Best Time to Visit Alberobello.

Things to do in Alberobello Puglia.

From sightseeing to shopping and dining, there are plenty of activities and things to do while in Alberobello.

Sightseeing in Alberobello.

A must-do activity when visiting Alberobello is sightseeing in the two main neighbourhoods: the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola district. Both are recognised for their unique trulli buildings, which are conical stone dwellings dating back to medieval times that were originally used as temporary dwellings for shepherds. The town’s historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The Rione Monti is the older of the two neighbourhoods and contains many well-preserved trulli houses from the 16th century. It is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. In contrast, Aia Piccola has fewer trulli houses but features several churches, museums, and other attractions.

Exploring the area independently or with a guided walking tour is an excellent way to discover Alberobello’s unique trulli structures and its rich history. Make sure you bring your cameron because there are photo opportunities everywhere you look.

Further reading: 16 Amazing Things to do in Alberobello.

Shopping in Alberobello.

There are many souvenir shops and art shops scattered throughout Alberobello, where visitors can pick up trinkets such as handmade ceramics and local delicacies like taralli (a type of savoury pretzel/biscuit).

Many shops have a ‘Terrazza Panoramica’ which is a rooftop terrace where you can get amazing views of the town from above. Usually you are required to buy something from the shop before you can go upstairs to the terrace. Some shops also have bars, so you enjoy a drink on the rooftop.

a woman wearing sunglasses standing in front of a building.
Alberobello rooftop terrace

Dining in Alberobello.

When it comes to dinner time, travellers should definitely try some of the delicious food that Alberobello has to offer. You could try a food tour, a cooking class or visit one of the many wonderful restaurants. You might be surprised to learn that Alberobello has four Michelin Star restaurants!

Popular local dishes include orecchiette pasta with turnip greens (orecchiette e cime di rapa) and stuffed mussels (cozze ripiene). For dessert, you can sample some of the traditional sweets like almond paste cookies or ricotta cake.

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

a bowl of food sitting on top of a table.
Pugliese orecchiette pasta in L’Aratro Restaurant
a plate of meat and a bowl of yogurt.
Pugliese burrata cheese and parma ham

No matter what type of traveller you are – from solo adventurers seeking culture and history, couples looking for romance or families wanting fun activities – Alberobello should cater for all.

There are lots more things to do in Alberobello, such as wine tasting, olive picking, bicycle tours and visiting various churches and museums. The Trullo Sovrano museum and the church of Saint Anthony are two popular favourites.

Further reading: 78 Delicious Dishes from Puglia, South Italy.

Things to be aware of when visiting Alberobello

There are a few things you need to know before your first visit to Alberobello.

1. It is steep and slippery.

The ground is paved with stone slabs which are shiny and slippery, and to make it worse, Alberobello is hilly! When exploring Rione Monti you will find yourself going up and down hills (some with steps cut into them, and some without). When you are coming down, you will find it difficult to retain your footing unless you wear comfortable shoes with a rubber grip.

Be extra vigilant if it rains, as the stones are treacherous to walk on when wet.

2. White surfaces are very reflective.

The first time I visited Alberobello, I was shocked by how bright everything was. When the walls and floors are all white, the sun is reflected off every surface and into your eyes. My eyes are sensitive and I found it uncomfortable at certain times of day without sunglasses.

These are the sunglasses I am wearing in my photo above, and I use these sunglasses organisers to keep them safe in my luggage.

3. Alberobello can be very touristy.

I’ve said it before, but you need to give consideration to the timing of your visit. Alberobello can be extremely crowded in peak season, and between the hours of 10:00 and 13:00 even in the off-season. Coach trips usually arrive at about 10:00 each day for a few hours.

My top tip is to visit in March/April, as long you don’t mind milder weather and the risk of the odd shower. At the end of March 2023, I found I pretty much had the town to myself in the afternoons, which was amazing. I was able to get all the photos I wanted, without people in them. Early mornings are also a good shout for photos of Alberobello.

Related reading: 29 Stunning Photos of Alberobello.

4. Shops and restaurants don’t always open on Sundays.

You are on vacation, so every day is the same to you. However, even in somewhere as touristic as Alberobello, some of the shops do not open on Sundays! Some of them open late, and for a shorter period of time. Some food places only open in the evening. This is common throughout Italy – check online before making plans.

5. English is not widely spoken.

The whole region of Puglia is not big on speaking English. You’ll need to learn a few words in Italian to get by. Alberobello is more catered to tourists than the rest of Puglia, so you will find more English speakers here, but it’s a good idea to take an Italian phrase book (this one is brilliant) with you on your trip.

a white building with a potted plant in front of it.

Where to stay in Alberobello Puglia

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

Further reading: My Stay in a Trulli House in Alberobello (Photos & Review).

Here are my recommendations for accommodation in Alberobello:

  • 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

Where to stay outside Alberobello.

You may like to stay in one of the larger towns in the Puglia region, and just plan a short visit to Alberobello as part of a longer trip. There are some stunning towns in Puglia for you to choose from.

After you’ve read my guide to the best 14 towns in Puglia, see below for some quick hotel booking links for each town. These links will get you the best rates on Booking.com today.

ook hotels in Alberobello | Book hotels in Bari | Book hotels in Brindisi | Book hotels in Cisternino | Book hotels in Gallipoli | Book hotels in Lecce | Book hotels in Locorotondo | Book hotels in Martina Franca | Book hotels in Matera | Book hotels in Monopoli | Book hotels in Ostuni | Book hotels in Otranto | Book hotels in Polignano a Mare | Book hotels in Trani | See all hotels in Puglia.

Tours in Alberobello

Here I will list some of my favourite tours in Alberobello Puglia, plus some which are very popular/highly rated on Viator and Get Your Guide.

For solo travellers, be aware that many tours in Alberobello (and Puglia in general) seem to have a minimum two-person rule, which can be frustrating. However I found that by contacting tour operators directly, I was able to arrange bookings for one person, so always email them and check.

1.Alberobello & Polignano private walking tour: includes free time in Polignano (you could use it to visit the stunning beach) and a coffee tasting.

2.Private cooking class with lunch or dinner: learn to cook typical Italian dishes with a ‘Cesarina’ in a private home, then tuck into your delicious 3 course meal afterwards with wine.

3.Small group street food tour in Alberobello: this walking tour must be very popular, as I have never yet been able to book onto it. It looks excellent. Make sure to book early (and let me know how it went!)

4.Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves – if you have the opportunity, you must see the caves of Polignano. This is a small group tour with a badge of excellence.

5.Day tour of Bari, Alberobello and Matera – three towns in one day, which would be very difficult to do on public transport. Private tour with hotel pickup.

Further reading: 10 excellent day trips to take from Bari.

FAQs in relation to visiting Alberobello, Puglia

Q. Is Alberobello worth visiting?

A. Yes, Alberobello is definitely worth visiting. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello in the southern Italian region of Puglia is renowned for its unique Trulli architecture featuring cone-shaped houses made from local limestone and white washed walls. You can explore winding cobblestone streets lined with these cone-shaped houses made from local limestone and white washed walls, as well as take part in cultural activities such as olive oil tasting or traditional music performances.

an aerial view of a Alberobello Puglia, with white buildings and a tall basilica.
Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian

Q. How much time do I need to visit Alberobello?

A. Visiting Alberobello Puglia can be done as a day trip if you are short on time; however, two days or more would give you ample opportunity to explore its narrow streets and whitewashed trulli houses. Start your visit at Piazza XX Settembre for an orientation of the town’s layout and then wander through the streets admiring its unique architecture. Make sure to stop by Trullo Sovrano Museum for insight into local history, before continuing on with your exploration of this charming place. Don’t forget to enjoy some traditional cuisine along the way.

Q. Is Alberobello too touristy?

A. Alberobello is certainly a popular tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s too touristy. It still retains its unique charm and atmosphere, with plenty of local culture to explore. The Rione Monti district is a lot more touristy than the Aia Piccola district. If you visit in the late afternoon you will miss most of the crowds. I also recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons to avoid peak tourist season.

a view of a city with a lot of roofs.
Panoramic rooftop view of Rione Monti

Q. Which area of Alberobello is best?

A. Alberobello is a beautiful town in Italy and it has plenty of great places to explore. The best area of Alberobello for travellers depends on their interests, but some popular choices include the Trulli district with its traditional stone huts, the historical centre which offers stunning views over town and countryside, or the Rione Aia Piccola neighbourhood with its winding cobbled streets.

Q: Do I need a car for a trip in Puglia? 

A: Renting a car is highly recommended for a Puglia Italy trip, as it provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace and reach the more remote areas. It allows you to add multiple destinations to your Puglia trip itinerary and access the beautiful countryside and coastal areas with ease. I always use Discover Cars, which is a brilliant car comparison site.

It is possible to travel in Puglia using public transport, but it would take a lot longer.

Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia, Italy.

Q. Who were the Acquaviva family?

A. The Acquaviva family was a prominent feudal dynasty in the 14th century who ruled over the region of Apulia, Italy. The Acquavivas were initially vassals of Charles II of Anjou, Count of Provence, and later assumed control of much of southern Apulia during their reign. They built numerous castles throughout the area to help protect their territorial claims.

In Alberobello they constructed two towers which remain standing today – the Tower of St. Gemini and the Tower of Queen Giovanna – as testament to their presence in that city. The Acquaviva family also established an extensive network of farmers and merchants across Apulia and beyond, including those responsible for maintaining one of the oldest olive oil presses still in existence. They developed a flourishing silk industry and established their own mint to produce local currency.

The Acquaviva dynasty ended in 1668 when Philip IV of Spain succeeded them as ruler of the region. Despite this, the legacy of the Acquavivas lives on today throughout Alberobello and its surrounding areas.

a view of a building with a clock tower in the background in Alberobello Puglia.
View of the basilica from an Alberobello rooftop

Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.

Alberobello Puglia ultimate travel guide: conclusion

Alberobello is a wonderful destination for any traveller looking to explore the unique culture and beauty of Italy. From exploring the ancient cobblestone streets, visiting the trulli Alberobello homes, sampling delicious local cuisine, or simply relaxing in one of Alberobello’s many parks – there are plenty of activities that make this town an ideal vacation spot.

Map of Alberobello Puglia

The Google map above shows Alberobello Puglia, and all of the main sights as listed in my post 16 things to do in Alberobello. Click the blue icons to see more information about each place, or click the star to add to your own Google Maps. 

All of my articles on Alberobello and Puglia.

Here you can see all of my Alberobello and Puglia posts in one place.

Further travel advice for Puglia

This section is about the Puglia region of Italy in general.

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.

Pinterest – Visiting Alberobello Puglia

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the ultimate guide to visiting alberobello puglia, where to stay, what to.
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Thank you for reading my post on how to visit Alberobello Puglia, I hope it has helped you to plan your trip. Puglia is one of my ultimate favourite Italian destinations, so I hope you love it as much as I do!

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