When you visit Alberobello, in the Puglia region of Italy, you’ll be transported straight into the pages of a medieval fantasy novel. The town’s magical atmosphere, iconic stone huts (trulli), intriguing history, and warm culture make Alberobello well worth visiting.
Wondering about the best things to do in Alberobello? For starters, you’ll stroll the whimsical, trulli-lined cobblestone paths and fall in love with this one-of-a-kind Southern Italian town. (That’s a given.)
Then, in between sips of aromatic local wines and bites of traditional Pugliese cuisine, you’ll explore historic piazzas and churches; shop for local handicrafts; take a cooking class in a local’s home; and even spend the night in your very own trullo. Told you, this place is enchanting… And that’s only half of it!
Alberobello, Italy: Best Things To Do, Eat & More!
Consider this your ultimate Alberobello itinerary and guide.
Read on to discover what to do in Alberobello – plus, where to eat, where to stay, how to get there, and more!
Feel free to use this table of contents to jump to specific Alberobello content.
Table of Contents
- Alberobello, Italy: Best Things To Do, Eat & More!
- A Quick History of Alberobello
- Why Visit Alberobello, Italy?
- 10 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy
- 1. Stay the Night in a Trullo
- 2. Explore Rione Aia Piccola
- 3. Mosey Around Rione Monti & Souvenir Shop
- 4. Visit Trullo Sovrano
- 5. Eat Traditional Pugliese Food
- 6. Take a Cooking Class
- 7. Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
- 8. Savor the View at the Villa Comunale Belvedere
- 9. Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian
- 10. Take a Walking Tour of Alberobello
- Where to Eat in Alberobello, Italy
- Where to Stay in Alberobello
- How to Get to Alberobello
- Alberobello, Italy Travel Guide:Best Things to Do in Alberobello!
- Alberobello Travel Guide: FAQs
A Quick History of Alberobello
Alberobello is in Southern Italy’s Puglia region, forming the “heel” of the boot. Since this region is one of the top producers of durum wheat in the country, Puglia is coined the tavioliere, or “breadbasket”, of Italy. Oh, and in case you’re a little confused, the English version of the name Puglia is Apulia.
During the 16th century, Alberobello, Puglia was a simple farming village. It wasn’t until the mid-1600s that the creation of the trullo (singular) put Alberobello on the map. The iconic trulli houses are the main tourist attraction, and carry an archetypal Italian origin story…
Where Did the Trulli Come From?
It’s said that Alberobello’s Count Giangirolamo Acquaviva ordered dwellings to be constructed which could be easily dismantled (in order to avoid taxes). So, stone was stacked atop the cylindrical whitewashed huts, forming those recognizable conical roofs. When the royal inspection arrived, down came the roofs. No ceiling, no dwelling, no taxes! Pretty Italian, right?
There are a handful of special trulli that will catch your eye. Specifically, the trulli with white paintings of Primitive, Christian, and Cosmic symbols atop their stone roofs. These are the most photographed trulli houses, by far!
Legend has it, the people of Alberobello believed the symbols to be good luck charms, and that they would ward off evil from the town. I’d say, mission accomplished!
Why Visit Alberobello, Italy?
Wondering if Alberobello is worth visiting?
Shockingly, I read that visiting Alberobello may leave me underwhelmed. I guess some travel bloggers deem this UNESCO World Heritage Site a tourist trap…
We’re all entitled to our opinions, but I respectfully disagree.
After living in Puglia for almost two months, no tourist-bus-filled fate would have stopped me from seeing the legendary town of Alberobello. Afterall, the adorable trulli houses can’t be found anywhere else in the world!
So, I booked a night in a trullo and saved my Alberobello “must-sees” on Google Maps. Along with the many trulli houses, Alberobello offers panoramic terraces, cooking classes, authentic local culture, churches, and fantastic dining experiences!
To absolutely no surprise to me, I fell right in love with Alberobello, Italy. And I think you will, too.
10 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy
1. Stay the Night in a Trullo
I grew up thinking I’d always find my prince charming, live in a castle, and have a small cluster of animals around me at all times. Well, none of that has come true yet, BUT I felt very close to being in a real-life fairytale when I spent the night in a trullo in Alberobello.
Maybe your fantasy is different than mine, but I think we can all agree that waking up in a UNESCO World Heritage Italian cottage, in the Puglian countryside, is a dream come true!
I stayed at Trulli Holiday and adored the entire experience – from the reasonable price to the enchanting Rione Aia Piccola location and complimentary breakfast.
Though if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious and romantic, then Le Alcove and La Mandorla are the two most exquisite options (think: splendid breakfast spreads, candle-lit bath time, and lounging in cozy robes by a warm fireplace).
Staying in a trullo is one of the most unique things to do in Alberobello. Click here to find the best deals on accommodation in Alberobello.
2. Explore Rione Aia Piccola
Since the trulli in Rione Aia Piccola are lived-in homes and vacation rentals, you won’t find any shops or restaurants here! This residential quarter is beautiful and authentic, making it well worth a wander while you’re in Alberobello.
The iconic light green Puglian cacti complement the whitewashed walls and stone-roofed trulli perfectly, while ornamental wheat bunches and potted flowers only add to the charm of this authentic neighborhood.
Rione Aia Piccola is totally picturesque, making it a great place to snap some photos. There are less tourists and no shortage of aesthetically pleasing nooks and corners here!
3. Mosey Around Rione Monti & Souvenir Shop
The trulli-lined hill in the Rione Monti quarter of Alberobello on the southern end of town comprises the most trulli in Alberobello!
Pop inside Bar “Il Trulletto”, a trullo-turned-coffee-shop for a little caffeine as you walk up along the cobblestone pathway. There’s a bazaar of souvenir shops that sell handmade, Alberobello-embellished goodies to peruse until your little heart’s content.
Soft, handwoven, lace-trimmed cotton hand towels, conical-roof-shaped pot holders with colorful trulli embroidery, and cute canvas tote bags were my favorite scores. I even got my dad a beautiful biking jersey with trulli houses on it!
In this district you’ll also find the smallest trullo in Alberobello, Il Trullo Più Piccolo, and the Trullo Siamese, two conjoined trullos with dual conical roofs!
4. Visit Trullo Sovrano
I spent a solid hour exploring the small town heritage museum inside of Trullo Sovrano, the biggest trullo in Alberobello. There is so much incredible information on the plaques within each room of this two-story trullo!
Here, you can really get a feel for how the Pugliesi people of Alberobello lived hundreds of years ago. The thick walls allowed the fireplace to warm the entire home, where the family members would sleep on beds of wheat and plant fibers.
And of course, growing food, cooking, and eating is ritualistic here in Italy – and the Alberobello Trullo Sovrano’s massive kitchen will have you make no mistake of that!
Something interesting I learned in the small museum is that bread dough used to be kept in the marital bed to rise. Why? Well, that was the warmest spot in the house! (Or, trullo, rather.) Everything is made with love here in Southern Italy.
The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 12:45 PM, and 3:30 to 6:30 PM, and tickets cost just €2.
5. Eat Traditional Pugliese Food
Of course, eating traditional Pugliese food is one of the best things to do in Alberobello!
Each region in Italy has developed its own distinct flavors and techniques over the centuries – and beyond that, so have many of the towns. The cuisine of Alberobello is hearty, mostly vegetarian, and totally scrumptious.
My suggestion? You must try at least two of the following: fave e cicoria (fava bean stew with croutons), panzerotti (calzone), orecchiette (pasta, of course, in the shape of “little ears”), the Pasqualino sandwich (tuna, capers, salami, cheese), and local wines (mostly reds).
Scratch that, try all of them!
Another recommendation? Head to a local salumeria to get a plate of the best local meats, cheeses, veggies, and wines. I adored Gusto Salumi & Formaggi!
About Puglian Food
Often, traditional Puglian foods and gastronomic traditions reflect the economic hardships of Southern Italy. (And this is the case throughout the entire country, really. Ever heard of Italy’s cibo povero or “peasant food” tradition?)
For example, the fave e cicoria (pictured above) is made with the very economical fava bean, and day-old bread was used to make croutons. For families with very little (not even olive oil), stale bread was simply dipped into water.
P.S. Read on for all of my top Alberobello restaurant recommendations! I detail where you can find each one of these regional delicacies. (You are very welcome.)
6. Take a Cooking Class
According to our research here at Maddy’s Avenue, there’s no better way to learn about a culture than by getting your hands right in the dough and savoring the local flavors.
So if you’re a foodie visiting Alberobello, you should absolutely take a cooking class – in a local chef’s home! Learn how to make orecchiette (the world-famous “little ear” pasta of Puglia), gnocchi, or maccheroni (macaroni), plus a seasonal starter, and typical Puglian dessert. Of course, wine and coffee are also involved in this foodie experience. This is Italy, after all.
Try this private cooking class when you visit Alberobello, and let me know what your research proves! Click here to book it.
7. Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
Built in 1926, the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is the only trullo church in the world! You’ll find it in the Rione Monti quarter, perched on a little hill above a community greenspace.
Within the trullo church is a fresco by Adolfo Rollo, a famous Pugliese painter. Like many other Puglian churches, this one is simple with a modest interior.
When I visited, the Church of Saint Anthony was covered in glowing snowflake lights, making this trullo church extra magical. The perks of visiting Alberobello in the winter extend beyond just fewer crowds!
Hot tip: Want to visit Alberobello during the holiday season? Visit the Presepe di Luce, in the Rione Aia Piccola neighborhood, to walk through Alberobello’s nativity light show that is endearing beyond words.
8. Savor the View at the Villa Comunale Belvedere
One of the best things to see in Alberobello? The enchanting view from the panoramic terrace at the Villa Comunale Belvedere. You’ll gaze out at the trulli zone, where the stone-topped trulli look like Hershey’s Kisses spread over the little valley of Alberobello.
Make your way to the Church of Saint Lucia (Chiesa di Santa Lucia), then head up the staircase, for a panoramic view above the town center. Snap a picture, take a photo in your mind’s eye, and cherish the moment in the whimsical town of Alberobello, Italy.
9. Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian
Alberobello’s main church, Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, lies outside of Centro Storico (Old Town). It’s set back from the trulli – amongst the ongoings of the newer part of Alberobello – and is worth a stop while you’re in Alberobello, Puglia.
Old Italian men sit on benches under the shade of perfectly manicured trees and signal to each other with their hands for “café”, holding an imaginary espresso. The daily life of Alberobello natives flows on, around La Basilica Minore dei Santi Cosma e Damiano.
Standing astutely in Piazza Antonio Curri, at the end of the main road, the church’s hourly bell is a call, a reminder, to savor the sweet present moment in the land of dolce far niente (translation: something we all need more of – pleasant idleness).
10. Take a Walking Tour of Alberobello
If you make a point to do a walking tour in new cities (what a smart traveler, you!), you’ll love this walking tour of Alberobello. There is a ton of historical importance to soak up on these ancient streets!
Enjoy your private tour of the Trullo Sovrano, the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and Sant’Antonio Church. Then get the inside scoop on the symbology of the painted trulli of Alberobello and the Trullo Siamese, and sample local olive oil, wines, and small bites!
Click here to book your private walking tour of Alberobello.
Where to Eat in Alberobello, Italy
What would a Maddy’s Avenue destination guide be without a carefully curated list of authentic, delicious eating and drinking establishments?
So in true form, here are the best places to eat in Alberobello!
- Principotto: Come here to get your Southern Italian street food fix. Quick, filling, flavorful, and local, Principotto serves everything traditional: calzones, octopus sandwiches, and fava bean stew.
- Ristorante La Cantina: To my misfortune, La Cantina was closed for the season when I visited Alberobello (maybe I should’ve bought that lucky Alberobello charm bracelet after all). This spot is a favorite for locals, so you know it’s good. Spend an evening feasting on the best pasta in the town center. I’m confident you’ll be glad you did.
- Ristorante Trullo D’Oro: Romantic dinner for two? Just one is okay, too. Trullo D’Oro is one of Alberobello’s finest restaurants. You’ll delight in exceptional Italian cuisine and five-star service inside of an authentic trullo.
- Ristorante Casa Nova: This 1700s olive oil mill is a great spot for dinner and dessert, served up with that beloved familiar Italian hospitality. The gnocchi was so rich and my sweet tooth was thrilled with the massive chocolate brick I got to shave onto my gelato.
- Gusto Salumi & Formaggi: My favorite way to eat in Italy is by ordering affettati (charcuterie), hand-selected by the macellaio (butcher). Needless to say, the cheese and meats in Italy are delectable, and the salumeria often has wine to pair perfectly. Informal, but full of flavor!
- La Lira Focacceria: Head to this cozy bakery for the famous Pasqualino sandwich of Alberobello, made with rosetta or turtle bread, tuna fish, capers, salami, and cheese. If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry! There’s plenty of meat-free, carbohydrate-heavy delights at La Lira.
Where to Stay in Alberobello
Next up in this Alberobello travel guide? Let’s talk about spending the night in Alberobello.
In the high season, day trippers flood the town’s cobblestone streets, so staying the night is the best way to experience the town’s authenticity; the early morning and evening are much more serene! (In the low season, this isn’t really an issue, but you should still plan to stay the night anyway.)
To properly soak in every ounce of this little town’s magic, of course, you should stay in a traditional trullo hut – in the center, close to the town’s main tourist attractions.
Here are the best places to stay in Alberobello!
- Trulli Holiday: My experience with Trulli Holiday was superb! Private parking and included breakfast were the cherries on top of having my very own little trullo in Rione Aia Piccola. Plus, Trulli Holiday offers trulli for travelers on a modest budget! Click here to book it.
- Le Alcove Luxury Hotel In Trulli: Romanticize your time in Alberobello by booking a luxury trullo with Le Alcove. Quality bathroom products are provided, and you can cozy up in a waffle knit robe and slippers to feast upon a sumptuous (included) breakfast spread each morning! Click here to book it.
- La Mandorla Luxury Trullo: Candle-lit bath, rainfall shower, mirrored vanity, and a mini fireplace make the luxury trulli hosted by La Mandorla perfect for those looking for opulence in Alberobello. Click here to book it.
Still looking? Here’s my favorite website for finding the best deals on accommodation in Puglia – from luxury trulli and hotels, to B&Bs and homestays. Free cancellation is usually included, so you can book in advance with confidence. Remember: the best places in Puglia sell out well in advance in the high season!
How to Get to Alberobello
Whether you’re already in Puglia or not, it’s easy to get to Alberobello.
The nearest airport to Alberobello is in Bari, Puglia, just under an hour away. From the airport, you can catch a bus, train, or taxi to Alberobello, Puglia.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself here – which is ideal if you’re planning to explore more of Puglia (and you should be!). Just be careful with those Italian drivers, ha!
P.S. If you still need to book your rental car, here’s my favorite website for finding the best deals on rental cars throughout Europe.
Alberobello, Italy Travel Guide:
Best Things to Do in Alberobello!
The small town of Alberobello (beautiful tree in English) has a charm that can’t be found anywhere else.
While there, expect to break bread with locals in trulli restaurants and dine on locally grown food from the heart of Italy’s farmland. Wake up to the sound of birds chirping on the patio of your trullo cottage. Pet the cats that roam the folkloric streets of Rione Monti. Soak in the region’s mouthwatering cuisine, interesting history, and distinctive culture. In other words, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Alberobello.
Include a visit to Alberobello on your Puglia itinerary and you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for Southern Italy’s most magical town.
What to Pack
Depending on the season you visit will depend on the layers you need, summer is very warm but the winter is incredibly cold. Italy is very stylish and Italians famously dress well, so avoid white sneakers where possible and opt for a smart shoe or boot. Always have a beautiful coat in winter, it will hide anything less stylish you may be wearing as you explore in the colder months.
Here are a few top tips of what to wear:
- Wool coat: During the colder months a beautiful wool coat is essential. You will fit in with the locals with this one.
- Comfortable boots: As expected, you will do a lot of walking so opt for a comfortable but stylish boot that you’ve worn in. You can’t go wrong with a smart Chelsea boot, like these.
- Floaty dress: In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you know you are always prepared to enter religious sites. Bring a light scarf with you to cover your shoulders.
- Sunscreen: Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen and stay protected.
- Reusable water bottle: Remember to keep hydrated during your tours, it can’t all be Aperol and coffee! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
- Travel insurance: As with all trips, it’s always best to purchase travel insurance so you know you are covered should anything go wrong.
Quick Tips
- HOTEL: I use this website for scoring amazing deals on accommodation worldwide.
- HOSTELWORLD: If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best website to score cheap hostel deals.
- VACATION RENTAL: I use this site for finding the perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable getaway.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: Never go on a trip without travel insurance! It isn’t worth the risk if something goes wrong.
- GUIDED TOURS & EXCURSIONS: Many of the tours I recommend are hosted with Viator, which also works with local tour operators. Search them all here.
- CHEAP FLIGHTS: Get great deals on flights using my favorite flight fare aggregator.
- TRAVEL GEAR: A collection of all of my must-have travel gear are all listed here. Most important to remember is comfortable shoes and a scarf to use when visiting religious sites or if it gets a little cold.
- CAR RENTAL: If you need to rent a car book car rental in advance here for the best deals.
Alberobello Travel Guide: FAQs
Yes, Alberobello is worth a visit while you’re in Puglia, Italy. The trulli houses of Alberobello are not found anywhere else in the world! Plus, Alberobello has wonderful restaurants, history, and trulli hotels! Not to mention, you’ll delight in all of the incredible food of the Puglia region, from fresh pasta and gnocchi to Pasqualino sandwiches and “peasant” fava bean stew.
Alberobello is famous for trulli: whitewashed cottages with conical roofs made of stacked stone. The reason these peculiar buildings were made was to avoid taxes. No proper roof = no proper dwelling = no taxes. Hooray! Now, the trulli are mostly converted to souvenir shops, though there are some trulli restaurants and hotels, and a trulli church, too!
It’s true, Alberobello is popular among travelers in Puglia, but that doesn’t mean it’s a tourist trap! On the contrary, this tiny cultural heritage town is worth all the hype. Alberobello is an incredibly endearing and unique town in Southern Italy that offers rich historical significance, cultural uniqueness, beautiful trulli houses, and numerous incredible vistas, lush accommodation options, and delicious dining experiences. There are many tourists (both Italian and foreign), but that, in and of itself, does not make the town a tourist trap. Compared to other popular destinations in Italy, I found prices to be quite reasonable in Alberobello, too.
Yes, you can stay in Alberobello. I suggest renting a trullo to stay in Alberobello. This way, you can get the full-effect of what it’s like to be a local Pugliese in Alberobello! My top three trullo recommendations are Trulli Holiday (modest/budget), Le Alcove (luxury), and La Mandorla (luxury).
This town is endlessly enchanting, though very small in size. You only need one day in Alberobello to discover the most beautiful vistas and experience the best things to do in Alberobello. With one day here, you can see the trulli houses (and sleep in one!), buy some souvenirs, visit the churches, viewpoints, eat some delicious food, and either take a Pugliese cooking class or head out on a historical walking tour.
Alberobello is an inland town in the southern region of Puglia, Italy. There are no beaches in Alberobello, but there are beaches nearby in Monopoli and Polignano al Mare.
Alberobello is famous because the town is dotted with unique stone buildings called trulli. These white and gray huts were designed in the 16th century to avoid paying taxes. They can’t be found anywhere else in the world, so their picturesque charm is a major draw for visitors to Puglia.
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