Wish You Were Here: The Villages of Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo

We consider the villages of Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo to be among the prettiest pockets of Puglia.

You might have heard of their cutie-pie trulli cones, and wonder: where is Alberobello?

Along with its neighboring timeless towns, it’s set in the sweet, olive-tree-lined Valle D’Itria. An area criss-crossed with tiny roads, country estates and the pastoral scenes of rural Europe.

AKA a one-in-a-million valley that spans old olive groves, cool caves and trippy trulli roofs jutting through the lush landscape.

Only people who know what a well-kept secret this region is in Southern Italy will make the trek out here (‘cause it’s not easy — you definitely need a car).

It’s where everything feels warmer, slower and more ethereal.

You can come here to not do anything, really, but take it all in.

But you know we can’t resist giving you our two-glasses-of-chilled-limoncello’s worth of suggestions.

First, some sneak peeks into this magical land of baroque churches, cream-colored laneways and sandstone cherubs.

At the bottom, we list some of our fave things to do in Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo.

What to do in Alberobello

Traipse through trulli. The main attraction in fairytale Alberobello is their gorgeous gnomey houses, with the cone-shaped roofs that make this spot a UNESCO Heritage site.

The wine is incredible. Have lunch at a spot with wine tasting, featuring local Puglian vintages.

Have an impromptu photo shoot. The backdrop is stunning, and your photos will make all your Facebook friends jelly.

Or join us on our Southern Italy tour, and we’ll take you!

What to do in Martina Franca

Chow down some capocollo. Locals in Martina Franca pride themselves on their signature capocollo ham. Asking for a slice is the easiest way to make a friend here 😉

Roam like a royal. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, the beautiful baroque palace built in 1668 for the ruling dukes (now home to the civic government). Silk-panelled doors? C’mon.

Catch an outdoor opera festival (yes, that’s a thing). Martina Franca is home to the Festival della Valle d’Itria every summer — try popping into a performance at the piazza if you’re visiting in July or August.

What to do in Locorotondo

Sip its sparkling specialty. Like Alberobello, Locorotondo is known for its wine, and its of the bubbly white variety here. Go straight to the source, Cantina Sociale del Locorotondo.

Cruise through churches. Dating back to the 12th century and dotted with rose windows, the Romanesque Chiesa della Madonna della Greca is worth a visit. Double check opening times before you go.

Stroll about the centro storico. Three things to love here: it’s circular, perched atop a hill, and involves strolling through cream-colored little laneways. You’ll see the tops of trulli houses, pointed gable roofs, or cummerse, and tightly packed baroque archways.

If you’re keen to cozy up with some trulli — and it’s your first time in the region — join us on our Southern Italy tour for women. Alberobello is on our itinerary!

Getting There

You’ll need a car, or a driver! Fly into Bari, or Brindisi. You can day-trip to the area from Lecce, Bari, Brindisi, Matera or Ostuni.

When to Go

Anytime after Easter and before November is when you’ll find most of the hotels and amenities open, as some will have seasonal closures. If you’re traveling in peak season, like July and August, book accommodations well in advance, with a pool to cool off.

Tips:

• This is not a time to be boring! You MUST take advantage of staying in either a) “trulli hotel” or b) a masseria in the countryside. This is truly perfect Puglia living and should be experienced when in the area.
• Many masserie offer lovely restaurants on site. Search the term “Puglia agriturismo” and make sure you make a reservation at one of the agriturismi or masserie that serve lunch. Call ahead!
• Make sure you travel with a GPS in your car! You’re off the beaten path and a GPS (like a Garmin or Tom-Tom) is more reliable than your phone.

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Want more insider intel on traveling Southern Italy? Check out these links:

• Italian Fix Tour: Discover Southern Italy
• The Top 10 Spots in Southern Italy
• Our Fave Mermaid Moments
• How To Get To Sicily: A Cheat Sheet

Want to explore the villages of Alberobello, Martina Franca or Locorotondo? Keen to plan for Puglia?

Share your travel questions with us in the comments below!