Best Things To Do in Alberobello, Italy
Are you looking for the best things to do in Alberobello?
I’ve recently been in this cute little town and I tell you all about it in this article.
Alberobello is located in the picturesque region of Puglia, Italy.
It is known for its unique trulli houses, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
In this article, we’ll go over the history of Alberobello, how to get there, explore the things to do, and recommend some great places to eat and sleep.
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A Brief History of Aberobello
Alberobello’s history goes way back to the 14th century when the Count of Conversano granted the locals permission to construct special dry stone huts known as trulli.
These trulli, made of limestone, have become iconic due to their unique cone-shaped roofs.
What sets them apart is the fact that they were built entirely without mortar, allowing for easy dismantling.
This was useful when tax collectors were coming to inspect the area, as the residents could quickly demolish their homes to avoid taxation.
Nowadays, Alberobello has a collection of over 1,500 trulli, making it really unique to explore.
How to Get to Alberobello
You can reach Alberobello easily through various transportation options.
If you’re travelling from outside Italy, the closest airports are Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport or Brindisi Salento Airport. Once you arrive, you can rent a car or hop on a train to reach Alberobello. Driving to Alberobello as we did, is one of the best road trips in Italy.
The village has regular trains operating from major cities such as Bari and Lecce. If you prefer an organised tour, you’ll find various tours and day trips available from nearby towns.
Bari to Alberobello
If you’re planning to travel from Bari to Alberobello, there are a few transportation options available. Here are the most convenient ways:
- Train: Taking a train from Bari to Alberobello is relatively quick and convenient. From Bari Centrale (the main train station in Bari), you can catch a train to Alberobello. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the train type. Trains are operated by the Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) company. It’s advisable to check the train schedules in advance, as the frequency of trains may vary throughout the day.
- Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Bari to Alberobello. The bus journey takes a bit longer compared to the train, but it still offers a comfortable and affordable mode of transportation.
The Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) company also operates the bus service. You can catch the bus from Bari Piazza Moro, located near the train station. The duration of the bus ride is approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic and stops along the way. - Car Rental: Renting a car in Bari is a convenient option if you prefer the flexibility of exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. The drive from Bari to Alberobello takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the traffic conditions. The route is well-marked, and you can follow the signs for Alberobello.
Once you arrive in Alberobello, you can easily explore the village on foot. The main trulli district, Rione Monti, is compact and walkable.
Alberobello Things to Do
Explore the Rione Monti District
This is where you can find the most trulli.
Just wander through the streets, take a lot of photos, admire these constructions, and discover local shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Visit the Trullo Sovrano
Discover the only two-story trullo in Alberobello, which has been converted into a museum.
Trullo Church of St. Anthony
The church is a combination of trullo and traditional stone construction. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit it as it was a Sunday morning and they were having the Sunday mass.
This is a double trullo with a single conical roof.
Puglia is known for its robust red wines, such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.
Countryside Strolls
Take a walk through the countryside surrounding Alberobello to enjoy the landscapes filled with vineyards and olive groves. Don’t forget your camera!
Where to Eat in Alberobello
Trattoria Terra Madre: This cosy restaurant offers a mix of traditional Pugliese and Mediterranean cuisine. Sample their fresh orecchiette pasta, locally sourced seafood dishes, and yummy desserts.
Ristorante L’Aratro: Located in the centre of Alberobello, this is a family-run restaurant and has homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a wide selection of local wines.
Ristorante La Cantina: Situated in a renovated trullo, this restaurant offers traditional Apulian dishes like orecchiette pasta and grilled meats, accompanied by a selection of regional wines.
Where to Sleep in Alberobello
Trulli e Puglia Resort: Have a Trullo experience by staying in one of the fully restored traditional houses.
Tipico Resort: This boutique hotel features a collection of trulli transformed into luxurious suites.
Trulli Antichi Mestieri – Widespread Trulli: Located in the historic centre with a cosy character.
If You Have Extra Time
If you have more time to explore, then I suggest visiting the neighbouring region called Basilicata and visiting the beautiful town of Matera! Another option is to drive to the south and visit beautiful Calabria!
Lastly, there are many tours and experiences you can do in Alberobello:
Ready to fall in love with Alberobello?
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