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If you’re looking for the best things to do in Alberobello, Italy, you’re in luck. With plenty of iconic sights and attractions to explore, this compact city is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Puglia.
Primarily known for its distinctive trulli buildings, Alberobello is located about halfway between Bari and Brindisi. I visited Alberobello earlier this year and instantly fell in love with this unique and beautiful place.
Aside from its picturesque Old Town, the city has several historical churches to discover, vibrant markets, and a number of excellent restaurants to visit. Alberobello is also close to some of southern Italy’s best beaches and wineries, and it’s a great place to base yourself to explore more of the region.
Best Things To Do in Alberobello
Here are 15 of the best places to visit and things to do in Alberobello, Puglia.
1. Visit the Trulli of Alberobello
Trulli are traditional stone houses, with conical roofs and whitewashed walls, which were built by local farmers as dwellings and granaries centuries ago. They are unique to Puglia and you’ll see them dotted all over the Puglian countryside.
Alberobello is home to the highest concentration of these structures, and many of the best-preserved trulli are found in the center of the town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can learn more about these amazing buildings on this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
Some of the trulli here are more than 650 years old and seeing them is one of the absolute top things to do in Alberobello. There are over 1,500 trulli in Alberobello, mostly concentrated in the districts of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola.
2. Explore Rione Monti (One of the Most Iconic Places To Visit in Alberobello)
Of all the places to see in Alberobello, Rione Monti is probably the most iconic. Located in the Old Town, it’s one of the neighborhoods that make up the city’s “Trullis Zone” and is home to some of the most beautiful trulli buildings in the city.
Simply wandering around and admiring the stunning architecture is one of my favorite free things to do in Alberobello. Don’t forget to take some photos of the incredible buildings, some of which now house little family-owned shops that sell traditional handicrafts such as ceramics, baskets, and fabrics.
This part of the city has a rich and fascinating history which you can learn all about on this walking tour. At the end of the tour, you’ll also get the opportunity to sample some traditional local products, including high-quality olive oil.
3. Join a Food Walking Tour
The food in Puglia is really delicious – simple, fresh, and hearty, and most dishes showcase the region’s top-quality local produce.
Some of my favorite Puglian dishes include orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe (a sauce made with a green vegetable that’s similar to spinach), focaccia, burrata, and melanzane ripiene (stuffed eggplant).
This walking food tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with some of the tastiest locally-produced products. Your guide will take you to some of the city’s most popular foodie spots where you’ll be able to taste a variety of products including local burrata, pecorino, cured meats, and wine.
4. Visit Casa Pezzolla
This beautiful trullo (“trullo” is the singular of “trulli“) house is one of the most famous Alberobello attractions. The building itself dates back to 1750 but has been restored to its original beauty.
Inside, the house has been converted into a small museum with exhibits on the history, culture, and architecture of the region. The interior is decorated with traditional furniture and artifacts, so you can get a real feel for what life was like in this part of southern Italy centuries ago.
5. Chill Out on the Beaches of Monopoli
Located a mere 20 kilometers away from Alberobello, the beautiful city of Monopoli is another must-see place in Puglia. Known for its stunning coastline and picturesque whitewashed Old Town, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun.
The beaches in Monopoli are some of the best you’ll find in Puglia, and they range from long stretches of sandy shores to hidden coves with crystal-clear water. My favorite is Cala Porta Vecchia, just south of the Old Town, and spending a few hours here is one of the best things to do near Alberobello for families.
Don’t forget to check out the city’s seafront promenade while you’re here too – it’s particularly gorgeous at sunset. If you’d like to take a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of this beautiful city, I recommend this one.
6. Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to make traditional Puglian dishes such as orecchiette and focaccia in a cooking class in Alberobello. Not only will you get an insight into the local culture and cuisine, but you’ll also get to take home some delicious recipes!
Most cooking classes are run by experienced chefs who will guide you through each step of the process, from selecting ingredients to plating up your creations. Afterward, you can sit down and enjoy your meal in the company of your fellow cooks.
This cooking class takes place in the neighboring town of Locorotondo, a mere 8 kilometers southeast of Alberobello. It’s easy to travel between the two places, by bus, taxi or with your own car.
7. Go Wine Tasting
Alberobello is located close to some of the best wineries in southern Italy, in the Valle d’Itria. Exploring these and sampling some of Puglia’s fine wines is one of the best things to do in Alberobello for couples.
Several wineries in the area offer guided tours where you can learn about the history and production process of these unique wines. After the tour, you’ll usually get to taste a few of their wines, and you can purchase bottles directly from the winery to take home with you as souvenirs or gifts.
To get to many of the wineries, you’ll need your own car. However, if you don’t have one, don’t worry because this fun e-bike tour departs from nearby Martina Franca and takes you to one of the best vineyards in the region. (Martina Franca is easily accessible from Alberobello by either bus or taxi.)
8. Shop To Your Heart’s Content
Many of the trulli in Alberobello have been converted into little shops that sell a range of handmade goods from local artisans, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. These are great places to pick up some authentic souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start your hunt for gifts, check out La Bottega dei Fischietti, on Via Monte Pertica.
Alberobello is also a great place to shop for regional specialties such as jams, honey, olive oil, and local wines. You’ll see loads of these things when you’re out and about exploring the town and most vendors are happy to let you taste products before you buy them.
9. Enjoy an Authentic Dining Experience
For a really special and memorable experience, check out this private dining experience. At the home of your host, you’ll experience genuine, local hospitality and be treated to an exclusive cooking demonstration.
When the meal is ready, you’ll settle in and enjoy an amazing 4-course dinner or lunch, tasting delicious and authentic homemade recipes, surrounded by a local family in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Sounds good, right?
10. Visit the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
There are countless stunning churches all over Italy, but this one is really unique. Constructed in 1926, the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in the style of the trulli that make this city so famous.
The building is squat and whitewashed, with the same curves, angles, and conical stone roof as the traditional trulli houses. Apparently, the priest who designed it wanted the poor townsfolk who lived in trulli houses to have a church that looked aesthetically similar to their homes.
The church is located on top of a hill in the Rione Monti district and, despite its relatively small size, is one of the most interesting things to see in Alberobello, Italy.
11. Take a Day Trip To Matera
Located just an hour away from Alberobello by car, Matera is another must-visit destination while you’re in the region. This ancient city is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited places in the world and is incredibly atmospheric.
There are so many amazing things to see and do in Matera, but if you’re pressed for time I’d suggest focusing on the Sassi district, which is truly stunning and home to a number of ancient cave dwellings.
Matera is one of my favorite cities in Italy and is definitely one of the best places to visit near Alberobello. To help you understand more about the fascinating history of this incredible place, I strongly recommend doing a walking tour, like this one.
12. Enjoy a Night Out at Bar L’incontro Lounge
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Alberobello at night, head to Bar L’incontro Lounge – one of the best bars in the city. The owner and staff are friendly, and they offer a great selection of drinks, as well as a few light bites to eat.
Because it’s located a little outside the main tourist area (but still within easy walking distance), prices here are a little lower than in some of the places closer to the center.
It’s usually full of locals and is a perfect spot for a fun evening enjoying expertly-mixed cocktails and local beers.
13. Explore the Local Area By Bike
The countryside around Alberobello is tranquil and picturesque, and also quite flat, making it an ideal place to explore by bicycle. You can either hire bikes and explore by yourself or join a guided bike tour.
This e-bike tour starts in nearby Martina Franca and takes you through some beautiful scenery around Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino.
You’ll explore some of the most beautiful villages in the region and enjoy some truly panoramic vistas.
14. Go For Brunch at 88 GRADI
88 GRADI is a fantastic cafe in Alberobello that serves excellent coffee and food. If you’re looking for somewhere in town that’s good for brunch after your big night out at Bar L’incontro Lounge, look no further.
They’re open all day until late in the evening when the menu changes to more of a cheese-and-wine-style affair, which is equally great. They even have live music sometimes too.
15. Go Sailing in the Adriatic Sea
Alberobello is located a mere 20 kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea. Going sailing is one of the best things to do near Alberobello, and is the perfect way to spend a sunny day seeing Puglia’s stunning coastline from a unique perspective.
You can opt for a guided tour (like this one) or, if you have a skipper’s license, charter your own boat for the day.
Enjoy the clean sea air, stunning views, and crystal-clear waters as you sail around one of the most beautiful spots on the Italian coast.
Quick Travel Itineraries For Alberobello
I’ve put together a few brief travel itineraries to help you plan your time and decide what you want to see and do in Alberobello.
1 Day in Alberobello Itinerary
With only one day in Alberobello, you’ll have to be selective with how you spend your time. Start by exploring the iconic Rione Monti area and visit a few of the beautiful trulli houses that are found here.
Visit Casa Pezzolla, and then take an afternoon cooking class. Finish the day with this private dining experience.
2-3 Days in Alberobello Itinerary
Spend the first day sightseeing in Alberobello as per the above 1-day itinerary.
On day two, take a day trip to Matera and explore the ancient Sassi di Matera cave dwellings. Round off the day back in Alberobello with a drink or two at Bar L’incontro Lounge.
On day three, take things slower and relax in the sunshine. Spend some time shopping in the various markets and shops in town or, if you prefer, head to Monopoli for a day on the beach.
1 Week in Alberobello Itinerary
With a week in Alberobello, you could easily do all of the activities mentioned in this post. It’s not a big city, and you’ll have plenty of time to really get to know the place.
The order you decide to do them is totally up to you, although I would definitely suggest starting with a full day of sightseeing in and around the Rione Monti area to orient you and help get your bearings.
You’ll be able to take a whole day for each of the day trips, visiting both Matera and Monopoli. You can also unwind and relax on the beach without worrying about having to fit anything else in that day.
Where To Stay in Alberobello
These are a few of the best accommodations in and around Alberobello for tourists.
Rione Monti – Best for Sightseeing
Rione Monti is home to the majority of Alberobello’s trulli houses and is a great place to base yourself if you want to be close to the main tourist attractions in Alberobello, Italy.
This is an excellent apartment located inside an authentic trullo.
Rione Aia Piccola – Best for Families
Rione Aia Piccola is located next to Rione Monti and also has many trulli houses. However, this area is slightly quieter and less commercialized, making it a good choice for families and visitors who want to stay central but somewhere a little less busy than Rione Monti.
Check out this wonderful 2-bedroom apartment.
Outskirts of Alberobello – Best for Budget Travelers
If you’re looking for budget accommodation, this is mostly found towards the edge of the city. Alberobello isn’t a big place, so you’ll rarely be more than 15 minutes walk away from the center.
Just because you’re traveling on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t sleep in a trullo! Check out this place.
Best Restaurants in Alberobello
Don’t miss these great places to eat in Alberobello.
Trattoria Casa Amatulli
My favorite restaurant in Alberobello, Trattoria Casa Amatulli serves reasonably-priced, delicious, and authentic local Puglian specialties. I highly recommend eating here!
Ristorante Il Pinnacolo
Ristorante Il Pinnacolo is another great local restaurant that serves quality regional food and is located inside a trullo. The food is fresh and tasty, and it’s really cozy inside.
Il Guercio di Puglia
Alberobello doesn’t really have many fine dining restaurants, but some of the dishes on offer at Il Guercio di Puglia come pretty close. The presentation is outstanding and the prices are more than fair for what you get.
Pizzeria Basilico Rosso
If you’re in the mood for pizza, you can’t go wrong with Pizzeria Basilico Rosso. They have a great selection of toppings, from standard combinations to inventive creations. It’s popular with locals too, which is always a good sign.
Getting To Alberobello
For most people, the easiest way to get to Alberobello is by plane. The nearest airport is Bari, with regular flights from major cities all over Europe.
From Bari, you can take a train directly into Alberobello or hire a car for the drive. Alternatively, there are guided tours departing from Bari that take you to Alberobello, like this one.
You can also travel to this part of Puglia by boat from other cities on the Adriatic coast. If you’re coming from further away, you may have to fly into Rome or Naples first and take a connecting flight or train from there.
Once in Alberobello, you can get around on foot, by taxi, or by bus. Renting a car is also an option, and will give you more freedom to explore the surrounding area; however, if you’re staying within the city limits, walking is often the simplest way to get around.
Things To Do in Alberobello: FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Alberobello.
Alberobello is most famous for its stunning trulli houses, which are a traditional style of architecture found in this region.
The best time to visit Alberobello is in the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable but there are fewer crowds than during the peak summer months.
Absolutely! Alberobello is one of the most unique places in Italy – I’ve never been anywhere like it. There are many fun things to do around Alberobello too and it’s a great place to base yourself if you plan to also travel a little.
One day is enough to see all of the essential sights. However, I recommend spending at least 2-3 days here so that you can take your time and enjoy everything that this quirky town has to offer.
Yes, Alberobello is a safe place to visit. As with any tourist spot, it’s always best to be aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended, sticking to areas that are lit at night, and concealing any obviously-valuable jewelry and other items.
The most popular thing to do in Alberobello is to explore the winding streets of Rione Monti and enjoy the picturesque views of the unique and characterful buildings.
Alberobello is a great place to try traditional Puglian cuisine like orecchiette pasta, focaccia bread, tiella, and fresh seafood. Also, don’t forget to sample some of the local wines!
In Closing
Alberobello is a beautiful town in Puglia that’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been before. Walking around the picturesque hilltop trulli, you might feel like you’ve stepped onto a set from a fantasy movie – it’s really amazing.
As you can see from this post, there are plenty of places to visit in Alberobello. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, or simply to discover a new scene, you’ll find loads of stuff to do in Alberobello and I really recommend taking the time to visit.
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