What to see around Alberobello
Alberobello, with its famous trulli, is one of the pearls of Puglia and an unmissable attraction for every tourist who comes to this region. But if you plan to explore the Itria Valley area, you will be surprised to discover that in the surroundings of Alberobello there is much more to see, enchanting places, each with a unique charm! Discovering these places will allow you to have a broader idea of what this region has to offer: culture, food and wine traditions, craftsmanship, typical buildings, natural beauty and much more.
In this article we talk about some of these wonderful villages, which you can combine with a visit to nearby Alberobello.
1. Locorotondo: the “round village”
Just 10 kilometers from Alberobello, Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its historic center, characterized by narrow streets and white houses, is perfect for a relaxing walk. The name “Locorotondo” comes from its circular plan, which develops around the mother church. Don’t forget to taste the famous white wine of the area, the Locorotondo DOC, a delight for the palate! During the Christmas holidays, this town transforms into an enchanted village, paved with lights and Christmas decorations to remind you of a magical village!
2. Martina Franca: between baroque and food&wine
About 15 minutes by car from Alberobello, Martina Franca is a city rich in history and culture. Walking through the center, you will come across beautiful baroque buildings, such as the Palazzo Ducale, and the splendid Basilica of San Martino. Every year Martina Franca hosts the Festival della Valle d’Itria (from mid-July to mid-August), a festival that attracts thousands of opera and classical music enthusiasts. Martina Franca is the home of the renowned Primitivo di Manduria DOC wine; wine lovers can book guided tours + wine tasting in one of the many wineries here. In this article we recommend some of them.
Don’t miss a lunch and/or dinner in one of the many trattorias in the historic center to taste some of the typical local products such as Capocollo of Martina Franca, soppressate and caciocavallo.
3. Castellana Grotte: a unique example of karst in Puglia
If you love nature and adventure, you can’t miss the Castellana Grotte, just 20 km from Alberobello. This extraordinary complex of underground caves is one of the most visited natural places in Puglia. With their spectacular landscape of stalactites and stalagmites, the caves offer a unique experience. A guided tour will take you into the heart of the earth, among incredible rock formations, including the famous “Grotta Bianca”, the most fascinating of all. In this article we tell you more about it.
4. Monopoli: on the Adriatic coast of Puglia
About 30 km from Alberobello, Monopoli is a coastal town that is definitely worth a visit. Its historic center, with the castle and baroque churches, is enchanting. But the real attraction is its beautiful beaches, such as Cala Porta Vecchia and Cala Paradiso, where you can relax and swim in crystal clear waters. Monopoli is the ideal place for a bit of relaxation after a day of exploration. In this article we tell you more about it.
5. Cisternino: a fairytale village
In the tour of the Itria Valley you can’t miss another of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Cisternino, just 15 km from Alberobello. The structure of the village is typical made of narrow streets of white houses in which to get lost, all to be admired, because every corner of this town has a suggestive glimpse to imprint in your mind and to photograph. After a nice walk, you can relax in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, whose clock, in addition to marking time, is the symbol of this town, together with the Church dedicated to San Nicola.
6. Ostuni: the “white city”
Less than an hour away from Alberobello we find Ostuni, the “white city” famous for its historic center entirely painted with white lime. Walking through the small streets of white houses, souvenir shops, excellent restaurants and buildings rich in history and art, will be an unforgettable experience. The beautiful Piazza di Sant’Oronzo, symbol of the city, is the beating heart of the city’s nightlife. Don’t miss a visit to the cathedral, a magnificent example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.
7. Polignano a Mare: a balcony overlooking the sea
30 km from Alberobello, Polignano a Mare is a small pearl on the Adriatic coast, famous for its cliffs and white houses overlooking the sea. The emblem of the city is Lama Monachile, a small inlet of sand and water, nestled between two rock walls overlooking the sea, the protagonist of all the photos taken in the city.
How to organize your visit
If you want to extend your visit to the Itria Valley, you can add one or more of these locations to your itinerary. Considering the small size of these villages, they are well suited to “day trips” to add to your visit to Alberobello. To make the most of all the time at your disposal, our advice is to organize a tour with a private driver in order to move more quickly from one place to another, as well as to reach locations, wineries, beaches, not reachable by public transport.