Magic of Alberobello- Top 8 Sights & Volunteering Nearby

01.04.2023.

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Trulli houses in Alberobello made this city in southern Italy a touristic meka that overloads cuteness. With lots of souvenir shops, it’s a hilly town that you’ll dream of visiting. The conical grey roofs blend perfectly with the white facades resembling to the Greek islands like Santorini.

A small town in Puglia is the home to fantasy and tradition that starts with unusual architecture. Only 1h away from Bari, Alberobello will allure you with its picturesque harmony. There are many things to do in Alberobello, but enjoying the ice cream will give you the highest delight. Let’s dive deeper what to see in Alberobello beyond just strolling the cute streets. Alberobello is a perfect place to start your 7-day journey in Puglia.

Discover other fairy tales places in Italy such as the Tuscanian pearl, Val d’Orcia.

Read here about my volunteering experiences with Worldpackers in Mexico.

Shortly about the history of trulli

A trullo (in plural, trulli) is a unique type of architecture that rules in the streets of Alberobello and nearby villages. The tradition of trulli has existed for thousands of years and gave Alberobello the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The limestone houses in a cylinder shape follow the conical roofs and create a picturesque atmosphere in the town. Sometimes the roofs cover the white images which can be a Christian or magical symbol.

The Acquaviva family started the tradition of trulli in the 15000s to avoid the feudal system and paying property taxes. Due to their construction without mortar, the royal government accepted not to consider the taxes.

Finally, in 1797 Alberobello officially became a royal town thanks to the King of Naples Ferdinando IV di Borbone.

Trulli tradition today

After the 18th century, the town gathered more than 3500 inhabitants which grew today to more than 10 000. Most of the locals don’t live in the trulli anymore, but rather developed souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels.

Rione Monti

Rione Monti will probably be your starting point as you ascend and absorb the marvels of trulli. The souvenir shops fill the area where you can get your lovely magnet or the small version of the trullo.

Some shops even offer a panoramic terrace where you’ll enjoy the epic roofs from a closer perspective. Probably you’ll need to purchase something as a sign of respect. Here you’ll find lovely restaurants and bars, but some souvenir shops also offer traditional Pugliese snacks.

Trullo Siamese

I almost didn’t notice this one as I was just wandering around the cute streets. On the parallel street to Rione Monti, you’ll find Trullo Siamese with the two joined domes. Lying in the Via Monte Nero, it offers a tranquil view of the neighboring trulli.

According to the legend, two brothers lived in this trullo and fell in love with the same woman. She chose the younger one and that’s why they divided the trullo.

Visit the Trulli church

If you come to the highest point of Alberobello following Rione Monti, you’ll see Sant’Antonio Church. Lying across the large park, it’s an impressive church and the only trulli church in the world. Dating to 1927, it symbolizes the struggle of religions.  

Rione Aia Picolla

Rione Aia Picolla, which means „Small yard district“, absorbs the authentic vibes of Alberobello. It’s a fantastic labyrinth of streets with more than 400 trulli that are almost always empty. There are no souvenir shops here, but you will find several hotels and airbnb-s.

During one very windy afternoon in Alberobello, Rione Aia Picolla was a place to host the local festival. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen due to the weather.

Belvedere Santa Lucia

Before entering the historic area of Trulli, a wonderful viewpoint will welcome you. It’s a chance to admire this incredible town and take some lovely pictures. In the panoramic charm of Alberobello, all its essence soaks at this majestic terrace.

Villa Comunale Belvedere- a secret viewpoint

Adjacent to Santa Lucia Belvedere lies an awesome park with gorgeous views. With lovely flowers in view, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere. There’s even a little bar in the park that blends with the picturesque scenery.

Enjoying the ice cream

Except just strolling along the cute streets, try to feel the taste of Puglia. This was the best ice cream I had in Italy so I wonder if Puglia truly wins the treasure of Italian gelato. To be precise, it’s a small store named Martinucci and covers the same traditional brand from 1950 also in Bari. I’m sure that other pastry shops are pretty delightful, but this one caught our eyes in the picturesque Via Monte S.Michele.

Museums of Alberobello

At the doorstep of Rione Aia Picolla, you’ll find the Museum of Territory, which is composed of the 15 trulli. Explaining the life and history of Trulli it intertwines with the popular traditions in the area.

To truly absorb the local lifestyle, visit also the Museum of Olive Oil, the Museum of Wine or the Museum of Handicrafts.

Bonus- visit a Market every Thursday

Located in Via Barsento Street (not in the historical Trulli area), the local market happens every Thursday from 7,30 till 12,30 pm. It’s your chance to get cheaper prices for fruits and vegetables. Trying the typical snacks of Puglia is inevitable, and also much more cheaper than anywhere. Let’s add the adorable olives and nuts.

Volunteering in Alberobello

My decision to visit Alberobello was sudden as I saw cheap bus tickets from Croatia and wanted to enrich my travels. Founding an abandoned property immersed in olive trees full of spring flowers gave me fantastic volunteering experiences.

Covering about 10 apartments and one trullo, we started to unveil the history of the place into the new reality. The idea of our host is to start an eco-village and occasional ecological markets.

Except cleaning the property, the garden tasks unfolded and I made a heart inside (imagine a lovely design upon it).  I wonder into what it would turn later as the place has a lot of possibilities.

The pool from the Worldpacker’s images was not in use and we also had a wonderful basketball field.

Unfortunately, sometimes it was too windy and cold.

How much time do you need in Alberobello?

You probably wonder how much time you need to see Alberobello. The town is adorably small and full with thousands of trulli so you’ll need 1 or 2 hours. It can also involve incredible ice cream or culinary delights so possibly stretch for an hour or two.

Actually, one hour is absolutely enough to stroll around and experience Alberobello, even to take some pictures.

Take it slowly to soak up the vibes and if you have a chance, visit the local museums.

Is it worth visiting Alberobello?

I visited Alberobello in March while volunteering in the nearby village of Correggia. Due to its historical charm and lovely streets, Alberobello is such a gem of Puglia. The unique architecture will make you feel astonished by its simplicity.

Most of the time it wasn’t even so full, but sometimes I saw many kids on excursions.

In recent years Alberobello experienced the touristic boom, but this allure will transport in a novel instantly.

Day trips from Alberobello

Alberobello is magical, but if you’re staying for more than one day in the town or nearby don’t skip its surroundings.

Locorotondo

Lying about 12 km from Alberobello, Locorotondo is a stunning hilly town. The white houses and cute corners express the poetic soul of Locorotondo in the Itria Valley and its views.

The cheaper prices than Alberobello make another advantage of this lovely town.

Castellana Grotte

The Castellana Caves near Putignano are only 20 minutes drive from Alberobello. It’s the largest cave in Italy and you can visit it by a guided tour.

I didn’t visit Castellana Grotte but our host stopped at one trulli cave near Putignano.

Martina Franca

Martina Franca is the common train junction when travelling to the bigger cities, a charming and surprising town. It’s 30 30-minute drive from Alberobello and full of white and tranquil streets.

How to reach Alberobello

Reaching Alberobello by car will give you the best options to explore the nearby places.

Bari is the best starting option to reach Alberobello via train, though sometimes the bus takes the role of the train. You’ll see written Ferrovi on the bus. The journey with a train lasts 2h requiring a change and the bus only 1 hour.

There are no actually buses from Bari to Alberobello.

Where to stay 

Budget

Art Rooms Joyful People– located in the countryside about 2 km from Alberobello, you’ll find tranquility and artistic charm here. The colourful rooms cover lovely murals, there’s a small fridge in the rooms and you can enjoy BBQ.

Mid-range

Trulli e Puglia Resort– cozy rooms in the historical center of Alberobello. They also provide a kitchenette and a lovely garden.

Dimora Sumerano– the beautiful house that provides entrance to the rooftop, 2 km from Alberobello.

Trullo Resort Grassi– large apartment in the center of Alberobello and very tranquil also.

Hotel Silva– wonderful and elegant place in the center, including breakfast and quad tours.  

Luxurious

La Mandorla Luxury Trullo– features spa bath and hot tube, you can also enjoy breakfast onsite.

Final thoughts

Alberobello is a fascinating capture of history, a charming town that will change your picture of Puglia. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer nearby and experience the soft landscape full of olives. The cute streets of Alberobello are simple and neat yet attract tourists like crazy. If you have the opportunity, include it in your itinerary of Puglia and you’ll arrive to another time. In Alberobello feels like time has stopped so make your way to enjoy it to the fullest.

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