Alberobello holidays

How to reach Alberobello

• Flight time: Flights to Alberobello involve landing at one of the two nearest airports, Bari or Brindisi. Flights from London to either destination take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours.

• Transfer time: The drive from Bari or Brindisi Airport to Alberobello takes around an hour, and many travellers pre-book a taxi or hire a car. Both journeys are possible by public transport, but the various changes mean they can take as much as four hours to complete.

• Price: Hiring a car costs about €30–€50 per day, depending on the vehicle type and time of year. A taxi from Bari or Brindisi Airport will set you back around €120–€180, but it’s the fastest option. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the longer travel time, a bus and train transfer comes in much cheaper, at roughly €10–€15.

Best time to visit Alberobello

Alberobello is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary depending on when you visit. While the summer season is warm and bustling, you’ll find that Alberobello retains its charm during the quieter months too. You may even get those stunning trulli all to yourself!

• April to June is a great time for holidays to Alberobello. Temperatures range from a pleasant 18°C to 26°C, and you can expect between 6–8 hours of sunshine per day. The town also isn’t too busy, making it a lovely time for wandering the narrow streets.

• July to August is the high season, when Alberobello really comes alive. Temperatures regularly hit 30°C, and there are up to 11 hours of daily sunshine. Large crowds are to be expected, but they give the town a fantastic buzz.

• September to November is the shoulder season, which offers a quieter, more relaxed appeal. Temperatures drop from around 26°C to 15°C, and rainfall gradually increases. However, it’s still warm enough to dine al fresco, and you can enjoy exploring at a slower pace.

• December to March brings cooler weather, with temperatures hovering between 6°C and 13°C. That said, Alberobello’s charming trulli are particularly beautiful when viewed in the soft winter light, and the town’s quietness makes for a peaceful getaway. You can expect more rain, but there’s still 4–5 hours of daily sunshine.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: While Italian is the official language, you’ll find that English is widely spoken. Knowing a few basic phrases will enhance your day-to-day interactions though.

• Local habits and customs: Alberobello has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, so don’t be surprised if things move a little slower than you’re used to. Restaurants don’t open for lunch until around 1 pm, and close for a few hours in the afternoon. Dinner also starts late – usually after 8 pm.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. You’ll find ATMs in the town centre, and most restaurants and shops accept credit cards, though it’s handy to have some cash for smaller purchases.

• Getting around: Walking is the best way to explore this compact town. If you plan on visiting other nearby towns or beaches, car rental prices start at around €30 per day. Buses and trains also connect Alberobello to other towns in the region. A typical fare costs between €2 and €10, and tickets are available at local kiosks or online.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin plugs, so make sure to pack an adapter.

• Time zone: Alberobello is in Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days without a visa, but passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your holiday.

Food and drink in Alberobello

While Puglian cuisine may be all about simple seasonal ingredients, you’ll find that food in Alberobello is packed with great flavour. Here are some of the dishes, desserts and drinks you should try during your stay:

Some typical dishes

• Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa: The region’s signature pasta dish that pairs orecchiette with cime di rapa – a bitter green vegetable similar to broccoli rabe. You’ll find this hearty, comforting dish on nearly every local menu.

• Focaccia Barese: A simple yet delicious snack of focaccia bread topped with olive oil, tomatoes and oregano. It’s best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Meat dishes

• Bombette: Small pork rolls stuffed with cheese and herbs, then grilled to perfection. They’re a popular street food and can be found at most local butchers and markets.

• Zampina di Sammichele: A coiled sausage made from pork, lamb or beef and seasoned with spices. Often grilled and served with bread, it’s perfect for a quick and filling meal.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Polpo alla Pignata: A hearty and flavourful octopus stew slow-cooked in a clay pot with tomatoes, onions and herbs. This dish is typical of the coastal towns near Alberobello.

• Cozze Ripiene: These stuffed mussels are a Puglian delicacy. Each one is filled with a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic and parsley, then baked in the oven.

Sweets and desserts

• Pasticciotto: A traditional pastry filled with delicious custard cream. It can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, and is a staple of Puglian bakeries and cafés.

• Cartellate: Deep-fried dough ribbons soaked in wine or honey, then sprinkled with cinnamon. This festive treat is typically enjoyed at Christmas, but you’ll find it in many cake shops all year round.

Local drinks

• Primitivo wine: Puglia is renowned for its wines, and Primitivo is one of the most popular varieties. This rich, full-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with the region’s hearty meat dishes.

Best things to do in Alberobello

This quirky town in the heart of Puglia makes up for its small size with abundant charm and a fascinating history. Alberobello is famous for its narrow, winding streets and white-washed, conical-roofed trulli houses, both of which make holidaying there feel a bit like stepping back in time.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Belvedere Santa Lucia: Easily one of the best viewpoints in Alberobello. Head here at sunset for a particularly magical moment gazing over the golden-hued trulli rooftops of the Rione Monti district.

• Church of Sant’Antonio: Located at the top of the hill in Rione Monti, this church provides a fantastic panorama of the surrounding area, while its unique trullo-style roof is a sight in itself.

• Aia Piccola: This lesser-known but equally stunning viewpoint offers a more tranquil perspective of Alberobello’s trulli houses. It’s also a great spot to take photos without the crowds.

The best districts

• Rione Monti: This is where you’ll find the largest concentration of trulli houses – around 1,000 in total. It’s also a tourist hotspot, with plenty of souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. Despite this, the area retains an authentic charm and is a lovely place to wander around.

• Aia Piccola: For a quieter and more authentic experience, head to Aia Piccola. This residential district with around 400 trulli houses is less commercialised than Rione Monti. Just remember that some of the trulli are still homes, so be respectful when strolling through.

• Piazza del Popolo: This is the main square of Alberobello, where the locals head to enjoy their morning coffee or evening aperitivo. Framed by historic buildings, it’s a great spot to relax after exploring the trulli districts.

Historical monuments

• Trullo Sovrano: The largest and only two-storey trullo in Alberobello is a must-see. It’s now set up as a living-world museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into how these unique dwellings were once used.

• Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian: This neoclassical basilica dedicated to Alberobello’s patron saints stands in stark contrast to the humble trulli. Along with its soaring bell towers, the impressive interior features some beautiful frescoes.

• Casa D’Amore: One of the first stone-built houses in Alberobello, this is a symbol of the town’s freedom from feudal rule. It’s now a museum that tells the story of Alberobello’s independence.

Day trips in the area

• Locorotondo: Just 15 minutes away from Alberobello is Locorotondo, an incredibly pretty and inviting town full of white-washed buildings and narrow streets.

• Grotte di Castellana (Castellana Caves): These stunning limestone caves located just 20 minutes from Alberobello are one of Puglia’s top attractions. Take a guided tour through this network of underground chambers and admire the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

Activities for families in Alberobello

Alberobello holidays are a fantastic choice for families. The town’s laid-back pace and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore with kids or older relatives, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

• Trulli exploration: Kids will love exploring the unique trulli houses, especially Trullo Sovrano, which helps visitors imagine what it was like to live in these fascinating buildings.

• Interactive museums: Head to Museo del Territorio (also known as Pezzolla House), where children can learn about how the trulli were built through fun and educational hands-on exhibits.

• Picnics: You’ll find plenty of green spaces perfect for a family picnic just outside Alberobello. Pack some local cheese, bread and fruit, and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.

• Biking: Hire bikes and take a family-friendly ride through the countryside of Valle d'Itria. The scenic landscape is dotted with vineyards, olive groves and more trulli houses.

Free things to do in Alberobello

If you’re travelling on a budget, Alberobello still has plenty to offer. From picture-perfect streets to vibrant festivals, there’s no shortage of free or low-cost activities.

• Explore Rione Monti and Aia Piccola: Wandering the Trulli districts and soaking up the charm of Alberobello’s winding streets is completely free.

• Local festivals: Plan your visit to coincide with one of Alberobello’s many local festivals, such as September’s Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian. You’ll be treated to lively parades, colourful fireworks and exciting street performances, all for free.

• Visit the public park: The Villa Comunale di Alberobello is a small but peaceful park located near the town centre. It’s a great spot for a walk or a picnic, and many locals come here to relax.

• Scenic walks: The surrounding countryside offers countless opportunities to discover the beauty of Puglia’s rural landscapes for free with leisurely walks or more demanding hikes.