Alberobello: A Fairytale Escape in Puglia
If you don’t recognise Alberobello by its name, you’ll surely recognise it from the photos. It is one of those cute, instagrammable places that you see all over social media. But it’s also so much more than that!
Alberobello is located in the Itria Valley, Puglia and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The small city is known for its trulli houses that make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.
What are trullis?
Trulli houses are traditional stone dwellings characterized by their unique conical roofs. They are typically found in the region of Puglia in southern Italy. They are made entirely of local limestone and are built without the use of mortar. These charming dwellings were originally used as homes or agricultural storage spaces. Now the houses are a beloved cultural and architectural symbol of the region.
Is Alberobello worth visiting?
While I was doing some research, I came upon a few articles that suggested that it’s not worth the visit. The main reasoning of this was because it’s very crowded. I didn’t really know if I should go or not, but I’m so glad I decided to take the trip. Yes, it’s one of those places where tourist swarm to. But if you get there early in the morning, it’s actually not that bad.
I got there around 9 AM and while there were other people, I thought it was ok. Keep in mind that everything opens at 10 AM and that’s when the tourists show up. So the earlier you get there the less crowded it will be.
Overall I think it’s 100% worth the visit even if it’s just to walk around the trulli-lined streets.
How to get there
If you’re not renting a car the easiest way to reach Alberobello is to take the bus from Bari. The bus station is on the other side from the train station and the ticket costs around €11 return.
You can book your ticket online or buy it from the coffee shop La Brasserie which is right next to the bus stop. The drive is just a little over an hour with very few stops on the way.
Coming back to Bari from Alberobello, take the bus from the same place it dropped you off at. Google maps doesn’t show you the correct location.
How much time do you need in Alberobello?
It takes around 2-3 hours to walk around and explore all the trulli-lined streets, so it could easily be just a day trip.
If you have more time, there are a few museums you can visit or shop for beautiful hand-made souvenirs. Walking around you will run into a lot of trulli houses that are free to visit. Usually, it’s the owners that will give you the tour. This makes for a very authentic experience so keep an eye out!
The top things to see:
- Trullo Sovrano
- Trullo Siamese
- Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
- Territory Museum “House Pezzolla
Can you stay in the trullis?
The short answer: YES! Some of the trullis have been converted into hotel stays. Depending on the amenities that they have, prices range from €100 to €350 per night. So if you have time, try spending a night in these cute little houses. This way you can wake up early morning and take all the crowd-free photos you wish!
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