Best towns in Puglia to visit: Alberobello and the Valle d’Itria

There are no doubts: Puglia is all beautiful.

So,  during your stay in our city, you cannot help but dedicate a few days to discovering the best towns in Puglia to visit!

From Alberobello to Cisternino, from Martina Franca to Locorotondo: here is our list of the most beautiful cities in Puglia where to spend your weekend!

Ready to take notes? Then continue reading!

Alberobello, the town of Trulli

If you love to immerse yourself in history and get to know the local spirit of Puglia up close, then Alberobello is the best town in Puglia for you to visit!

The history of this city dates back to the 1400s when the Conversano family decided to build houses for their farmers on this territory.

At that time, however, all the noble houses of Puglia had to respect the law of the ancient Kingdom of Naples by paying tribute to build new cities.

Wanting to avoid this tax, the Conversano Counts forced their peasants to build only houses that were easy to demolish if an inspection had taken place.
These simple and essential houses are the very famous Trulli of Alberobello.

The Trulli of Alberobello is a unique example of Apulian rural architecture. For this reason, they have been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Trulli are particularly famous for their curious gray cone-shaped roofs decorated with mysterious symbols of esoteric or religious significance.

You can admire the Trulli of Alberobello by walking in the districts of Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, the only two areas in Puglia built entirely with trulli!

Right in the Rione Monti, you will also have the opportunity to see the famous Trullo Siamese, the most beautiful Trullo in Alberobello.
It consists of two partially joined trulli which, according to legend, were inhabited by two brothers in love with the same woman.

What to do in Alberobello 

Want to experience Alberobello like a true local? Don’t worry, you are in good hands with us!

Alberobello is not only trulli and ancient history: today is a city full of nightlife and places where you can taste the typical Apulian cuisine.

Of course, even in these cases, the Trulli are the masters! In fact, what’s better than eating a nice plate of orecchiette con le rape sitting under the vault of a trullo?

If you prefer to experience the traditions of Alberobello, then don’t miss a visit to the Trullo Sovrano museum where historical furnishings and architecture are preserved. 

Those who love walking, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to trek along the ancient Canale di Pirro, a path that winds through the most beautiful landscapes of Valle d’Itria! 

But how to reach Alberobello from Bari? Nothing easier!

Alberobello is well connected to our city thanks to a dense public transport network. All you need to do is jump aboard the regional train offered by the Trenitalia company to get to Alberobello in comfort!

READ MORE: GETTING AROUND BARI WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

Cisternino, the most beautiful village in Italy

Are you always looking for breathtaking landscapes to photograph when traveling? Then Cisternino is the best town in Puglia for you!

Pointed as the most beautiful village in Italy, Cisternino is a small town perched on the hills of the Valle d’Itria. It was originally a settlement of peasants from nearby coastal towns, but it was recognized as a city during the Middle Ages.

Built as a labyrinth of narrow streets and medieval squares, Cisternino is the perfect town to walk around for an entire afternoon.

Walking in the historic center, you can admire an astonishing quantity of arches and hanging gardens, which decorate the streets with flowers and perfume.

Naturally, the beauty of Cisternino is not only in the alleys of the old city. This village is surrounded by many viewpoints overhanging the Valle d’Itria, from which you can enjoy a view that will leave you speechless.

What to eat in Cisternino

After a long trek through the streets of this city, you feel peckish?  Fear not!

Cisternino is the homeland of the ready stoves, grills placed outside the butchers on which you can roast the meat of your choice!

Lamb meat is very appreciated here, and you can taste it in many delicious and particular ways. 

There are the gnumeredd, skewers of lamb entrails, the testine, or lamb’s heads cooked on the grill, and the ever-present zampina, a fresh sausage made from minced beef and pork.

Like all the villages in the Valle d’Itria, Cisternino is also well connected to Bari by public transport: just take the train to Cisternino station to reach this village in just over an hour.

READ MORE: WHAT TO EAT IN BARI 

Martina Franca, village of great cuisine 

There is a town in Puglia famous for its delicious cuisine.  Exactly, we are talking about Martina Franca!

Founded during the Middle Ages as a small settlement of shepherds and peasants fleeing the Saracens, Martina Franca was transformed into a city by the King of Naples, Philip I of Anjou.

Today Martina Franca is famous for its pretty streets overlooked by palaces and churches in the Baroque style. The most beautiful building is the Basilica of San Martino, decorated with bas-reliefs.

Unlike the other villages in Valle d’Itria, Martina Franca is the ideal place to spend a relaxing day. The steep climbs of Cisternino leave room for wide paths that wind along the historic center among museums and typical restaurants.

It is no coincidence that Martina Franca is known throughout Puglia for its delicious cuisine based on meat. Among the most famous specialties, you have to try Capocollo, a cured meat with an intense taste obtained from the neck of the pig.

But the real pride of Martina Franca’s cuisine is the bombette. These are parcels of capocollo stuffed with caciocavallo cheese, salt, and pepper. They are the undisputed queens of Apulian embers during the summer!

Like all the best towns in Puglia, Martina Franca is well connected to our city thanks to public transport. You just have to jump on the first train and get ready to taste the delicacies of this extraordinary village!

READ MORE: WHAT TO DO IN BARI TO RELAX 

Locorotondo, city of festivals

If we have conquered you with the description of Alberobello, then you will be happy to know that there is a town where you can see the oldest trullo in Puglia. We are talking about Locorotondo!

One of the best towns in Puglia to visit, the history of Locorotondo dates back to 303 BC!

According to legend, this city was founded by St. George, a Christian warrior victim of the repression of the Roman emperor Diocletian. For this reason, San Giorgio is still venerated today as the patron saint of Locorotondo.

Here you can find Trullo Marziolla, the oldest trullo in Puglia. This trullo was used as a warehouse by local shepherds. Inside, it is possible to see a manger and four niches used as a support and work surface.

Locorotondo is one of the cultural capitals of Puglia and the center of international events such as the Locus Fest. This music festival hosts famous artists such as DJ Shadow, Alt-J, Paolo Nutini, and Kings of Convenience.

Now that you know the best towns in Puglia to visit, book your trip and bring your friends. 

And if you need a tour guide to take you through these beautiful villages, we at Free Walking Tour Bari are here for you!

Create your personalized itinerary to explore the best towns in Puglia with our Your Tour option! Book Your Tour now directly from our website!