Alberobello Things to Do

While still relatively unknown to the majority of international travelers, Alberobello is a unique and beautiful location in the region of Apulia, known for its fascinating architecture and interesting history.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the town’s claim to fame are its districts of trulli – white, cone-shaped homes made of dry stone. The views of the town with its one-of-a-kind buildings are worth the trip alone, but there are a variety of other fun things to see and do within the city that will please any traveler.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN ALBEROBELLO

Throughout the Summer, Alberobello hosts a variety of festivals that evoke the cultural spirit of the area. From an international folk festival to music festivals for a variety of genres to religious and cultural festivals, travelers can experience the history and vibrancy of local life in Alberobello. Many events such as these are free to attend and take place outdoors, allowing travelers to experience the architecture of the city while also enjoying the festivities.

One of the most popular events in Alberobello is held every September. Called the Patronal Feast, it is one of the city’s oldest traditions and features a processional, music, art, and a carnival for visitors to enjoy. It honors the patron Saints of Alberobello, Cosmas and Damian.

Alberobello is also known for its Living Nativity Scene that takes place during the Christmas season. The locals dress in costumes and organize the nativity scene in the Aia Piccola trulli district. Since trulli are incorporated in the event, there is nothing quite like this Living Nativity Scene anywhere else in the world.

Similarly, during Easter the locals participate in a Living Passion, which occurs on Good Friday. In this case, the locals dress in costume and reenact the scenes of the Stations of the Cross.

Another key event is the historical re-enactment of the liberation of Alberobello. The parade features locals dressed in costumes from the end of the eighteenth century with period song and dance, all meant to illustrate Alberobello’s liberation from feudalism.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The main draw for most visitors to Alberobello are its amazing trulli buildings and homes. A walk through the local neighborhoods is fascinating. The center of town is comprised of Italy’s characteristic winding cobblestone streets with unique buildings, including trulli, lining them. Travelers can take a walk to explore the town, experiencing both local life and views of trulli. For the most trulli-filled experience, however, there are two areas of town – Via Monte Michele and Aia Piccola – that appear as if they are straight out of a storybook. The white, conical buildings with their pointed roofs are grouped together in large clusters, creating a magical setting that is truly picturesque.

While the trulli are the main attraction, there are a variety of other architectural locations to visit within Alberobello. In the Via Monte Michele district is the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio. This church is a unique site to see, as it is shaped like a trullo and provides excellent views of the trulli district. Other churches to see are the town’s main church, the Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano, and the Church of Santa Lucia.

After viewing the trulli, travelers can enjoy time along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a street that features various restaurants, bars, and shops. People-watching can be fun on this street, as locals like to gather in areas along the street to talk and enjoy each other’s company. Another location to enjoy local life is the town’s main square, Piazza del Popolo, which features benches and tables for resting and visiting.

If staying in Alberobello on a Thursday, check out the local fruit and vegetable market. This outdoor market offers local produce such as watermelons, cherries, chicory, and more.

For the best view in the city, visit the Belvedere Trulli lookout point. Not far from Piazza del Popolo, this area offers expansive views of the city’s storybook-like trulli village – perfect for a photo opportunity!

The natural landscape surrounding Alberobello is stunning. A day trip to nearby areas is worth it for travelers who wish to see nature and experience the outdoors even more. Just outside of Alberobello’s historical city center lies the Bosco Selva Oasis. An excellent retreat for nature lovers, this verdant area features numerous varieties of oak trees, hills, mammals, reptiles, and more. There’s no better place to unwind after exploring Alberobello’s characteristic trulli.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

For travelers who prefer to stay indoors, Alberobello’s cuisine offers ample opportunity to stay in while still enjoying the local culture. Throughout many of the town’s districts, visitors will find local bars that feature wine tastings and small bite tasting menus. Small snack shops line the streets, giving travelers the chance to sample some of the region’s favorite focaccia. And, of course, restaurants offer local dishes handmade by small-town chefs.

Another way to stay indoors is to enjoy any of Alberobello’s museums. Though smaller than other museums throughout Italy, the town’s modest museums feature the history of the area and give travelers insight into the local culture.

The Museo del Territorio, the town museum, contains displays of equipment used for agriculture and building, as well as rooms that are decorated in period fashion to depict what life was like in the city many years ago. Other museums cover subjects such as local olive oil, wine, and handicrafts.

SHOPPING IN ALBEROBELLO

Throughout Alberobello, there are a variety of shops where travelers can purchase souvenirs and taste local products.

The most popular place to shop is Rione Monti, a district filled with local vendors who beckon passersby to come in and enjoy their offerings. From restaurants and food stores serving up local delicacies and food products to shops of local craftsmen selling traditional products like ceramics, terracotta whistles, and trulli-shaped gifts, there is no shortage of unique products to purchase. Handicrafts from locals such as art, baskets, sculptures, ornaments, and more can be purchased all over town. Popular food items to purchase include local olive oils, wines, nuts, and dried pasta.

FAMILIES AND KIDS

One of the best places in Alberobello for families to visit is Remembrance Park. The small park, which is home to trees dedicated to fallen World War I soldiers, features an ice rink, bike path, and plenty of areas where kids can play together.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN ALBEROBELLO, ITALY

With the trulli being Alberobello’s main draw, one of the most fun things to do is stay in one for the duration of the trip. There are some hotels located in trulli that allow travelers to experience what life is like for locals. Travelers can also dine in trulli, as some of the most unique restaurants and bars are built inside the famous dwellings.

As Alberobello is a smaller town, a fun and unique experience to be had when visiting is to take a day trip to some of the nearby towns. This can be done with a rented car or via private driver. Travelers can visit towns like Martina Franca, known for its Baroque qualities, and Locorotondo, which features amazing views of the Valle d’Itria. There is also Castellana Grotte, known for its caves, and Ostuni, a charming hilltop town with a white-washed historical city center, not far from Alberobello.

Alberobello is a must-see on any trip to the Apulia region. Travelers come from far and wide to admire the historic trulli, and many end up falling in love with Alberobello’s charming, small-town atmosphere.

Travel Guides

The Apulia Region of Italy

The Cities of Apulia, Italy