Top Things to Do in Alberobello: Discover the Trulli Houses

In the heart of Puglia, surrounded by olive groves and some of the most celebrated Puglia wineries, sits Alberobello, one of Italy’s most magical towns. Famous for its whitewashed trulli with their whimsical cone-shaped roofs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into a storybook. But Alberobello is more than just picture-perfect houses; it’s a place where you can wander cobbled alleys, sip local wine in a hidden bar, and soak up the rhythm of southern Italy. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Alberobello, this guide will show you how to explore the highlights, discover local flavors, and make the most of your visit.

Best things to do in Alberobello

Stroll through the fairytale lanes of Rione Monti

Rione Monti is Alberobello’s most famous district and home to over 1,000 trulli clustered along winding stone streets. With their pale limestone walls and dark conical roofs, these houses turn the whole neighborhood into a postcard scene. Arrive early in the morning for quiet lanes or catch the golden light at sunset for some of the best photos you’ll take in Alberobello.

Wander the peaceful paths of Rione Aia Piccola

Quieter than Rione Monti, Rione Aia Piccola is where Alberobello shows its everyday charm. Locals still live among the centuries-old trulli here, giving the district an authentic, lived-in feel. Wandering these narrow streets offers a glimpse of daily life in the White City, far from the busier tourist paths.

Explore the majestic Trullo Sovrano

The Trullo Sovrano stands out as Alberobello’s only two-story trullo and one of its most important landmarks. Built in the 18th century, it now serves as a museum where you can step inside and learn how these remarkable stone houses were constructed and lived in. Right in the center of town, it’s a highlight you won’t want to miss.

Walk up Via Monte for panoramic views and top souvenir spots

Via Monte is one of Alberobello’s main streets, leading to sweeping views over the trulli rooftops. Along the way, shops spill out onto the cobbles with souvenirs ranging from olive-oil skincare to tiny hand-carved trulli. Take a break with a glass of local wine or grab a sandwich stacked with salami or tuna, the street has plenty of tasty pit stops as well as great views.

Visit the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua

At the top of Rione Monti, the Church of Saint Anthony (Chiesa di Sant’Antonio) is the only trullo-style church in Alberobello. Built in the early 20th century, it was designed to echo the town’s famous architecture, complete with conical roofs and thick stone walls. Inside, you’ll find a simple yet atmospheric space that still hosts services today, tying the town’s faith to its unique building traditions. Visiting this church is one of the must-see things to do in Alberobello, blending spirituality with the town’s iconic trulli style.

Step into wine history beneath the Trulli

This historic winery combines a working cellar with a fascinating wine museum carved directly into stone. Founded in the early 1900s, it showcases traditional tools, barrels, and stories that trace Puglia’s winemaking roots while still producing modern wines from native grapes like Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Best things to do around Alberobello

Explore the charming countryside of Locorotondo

Just 10 minutes from Alberobello, the whitewashed hilltop town of Locorotondo is often ranked among the most beautiful in Italy. Its circular old town is a maze of bright lanes and flower-decked balconies, opening up to sweeping views of the trulli-dotted Itria Valley. Exploring these quiet streets is one of the most rewarding things to do in Locorotondo Italy, especially if you’re looking for a slower pace after Alberobello. The town is also loved for its wines, so step into a cozy bar for a glass or head to a nearby vineyard for a tasting. Before you leave, browse the artisan shops for a handmade keepsake that captures a bit of Puglia’s charm!

Discover Monopoli and its coastal charm

About 35 minutes from Alberobello, Monopoli is where Puglia trades trulli rooftops for sea views. This buzzing port town has it all, sandy beaches, a working harbor full of fishing boats, and a historic center that’s as photogenic as it is laid-back. Jump in the Adriatic for a swim, wander along the ancient fortress walls, then reward yourself with a tuna panino or a seafood plate so fresh it almost wriggles. Getting lost in the Old Town’s sun-drenched lanes is one of the most unmissable things to do in Monopoli Italy, and trust us, you won’t complain about losing your way here.

Wander through Ostuni

Known as the “Città Bianca,” Ostuni is just a 40-minute drive from Alberobello and is famous for its sun-drenched alleyways, sweeping Adriatic views, and southern Italian cuisine that’s hard to beat. The old town is perfect for a lazy lunch followed by a wander through its maze of whitewashed streets. Take the scenic way back through olive groves and vineyards, stopping to taste fresh olive oil and local cheese along the way.

Getting lost after a glass of vino? That’s when the best things to do in Ostuni really begin.

Visit the Sassi and caves of Matera

A bit farther from Alberobello but absolutely worth the trip, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs. Just over an hour’s drive away, this city was once among the poorest in Italy but has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. You can visit Sassi di Matera, wander through the maze of stone houses and rock churches, and even dine in atmospheric cave restaurants. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Matera on Civita hill, which overlooks the dramatic ravine. To round out the experience, explore nearby Matera wineries, where local producers craft bold wines that pair perfectly with the city’s deep history.

Good to Know before visiting Alberobello