Best Things to Do in Locorotondo: Travel Guide to Southern Italy

Welcome to Locorotondo, one of the prettiest towns in Puglia and a true gem in southern Italy’s Valle d’Itria. Sitting high on a hilltop and famous for its perfect circular layout, this whitewashed village is all about winding cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and sweeping views over vineyards and olive groves. Surrounded by some of the most celebrated Puglia wineries, it’s the perfect stop for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone chasing authentic Italian charm. Known for its crisp Bianco Locorotondo DOC, relaxed vibe, and outstanding Puglian cuisine, the town is a delight to explore at any pace. From sipping wine in a panoramic bar to wandering the centro storico or joining a countryside tour, you’ll quickly see why discovering the best things to do in Locorotondo is a must on any Puglia itinerary

Best things to do in Locorotondo

Stroll through the old streets

The heart of Locorotondo beats in its beautifully preserved historic center. Whitewashed houses line cobbled lanes, their wrought-iron balconies overflowing with flowers, while sunlight bounces off the stone streets. As you wander, you’ll come across baroque façades, small artisan shops, and inviting cafés or wine bars tucked into corners. Exploring these streets is one of the most rewarding things to do in Locorotondo, and the best way to soak up the town’s authentic charm.

Visit Chiesa Madre San Giorgio

The Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio is one of the highlights in the center of Locorotondo. Built in the 18th century on the site of an older church, it’s dedicated to Saint George, the town’s patron. Inside, the ornate altar and colorful frescoes add a touch of grandeur to the otherwise quiet atmosphere.

Explore the surrounding olive groves and vineyards

The countryside around Locorotondo looks like it was made for slow travel, vineyards rolling over the hills, centuries-old olive trees casting shade, and trulli scattered like stone mushrooms across the fields. The best way to take it all in? Rent a bike or join a local guide and let the valley unfold at your own pace. With a glass of crisp Locorotondo DOC white wine waiting at the end, it’s the kind of day that feels both simple and unforgettable.

Discover the legacy of the Madonna della Greca Church

Madonna della Greca is one of Locorotondo’s oldest churches, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages. Step inside and you’ll find intricate details and sacred art that tell centuries of stories in stone and paint. A little off the main tourist trail, it’s the kind of peaceful spot where you can catch your breath and take in the quieter side of Locorotondo.

Capture the whitewashed beauty of Locorotondo

Locorotondo is more than its churches and wine, it’s an open-air canvas. As the sun shifts, the town’s whitewashed walls glow in shades of gold and pink, giving every alley a new mood. Wander with your camera ready, and you’ll quickly see why this hilltop gem feels like it was designed to be photographed.

Best things to do around Locorotondo

Visit Martina Franca

10 minutes from Locorotondo, Martina Franca is all elegance and energy, with Baroque palaces, lively markets, and piazzas that seem made for people-watching. Its historic center is a maze of narrow streets, archways, and striking landmarks like the Chiesa di San Nicola. Join a guided tour to uncover its stories or stop by a local winery for a glass of crisp Puglian white. This town pairs perfectly with nearby Alberobello on a road trip through the Valle d’Itria.

Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Martina Franca Italy.

Unveil wine history carved in stone

5 miles south of Locorotondo, Cantina Museo Albea is more than a winery, it’s also a museum that tells the story of winemaking in Puglia. Founded in the early 1900s, it’s built from stone with cellars carved into the rock, creating a unique setting to explore. Inside, you’ll find old tools and photos showing how wine was made in the past, alongside tastings of local wines that connect history to the glass in your hand.

Explore the iconic Trulli of Alberobello

Looking to make the most of your stay in Locorotondo? Just a 12-minute drive south brings you to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its trulli, traditional stone huts topped with conical roofs. A visit here is like stepping into a fairy tale, with whitewashed lanes and quirky rooftops around every corner. Exploring Rione Monti, where you’ll find the largest cluster of trulli, is one of the most iconic things to do in Alberobello. Grab a sandwich in a local café before heading back to Locorotondo, and you’ll have ticked off one of Puglia’s must-see experiences.

Walk to Cisternino and discover local charms

The town of Cisternino offers another historic center full of charm, mixing authenticity with pure relaxation, 15 minutes west of Locorotondo. It’s best explored on foot, wandering cobblestone streets and ducking into taverns for grilled meat or a plate of orecchiette. Its close proximity makes it perfect if you’re short on time but still want to add variety to your trip. From the viewpoints, you’ll see sweeping countryside and maybe even spot the perfect villa stay.

If you’re wondering what makes this place so special, just know that getting lost in its alleys and savoring its flavors are some of the best things to do in Cisternino Italy.

Wander through the wonders of Ostuni

Ostuni, La Città Bianca, is just a 35-minute hop from Locorotondo, and it shines, literally. Perched on a hill above endless olive groves, the town glows under the sun, its whitewashed walls turning golden at sunset. Grab a seat at a terrace wine bar to watch the light change, then dive into bowls of handmade pasta or wander the buzzing piazzas with a glass of Locorotondo DOC in hand. Exploring this hilltop beauty is one of the essential things to do in Ostuni, and the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your Puglian adventure.

Venture to Bari for coastal culture

About an hour from Locorotondo, Bari is Puglia’s vibrant capital, a coastal city that balances history, food, and nightlife. Begin in Bari Vecchia, the old town, where twisting alleys lead to Romanesque churches like the Basilica di San Nicola and open onto sunny piazzas where locals sell orecchiette, fresh cheese, and other homemade specialties. Along the way, pop into cafés or wine bars, or join one of the growing Bari wine tastings for a flavorful break. As the day winds down, catch the Adriatic glow from a seaside promenade.

Exploring this lively city is among the top things to do Bari Italy, adding the perfect big-city edge to your Puglian road trip.

Good to Know before visiting Locorotondo, Italy