Storybook Alberobello and Locorotondo headline the Val d’Itria’s double bill of theatrical hilltowns. The former is home to more than 1,000 UNESCO-listed trulli—gnome-sized round cottages topped with conical roofs—while the latter is one of the most postcard-perfect spots in all of Puglia. Guided tours of both on foot or via e-bike, Segway, tuk-tuk, or golf cart top the list of things to do, paired with wine and olive oil tastings, cooking classes, and traditional dining experiences at the historic masseria farmhouses in the surrounding countryside.
Summer in these whitewashed villages is scorching, but visitors still flock to the area for the towns’ big festivals and events. Many celebrations, like the Alberobello Light Festival and Locorotondo’s Sagra Pirotecnica della Valle d’Itria fireworks display, take place in the evening, when temperatures cool down. Do as the locals do, and recharge with an afternoon siesta so you can make it through to the wee hours of the night.
The historic centers of both Alberobello and Locorotondo are compact and largely closed to vehicles, so plan on exploring by foot. There are bus and train routes between the two towns, and the trip takes less than 15 minutes. The Valle d’Itria—the rolling plain that stretches between these two towns—is a popular area for cyclists. Bike rental shops offer both regular bikes and e-bikes, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels.
The Valle d’Itria is known for its u furnidd, which are butcher shops that double as barbecue joints. Most of these small, family-run spots don’t advertise, so you’ll have to ask around if you want to find one. Once you do, you’ll choose your meat from the butcher display case, then wait at a table while it’s grilled over wood coals. Popular options include gnummreddi and marro (seasoned lamb offal), zampina (sausage), and bombette (pork rolls).
