Destination Spotlight: Alberobello, Italy. The Fairytale Village of Trulli

You’ve probably seen pictures of Alberobello’s trulli before, but what makes them so interesting? These houses, dating back to the16th century, were built entirely of dry-stacked limestone, meaning no cement or mortar was used. This wasn’t just a creative choice, it was a sneaky tax-avoidance strategy!

Legend has it that locals built their homes this way so they could be quickly dismantled when tax collectors came around. A few stones removed, and suddenly, the village no longer existed on paper. Thankfully, Alberobello’s trulli are now here to stay, and they remain some of the most well-preserved historical homes in Italy.

Today, the town is split into two main trulli districts:

• Rione Monti: The more touristy area, where over 1,000 trulli line the streets, many of them now housing shops, restaurants, and accommodations. This is where you’ll get the classic postcard-perfect shots of Alberobello.
• Rione Aia Piccola: A quieter, more residential neighborhood, where locals still live in trulli today. If you want a more authentic and peaceful experience, this is the place to wander.

One must-visit spot is Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo in town, which has been converted into a museum. Stepping inside, you’ll get a glimpse into what life was like in these homes centuries ago.

If you want the full Alberobello experience, you can actually stay in a trullo! Many of these historical homes have been transformed into boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, or even ‘Albergo Diffuso’, a type of “scattered hotel” where rooms are spread throughout different trulli in the historic center.

Waking up in a trullo is something special: thick limestone walls keep it cool in the summer, the cozy interiors are full of character, and you get a real taste of what life in Alberobello was like centuries ago (but with modern comforts, of course).

Il Gabellota Resort. Best for Families with Kids

• Luxury trulli suites with private terraces and gardens.
• Heated outdoor pool & playground for kids.
• Farmhouse-style breakfast with fresh local products.

This is one of the most family-friendly luxury stays in Alberobello. The resort combines the charm of historic trulli with modern comforts, offering spacious suites with separate sleeping areas for kids, a playground, and even cooking classes.

Le Alcove, Luxury Hotel nei Trulli.  Best for a High-End Stay

• Five-star boutique hotel inside a restored trulli.
• Exclusive concierge service.
• Complimentary spa treatments & wine tastings.

For those who want seamless luxury, Le Alcove offers high-end suites, private tours, and even babysitting services. The tailored experiences here, like private dining inside a trullo or exclusive access to local vineyards, make this the perfect spot for luxury-seeking families or couples.

Trulli Holiday Resort. Best for Private Villas &Space

• Independent trulli villas with full kitchens.
• Personalized activities like horseback riding & olive oil tastings.
• Great for multi-generational family trips.

For families needing more space and privacy, this resort offers full trulli houses with luxury interiors and private courtyards. They can also arrange family-friendly activities like private boat excursions or child-friendly wine tastings.

Puglia is one of Italy’s top foodie regions, and Alberobello is a great place to indulge in local specialties. If you’re visiting, here are a few must-try dishes:

• Orecchiette Pasta – This ear-shaped pasta is the pride of Puglia, often served with a simple tomato sauce or broccoli rabe and garlic.
• Burrata Cheese – If you love mozzarella, just wait until you try burrata. It’s creamy, rich, and absolutely addictive.
• Primitivo Wine – Puglia is famous for its bold, full-bodied wines, and Primitivo is a local favorite. It pairs perfectly with just about everything.
• Pane di Altamura – This golden-crusted bread has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be made in Puglia.
• Focaccia Barese – Thicker and fluffier than traditional pizza, topped with tomatoes, olives, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Speaking of olive oil, Puglia produces more olive oil than anywhere else in Italy, so olive oil tastings are a must while you're here.

Best High-End Dining in Alberobello & Nearby

Puglia is known for its incredible food, but Alberobello takes it up a notch with elevated farm-to-table dining, Michelin-worthy experiences, and private chefs.

Casa Nova. Best for an Intimate Fine Dining Experience

• Elegant trulli restaurant with a curated seasonal menu.
• Specialties: Handmade orecchiette, slow-cooked lamb, and fresh seafood.
• Sommelier-led wine pairings with Puglia’s best vintages.

Ristorante Evo. Best for a Modern Take on Puglian Cuisine

• Michelin-recognized fine dining with a modern twist.
• Signature dishes: Black truffle risotto & roasted octopus.
• Outdoor dining with trulli views, perfect for a romantic night out.

Grotta Palazzese. The Ultimate Luxury Dining Experience (Polignano a Mare – 30 min away)

• Michelin-starred restaurant inside a seaside cave.
• Unbeatable ambiance: Dine while waves crash below you.
• Book well in advance, tables fill up months ahead.

As a mom of two myself who also loves to travel, I am always looking for what the whole family might enjoy and Alberobello has some fun immersive experiences.

Private Trulli Building Experience

• Join a master stonemason and learn how to build a mini trullo with traditional limestone techniques.
• Perfect for families, kids love this hands-on activity.
• Private workshops available at luxury accommodations.

Farm-to-Table Cheese & Olive Oil Tasting

• Visit a high-end masseria (historic farmhouse) for a private burrata-making session.
• Sample Puglia’s finest olive oils with a guided tasting experience.
• Kid-friendly and interactive, your kids will love watching fresh mozzarella being made.

Exclusive Yacht Day to Polignano a Mare

• Board a yacht from Monopoli and sail to the sea caves of Polignano a Mare.
• Swim in hidden grottos, sip Prosecco, and enjoy a gourmet seafood lunch onboard.
• Perfect for families wanting a high-end beach experience without the crowds.

One of the best things about Alberobello is its location: you can use it as a base to explore some of Puglia’s most breathtaking spots, or stay somewhere else in Puglia and visit Alberobello from there (I do suggest spending 2 nights in Alberobello to really experience it). Here are a few easy day trips:

• Polignano a Mare – Just 30 minutes away, this cliffside town has some of the most dramatic coastal views in Italy. It’s also home to a famous restaurant built inside a cave!
• Monopoli – A charming seaside town with whitewashed buildings, colorful fishing boats, and a stunning historic center.
• Castellana Caves – A surreal underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
• Locorotondo – One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, known for its whitewashed houses and incredible panoramic views of the countryside.
• Matera –  A bit farther away (about 1.5 hours), but totally worth it. This ancient city of cave dwellings and stone-carved churches feels like stepping back in time.

• Visit early morning or late evening – This is when the village is at its most magical. Midday crowds can be intense, so plan your visit around them.
• Stay overnight – Most people visit Alberobello on a day trip, but staying overnight lets you experience the town without the daytime crowds. The trulli look incredible at sunset and under the evening lights.
• If you are visiting in the heat of summer, especially with a family, stay in a trullo with a private pool, it can be a game changer.
• Book private experiences: Many local businesses offer exclusive tours & tastings, just ask! Hire a private guide to get the full history & hidden stories behind the trulli and Alberobello’s fascinating past.
• Wear comfortable shoes – The streets are cobblestone, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Shop at curated artisan boutiques instead of touristy souvenir shops. Look for hand-painted ceramics, high-end textiles, and custom-made olive wood pieces.
• Wander off the main roads – The smaller side streets are where you’ll find hidden gems, quiet corners, and some of the best photo spots.
• Talk to the locals – Alberobello’s residents are incredibly welcoming, and many have fascinating stories about growing up in trulli.
• Bring cash – Many small shops and cafes prefer cash over cards.
• Combine Alberobello with a Puglia road trip! Explore Lecce, Ostuni, and the beaches of Salento for the ultimate vacation.

100% YES. If you love history, unique architecture, and small Italian villages that feel like they belong in a fairytale, Alberobello should be on your list. The experience of wandering through the trulli-lined streets, tasting the flavors of Puglia, and exploring the region will guarantee you fall in love with this magical place.

So, who’s adding Alberobello to their bucket list? If I can answer any questions, or help in the planning, reach out!