If you’ve heard of Alberobello, you have likely seen photos of the cone-shaped Trulli. From your first glimpse of this real-life Smurf town, you’ll fall in love with this charming, whimsical town.
A short history of the Trulli
You may be surprised to learn that these charming structures were originally built for tax evasion purposes. In the 14th century, Alberobello was under the rule of the Kingdom of Naples. During this time, the local lord decided to impose taxes on all permanent dwellings. To keep taxes low, the residents of Alberobello were instructed to build homes without mortar. This way, the homes could be easily deconstructed if the tax collectors came knocking. Limestone slabs were stacked into to create the mortarless, cone-shaped buildings.
Fast-forward to today, where 1,500 trulli still stand in Alberobello. The whimsical, conical homes are now deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. They have been repurposed into restaurants, shops, and cute bed & breakfasts.
How to get to Alberobello
Car: The easiest way to reach Alberobello is by car. Its location makes Alberobello an easy day trip from nearby towns like Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, or Monopoli. It’s also a great one-night stop (more on this below) on your Puglia road trip.
Just like most towns in Puglia, you cannot drive into the center of Alberobello. Luckily, there are many parking lots just steps away from the historic center. Most lots will charge a flat rate for the day or for overnight parking, and they are attended and secure. More on this here.
Public transportation: If you opt not to drive through the region, you can reach Alberobello by train or bus. Click here for more information.
Top sights and activities in Alberobello
Alberobello from Above: The Belvedere viewpoint is the most famous in Alberobello. Situated at Rione Aia Piccola, this free viewpoint overlooks the beautiful trulli. Early morning is your best bet for escaping the crowds, but with some patience you can still find a chance for some great photos.
Enjoy the Food: The Puglia region is known for its ear-shaped orecchiette pasta! You can find incredible versions of this pasta all throughout the region, and Alberobello is no exception. It can be prepared many different ways, but my personal favorite is orecchiette alle crime di rapa or orecchiette with turnip greens. Ristorante il Pinnacolo serves a great version, and is located in a beautiful cavern in the heart of Alberobello.
Sleep in a trullo: Entering a trullo is like entering a story book. Though the unique homes have been repurposed into boutique hotels, the charm and history have been well preserved. Our trullo had all of the modern day amenities we’ve come to rely on. It included a working kitchen, fully-equipped restroom, and even a TV in the living area, but the layout and the structure was original. I loved staying in the heart of the town, and found the trullo to be very quiet despite the crowds on the main road just outside – it’s safe to say the trullo are soundproof! I highly recommend staying with Trulli e Puglia.
Tour: If you prefer, a guided tour is also a great way of seeing Alberobello. One of my favorite ways to see a town is through the eyes of a local. GetYourGuide and Viator are some of my favorite sites for finding a guide.
How much time should I spend in Alberobello?
If you have the time, I recommend staying one night in Alberobello. While the town is easily seen in a few hours, there is something to be said for experiencing the quiet of the morning. Strolling through the little Smurf town before any tour buses, vendors, or day-trippers arrive allows you to appreciate the true beauty of Alberobello, and also capture great photos.
Whether you spend a few hours, a day, or the night, you are guaranteed to love this real-life Smurf town.
Buon Viaggio!
