Is Alberobello, Italy Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know

ByMelissa Byron

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If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media looking for picturesque spots in Puglia, chances are you’ve seen Alberobello—the town made famous by its storybook-like cone-shaped houses, known as trulli.

I first came across Alberobello on Instagram, and like so many others, I was immediately captivated. Without hesitation, I added it to my travel wish list. Fast forward to my trip to Italy in June, and I made it my mission to spend a couple of days there, convinced it would be as magical as it looked online.

Now, let me be real with you—what you see on social media isn’t always what you get. Alberobello is not some undiscovered hidden gem. In fact, it’s quite the opposite—it’s a full-blown tourist hotspot. 

So, is Alberobello worth visiting? The short answer: Yes, but only for a short stay. It’s stunning, but what you see online doesn’t always match reality. Here’s what to expect.

A picturesque street in Alberobello, Italy, lined with traditional white trulli houses with conical roofs. A vibrant cluster of pink flowers in the foreground adds charm to the sunlit stone pathway. The text overlay reads, "Is Alberobello Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know," with the website ASINGLEWOMANTRAVELING.COM displayed at the bottom.

It’s Very Crowded—But Don’t Let That Stop You

I’ll be honest—I expected Alberobello to be fairly quiet. Maybe it’s because none of the photos I saw online showed massive crowds, and I never came across any warnings about just how packed it gets. So, when I arrived, I was a bit shocked.

I also assumed the village would feel more lived-in, like an actual community. In reality, the main area is almost entirely made up of hotels and tourist shops—that’s it.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s definitely not the untouched, authentic little village I had imagined.

And those dreamy empty-street shots you’ve seen? Yeah, those were taken early in the morning, before the herds of tourists arrive.

That said, if you’re staying overnight, you’ll get a bit of relief—by around 5 PM, the tour groups start to clear out, and the town becomes a lot more peaceful. Keep that in mind when planning your visit!

A group of tourists exploring the charming streets of Alberobello, Italy, surrounded by traditional trulli houses with their iconic conical stone roofs. The visitors, dressed in casual summer attire with backpacks and hats, appear engaged in sightseeing. Some are taking photos, while others are conversing. The narrow street is lined with whitewashed trulli, some decorated with vibrant red bougainvillea. The pavement shows visible cracks, adding to the rustic character of the scene. The sky is overcast, casting a diffused light over the picturesque setting.
A charming stone building with conical rooftops, characteristic of the trulli architecture, is nestled among lush green trees in Alberobello, Italy. A pedestrian crosswalk leads up to the gated entrance, while the stone facade and arched doorways add to the historic and picturesque setting.

💡 Takeaway: Alberobello is beautiful, but expect crowds—unless you visit early or stay overnight.

Getting There: Not the Easiest by Public Transport

If you’re traveling through Puglia without a rental car, pay attention—this part is important! Getting to Alberobello from Bari isn’t as simple as hopping on a train; you’ll need to take a bus.

Getting to Alberobello from Bari:

  • The bus “station” in Bari is actually just a street where buses park, behind the main train station. To find it, Google Map your way to Bari Largo Sorrentino.
  • There are no big signs or a ticket office, which can be confusing.
  • Tickets are sold inside a small convenience shop (I’ve pictured it below). To make things easier, just download the Trenitalia app and buy your ticket there.
  • The bus ride is just over an hour and drops you off at Alberobello’s main station.
A wall outside a ticket-selling shop with two printed signs taped to it, offering tickets for travel to Matera and Alberobello. The signs read 'BIGLIETTI TICKET PER MATERA' and 'BIGLIETTI TICKET ALBEROBELLO'. Below them, two colorful advertisements promote snacks and drinks, including Monster Energy and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, alongside images of tramezzini sandwiches and chips. The window display in the background features postcards and images of tourist destinations, as well as cakes and desserts.

Returning to Bari:

  • Buy your ticket in advance on the app! The ticket machines at the Alberobello station weren’t working when I was there, and there was no attendant to help.
  • Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they are not sold on the bus. I saw someone plead with the driver, but there were no exceptions.
  • There is no direct train from Bari to Alberobello—only the bus option.

If you’re on a tight schedule or dislike dealing with unclear public transport, renting a car might be the better move.

💡 Takeaway: Alberobello is a bit tricky to reach—plan ahead, especially if relying on public transport.

Staying Overnight? A Trulli is a Must

While Alberobello makes for an amazing day trip from Bari, if you’re even thinking about staying overnight, then do yourself a favor—book a stay in a trulli!

These unique, cone-roofed houses have a fascinating history. Originally built without mortar, they were designed to be easily dismantled to avoid property taxes under ancient feudal law. Today, they’re a huge part of Alberobello’s charm and a major reason people visit.

I absolutely loved the trulli I stayed in (pictured below). And to my surprise, it was more affordable than I expected—I paid $150 per night, which felt reasonable for such a one-of-a-kind experience.

A rustic interior of a traditional trullo house in Alberobello, Italy. The space features stone walls and an arched ceiling, with a small window allowing natural light in. The kitchen area has a simple countertop with a fabric curtain covering the storage space below, and various old-fashioned kitchen tools hanging on the wall. To the right, there is a fireplace with a wooden cupboard above it for additional storage. A wooden worktable with antique tools sits in the foreground, adding to the historical charm of the room.
A traditional Trullo house interior in Alberobello, Italy, featuring rustic stone walls and arched doorways. A wooden bench against the wall holds neatly folded white towels and burlap sacks. Above the bench, a small built-in shelf displays black ceramic bottles. A lantern-style wall light casts a warm glow over the space. The arched entrance leads to a dimly lit alcove with a fireplace and a workbench, creating a cozy and historical atmosphere. The tiled floor reflects soft light, enhancing the old-world charm of the setting.

That said, while I booked two nights, I quickly realized that one night is plenty. Alberobello is small, and you can easily see everything within a few hours. By day two, I found myself a little bored—so what did I do?

Ate my body weight in orecchiette, the region’s famous “little ear” pasta. This local specialty is typically served with cime di rapa (broccoli rabe) or a rich tomato-based sauce, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint.

Speaking of food, let’s talk about where you absolutely need to eat, even if you’re only here for a day.

A cozy bedroom inside a traditional Trullo house in Alberobello, Italy. The room is accessed through a rustic stone archway, leading to a bed with a striped beige and white bedspread and two pillows. A wooden shelf above the bed holds a vintage lantern, adding to the historical charm. A small built-in wall niche provides additional storage. A wooden cabinet stands to the right of the bed, and a small window near the ceiling allows soft natural light to enter. The space has an old-world, intimate feel, with its whitewashed stone walls and simple yet functional furnishings.
A cozy interior of a traditional Trullo house in Alberobello, Italy. The space features rustic stone walls, arched doorways, and wooden ceiling beams. A soft glow from a lantern-style wall light enhances the warm ambiance. A small doorway leads to a bathroom with a visible toilet. The main door has a white lace curtain, allowing natural light to filter in. A red patterned rug adds a touch of color to the neutral-toned tile floor. A beige canvas bag rests on the floor near the entrance, contributing to the lived-in charm of this historic home.

👉 Stay in this trulli- Rione Pentimi

Food Scene: Limited, but Some Gems Exist

If you love pasta, Alberobello is absolutely worth visiting! While I didn’t find an overwhelming number of restaurants to recommend, that actually worked in my favor—less decision fatigue, more time to enjoy the best spots.

Here are the three standout places I highly recommend:

1. Coppino Alberobello – Casual & Delicious

Hands down, this was the best red sauce I had on my entire trip to Italy. Coppino serves up classic dishes in a casual, no-fuss setting—you order at the counter, pay, and they bring the food to you when it’s ready.

My top recommendation? Orecchiette with meatballs—a mix of beef and pork in a rich tomato sauce. If you want something different, try it with veggie meatballs (which are actually crispy fried bread balls—so good!).

Another must-try is the Orecchiette with sautéed anchovies, broccoli rabe, and toasted breadcrumbs. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

A meal featuring two bowls placed on a red and white placemat with the text 'Coppino' and 'Nonna'. One bowl contains orecchiette pasta with grated cheese, while the other is filled with meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. A white plastic spoon rests in the meatball bowl. In the background, a glass with an orange slice and a black straw, along with a wooden napkin holder decorated with blue floral designs, are visible on a wooden table.
A bowl of freshly prepared orecchiette pasta, topped with grated cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a fresh basil leaf, sits on a wooden tray at an outdoor dining area. A white plastic spoon rests on the edge of the bowl. In the background, a napkin holder with a blue floral pattern and the restaurant's logo is visible. An orange Aperol Spritz with ice and a black straw sits nearby. Other diners are engaged in conversation under a canopy, creating a lively atmosphere at the eatery.

2. Apperó – Cozy Bistro Vibes

If you’re looking for a bistro with a slightly more upscale feel, Apperó is a fantastic choice. I loved it so much I went twice!

Located on a quiet street away from the main tourist crowds, it offers full table service and a more relaxed dining experience.

Two standout dishes: the octopus and the hummus on toast (both pictured below). Both were excellent, fresh, and beautifully plated.

A beautifully plated dish featuring a slice of rustic toasted bread topped with a creamy spread, sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, caper berries, and black sesame seeds. The toast is placed on a bed of fresh green salad leaves and is lightly dusted with paprika. A silver fork rests beside the toast on a speckled ceramic plate, set on a wooden table with a partially visible water glass and a green bottle in the background.
A gourmet dish featuring grilled octopus with a slightly charred exterior, served on a bed of vibrant orange purée. The dish is garnished with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh green salad leaves, and drizzled with olive oil. A fork and knife rest on the side of the white ceramic plate, which is placed on a rustic wooden table. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an outdoor dining setting.

3. Trattoria Terra Madre – Farm-to-Table Excellence

If you’re staying overnight or want a more immersive dining experience, Trattoria Terra Madre is a must.

This farm-to-table restaurant takes freshness to another level—you can literally see the produce growing in their garden behind the restaurant.

Everything here is incredibly fresh, creative, and thoughtfully prepared. The staff is also super knowledgeable and attentive, making the experience even better.

If I return to Alberobello, I’m definitely eating here again.

A beautifully plated dish featuring a crispy, breaded vegetable patty topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, arugula, and grated cheese. The dish is elegantly presented on a white plate with a decorative green sauce drizzle. In the blurred background, a glass of white wine is visible, adding to the sophisticated dining ambiance. The table setting includes a beige tablecloth, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A beautifully plated lemon dessert served on a rustic ceramic plate with blue floral patterns. The dessert consists of a halved lemon filled with a sorbet-like treat, topped with toasted almond slices and a fresh mint leaf. Crumbled biscuits surround the lemon, adding texture. A spoon rests on the plate, ready to dig in. In the background, a glass of white wine sits on a linen-covered wooden table, creating a cozy and inviting dining atmosphere.
A charming rustic restaurant in Alberobello, Italy, with a simple and cozy atmosphere. The white walls feature a handwritten menu listing traditional Italian dishes such as pasta, secondi (main courses), and beverages. The wooden tables are set with white plates, silverware, and colorful inverted glasses in red, blue, green, and yellow, adding a playful touch to the setting. The mismatched wooden chairs contribute to the homey feel of the space. Hanging industrial-style lamps provide lighting. The overall ambiance is casual yet inviting, perfect for enjoying authentic local cuisine.
A serene outdoor dining area next to a lush vegetable garden in Alberobello, Italy. The garden is neatly arranged with rows of fresh greens and plants labeled with small white signs. A stone pathway runs alongside the garden, leading to a rustic open-air restaurant with wooden tables and chairs under a canopy of vibrant green grapevines. Olive trees and other Mediterranean flora surround the area, enhancing the tranquil countryside atmosphere. In the background, two people are tending to the garden, adding to the scene’s authenticity and charm.

Alberobello vs. Monopoli: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re short on time in Puglia and trying to decide between Alberobello, Monopoli, or even Polignano a Mare, here are some key things to consider.

First, Alberobello is inland, while Monopoli is coastal. If the weather isn’t ideal for the beach, Alberobello might be the better choice since it’s all about wandering the trulli-filled streets rather than lounging by the sea.

However, if you’re someone who loves seaside views, charming harbors, and a laid-back coastal vibe, then Monopoli might be the way to go. The town is full of cute piazzas, waterfront restaurants, and small local beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Another key difference? Tourist vibe vs. local charm. Alberobello, while undeniably stunning, feels more like an open-air museum—it’s beautiful, but very touristy.

A scenic stone pathway in Alberobello, Italy, surrounded by lush greenery and pink flowers in the foreground. The path leads towards a panoramic view of the town’s iconic whitewashed trulli houses with conical roofs, nestled among trees under a soft blue sky with wispy clouds. The image captures a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere, blending natural beauty with historic charm.
This image captures a picturesque harbor scene in a historic coastal town. The water is calm, with small fishing boats moored along the edges. Surrounding the harbor are aged stone buildings, including one with beautiful arches and balconies, suggesting a blend of historic and Mediterranean architecture. The bright blue sky enhances the vibrancy of the scene, while the stone pier in the foreground gives a sense of peaceful daily life by the water. This setting seems perfect for a relaxing stroll, likely in a coastal town in Southern Europe.

Monopoli, on the other hand, still has a lived-in feel, with locals going about their daily lives, fresh seafood markets, and a more authentic Southern Italian atmosphere.

If food is a deciding factor, Monopoli wins. While Alberobello has a few standout restaurants, Monopoli has a wider range of dining options, from casual seafood spots to elegant seaside dinners.

So, which one should you choose?

  • Pick Alberobello if you want to experience the fairytale-like trulli houses, enjoy a unique overnight stay, and don’t mind the crowds.
  • Pick Monopoli if you prefer a coastal town with a more local feel, better food options, and a mix of history and seaside relaxation.

Of course, if you have time—visit both! They’re close enough that you can easily fit them into the same trip.

Melissa in a flowing white top and a tiered blue skirt walks gracefully past the traditional trulli houses of Alberobello, Italy. The trulli, with their iconic conical stone roofs and whitewashed walls, stand against a bright blue sky. Sunlight casts sharp shadows, highlighting the architectural details and rustic charm of the historic structures. A black lantern hangs near the entrance of one house, while a wooden shutter and small windows add character to the façade. Lush green plants frame the foreground, adding depth to the image.
A woman wearing a white blouse, beige shorts, sandals, and a wide-brimmed straw hat walks along a cobblestone street in Monopoli, Italy. She is positioned in front of an ornate wooden door set within a grand, historic stone building.

Final Verdict: Worth Visiting, But Keep Expectations in Check

At the end of the day, I’m so glad I visited Alberobello. However, if I had read a post like this beforehand, I probably would have only stayed one night instead of two.

You might even find that a day trip is enough—and that’s totally fine too!

That said, Alberobello is one of those places that’s absolutely worth seeing in person. No photo can truly capture the charm of its trulli-lined streets. Just go in with the right expectations, plan accordingly, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

A picturesque stone pathway leading to the 'Zona Monumentale Trulli' in Alberobello, Italy. A brown sign with white lettering directs visitors to the historical area and the 'Chiesa a Trulli' (Trulli Church). A rustic stone wall, adorned with lush green vines and blooming white flowers, adds to the charm of the setting. Small terracotta pots with plants are placed along the base of the wall. In the background, the characteristic conical roofs of the trulli houses peek above the greenery. The sky is cloudy, casting a soft, diffused light over the tranquil scene.
A woman in a striped sleeveless top and white pants walks along a stone pathway in Alberobello, Italy. She carries a net bag and looks up with a relaxed and content expression. The background features the iconic white trulli houses with conical roofs, while lush greenery and pink flowers frame the foreground. The sky is overcast, adding a soft, diffused light to the scene.

💡 Takeaway: Alberobello is worth seeing in person—but don’t overstay.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m happy to help.

Planning A Trip to Italy?

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Alberobello

Bari

Bologna

Milan

Rome

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Verona

Melissa Byron

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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