Exploring the Charm of Puglia with My Love

A Day in a Fairytale

Ciao amici! Today, Hans and I dove headfirst into the enchanting world of Alberobello, a place that truly feels plucked from the pages of a storybook. Imagine a town dotted with hundreds of whimsical, white-washed stone huts topped with conical roofs – that's Alberobello for you. I was excited to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and share its magic with you all.


Explore the enchanting trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Puglia, where history meets stunning architecture and vibrant culture.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at U.P.E.P.I.D.D.E. Restaurant. It was a bit of a drive, as it was actually located in Ruvo di Puglia, but I had heard such wonderful things about their traditional Puglian dishes, and I was not disappointed! The restaurant had a cozy, rustic atmosphere, and the food was absolutely delicious. I savored every bite of the fresh local ingredients, and Hans thoroughly enjoyed his meal as well. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring.

With our bellies full, we made our way to Alberobello. As we approached the town, the first glimpse of the trulli was breathtaking. These unique dwellings, with their distinctive conical roofs, create a landscape unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The weather in Alberobello in October is perfect for walking around, with average temperatures ranging from 61°F to 72°F. It was mildly cool and breezy, making it very comfortable to explore.

Our first stop was the heart of Alberobello, where the majority of the trulli are concentrated. We wandered through the narrow, winding streets of the Rione Monti district, marveling at the sheer number of these peculiar buildings. Many of the trulli have been converted into shops, selling everything from local crafts to souvenirs. While it was certainly touristy, the charm of the trulli themselves made it easy to forgive the crowds.

The beauty of Alberobello lies not just in its unique architecture, but in the feeling that you've stepped into a living, breathing fairytale.

I couldn't resist popping into a few of the shops, and that's when we found The Smallest Trulli of Alberobello - Artesan Shop. This little shop was an absolute gem! It was crammed with handmade ceramics, embroidered linens, and all sorts of other local handicrafts. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, offering personalized souvenirs with dedicated phrases. I ended up buying a beautiful hand-painted ceramic trullo to add to my collection back home in Bonn. It will be a lovely reminder of our time here in Puglia.


Explore The Smallest Trulli of Alberobello, a quaint artisan shop filled with unique souvenirs and traditional crafts that embody Puglia's rich heritage.

After exploring the Rione Monti, we ventured over to the Murgia dei Trulli di Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its trulli houses nestled in the landscape of Puglia. The Murgia dei Trulli is a subregion known for its picturesque landscape. The area extends from the Valle d'Itria to the plain of ancient olive groves, offering hiking experiences for nature and history lovers. We took a leisurely stroll through the area, enjoying the panoramic views and the peaceful atmosphere.


Explore Murgia dei Trulli di Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic trulli houses nestled in the stunning landscape of Puglia, Italy.

For lunch, we decided to try The Ciacco's Tavern Restaurant. It was a delightful little place with a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of traditional Puglian dishes. I opted for the orecchiette with cime di rapa, a classic pasta dish from this region, and Hans had the grilled meat platter. Both were delicious, and we savored every bite while soaking in the ambiance of the restaurant.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at The Ciacco's Tavern Restaurant in Ruvo di Puglia – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.

In the afternoon, we decided to explore the Murgia dei Trulli di Alberobello. This area offers a different perspective on the trulli, as it's less crowded and more focused on the natural landscape. We enjoyed a leisurely walk through the olive groves and vineyards, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It was a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the town center.

As the day wound down, we made our way to L'Antica Locanda for dinner. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere was elegant and refined, and the menu featured a modern twist on traditional Puglian cuisine. I started with the burrata with truffle, which was absolutely divine, and Hans had the seafood risotto. For our main courses, I opted for the lamb chops, and Hans had the sea bass. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the service was impeccable.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at L'Antica Locanda in Noci - where tradition meets taste.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we took one last stroll through the streets of Alberobello, now bathed in the soft glow of the evening lights. The trulli looked even more magical at night, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this unique and enchanting place.

Tomorrow, we're off to Parco Nazionale del Gargano [If last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”]. I'm excited to explore this beautiful coastal region and discover even more of Puglia's hidden gems. Until then, ciao!

And, I must remember to buy an Italian phrasebook, a beach towel and a portable phone charger, as I forgot them at home!

Looking back on the day, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such a unique and beautiful place. Alberobello is more than just a collection of charming buildings; it's a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built it. It's a place where history and culture come alive, and where every corner holds a new surprise. As we drove away from Alberobello, I knew that this was a day I would never forget. The image of those whimsical trulli, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, would forever be etched in my memory, a reminder of the magic and beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.

The weather was just perfect, and being with Hans made it even more special. I always feel a sense of warmth and joy when we travel together, exploring new places and creating lasting memories. It's these shared experiences that strengthen our bond and make our journey through life even more meaningful.

As I reflect on our day in Alberobello, I am reminded of a quote by Hans Christian Andersen:

To travel is to live.

And indeed, today, I felt truly alive. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes – all of it combined to create an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. Alberobello, with its fairytale charm and unique architecture, has captured my heart. It's a place that I will recommend to anyone who is looking for a truly special and magical travel destination. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings as we continue our exploration of Puglia.