Guide to Valle d'Itria, Puglia

A Hidden Gem in Southern Italy

Nestled in the heart of Puglia, Italy, lies a hidden gem known as Valle d’Itria, a picturesque region renowned for its enchanting landscapes, charming whitewashed villages, and unique Trulli houses. This captivating area, often referred to as the Valle deli Trulli (Valley of Trulli), offers visitors a glimpse into a world where time seems to stand still, providing a delightful escape from the bustling activities of modern life.

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Places to Visit

One of the most distinctive features of Valle d’Itria is its iconic Trulli houses, which are traditional Apulian dwellings with conical roofs that dot the countryside throughout Martina Franca, Alerobello, Cisternino, and Locorotondo. These unique structures, made of limestone and without the use of mortar, are a testament to the region’s rich history and architectural heritage. Alberobello settlements were discovered around one thousand years ago (1,000 AD). The settlements gradually grew to form the villages of present-day Aia Piccola and Monti. While speaking with locals during my travels, they felt that the original borders of Valle d’Itria only encompassed Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Alberobello, and Cisternino. Although the borders of the Valle d’Itria region have grown in recent years, I believe it has only contributed to the beauty of the Puglia region.

Alberobello

Walking through the narrow streets of Alberobello, visitors can’t help but be amazed by the whimsical beauty of these fairy-tale-like buildings, which have earned Valle d’ Itria a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of over 1,500 trullli houses presently today with whitewashed walls and conical roofs. Often, you will view symbols painted on the roofs of the Trullo. These are called “pinnacoli.” These symbols are not just decorative; they have historical and cultural significance, which include religious symbols, superstitions, identification of the family or group living in the dwelling, and local traditions. While these are only a few explanations of the symbols, they will provide a background while viewing these architectural wonders.

Stop by the Trulli Sovarno, a two-story Trulli, the only one of its kind in Alberobello. It has been transformed into a museum that showcases the history and lifestyle of the people who inhabited these traditional dwellings. See the link above for the current times and ticket information.

Have you had your fill of Trulli? If not, many local surrounding communities are brimming with Trulli houses. Consider the Puglia aqueduct for a lovely walk. You will experience local nature and the magnificent landscape of Trulli homes and neighborhoods. The Puglia aqueduct has many entrance points throughout Valle d’Itria.

Consider purchasing locally-made lace, an intricate and labor-intensive labor of love—purchasing a one-of-a-kind tablecloth, napkins, or accessories.

Visiting early in the morning and just after sunset is the best way to avoid large crowds.

The charming Trulli villages in 6 boast a stunning natural landscape characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and ancient oak forests. The region’s fertile soil and Mediterranean climate make it an ideal setting for agriculture, producing delicious local produce, including olives, grapes, almonds, and tomatoes.

Visitors can delight in the flavors of Puglia by indulging in traditional dishes such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and seafood specialties prepared with the freshest ingredients sourced from the local Adriatic Sea and land.

Martina Franca

For those seeking cultural enrichment, Valle d’Itria offers an abundance of historical and artistic treasures waiting to be discovered. Martina, Franca, known for its Baroque architecture and elegant palaces, hosts a renowned Festival Della Valle d’Itria Martina Franca each summer, attracting music lovers from around the globe. Martina Franca makes for the perfect setting to spend the day walking through the narrow, whitewashed walkways it is mesmerizing.

Definitely visit the Basilica of Saint Martin (Basilica di San Martino) is considered one of the oldest churches in Martina Franca. It features a Baroque facade and holds significance in Martina Franca’s religious and cultural life. The Basilica is free for the public to enter. Recently, it was the backdrop for a Hollywood motion picture for its stunning baroque architecture.

Enjoy one of the many cafes or restaurants along the winding walkways, whether it’s an espresso and pastry or an early evening apreritivo; relax and soak in the ambiance of this romantic town, which will undoubtedly create special memories.

Martina France Capocollo is a must-try delicacy and a popular item to purchase as a food souvenir. Look for authentic Capocolli di Martina Franca; you will be delighted to experience this long-held treasured tradition. Look in the city center for butcher shops displaying the seal of Capocolli di Martina Franca.

Local Olive Oil produced in Valle each fall is renowned for its high quality, so consider purchasing a bottle or two to ship or bring home.

Caseificio La Valle is one of my favorite places out of the tourist areas to obtain premium extra virgin olive oil locally produced in Valle d’Itria. While there, treat yourself to handmade artisan cheeses unique to the area and region made fresh daily.

Tip: Often, you can find the same extra virgin olive oil that is sold in the “tourist shops” are a few blocks away in local wine, cheese shops, and grocery stores, offering much lower prices for the same product. Look on the label to ensure it is produced in the town or region you visit.

Cisternino

Meanwhile, the hilltop town of Cisternino beckons visitors with its ancient walls, narrow alleys, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing a glimpse into the region’s past. As you approach the town, the spectacular view of the hillside landscape and ancient buildings will blow you away! Cisternino, in recent years, has become a gastronomic haven. From Vegan restaurants to traditional butcher shops, you can pick out your choice of meats and have them skewered and cooked to order in a wood fire oven. Your food and beverage choices are endless while dining in an enchanting atmosphere. Make sure you leave room for gelato, espresso, a delightful mouthwatering pastry from one of my favorite places in Cisternino Bar FOD di Pinto Francesco

If you are looking for Romanesque architecture and historical significance dating back to medieval times, visit the Church of San Nicola in Cisternino.

Olive Wood Products is a common material used in traditional crafts in Puglia. In Cisternino, look for olive wood cutting boards, utensils, or decorative items as a unique souvenir that will be useful and bring you fond memories of your visit.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo’s stunning towering, whitewashed, and limestone slab-sloping roof buildings are sitting on top of a 400-meter hillside. The circular city streets and neighborhoods were constructed roundly, hence the town’s name, “Round Place.” The town is easy to visit on foot. Locorotondo, along with the majesty of its architecture, is well known for the incredible fertile land where some of the best white wine is produced from rarely seen Verdeca grapes DOC. This distinctive DOC wine certification must adhere to several rules and regulations, such as how much oak aging is permitted, the variety of grapes, and the geographic region’s boundaries that count as the “Designation of Origin.”

When visiting Locorotondo, take advantage of the various wine tastings. Often, these tastings are paired with a vineyard tour, a walking or biking tour, and local Pugia sampling. Depending on your interests, there is a wine-tasting experience that will satisfy all your senses.

Avid photographers will have ample opportunities to get memorable picturesque shots. The flower walkways are romantically lit in the evenings to create those Instagram moments.

Valle d’Itria is a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors, fragrant scents, and melodic sounds captivating visitors at every turn. The region’s artisanal traditions are alive, with local artisans producing handmade pottery, textiles, and other unique offerings that showcase the creativity and skill of the Apulian people. Strolling through the busy street markets, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Valle d’Itria and witness its residents’ enduring and welcoming spirit.

How many days do you need to visit Valle D’Itria?

Exploring Valle d’Itria in Puglia, Italy, in 3 to 5 days, you will have time to immerse yourself in the charm of its towns, Trulli houses, and the local culinary flavors. Tailor your visit based on your interests, hiking, historic sites, food, or the beauty of the surrounding countryside. The warm people of this region will welcome you and ensure you have an unforgettable experience you will cherish for years to come.

Culinary and Cultural

Let’s not forget along with all the cultural and culinary delights Valle d’Iria offers, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking or cycling through the rolling hills and lush countryside is breathtaking. The Puliga aqueductto is a large stretch of well-maintained trails that can be enjoyed by walking or bicycle, weaving its way through these cities, giving visitors an up-close look at Trulli houses, wildlife, and spectacular natural gardens. It feels like you are being transported back into a peaceful historical time.

The region’s proximity to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas also makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers with pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters to relax and take in the distinctive, breathtaking beauty of the white rock formations and cliffs emerging from the turquoise waters. Less than a 45-minute drive away. Cliff divers, photography enthusiasts, and nature lovers will be in their bliss.