MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Puglia, Italy

Nearby Destinations Valle d'Itria

The Valle d'Itria contains picturesque towns, each with its unique character. These are easily accessible from Alberobello.

Locorotondo, approximately 8 km (5 miles) from Alberobello, is recognized for its perfectly circular historic center ("rotondo") and whitewashed buildings. It holds a tranquil charm distinct from Alberobello's trulli.

Things to See

  • Walk through its charming narrow streets.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Valle d'Itria from its elevated position.
  • Sample local wines from the area.
  • Easily reached by FSE train or bus (10-15 minutes).

Martina Franca & Cisternino

  • Martina Franca: An elegant Baroque town (15 km).
  • Visit Martina Franca's Palazzo Ducale and Baroque churches.
  • Cisternino: A picturesque hilltop town (18 km).
  • Experience Cisternino's "fornelli pronti" informal dinner.

Further Exploration

Expand your journey to coastal gems, historical wonders, and natural sites.

Polignano a Mare & Monopoli

Polignano a Mare (30 km) is a dramatic cliff-top town. Monopoli (25 km) is a historic port town.

Highlights

  • Polignano: Iconic Lama Monachile beach.
  • Monopoli: Historic port and Charles V Castle.
  • Both are best reached by car.

Ostuni "The White City"

Ostuni (35 km) is a stunning hilltop town, recognized for its whitewashed buildings cascading down the hillside.

Things to Do

  • Wander through its Centro storico.
  • Visit the distinctive Ostuni Cathedral.
  • Take in breathtaking panoramic views.

Travel Comparison

Organized Tours

  • Convenient with logistics handled.
  • A guide shares historical context.
  • Less flexible with time at each stop.
  • Less opportunity for spontaneous discoveries.

Independent Travel

  • Freedom and flexibility, travel at your own pace.
  • Public transport is budget-friendly.
  • Car travel means navigating Italian roads and finding parking.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens is a requirement.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Lecce & Salento Peninsula2-3 days
  • Explore Lecce's Baroque architecture.
  • Day trips to Otranto and Gallipoli.
  • Relax on Salento's beautiful beaches.
  • Bari & Trani2-3 days
  • Explore Bari's old town and cathedral.
  • Visit Trani's seaside cathedral.
  • Gargano Peninsula3+ days (car needed)

Plan Your Excursions

Consider your travel style (organized tour, independent by car or public transport) and plan for an enriched exploration of Puglia.

Natural Escapes

Puglia's natural beauty extends beyond the immediate vicinity of Alberobello.

Grotte di Castellana

This impressive karst cave system stands only about 15 km from Alberobello. It presents a fascinating underground experience with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours are available.

Coastal Dune Park

This regional natural park protects a stretch of coastal dunes and wetlands, near Fasano and Ostuni. It holds significant ecological importance.

Nearby Beaches

The Adriatic coast is a short drive from Alberobello, with various options for beach lovers. Monopoli & Polignano a Mare possess stunning rocky coves.

Grotte di Castellana

This impressive karst cave system stands only about 15 km from Alberobello. It presents a fascinating underground experience.

Features

  • Stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Fascinating underground environment.
  • Guided tours are available.

Coastal Dune Park

This regional natural park protects a stretch of coastal dunes and wetlands, near Fasano and Ostuni. It holds significant ecological importance.

Activities

  • Birdwatching opportunities.
  • Walking along unspoiled coastal trails.
  • Enjoy a different side of Puglia's natural landscape.

Beach Tips

During summer, beaches can be crowded.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons.
Monopoli & Polignano a Mare offer rocky coves.
Fasano has expansive sandy beaches.
Coastal relaxation is a short drive away.

Go Explore!

  • Discover the Grotte di Castellana's underground wonders.
  • Walk the coastal trails of Parco Dune Costiere.
  • Find a peaceful spot on the Adriatic beaches.
  • Puglia's diverse landscapes await your visit.
  • Embrace the outdoor experiences near Alberobello.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural exploration beyond Alberobello to other historically and culturally rich towns.

Polignano a Mare

A dramatic cliff-top town recognized for its houses perched directly over the Adriatic Sea. It features a stunning, iconic beach (Lama Monachile).

Transportation & Sights

  • Best reached by car (approx. 35-minute drive).
  • Direct FSE train/bus options are limited.
  • Explore the charming old town with panoramic terraces.

Monopoli

A historic port town with a beautiful, well-preserved old town, a fortified castle, and an active fishing harbor. It mixes history, sea, and local life.

Transportation & Sights

  • Best reached by car (approx. 30-minute drive).
  • Wander through the old fishing port.
  • Visit the impressive Charles V Castle.

Matera Basilicata

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is renowned for its ancient "Sassi" (cave dwellings and rock churches). It is a truly unique historical atmosphere.

Exploring Matera

  • Explore the Sassi districts (Barisano and Caveoso).
  • Visit rock churches with frescoes.
  • Wear comfortable shoes on steep paths.

Transportation to Matera

Matera lies in the neighboring Basilicata region, but its closeness makes it a popular day trip from Puglia.

Access

  • Best reached by car (approximately 1-hour drive).
  • Public transport from Alberobello is time-consuming.
  • Book day trips for convenience.

Multi-Day Extensions

If you have more time, consider extending your trip to explore more of Puglia or neighboring regions.

Lecce & Salento

Head south to Lecce (1-hour drive), the "Florence of the South." Spend 2-3 days exploring Lecce itself, Otranto, and Gallipoli, and relax on Salento beaches.

Bari & Trani

Head north to Bari, the regional capital. Explore Bari Vecchia, then continue along the coast to Trani, with its breathtaking cathedral perched right on the sea (2-3 days).

Gargano Peninsula

For nature lovers, travel further north in Puglia (2-3 hours drive). This area offers a dramatic coastline with sea caves, lush forests (Forest Umbra), and charming hilltop towns like Vieste and Peschici (3+ days, car needed).

Cultural Insights!

Discover unique historical towns. Each location presents its own story. Experience the rich heritage of Puglia and Basilicata.