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Have you heard of Locorotondo, Italy? Locorotondo is one of Southern Italy’s most beautiful villages, in my opinion, but it isn’t yet overwhelmed with tourist crowds.
A true hidden gem, Locorotondo is just a 12-minute drive from busy Alberobello in the Puglia region, but feels like a world away.
Both Alberobello and Locorotondo are home to trulli — white conical buildings unique to Puglia’s Itria Valley (Val d’Itria). You see trulli (singular: trullo) strewn throughout the Puglian countryside, and the town of Alberobello is home to neighborhoods entirely composed of trulli!
The trulli of Alberobello are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they draw huge crowds year-round. And while I think visiting Alberobello is essential, the nearby town of Locorotondo is even better.
What makes Locorotondo stand out is the distinct shape of its historical center. Locorotondo derives from the Latin locus rotundus and means “round place” in the Italian language.
While there aren’t tons of things to do in Locorotondo (that’s all part of the charm!), it’s a stunning little spot with a tranquil feel. You’ll love taking photos here and soaking up the vibe.
Here you can enjoy the circular Centro Storico, sip a glass of Locorotondo DOC, and survey the Mediterranean landscape from the hill. Locorotondo is absolutely worth your attention if you’re planning a Puglia road trip.
This post was published in August 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.
Best Things to Do in Locorotondo, Italy
Wander the white streets
Wandering around the “round place” is reason enough to visit Locorotondo. The circular layout is the most distinctive feature of the town, though you’ll need a bird’s eye view to totally appreciate it.
Still, this labyrinthine tangle of narrow lanes, whitewashed churches, and baroque facades is a joy to meander — even more so with a gelato in hand!
Locorotondo isn’t full of museums and attractions like other parts of Italy, but it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to keep your camera ready.
Start with the photogenic Porta Napoli, which marks the western entrance to the old town. This paves the way to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the main square. Porta Nuova stands at the east of town.
If trulli are unique to Puglia then the same can be said of the cummerse homes scattered around the streets of Locorotondo. These houses have gabled roofs tiled with slabs of local stone called chiancarelle. These buildings were made with a similar technique to the trulli and slightly predate them.
If you’re traveling as a group you might prefer to book a private walking tour of Locorotondo’s historic center.
This short tour focuses on the churches and prominent buildings and your local guide will explain the history and secrets of Locorotondo. As it’s private, timings and itineraries are flexible.
Take in the views from Punto Panoramico
You don’t have to be fluent in Italian to figure out that Punto Panoramico is where you’ll find the best views from Locorotondo. This elevated terrace is popular at sunset, but worth seeing at all times of day.
The views at this elevated terrace sweep over the surrounding area of agricultural land, vineyards, and olive groves. You’ll also see the terraces dropping down from the hilltop village and the pointy roofs of trulli poking out of the greenery.
It’s attached to the Villa Comunale, where you’ll appreciate shaded benches on a hot afternoon.
Explore the many churches
Despite its modest size, the Centro Storico of a Locorondo is has a robust number of churches to visit. We are still in Italy, after all! All of the churches are free to visit, and their public opening hours are scheduled around services.
Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio Martire, the “Mother Church” of Locorotondo, was built at the crossroads of the 18th and 19th centuries. While you can see the dome and bell tower from the outside, the interior is home to statues and Gennaro Maldarelli’s Last Supper.
This and the Church of the Patron Saint San Rocco (Santuario di San Rocco) were designed using a Greek cross plan. Saint Rocco is the patron saint of Puglia and if you visit Locorotondo in August, you’ll find yourself at the heart of a fireworks festival in his name!
Dating back to the 7th century, Chiesa della Madonna della Greca is the oldest church in Locorotondo. Some historians believe a Greek Orthodox cult may have existed in Locorotondo, but by the time the medieval era came around, it was reestablished as a Catholic house of worship.
Last but not least, the 17th-century Chiesa di San Nicola di Myra has a simple whitewashed facade. Peek inside to see the beautiful frescoes of musical angels.
Peek into the Palazzo Morelli
Palazzo Morelli is the most impressive thing to see in Locorotondo. It’s a private residence with a particularly ornate 18th-century Baroque gate.
Fuschia and magenta geraniums hang from iron-wrought balconies to complete the scene.
Palazzo Morelli isn’t open to the public, but you’re welcome to take photos of the facade from the narrow streets outside. Space is a bit tight here, and this is one of the few places in Locorotondo where you might encounter a crowd.
Go wine tasting in Locorotondo
Cool down with a local white wine in one of Locorotondo’s wine bars. Locorotondo DOC — a dry white wine made from the Verdeca grape, Bianco d’Alessano, and Bombino Bianco — always sits at the top of the menu.
Locorotondo DOC is considered the best white wine in the whole of Puglia — so it’s worth trying here, even if you’re like me and can barely tear yourself away from the Primitivo!
This crisp white wine pairs to perfection with the delicious cuisine of Southern Italy. Order a tasting board and a bottle to take home at Vinifera Vini & Affini or settle onto the terrace at Pavì for spellbinding views.
Booking a wine tasting gives you a more comprehensive overview of Puglian viniculture and wine-making. This wine tasting event lets you sip and swirl flagship local whites alongside regional reds and learn about how the climate of Italy’s boot heel impacts the cultivation.
The operator arranges transport from Locorotondo and nearby Puglian towns if required.
Go on an e-bike tour and taste olive oil
Cycling through the idyllic Puglian countryside is one of the best things to do in Locorotondo if you decide to stay overnight. And if you’re a fan of Puglia’s premium extra virgin olive oil, even better!
This three-hour guided e-bike tour departs from the town center and heads into the heart of the Itria Valley. The pedal-assisted bikes mean you can cycle as much or as little as you like. I love e-bikes because they make it so easy to get up hills!
You’ll stop at a family-owned olive oil mill for a tour and tasting. This walks you through the pruning, pressing, and extraction techniques.
Ever wondered which color olives produce the best oil? This tour reveals all. Olive oil is such a major component of Italian cooking and it’s fascinating to learn about the process behind it.
Stay in a trullo
Sleeping in one of those conical white houses is the ultimate accommodation experience in Puglia. There are several trulli accommodations on the outskirts of Locorotondo, although you’ll need a car rental or a taxi driver to reach them from the Old Town.
Trulli di Zia Tata is just two miles from the Centro Storico. Each trullo apartment has a kitchenette and a private patio overlooking the Puglian countryside. There’s no Wi-Fi,which means no excuse for unplugging for a soak in the spa tub.
Located on a traditional farm, the two-bedroom Trullo Piccola Contrada is a similar distance. It’s slightly more basic but just as comfortable with a full kitchen and a stunning dining patio under the Puglian sun.
Fifteen minutes north of town, Trulli e Masseria Ianella accommodates families and groups of six. This rustic trullo has been carefully maintained with just the right amount of modernization without losing any of the original features.
Have dinner with a local in Locorotondo
When in Italy, eat, eat, and eat some more! Puglia is known for orecchiette — ear-shaped pasta. If your travels take you to Bari, one of the nearest big cities, you’ll spot local women making orecchiette by hand daily in the streets.
Pasta in Locorotondo may be tossed with fresh seafood from the Adriatic Sea and meat but orecchiette con cime di rapa is the dish to look out for. Broccoli rabe (also known as rapini) is the star ingredient, with chili and garlic balancing this slightly bitter flavor. (Have I mentioned that Puglia is a great destination for vegetarians?)
If you have more time, this dining experience at a local’s home is one of the most memorable things to do in Locorotondo. Available as lunch or dinner, this activity is a cooking demonstration where you’ll watch the host prepare a four-course meal.
It’s performative, immersive, and informative — your private chef will spill the beans on how to prepare supper like a real Italian Nonna.
Naturally, the wine will flow and you’ll get to eat everything on the table.
Attend Locus Festival
Locus Festival was born in Locorotondo in 2005 as a low-key, local music festival. It swiftly took off and 20 years later touts itself as a “glocal” festival attracting international artists and DJs. It’s since expanded to venues dotted across Puglia, but Locorotondo remains at the center.
The line-up includes but isn’t limited to pop, electronic, rap, songwriting, and contemporary jazz – plus fusion and contemporary music. The programmers always strike a balance between established and emerging musicians.
Locus Festival takes place from late June until mid-August with most events scheduled at the weekends. It has a mix of ticketed and free events.
How Much Time to Spend in Locorotondo, Puglia
Locorotondo is a small town and you can get by with a half day to see the main sights. If you’re pressed for time, I’d say just drop by for an hour or so after visiting the trulli in Alberobello.
That said, Locorotondo is a lovely and offbeat base for exploring Puglia. It’s a place to consider staying overnight if you are drawn to quieter towns with less to do but with a positive vibe. Plus – you can grab the opportunity to sleep in a trullo.
Staying overnight also makes it more feasible to book an activity like wine tasting.
How to Get To Locorotondo, Puglia
I strongly recommend renting a car to get around Puglia. It’s the best way to see the region and drop into as many little villages as you wish. There is public transport between the major towns, but it’s fairly limited, and Locorotondo itself doesn’t have a train station.
Don’t be afraid of driving in southern Italy — I was terrified to drive here, but soon I realized the driving in Puglia is SO smooth and easy! As long as you’re not driving through a huge city center, you’ll be fine.
Bari Airport (BRI), the closest international airport, is only an hour’s drive from Locorotondo (50 miles). Airport buses take 30 minutes to reach Bari Centrale; from there, public buses to Locorotondo take around two hours. You can check prices on rental cars from Bari Airport here.
Salento Airport (BDS) in Brindisi is a similar distance (43 miles), although it’s served by fewer flights. If you fly to Brindisi, definitely rent a car, as buses to Locorotondo go via Monopoli and take over three hours. Check prices on rental cars from Salento Airport here.
Alberobello is a 12-minute drive away from Locorotondo. Buses between Alberobello and Martina Franca stop at Locorotondo and only take 15 minutes.
Read More: 17 Tips for Driving in Italy
Where to Stay in Locorotondo, Puglia
Option number one is to stay at one of the trulli mentioned in the section above. Realistically, you’ll need a car rental, otherwise you’ll have to rely on local taxis. The other option is to book a hotel in Locorotondo near the Centro Storico, which is a good choice for people without wheels.
- Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Locorotondo: Villa Aurelia Suites and Apartments is a stone’s throw from the Old Town. Classy rooms feature tiled bathrooms and modern fittings. Check out the spa tub suite for a luxury stay.
- Top-Rated Mid-range Hotel in Locorotondo: Domus San Giovanni is located in the Centro Storico minutes from the churches and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Rates include breakfast and superior rooms have stunning balconies overlooking the streets.
- Top-Rated Budget Hotel in Locorotondo: One final trullo, because why not? Trulli Caroli stands exactly halfway between Locorotondo and Alberobello. It has the typical pointy roof and exposed slabs of local stone accenting the interiors. As with the other trulli, there’s no public transport.
- Check prices on all hotels in Locorotondo here.
Best Time to Visit Locorotondo, Italy
Puglia doesn’t suffer anywhere near the same level of crowds as Italy’s hotspots. Locorotondo itself is more off-the-radar in comparison with Alberobello, Lecce, Monopoli, Matera, and seaside villages.
That being said, Puglia is gaining more traction these days, especially with the huge North American market, and is getting busier between June and September these days. You’ll need to manage your expectations in the height of summer, and be prepared for some crowding.
The other thing about Locorotondo is that it’s more of a day trip destination. The village remains relatively calm in the mornings and evenings in summer with a rush in the afternoon. I love staying overnight in day trip destinations for this reason.
Even so, spring and fall offer the best conditions to visit Locorotondo. It will be peaceful, and you’ll have gorgeous weather.
Is Locorotondo Worth It?
I think that Locorotondo is an essential stop on any Puglia road trip! It makes the perfect coda to your visit to Alberobello. Whether you visit for a few hours or spend a few days here, Locorotondo has the way of charming the pants off you.
One of the best things about visiting Italy is taking a deep breath, relaxing, and just soaking up the Italian vibes. Many travelers don’t give themselves enough time to do that. You should do that on yours. And Locorotondo is the perfect place to do it.
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Have you been to Locorotondo? Share your tips!
