Tired of the usual tourist traps? Venture into the emerald embrace of Puglia's Valle d'Itria, a land where ancient olive groves whisper secrets and charming villages dot the rolling hills.

Forget the crowded coast for a spell, because nestled amongst this idyllic scenery lies a gem so captivating, it might just steal your heart: Locorotondo. This isn't just another pretty town; it's a place to simply be, to wander, and to soak in the authentic Italian charm.

Why Visit?

What makes Locorotondo so special? It's the delightful absence of a long checklist of must-see attractions. The true allure lies in the simple pleasure of getting lost within its ancient walls. Leave the "new" town behind and step into the centro storico, a labyrinth of dazzling white lanes that beckon exploration. Imagine yourself strolling under grand baroque archways, pausing to admire crumbling yet beautiful facades, and feeling the warm Italian sun on your face.

Simply Enjoy

Picture this: you find a sun-drenched spot in a quiet piazza, order a refreshing aperol spritz (around €5-€7), and watch the world slowly drift by. Perhaps you'll browse the unique finds in a local atelier or savor a delicious meal at an impossibly charming side-street restaurant. The magic of Locorotondo is in these unscripted moments, in allowing yourself to simply enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings.

Hilltop Beauty

During our exploration of Puglia, a region overflowing with spectacular sights, Locorotondo, perched majestically on its hilltop, emerged as a true standout. In a region as breathtaking as this, that alone speaks volumes. Even if you only have a few hours to spare on your Puglia road trip, a visit to this enchanting town is an absolute must.

Exploring the Old Town

Leaving our rental car (expect daily rates from €20-€50 depending on the season and provider like Auto Europe or RentalCars) in a shaded spot, we ambled from the newer part of town into the centro storico. For hours, we happily lost ourselves in the maze of whitewashed alleys, each turn revealing a new charming detail.

Panoramic Views

Perched high on a hill, Locorotondo offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. While lovely views can be found throughout the town, the most spectacular panoramas await at the edge of the centro storico. Seek out the street that encircles the town's highest point, known as the ‘lungomare’ (a bit of a misleading name since the sea is far away!). From here, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the valley below, adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and iconic trulli.

Villa Comunale

As you make your way around the lungomare, be sure to step into the delightful Villa Comunale, a 19th-century garden. Especially if you're visiting during the warmer months, the shade offered by this green oasis will be a welcome respite. You can easily find its location on Maps.

Photography Exhibit

During our visit, the narrow streets leading east from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele hosted a captivating open-air photography exhibit. The display featured both old and new images that beautifully captured life in this small town. If it's still there during your visit, we highly recommend taking a stroll through it. The tourist office in the Piazza can provide more information.

Getting Around

Exploring Locorotondo's centro storico is best done on foot. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate. For exploring the surrounding Valle d'Itria, having a rental car provides the most flexibility.

Parking Tips

Finding a free parking spot in Locorotondo can be challenging, especially during peak season. While street parking exists, it's often full. We recommend using one of the larger paid parking lots located just outside the old town (expect to pay around €1-€2 per hour or €5-€10 for the day).

Guided Tours

If you prefer a guided experience, consider a tour from nearby towns. From Ostuni, a popular tour includes visits to Alberobello and Locorotondo, along with a food and olive oil tasting (prices vary, but expect around €50-€80 per person for a half-day tour).

Another option departing from Brindisi covers Alberobello (with local food tasting) and Locorotondo before continuing to Ostuni (again, prices will vary). A driver-only tour from Lecce offers free time in Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni, including a food tasting and aperitif.

Train Travel

Traveling to Locorotondo by train from Bari isn't the most direct route. You'll need to take a bus to Putignano (around €3-€5, approximately 45 minutes) and then transfer to a train to Locorotondo (another €2-€4, around 30 minutes).

However, there are regular and quicker train connections to and from other towns in the Valle d'Itria, such as Alberobello (around €2-€3, 15-20 minutes) and Martina Franca (similar cost and duration). The Alberobello train station is a short walk from the centro storico. Be aware that on Sundays, buses often replace train services. You can check train schedules and book tickets on Trenitalia or the Omio app.

Bus from Bari

A more direct option from Bari is the bus to Locorotondo. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs around €5 per person. However, the bus departs from a station on the outskirts of Bari's old town, not the central station.

Conclusion

Locorotondo isn't about ticking off a list of sights; it's about embracing the simple joys of Italian life. It’s about wandering through a white-washed wonderland, soaking in the panoramic views, and savoring the local flavors. If you're seeking an authentic and utterly charming experience in Puglia, this little hilltop town is an absolute must-visit.