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Alberobello may be one of the most touristy towns in Puglia—but there’s a reason for it. With its iconic trulli, whitewashed alleyways, and postcard-worthy piazzas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site looks like something straight out of a children’s book. We’ve visited twice with our daughter and loved it both times. Monopoli was our home base in Puglia, so we went on a day trip the first time, and an overnight the second time. Yes, it’s busy, especially in high season—but if you embrace the crowds and focus on the magic, it’s absolutely worth it.
Kids of all ages are captivated by the storybook setting. From watching pigeons in the square to wandering past the whimsical trulli, there’s something delightfully different around every corner. In this guide, I’ve gathered our best tips and must-know info from both of our family visits so that you can explore Alberobello with kids smoothly, joyfully, and stress-free. Keep reading to discover the best things to do, places to eat, and hotels in Alberobello for families with kids.
Note: Alberobello is undeniably beautiful, but please remember that people live here. Do not randomly walk into open doors, homes, or gardens. Be mindful of the pictures you take, too. I hate to say this, but we observed this kind of behavior by many tourists and heard complaints from locals about people walking into their homes. Please visit respectfully.
Where is Alberobello?
Alberobello is a small town in the Puglia (a region of southern Italy), located in the province of Bari. It’s best known for its unique trulli—whitewashed, cone-roofed stone houses that make the town look like something out of a fairytale. Set among olive groves and rolling hills, Alberobello sits about an hour’s drive southeast of Bari and is a popular day trip destination for visitors exploring the Valle d’Itria. You can reach the city by car, bus, or train. The most direct route to Alberobello depends on your starting point.
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How to Get to Alberobello with Kids
Getting to Alberobello with kids is easy and scenic! If you’re based in Bari, you can drive—it’s about a 1-hour trip through the beautiful Valle d’Itria countryside. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for families (especially with little ones and all of their gear). Be patient with parking when you arrive. Allow time to find parking just outside the historic center or at your accommodations.
You can also take a regional train from Bari to Alberobello, which takes about 1.5 hours (with a transfer in Putignano). Other cities may also offer direct routes, but it will depend on where you are departing from. The train station in Alberobello is a short walk from the historic trulli district.
Most regional buses also use the train station for pick-up and drop-off. The first time we visited Alberobello, we had a rental car. However, we took a bus from Monopoli to Alberobello on the second visit. Beware, however, that bus times can become easily delayed and may be more adventurous than you’ve bargained for. It worked well for us! You can use the Trenitalia app to book train and bus tickets.
Tips for Visiting Alberobello with Kids
Alberobello is best experienced with slow mornings, wandering the whitewashed streets, and chatting with local artisans. The city is charming, but it can get jam-packed during peak tourism. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit to Alberobello with kids:
- Take it slow! Like much of Puglia, Alberobello is often best enjoyed without too much of a plan or packed agenda.
- Do not bring a stroller. Most of the trulli reside along a steep area filled with steps.
- Alberobello can easily be paired with visiting a masseria or another nearby city (like Locorotondo or Monopoli) if you want to pack it all in and move quickly.
- The streets can get really crowded in the middle of the day. Explore in the early mornings and evenings if you can.
- Cities in Puglia observe a riposo (“siesta” period, also called pausa), and many things are closed from 1ish to 4ish. This is a great time to check into hotels, relax at a nearby park, or move between cities.
Fun Things to Do in Alberobello with Kids
Planning a day trip or an overnight to Alberobello with kids? It’s an enchanting Italian city filled with quaint trulli and great food. There are many things to see while you meander the town. Keep in mind, however, Alberobello may feel like it lacks big kid-centered attractions for some families. It’s another city in Puglia that is best explored slowly. That said, if you’re trying to decide how to spend the day in Alberobello with kids, here are a few ideas of some of the best things to do in the city to get you started.
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Take a Cooking Class with Cesarine
We took this cooking class with Maria; it was one of the most meaningful travel experiences of my life! Through Cesarine, we were welcomed into Maria’s home—a traditional trullo—for a family cooking class we’ll never forget. We started with a stroll through her garden, picking fresh ingredients together. Then, Maria patiently guided us through the steps of preparing several classic Puglian dishes, including the region’s beloved orecchiette.
She was incredibly kind, warm, and encouraging, even with our daughter “helping” every step of the way. Cooking in her trullo kitchen felt like stepping into a dream. It wasn’t just a meal for us. It was a local connection, a story, and a cultural exchange we’ll always cherish.
If you’ve ever dreamed of making pasta with an Italian nonna, this is your chance. Cesarine offers beautiful, authentic experiences across Italy, and this one in Alberobello is absolutely one of the best things to do with kids in Puglia.
Tour Trullo Sovrano
Visiting Trullo Sovrano is a must when exploring Alberobello with kids. This unique, double-story trullo—the only one of its kind—is now a small heritage museum that offers a glimpse into what life was like inside these iconic stone homes.
After seeing trulli from the outside all day, going inside of one will be a delight for kids and adults alike! We spent about 30 minutes wandering through the rooms, which are filled with everyday objects and furniture from the 18th century.
Built in the early 1700s for a wealthy priest, Trullo Sovrano sits just outside the Monti district in a quieter corner of town, offering a refreshing change of pace. It’s a National Monument, part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation, and a great educational stop for families.
It’s also across the street from my favorite restaurant in town, Terra Madre Alberobello! Hit up the museum first, then pop over to Terra Madre Alberobello for lunch.
Visit One of the Many Churches
If you’re exploring Alberobello with kids, take a few minutes to visit one of its distinctive churches—each offers a different glimpse into the town’s history and architecture.
The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, perched at the top of the Monti district, is especially fun for kids to see because it looks just like a giant trullo! Built in 1927, this whitewashed church features conical domes, stone arches, and colorful frescoes inside.
On the other side of town, near Trullo Sovrano, you’ll find Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano, Alberobello’s main church. When we first saw it at the top of the street, the cream-colored facade and ornate carvings nearly stopped us in our tracks—it’s stunning.
Both churches are quick to visit and offer quiet moments away from the busier trulli streets, with just enough grandeur to make little explorers pause in awe.
Soak in the Views
For one of the best panoramic views of Alberobello, head to Belvedere Santa Lucia, a charming terrace located next to the Chiesa di Santa Lucia. This spot overlooks the Monti district and offers that iconic trulli view that makes Alberobello so famous.
It’s a perfect place to snap a photo, but be prepared—it’s popular! Since it’s a favorite for tourists and large groups, there’s often a bit of a line for that perfect shot.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to Rione Aia Piccola, where you’ll find another lovely viewpoint. This tiny park, surrounded by low stone walls and shaded by a single big tree, gives you a beautiful, peaceful view of the Monti district (without the crowds). Best of all, it’s free to visit!
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Shop Local & Explore the Rione Monti Quarter
One of the most charming things to do in Alberobello with kids is simply wandering through the Rione Monti district—the heart of the town and home to over 1,000 trulli! This UNESCO-listed neighborhood is a hilly maze of polished stone streets, whitewashed trulli, and cozy shops tucked into tiny, conical homes. It’s closed to car traffic, which makes it great for families to explore at a relaxed pace. Just don’t drag a stroller around; it’s steep and has many stairs.
Kids will love stepping inside the trulli shops, browsing mini trulli figurines, magnets, and more. Even if you’re not a big souvenir person, the novelty of shopping inside these historic buildings is part of the experience. Most shops offer the usual postcards and keepsakes. Still, if you look closer, you’ll also find beautifully carved olive wood bowls, local olive oil, and handwoven linens—a traditional Puglian craft worth taking home. As you admire the colorful linens, I highly recommend chatting with the women who create them. Their stories and artistry are unmatched!
As I’ve said, the real magic here is in slowing down and soaking up the fairytale setting, one trullo and street at a time.
Keep an Eye Out for the Unique Trulli
As you explore Alberobello, keep an eye out for some of the town’s most unique trulli—they each have a story to tell! Spotting these quirky, historic structures is one of the most fun and family-friendly things to do in Alberobello with kids—especially when paired with gelato and a camera in hand!
- Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, stands tall and proud near the town center and now serves as a heritage museum.
- Casa d’Amore, known as Il Trullo più piccolo, is the smallest trullo in Alberobello and has a fascinating backstory tied to local resistance and change.
- Trullo Siamese is an eye-catching pair of connected trulli (said to have been home to two feuding brothers).
Burn Some Energy at the Playground
One of the best things to do in Alberobello with kids is to let them run free for a bit! Just a short walk from the main trulli area, you’ll find a playground and green space near Casa Albergo Sant’Antonio. It’s a welcome break from sightseeing, especially after walking the cobblestone streets. While kids climb and play, parents can enjoy a little shade and a slower pace. It’s a simple stop, but sometimes precisely what young travelers need. During our most recent visit, it was one of my daughter’s favorite stops! Lucky for us, it was also right across the street from our hotel, Casa Albergo Sant’Antonio.
Eat a Gelato or Two
Alberobello has no shortage of excellent gelato stops—and trying a scoop (or two!) is one of the best things to do in Alberobello with kids. Gelato makes the perfect pick-me-up after exploring the trulli or walking the hilly streets of Rione Monti. Our favorite spot was La Bottega del Gelato, where the creamy pistachio and seasonal fruit flavors were a hit. There is even a park across the street where you can eat and enjoy some shade.
Gelateria Arte Fredda and Gelateria Mille Voglie are also great picks if you’re craving a sweet treat between souvenir shopping and sightseeing. Gelato is a fun and refreshing way to take a break as a family!
Visit a Local Masseria
One of our most memorable experiences near Alberobello with our daughter was visiting a masseria—a traditional fortified farmhouse that still operates today. These places are the heart of rural Puglia and offer a hands-on glimpse into the region’s agricultural traditions. There are many to choose from, including some just minutes from downtown!
While not the closest option to Alberobello (remember, our home base was Monopoli), we visited Masseria Lamapecora. It’s about 20 minutes from Alberobello, nestled in a dreamy landscape of ancient olive trees and stone walls.
The “Vita in Masseria” tour was a highlight for us. We saw donkeys, cows, sheep, and chickens on the farm. Then, watched fresh mozzarella and burrata being made right in front of us. Of course, we sampled an incredible lineup of cheeses, too—easily a dozen kinds! It was fun, interactive, and unforgettable for all of us.
If you’re planning a visit to Alberobello with kids, this experience is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Call ahead to make a reservation.
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Where to Eat in Alberobello with Kids
There are many fantastic restaurants set amongst the trulli! Wondering where to eat in Alberobello with kids. Like many towns in Puglia, the food in Alberobello is delicious, and the ingredients are seasonal and regional. Here are a few great spots to consider when dining out in Alberobello with kids:
- Terra Madre Alberobello is one of my favorite restaurants in the world! It offers an unforgettable farm-to-fork experience. Make reservations for the outdoor patio along the garden (best spot in the house!). We’ve eaten here whenever we’ve gone to Alberobello, and it’s always worth it!
- Other restaurants recommended to us (that we saved for next time, but you may enjoy on your visit!): Trattoria “Casa Amatulli” di Gianvito Amatulli, Pane e Mozza, and Ristorante La Cantina.
- For gelato in Alberobello, try Gelateria Arte Fredda or La Bottega del Gelato.
Where to Stay in Alberobello with Kids
If you plan to stay overnight in Alberobello, here are some great options for hotels and places to stay with kids!
- Casa Albergo Sant’Antonio (This is where we stayed. Nothing fancy, but a great location in the center of town—right next to a playground—and very comfortable.).
- Le Alcove Luxury Resort nei Trulli
- Trulli e Puglia
- Grand Hotel Olimpo
- Masseria Torricella (outside of the city)
- Find Kid-Friendly Vrbos in Alberobello
Have Fun Exploring Alberobello with Your Kids!
A day trip to Alberobello with kids is pure storybook magic! I hope this guide helps you spend a slow, joyful day wandering past the iconic trulli, savoring gelato, and basking in the Puglian sun. Our daughter loved weaving through the narrow lanes and spotting the playful details on each trullo. And, of course, seeing the pigeons in the park. It truly felt like we’d stepped into a fairytale. I hope your family finds the same wonder in Alberobello’s charm as we did!
Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.