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We have spent two summers exploring Puglia as a family, and Locorotondo remains one of our favorite Italian cities to visit. Now is the time to plan a visit to this still-hidden gem in Puglia!
If slow travel and scenic beauty are on your Italian wish list, visiting Locorotondo with kids is a must during your time in Puglia. Perched high above the Valle d’Itria, this whitewashed hilltop town offers quiet charm, stunning views, and a relaxed pace perfect for families. Locorotondo isn’t packed with sights or crowds, unlike its more famous neighbor, Alberobello. It’s a place to slow down, explore narrow alleys, sip a spritz, and enjoy the everyday rhythm of life in Southern Italy.
From discovering peaceful corners to finding scenic spots for gelato breaks, there’s a lot to love about visiting Locorotondo with kids. In this guide, I’ll share our favorite things to do in Locorotondo, Italy, plus where to eat and stay to make the most of your visit.
Where is Locorotondo?
Locorotondo is a charming hilltop town in southern Italy, in the heart of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria. And, in my opinion, it’s one of the most picturesque cities in Puglia!
Locorotondo is an ideal day trip in Puglia with kids from nearby cities like Alberobello (less than 15 minutes away), Monopoli, and Bari. It is an especially easy stop if you’re exploring the region by car.
The town sits about halfway between Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS), making it easy to reach in roughly an hour (by car) from either location.
How to Get to Locorotondo with Kids
By Car—the best option
The best way to enjoy a day trip to Locorotondo with kids is by car. Driving offers flexibility, comfort, and the chance to explore nearby towns like Martina Franca or Alberobello with ease. Plus, the roads are pretty well-maintained and very scenic.
Once you arrive, the most convenient parking place is the garage underneath Piazza Aldo Moro. From there, it’s a short walk to the centro storico via Corso XX Settembre. The old town is closed to traffic. Parking is easy to find outside the centro storico (especially earlier in the day).
By Bus—the adventurous option
Alternatively, you can take a bus to Locorotondo from many nearby cities (we took one from Monopoli). If you are comfortable with Italian public transportation (like we are!) or have a sense of adventure, this is another excellent way to get to Locorotondo with your kids.
We took a bus from Monopoli (our home base in Puglia) to Locorotondo for both day trips. We booked the tickets through the Trenitalia app. Buses have space for luggage, too, so you don’t necessarily need to pack light if you go with this option. (Luggage storage on buses is below the seating. Ask the driver to open the hatch for you to stow before departing.)
With that said, buses can quickly become delayed in Puglia. Taking public transportation in Italy requires flexibility and patience. When departing smaller cities (like Locorotondo), don’t wait for the last bus of the day to leave the city. Plan to wait if a bus is delayed or create a backup plan (just in case). In our experience, the bus departing Monopoli for Locorotondo was on time. However, the bus departing Locorotondo for Monopoli was delayed both times (by 10 minutes and by 60 minutes). The app does not provide information on possible delays.
Finally, the departure pick-up location is likely DIFFERENT from where the bus dropped you off (especially if it’s not a major/depot stop). Confirm the pick-up location with the driver.
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Tips for Visiting Locorotondo with Kids
Exploring Locorotondo with kids is refreshingly simple, thanks to its calm streets and relaxed vibe. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your family visit to Locorotondo:
- Take your time! Locorotondo is best enjoyed slowly and without a plan.
- The centro storico is very compact and easy to explore freely (no cars allowed here!). The narrow streets are windy, so expect to get happily lost while you explore.
- The streets are relatively stroller-friendly once you get up the hill to the centro storico.
- There is a small playground in Piazza Mitrano, and near Sírose – Azienda Agricola di Bufano Domenico. Parco Giochi Pineta Basile Caramia is another excellent place to play together.
- 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 Locorotondo with Kids
Planning a day trip to Locorotondo with kids? You’re in for a treat! Unlike its neighbors, this hidden gem isn’t packed with activities to fill your itinerary. Instead, it’s best experienced by slowing down, meandering its narrow streets, and just letting the day pass. What the city lacks in bucket list things to do, it makes up for with its postcard-perfect views.
After filling your days on the sea near Monopoli or packing in the tours in Alberobello, Locorotondo offers a chance to breathe and enjoy la dolce vita for an afternoon (or a day!).
That said, if you’re trying to decide how to spend the day in Locorotondo with kids, here are a few ideas to help you map out your day!
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Take a Break in Villa Comunale + Enjoy the Views
One of the best things to do in Locorotondo, Italy, is to take a break at the Villa Comunale. (This area is also referred to as Belvedere or Punto Panoramico). Due to its location near the centro storico, your visit to Locorotondo likely begins (and ends) right here! It’s the perfect spot to rest in the shade, enjoy a snack, and let the kids roam freely (or, at least, within reason, watch the edges).
This shaded city park sits just off Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. From here, you’ll find a panoramic terrace with sweeping views of the Valle d’Itria. Think endless olive trees, vineyards, and clusters of the area’s iconic trulli dotting the countryside.
Grab a bench, chat with friendly locals, and soak in the beauty of Puglia from one of the town’s most scenic vantage points.
Explore the Narrow Streets of the Centro Storico (Historic City Center)
A day trip to Locorotondo with kids isn’t about checking off a list of must-see attractions—it’s about slowing down and savoring the beauty of everyday life in this whitewashed hilltop Italian town. And, exploring its narrow streets is the best way to do just that!
Centro storico is a maze of narrow, polished stone streets, lined with elegant white buildings, colorful balconies, and flower-filled doorways. Unlike nearby Alberobello, Locorotondo doesn’t rely on trulli for its charm. Instead, you’ll find Baroque gems like Palazzo Morelli, peaceful corners like Chiesa di San Nicola di Myra, and plenty of cozy shops selling local pottery and souvenirs.
Kids can safely roam the pedestrian-only streets while you admire all the details. Watch for the unique “a cummersa” rooftops that are only found here. (Look for the pointed gable roofs that feel more like parts of Northern Europe than southern Italy). Locorotondo is the kind of place where getting “lost” just means discovering your new favorite gelato spot or a sunny cafe table perfect for people-watching!
Stroll Along Via Nardelli (the “Lungomare” of Locorotondo)
One of the best spots to soak in the scenery of Valle d’Itria is along Via Nardelli. It’s often called the “Lungomare” of Locorotondo, and even though it does not overlook the sea, it definitely has that feel. Waves of farmland and green, if you will!
This panoramic walkway hugs the city walls and offers sweeping views of the Valle d’Itria, dotted with trulli, vineyards, and olive groves. It’s a leisurely stroll where kids can stretch their legs while adults enjoy the views. (Most of this stretch is stroller-friendly; just watch the slopes.)
You’ll also find some of the best places to eat in Locorotondo with kids along Via Nardelli. Here, restaurants and cafés offer the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a refreshing aperitivo with a view. (During high tourist season, you may want to make reservations.)
Beat the Heat with Some Gelato
There are a few excellent gelaterie in town for families with kids in tow. Our favorite gelato spot was Cuor di panna di Gavagnin S. & Pulieri A. There are a few places to sit inside, or you can take it to enjoy while you walk. If they have it, get the pasticciotto gelato (so good!).
If you walk into the centro storico from below/the bus stop, Gelateria Del Corso is on the way up the hill. It’s a great option for a quick stop to get out of the sun or to bribe your kids to keep walking as you trek up the hill. You can eat at the café or in the piazza across the street.
Try Local Wine at Sírose – Azienda Agricola di Bufano Domenico
One of the top reasons to plan a day trip to Locorotondo is Sírose – Azienda Agricola di Bufano Domenico, a stunning winery perched right along the edge of the historic center/Via Nardelli. We loved it so much, we went twice! With breathtaking views of the Valle d’Itria and a laid-back vibe, it’s one of my favorite wineries in the world.
Tastings are affordable and flexible—just grab a set of tickets and trade them in when you’re ready to sample another pour. The helpful staff can guide you through their local reds and whites (the area is known for its whites!). Light snacks are also available to pair with your wine.
While seating is mostly in full sun, there’s a shady spot worth asking for if available.
Best of all for families: a small playground near the entrance makes it easy for kids to enjoy a break from exploring.
Reservations are available and can be made using WhatsApp.
A Few More Things to Do in Locorotondo with Kids
If you have more time to explore the city than just one afternoon, here are a few more ideas for things to do in Locorotondo with kids:
- Take a walking tour to learn more about the city and its history.
- Parco Giochi Pineta Basile Caramia is a fun spot to play during the day.
- Visit one of the city’s many churches, including Chiesa di San Nicola di Myra, Chiesa Rettoria Madonna della Greca, Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio Megalomartire, Chiesa della Madonna del Soccorso, or Chiesa di San Rocco.
- If you are making Locorotondo your home base for a few nights, add day trips to Alberobello, Martina Franca, Ostuni, or Monopoli to your itinerary!
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Where to Eat in Locorotondo with Kids
If you’re wondering where to eat in Locorotondo with kids, there are several options across the city. Like many towns in Puglia, the food in Locorotondo is delicious, and the ingredients are regional. Expect a seasonal menu with ingredients from Valle d’Itria. Here are a few options to consider:
- Sírose – Azienda Agricola di Bufano Domenico is lovely for tasting local wine and quick snacks. (The winery is kid-friendly.)
- Caffè della Villa is a great, low-key stop in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II (near Punto Panoramico) for a quick drink, lunch, or gelato.
- Our favorite gelato stop was Cuor di panna di Gavagnin S. & Pulieri A.
- For dinner, select any restaurant on Via Nardelli for excellent views of Valle d’Itria while dining. Consider trying Bel Sit, Controra, or Kiatz.
- In the centro storico, you can also try QuantoBasta, Ai Tre Santi, or Ristorante Osteria Il Rosone (all were recommended to us, but we didn’t have time to try them this time).
Where to Stay in Locorotondo with Kids
We didn’t stay overnight when we visited Locorotondo this past summer (but we did make two day trips to Locorotondo with kids!). If you plan to stay overnight in Locorotondo on your way to your next stop in Puglia, here are some great options for places to stay with kids!
- Masseria San Michele (outside the city)
- Hotel Donna Crescenza
- Relais Il Palmento
- Search for Kid-Friendly Locorotondo Vacation Rentals on Vrbo
Enjoy Exploring Locorotondo with Kids!
A day trip to Locorotondo with kids offers plenty of charm without overwhelming your little travelers—leisurely strolls through the centro storico, gelato breaks in sun-drenched piazzas, and panoramic photo ops. If you’re looking for laid-back, scenic things to do in Puglia, let Locorotondo sweep you off your feet! We loved Locorotondo’s whitewashed alleyways, flower-filled balconies, and sweeping countryside views—it truly felt like a fairytale setting in the heart of Puglia. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Enjoy exploring Locorotondo with your kids!
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.