Locorotondo Puglia: A Short Guide to the Best Things to Do
Thinking about visiting Locorotondo Puglia? Keep reading for our short but concise guide to the best things to do in Locorotondo.
For many Locorotondo is one of the best towns in Puglia and it’s easy to see why. From its dramatic hilltop location, it can be seen for miles before you even approach it – an imposing white mass of stone looking down at the verdant olive groves around it.
Locorotondo doesn’t have so many ‘sights’ to see as such, the beauty of the town lies in its old, historic centre and simply strolling around which is one of the best things to do in Locorotondo. You’ll find a town full of life, charm and Puglian atmosphere.
With great restaurants, wine bars, and boutiques it’s also the ideal place to stroll around for a few hours and end your visit with a long lunch or dinner in a local osteria.
Keep reading to plan your perfect stay in Locorotondo, Puglia.
READ MORE: A Mini Guide to Alberobello Italy: The Famed Trulli Town
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Why You Should Visit Locorotondo Puglia
Locorotondo, Puglia is a beautiful little town in the Itria Valley so why would you not want to visit?
It’s the perfect spot for a wander for a while and to admire the centuries-old churches, alleyways and buildings. The locals here are helpful and friendly and the town has some of the best wines in the region too. It really is one of the best towns in Puglia, in my opinion.
Due to its small size, many people visit Locorotondo Italy for just a few hours so even if you’re on a very tight itinerary it’s still worth making time for it. Come and experience one of the best spots Puglia has to offer.
How to Get to Locorotondo
Locorotondo is located in the heart of the Itria Valley in Puglia, Italy. It’s close to other towns like the famed Alberobello, Cisternino and Martina Franca. It’s about one hour southeast of Bari and just south of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.
We visited Locorotondo as part of our 10-day Puglia road trip itinerary and Locorotondo makes a delightful afternoon stop while exploring some of the other Itria Valley towns. It also makes a great base for exploring other places in Puglia.
Car – Renting a car and driving around Puglia is the best way to get around and driving to Locorotondo is straightforward. There are many places to park around the centro storico just make sure to get here early to secure a spot during high season. When we visited in May finding parking wasn’t an issue. Cars can be rented at Bari or Brindisi airports.
I always use Auto Europe to rent a car in Italy. They have some of the best rates, especially in the summer high season. Find a rental car with Auto Europe here.
Train – There aren’t any direct train connections from Bari and you’ll have to take at least a bus and a train, making it less than ideal to come from Bari straight to Locorotondo, Italy. There are, however, direct connections from some nearby towns like Alberobello and Martina Franca. I’d personally use the Trenitalia website to plan your trip.
Bus- From Bari, head to the Bari Largo Sorrentino Station where you can jump on a bus heading to Martina Franca. The trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes but unlike the train it is direct.
There are also many other local buses that connect Locorotondo with other Itria Valley towns but in general public transportation is limited. Check Busbud to plan your bus trip and buy tickets online.
Things to Do in Locorotondo Puglia
When thinking about what to do in Locorotondo Puglia, several things come to mind from exploring its streets to checking out its viewpoint and sampling its wine- there’s never a dull moment in one of the best towns in Puglia.
Explore the Centro Storico
Locorotondo’s historic center is compact, white and narrow. It’s composed of snaking alleyways, and tall stone buildings, occasionally punctured by a bell tower or church. In the old town, along labyrinth alleyways you’ll find restaurants overspilling into the streets, wine bars tucked into cute corners and locals enjoy an afternoon rest on their balconies.
There’s no better way to get to know a new place and this is no different in Locorotondo but given its size you’ll walk it pretty quickly. Make sure to peek into all of its grand and historical churches, and grab a gelato in a square before going for lunch.
If you don’t feel up to walking around alone you can also take a private walking tour with a local knowledgeable guide. Your guide will tell you everything they know about Locorotondo, its history, culture and the surrounding area and you’ll learn more about the town than you might otherwise.
For the best private walking tour of Locorotondo click here.
Stroll the Locorotondo Lungomare
You might be surprised to find a lungomare in Locorotondo. After all, lungomare is the Italian term used for ‘seaside promenade’ and we are a little far from the sea.
Lungomare in Locorotondo is used to describe the circular thoroughfare that goes around the centro storico Locorotondo. It’s a beautiful strip of road, especially on the south loop where it opens up to some of the most spectacular views of the Itria Valley.
My advice is to grab a drink from one of the cafes and restaurants along this strip, take a seat outside and enjoy the view- this is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Admire the view from Belvedere di Locorotondo
Given its privileged hilltop location, you’d expect the views from Locorotondo to be pretty fantastic. I can confirm that they are in fact incredibly picturesque and on a clear summer’s day you can see Martina Franca, Cisternino and Alberobello pretty easily from Locorotondo.
The Belvedere di Locorotondo or the town’s viewpoint is found at the end of the Villa Communale. From this side, you’ll be able to see the stunning rolling hills and Trullo-studded landscape. It’s one of the best views you’ll get in these parts of Puglia.
Pay a visit to Locorotondo’s Duomo
Situated on the town’s highest point is Chiesa Madre San Giorgio Martire, Locorotondo’s duomo that’s surrounded by winding streets and with only a small square in front of it, turning a corner to have the grand facade in from of you is quite surprising.
This beautiful little church with a simple Baroque facade is extremely light and airy on the inside. Its side chapels are very well -kept and the ceilings are grand. It’s definitely worth having a peek inside.
Visit the Other Churches
While the Chiesa Madre San Giorgio Martire is the main church to visit, there are a few more of interest in the town.
Chiesetta Maria Santissima Annunziata is a small side church right next to the main duomo that’s worth looking into. There’s also the Santuario di San Rocco with lovely neo-classical architecture and the life-size wooden statue of St. Rocco- the patron saint of the Church.
There’s also the beautiful Chiesa Madonna della Greca, a beautiful little Romanesque Church whose history is thought to date back to the Byzantine Empire.
In the historic centre you’ll also find Chiesa di San Nicola di Myra which is worth visiting for its minimal interior but beautifully painted frescos.
Taste the Locorotondo DOC Sparkling Wine
Locorotondo is famous for its sparkling white wine, the Bianco Locorotondo DOC which is known throughout Italy. You’ll be able to find it on most restaurant wine lists here as well as in the many enotecas or wine bars and shops in the town. I highly recommend trying it at least once- it’s quite light, dry and fresh.
There are many wine shops in Locorotondo but my favourite has to be ‘Vinifera’ which offers many local Puglian wines, for both drinking outside their cute little store or to take back home with you.
There aren’t many wine tastings in the area for just Bianco Locorotondo DOC but ‘I Pastini’- a local winery just a few miles away includes this white wine in their tasting, more information below.
Visit a Winery
The region of Puglia produces some of the best wines in Italy and if you haven’t yet tasted it I highly recommend treating yourself to a glass and perhaps visiting a winery or two on your trip to Puglia.
While there aren’t too many wineries in the Itria Valley, there is one great one just a few minute’s drive from Locorotondo; I Pastini. I Pastini produce some really great wines, white especially, including the Locorotondo DOC wines. It’s a great opportunity to try the local wine where you can also sample local grapes like Verdeca and Bianco d’ Alessano.
A visit to I Pastini starts with a tour of the beautiful grounds, and the modern wine-making facilities and finishes with a guided tasting in their airy, tasting room. We tasted 5 different wines, three whites and two reds and found that they were a great representation of what the vineyard has to offer. You can then purchase bottles of wine or have cases shipped directly to your home.
Tours and tastings can be scheduled through their website here.
READ MORE: Unmissable Wineries in Puglia for Your Next Trip
Relax in the Villa Comunale
Located just outside Locorotondo’s circular historic center and overlooking the stunning, Trulli-stamped Itria Valley is the Villa Communale or public garden. Filled with walking paths, tall pine trees, cooing wild pigeons and sparrows, this is a great spot to relax for the afternoon as you let the ‘siesta’ hours pass.
Take a seat on one of the shaded benches, preferably with some gelato and enjoy the views of the beautifully green, sun-drenched Itria Valley.
Stay in a Trullo or Masseria
One of the highlights of Puglia is its unique accommodation and architecture. Trulli and Masserias are two of the most famous types of buildings in these parts of southern Italy. Trulli, Puglia’s unique conical roofed dwellings date back hundreds of years while masserias are large, traditional farmhouses the area’s elite would have lived in.
Today many have been converted into luxury accommodation with pools, spa hotels and resorts with wellness centers as well as chic B&Bs. While masserias tend to be more of the luxury side, there are many trullo B&Bs in the area that suits all budgets.
Most masserias and trulli are located in the countryside around Locorotondo and in the Itria Valley and you’ll most likely need a car to access most of them. You’ll be able to find many options on Airbnb and Booking.com to suit your budget and dates.
Take a Day Trip to some other Itria Valley Towns
Locorotondo sits in the center of the beautiful Itria Valley. Nearby there are also many other beautiful villages and towns to visit so make sure to get out and explore them. Due to their small size, you can quite easily visit two or even three of these small towns in a day, but it helps to have a rental car for ultimate flexibility.
Alberobello, Martina Franca and Cisternino are only a few minutes away by car, each one with its own very unique atmosphere. A little further to the east you’ve also got the majestic ‘white city’ of Ostuni.
If you want to see more of Puglia’s magical coastline, it’s also possible to take a day trip to Monopoli and Polignano a Mare to explore these two beautiful seaside towns and also bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.
READ MORE: Polignano a Mare Beaches: Uncovering the Resort Town’s Top Beaches
Check below for more things to do in Locorotondo Puglia.
Where to Stay in Locorotondo Puglia
There are some really beautiful places to stay in and around Locorotondo for all budgets. From luxury masserias to more budget B&Bs, Locorotondo is actually the perfect place to base yourself for a few nights to explore the surrounding area. Here are my top stays.
Pietra Pesara – There’s nothing more peaceful than this beautifully renovated country trullo B&B. Located just outside Locorotondo, Pietra Pesara offers light and bright rooms- most of which have a delightful terrace attached- perfect for an evening aperitif. The breakfast is delicious and the host is more than welcoming. This was probably one of the best places we stayed on the trip and I couldn’t recommend it more. Check rates and availability here.
Annalocos – One of the most beautiful trulli B&Bs around, cosy up under those conical roofs for a lovely little stay. With well-decorated and clean rooms, and a lovely garden to enjoy this is the perfect way to appreciate the Puglian countryside and hospitality. Check rates and availability.
Ottolire Resort – One of the best wellness-focused resorts in the Locorotondo area, checking in here means you’re at risk of never wanting to leave. We could have spent our entire Puglian escape here, enjoying the gorgeous property, relaxing by the pool and making the most of their lovely on-site spa. It might be a little on the pricey side, but totally worth it if you’re really in need of some rest and relaxation. Check rates and availability here.
1783 Dimora d’Epoca – For those without a car or those wanting to stay right in the historical center, make sure not to miss this incredible property. With its beautiful, light stone rooms, comfortable beds, three rooftop terraces and spa area for relaxing in the evenings this certainly is one of the best design hotel choices in the area. Check rates and availability here.
Where to Eat in Locorotondo Puglia
Pizzeria Casa Pinto – The place to go in town for pizza.
Osteria il Rosone – One of the best restaurants in Locorotondo, this restaurant beautifully modernises and reinvents Puglian classics. With a number of great antipasti options, pasta and meats mainly, this is the spot to come for a long, casual lunch.
L’Arco Dei Tipici – A beautiful little deli, this is the spot for picking up some Puglian specialities or just ordering a charcuterie board and some wine and relaxing with some of Locorotondo’s most beautiful views.
Bina – A lovely option for dinner, enjoy their creative Puglian cuisine and an extensive wine list.
Ready to plan your trip to Locorotondo Puglia? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
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Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!
Rentalcars.com and Auto Europe for quick and easy car rentals worldwide
Booking.com for great deals on hotels
Agoda also for great deals on hotels
Get Your Guide and Viator for tours and adventures around the world
Related posts you might like:
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A Mini Guide to Alberobello Italy: The Famed Trulli Town
Visiting Cisternino Puglia: A Curated Travel Guide
Exploring Ostuni Italy: Top Things to do in Puglia’s White City
A Weekend in Polignano a Mare, Puglia: The Definitive Guide
A Complete Guide to Monopoli Puglia
Unmissable Wineries in Puglia for Your Next Trip
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