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 enjoying 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.