• Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Where I’ve been
  • Roam
    • Asia
      • China
      • Japan
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • England
      • France
      • Greece
      • Italy
      • Spain
    • North America
      • Costa Rica
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
      • Uruguay
  • Thrive
    • Travel Tips & Hacks
    • Travel Guides
    • Plant-Based Food/Recipes
    • Wellness
    • Sustainability
    • Fitness & Workouts
  • Contact

Roam and Thrive

Cisternino, Puglia a short guide
Cisternino, Puglia
Destinations Europe Italy

Visiting Cisternino Puglia: A Curated Travel Guide

(Last Updated On: July 30, 2022)

Never heard of Cisternino Puglia? No, neither had I before my last trip to Puglia, yet this low-key gem should be on every Puglia bucket list. Find out why you should visit on your next Puglia itinerary.

Unassuming, unpretentious and extremely local, Cisternino is one of Puglia’s best-kept secrets. With a laid-back atmosphere, more locals than tourists and a siesta time that seems to last an eternity, Cisternino Puglia is the place to come for a truly authentic southern Italian experience.

Located high on a hill, looking out over the trulli-filled Valle d’Itria, the white town of Cisternino has plenty to keep you busy for an afternoon, with the beautiful, narrow, labyrinth streets of the historic centre, local tavernas serving up the best Puglian dishes and some sublime views, its the perfect town to slow down, take it easy and live like a local.

Keep reading for our short guide to Cisternino Puglia and find out how to weave this little gem into your itinerary.

White and flowered street in Itria Valley town
News shop in Cisternino

*This ‘Cisternino Puglia’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

WHAT TO DO IN CISTERNINO PUGLIA

Cisternino Puglia is small, really small, village-like in fact and while it is one of the most ‘local’ and non-touristic towns in the Itria Valley, most of what it has to offer can be seen in half a day.

If you are visiting as part of a Puglia road trip, you might just have a few hours to spend here but if you do give it a little more time and even spend the night, some truly Southern Italian hospitality and experiences await.

Explore the Historic Center of Cisternino Puglia

Street in Cisternino Puglia
Street in Cisternino Puglia
Street in Cisternino Puglia

Cisternino’s historic centre or Centro Storico is a maze of narrow alleyways that are flanked by whitewashed, multi-story houses decked in laundry hanging from balconies and pretty flower pots in doorways.

Enter the historic center through anyone of the arched streets, Porta Piccola is the most famous one on the north side. It’s so easy to get lost and I highly encourage you to do just that. The most picturesque spots are often found just wandering around and that is certainly the case with Cisternino. Eventually, the meandering streets will spit you out into a quiet piazza where you can get your bearings again.

If you’d like to find out more about the town, why not take a guided walking tour of Cisternino instead? Check out this private 2-hour guided walking tour of Cisternino.

White streets of Cisternino
narrow alleyways of Cisternino Puglia
White doorway in Cisternino Puglia

Visit the Chiesa di San Nicola di Patara

With a simple, unassuming, Neo-classical exterior, the Church of San Nicola di Patara is Cisternino’s principal church yet you wouldn’t notice it as such. Blending in with its surroundings it’s as unassuming as the town itself.

Head up the stairs and inside and you’ll find a simple Romanesque interior and two side chapels. Another thing to note inside is the Madonna and Child sculpture by local sculptor Stefano Putignano from 1517. It’s certainly worth a visit and a wander before settling down to aperitifs and dinner.

Chiesa di San Nicola di Patara in Cisternino Puglia
Torre Normanno, Cisternino

See the Torre Normanno

Right next to San Nicola di Patara church you’ll find the symbol of Cisternino, the Torre Normanno. It’s an ancient Norman Swabian tower dating back to the 12th-14th Centuries. It’s split into three main rooms where you can learn a little more about Cisternino and its history.

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to visit as it was closed for the time we were there. I hope you’ll have better luck than we did.

Admire the views from Villa Comunale Guiseppe Garibaldi

Probably one of the most beautiful spots to spend time in Cisternino, this hilltop public garden also has some of the best views in town.

Itria valley view from Cisternino
Itria Valley view from Cisternino

From Saint Nicolas Church all you need to do is cross the road to reach the marvellous green park filled with shade-giving trees, a war memorial in the center and well-manicured lawns. Here you’ll see locals meeting for chats and relaxing on shaded benches. Apart from people watching, the park also makes a prime spot for a good rest so find a free bench yourself and just relax.

Walk to the end of the garden and you will see some of the best views from town, the entire southern part of the Itria Valley opens up before you with it its hundreds of olive trees and white, trullo-studded landscape and villages. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Walk the Ponte della Madonnina

Not really much of a bridge, the Ponte della Madonnina is more of a raised promenade rising up from the main road. It’s a pretty little part of town with picturesque buildings on either side, stunning Itria Valley views and a host of good restaurants and bars to try. A great spot for a little wander.

Ponte della Madonnina, Puglia Italy

Have a Spritz at a hilltop bar

With its privileged hilltop location and stunning countryside views, one of the best things to do in Cisternino Puglia is well, to take advantage of this. On Cisternino’s main thoroughfare, right opposite Ponte Della Madonnina, you’ll see a beautiful little vine-covered terrace with a bar on each side. One of these bars is Cremeria History Vignola mentioned in the ‘where to eat’ section below.

Aperol Spritz overlooking the Itria Valley
Terrace with bar overlooking Itria Valley

Which bar you choose doesn’t really matter, just head to the best table, order a spritz and just admire the incredible views of the Itria Valley. For the best views and light make sure to snag a table for golden hour. This has to be one of my personal favourite moments of our whole time in Cisternino.

Buy some Puglian wine at Il Cucco

One of the best enotecas or wine shops in town, Ill Cucco is definitely worth a look if you’re a wine fan. They stock some really amazing local wines as well as a variety of wines from all around Puglia. The staff are really helpful, friendly and speak English and are happy to recommend some bottles based on your preferences.

wine
Italy wine in a local store

If you prefer to taste some wine right there, Ill Cucco also does wine tastings and is also a restaurant so grab a table, and order some wine and some antipasti for the perfect evening in Cisternino. 

WHERE TO STAY IN CISTERNINO PUGLIA

Most of the best places to stay in Cisternino are actually in the countryside immediately surrounding it. They make a fabulous base for exploring not only Cisternino but all the other towns in the Itria Valley such as Ostuni, Locorotondo, Alberobello and Martina Franca.

Borgo Canonica – For a chance to stay in the most beautiful trullo home around, make sure to look into this fantastic property. With their conical roofs, low ceilings and exposed stone, this particular property is the perfect choice for the design-focused traveller. Staying here will make you want to buy your own trullo and never leave. Check rates and availability here.

Casa del Maestro – A great budget choice for those looking for something local, unassuming yet comfortable. The little house has the perfect location right in the middle of Cisternino and is great for those that want to stay in town. Check rates and availability here.

Il Campanile – A charming little split-level apartment ideal for short stays in town. It’s equipped with a kitchen, living area and bathroom with a bed upstairs. It has a great combination of local architecture and modern decor. Check rates and availability here.

Masseria Peppeturro – For a chance to stay in a trullo and Masseria (Puglian farmhouse mansion) this Masseria has everything one might need for a peaceful stay from beautiful rooms to fine swimming pool. It’s located a little out of town so you’ll need a car to get here. Check rates and availability here.

WHERE TO EAT

Vattelappesca Restaurant & Wine – Located on Ponte della Madonnina, this small restaurant is one of the best in Cisternino. Serving up some local Puglia dishes and specializing in pasta and seafood primarily, it’s the perfect spot for a glass of cold white wine, seafood or pasta as the sunsets over the Valle d’Itria. It’s not on the budget side but well worth the spend.

Focaccia in Italy
Restaurant in Cisternino Puglia
Pasta with clams in Cisternino

Micro– For all veggies and plant-based eaters you’ll be pleased to know there is a restaurant in Cisternino to cater to your needs. Located on the northern side of the historic center, this conscious eatery serves a lovely array of dishes including sandwiches, Asian-inspired dishes, soups and local classics.

Cremeria History Vignola– Located on a hilltop terrace on Via San Quirico, it’s one of the best spots in town for sunset drinks with a view. Order a spritz, snag the best table you can find and enjoy your drink with a picturesque view of the whole of the Itria Valley.

Sandrino – Located right on the main Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, this local place is the spot for gelato to cool off in the afternoon heat. Make sure to also check out the clock tower from 1850 right on the plaza too.

White streets of Cisternino Puglia
white washed street in Cisternino
Street in Cisternino

TOP TIPS FOR VISITING CISTERNINO PUGLIA

↠ Cisternino is a very small and manageable town and is easily visited for an afternoon, especially if you’re doing a Puglia road trip and visiting many other towns in the Itria Valley. We visited for just the afternoon and while we didn’t have too much time to dig in deep we definitely managed to get a sense of the place.

↠ Siesta time is taken very seriously in Cisternino and everything shuts down from the hours of 2.30 pm until about 6 pm. This includes all restaurants and even small delis and stores. Make sure to try to visit in the morning to get the most out of your visit or come at about 4 or 5 pm and stay for the evening

↠ As Cisternino is not very busy compared to some other towns in the Itria Valley like Ostuni or Locorotondo, parking is readily available on the street and you might even be lucky enough to find a free spot.

↠ The outskirts of Cisternino are quite bland and nondescript- I recommend focusing on the centro storico.

↠ You’ll need a car to visit Cisternino and to explore the other Itria Valley towns. While buses do run, they are quite limited and you’ll have to work your itinerary around them. The towns are not connected by train (Cisternino station is actually a 15-minute drive from the town itself).

You can rent a car easily at Bari or Brindisi airports and this is the best thing to do. I personally use Auto Europe to rent a car in Italy as they and Rental Cars seem to always have the best rates, especially in the summer high season. Find a rental car with Auto Europe here.

Check out these top tours in the area to extend your trip.

Ready to plan your trip to Cisternino Puglia? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.


Now more than ever, make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $42 per month. Get your quote below now.

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:

Top Things to Do in Bari Italy | A Perfect Stay in Puglia’s Capital

A Weekend in Polignano a Mare, Puglia: The Definitive Guide

Polignano a Mare Beaches: Uncovering the Resort Town’s Top Beaches

A Complete Guide to Monopoli Puglia

Unmissable Wineries in Puglia for Your Next Trip

What to Do in Matera: A Complete Guide to Visiting Matera, Italy

FOUND THIS POST USEFUL? PIN IT AND SHARE

The Complete Guide to Cisternino Puglia
The complete guide to Cisternino Puglia
A Guide to Cisternino Puglia.
TAGS:CisterninoEuropeItalyPuglia
0 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

Venice One day Itinerary: The Best Things to Do

September 27, 2019

The Ultimate Guide To The Ek Balam Ruins, Mexico

September 4, 2020

Locorotondo Puglia: A Short Guide to the Best Things to Do

July 30, 2022

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
What to Do in Matera: A Complete Guide to Visiting Matera, Italy
Next Post
A Mini Guide to Alberobello Italy: The Famed Trulli Town
Hi, I'm Alex
WELCOME

WELCOME

Roam & Thrive is designed to help you live a healthier life while travelling the world. Through our curated travel guides and wellness tips we educate and inspire you to life your best travel life.

Instagram

Nothing says summer quite like this ✨ #italyviews #summervibes☀️ #italyvibes #thisispuglia #polignanoamare
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Nothing says summer quite like this ✨ #italyviews #summervibes☀️ #italyvibes #thisispuglia #polignanoamare
6 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
The best kinda mornings involve getting up at sunrise for a hot spring soak surrounded by jungle. One of my favorite places in Colombia for a spot of morning wellness. 📍 Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal #termalessantarosadecabal #santarosadecabal #termalessantarosa #colombiatravel #visitcolombia
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
The best kinda mornings involve getting up at sunrise for a hot spring soak surrounded by jungle. One of my favorite places in Colombia for a spot of morning wellness. 📍 Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal #termalessantarosadecabal #santarosadecabal #termalessantarosa #colombiatravel #visitcolombia
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Found the perfect hot tub in the Costa Rican jungle for an afternoon of self care and relaxation. As much as I love exploring, adventure and being on my feet all day, these slow experiences come just as welcoming nowadays. Do you guys schedule time for self care when traveling? #costaricapuravida #costaricacool #costaricagram #costaricatravel #lafortuna #
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Found the perfect hot tub in the Costa Rican jungle for an afternoon of self care and relaxation. As much as I love exploring, adventure and being on my feet all day, these slow experiences come just as welcoming nowadays. Do you guys schedule time for self care when traveling? #costaricapuravida #costaricacool #costaricagram #costaricatravel #lafortuna #
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Slow mornings in Polignano a Mare 🤍✨ Still can’t get over these gorgeous terraces overlooking the ocean, the perfect spot for sunrise ✨#polignanoamare #polignano #polignanoamare❤️ #polignano_a_mare #thisispuglia
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Slow mornings in Polignano a Mare 🤍✨ Still can’t get over these gorgeous terraces overlooking the ocean, the perfect spot for sunrise ✨ #polignanoamare #polignano #polignanoamare❤️ #polignano_a_mare #thisispuglia
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
One of the best yet most under the radar botanical gardens in the world. Head here for a walk between the natural and the man made, take a picnic and relax and spot the giant iguanas everywhere. 📍Jardín Botánico, Medellín, Colombia #medellincolombia #medellincity #medellintravel #medellinstyle #colombiatravel
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
One of the best yet most under the radar botanical gardens in the world. Head here for a walk between the natural and the man made, take a picnic and relax and spot the giant iguanas everywhere. 📍Jardín Botánico, Medellín, Colombia #medellincolombia #medellincity #medellintravel #medellinstyle #colombiatravel
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
Follow @roamandthrive on Instagram

FIND THE PERFECT STAY

SEARCH R&T

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

Roam and Thrive is a member of several affiliate programs. Throughout this site, you might find affiliate links from which I may make a small commission if you choose to click or purchase something, at no extra cost to you. This small income allows me to continue providing you with quality, insightful and most importantly, free content.

RECENT POSTS

  • Brighton Palace Pier or brighton Pier

    Brighton in a Day: A Guide to the Perfect Day in Brighton

    August 8, 2022
  • Piazza Duomo, Lecce Italy, what to do in Lecce

    Top Things to Do in Lecce Italy: Exploring Puglia’s Baroque City

    August 3, 2022
  • Town of Otranto Puglia

    Exploring Otranto Puglia: Things to Do in and Around Otranto Italy

    August 2, 2022
  • Hilltop Locorotondo Puglia from afar

    Locorotondo Puglia: A Short Guide to the Best Things to Do

    July 30, 2022
  • Top things to do in Ostuni Italy

    Exploring Ostuni Italy: Top Things to do in Puglia’s White City

    July 27, 2022
Current Location

Current Location

UK
Travel + Wellness Essentials

Shop My Current Faves

product_title_1

Onyx + Rose Pure Bloom Mint Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

product_title_2

LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning and Stainless Steel Water Bottle With UV Water Purifier

product_title_3

Jade Yoga Travel Yoga Mat

product_title_4

dōTERRA Lavender Essential Oil

product_title_5

GYMBANDIT Heavy Set Resistance Bands

Destinations

Wellness

Fitness & Workouts

FIND YOUR NEXT WELLNESS TRIP

Lets collaborate together

Are you interested in collaborating with Roam & Thrive? We love to work with like-minded brands and individuals so if you have an idea we might like don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact Us

Follow Along on Instagram

Nothing says summer quite like this ✨ #italyviews #summervibes☀️ #italyvibes #thisispuglia #polignanoamare
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Nothing says summer quite like this ✨ #italyviews #summervibes☀️ #italyvibes #thisispuglia #polignanoamare
6 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
The best kinda mornings involve getting up at sunrise for a hot spring soak surrounded by jungle. One of my favorite places in Colombia for a spot of morning wellness. 📍 Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal #termalessantarosadecabal #santarosadecabal #termalessantarosa #colombiatravel #visitcolombia
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
The best kinda mornings involve getting up at sunrise for a hot spring soak surrounded by jungle. One of my favorite places in Colombia for a spot of morning wellness. 📍 Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal #termalessantarosadecabal #santarosadecabal #termalessantarosa #colombiatravel #visitcolombia
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
One of the things I love about travel? Never really knowing where you’ll end up. You can plan every little detail in an itinerary and still end up somewhere unexpected. We never planned to end up in Lecce but this fascinating mini-Rome in Southern Italy could not have been more stunning. Filled with baroque architecture, stone alleyways and the most magical centro storico, Lecce is a definite must! Make sure to add it to your southern Italy itinerary. Where was the last place you visited that blew you away? #lecce #leccecity #igerslecce #lecceitaly #lecceview
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Found the perfect hot tub in the Costa Rican jungle for an afternoon of self care and relaxation. As much as I love exploring, adventure and being on my feet all day, these slow experiences come just as welcoming nowadays. Do you guys schedule time for self care when traveling? #costaricapuravida #costaricacool #costaricagram #costaricatravel #lafortuna #
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Found the perfect hot tub in the Costa Rican jungle for an afternoon of self care and relaxation. As much as I love exploring, adventure and being on my feet all day, these slow experiences come just as welcoming nowadays. Do you guys schedule time for self care when traveling? #costaricapuravida #costaricacool #costaricagram #costaricatravel #lafortuna #
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Slow mornings in Polignano a Mare 🤍✨ Still can’t get over these gorgeous terraces overlooking the ocean, the perfect spot for sunrise ✨#polignanoamare #polignano #polignanoamare❤️ #polignano_a_mare #thisispuglia
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
Slow mornings in Polignano a Mare 🤍✨ Still can’t get over these gorgeous terraces overlooking the ocean, the perfect spot for sunrise ✨ #polignanoamare #polignano #polignanoamare❤️ #polignano_a_mare #thisispuglia
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
One of the best yet most under the radar botanical gardens in the world. Head here for a walk between the natural and the man made, take a picnic and relax and spot the giant iguanas everywhere. 📍Jardín Botánico, Medellín, Colombia #medellincolombia #medellincity #medellintravel #medellinstyle #colombiatravel
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
One of the best yet most under the radar botanical gardens in the world. Head here for a walk between the natural and the man made, take a picnic and relax and spot the giant iguanas everywhere. 📍Jardín Botánico, Medellín, Colombia #medellincolombia #medellincity #medellintravel #medellinstyle #colombiatravel
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@roamandthrive
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright 2022, Roam & Thrive Site Powered by Pix & Hue.