Top 10 Things to Do in Locorotondo: A Hidden Gem in Puglia
- Manuela Lenoci
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Explore one of Italy’s most beautiful villages through churches, wine tastings, local festivals, and stunning landscapes.
Welcome to Locorotondo, the White Jewel of the Itria Valley.
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful and peaceful towns in southern Italy. The name means “round place,” inspired by the circular shape of the old town. Locorotondo is famous for its white-washed houses with sloping roofs called "cummerse", charming alleys filled with flowers, and panoramic views of olive groves and trulli (traditional stone huts). Locorotondo is not just picturesque — it's alive with tradition, wine culture, and slow tourism. Whether you're exploring it on foot, by bike, or sipping a glass of local DOC Locorotondo white wine, here are the 10 best things to do that will make you fall in love with this magical village.
Prestigious travel publications like the Touring Club Italiano and “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia” — with its coveted Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) — describe Locorotondo as “unfairly less crowded than Ostuni, yet just as moving and emotional.” This hilltop town in Puglia, often called one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is a hidden gem worth exploring year-round. Among its charming curiosities: legend has it that the town’s perfectly circular layout, dating back to between the 9th and 7th centuries BC, was designed for one strategic reason — to allow locals a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside and defend themselves from incoming invaders.
Today, that same circular shape gives visitors sweeping views of rolling vineyards and olive groves.
Although Locorotondo doesn’t overlook the sea, it has lovingly earned the nickname “the hilltop promenade” or even “seafront without the sea”. Locals and travelers stroll along the city’s white stone walls — known as il muraglione — with its panoramic views across the Itria Valley. These walls glow in the golden light of sunset and offer a timeless atmosphere that rivals coastal towns in charm. Locorotondo is also known as one of the most iconic "White Cities" in Puglia, thanks to its traditional whitewashed houses with pointed stone roofs (cummerse) and flower-filled balconies.
WHERE IS LOCOROTONDO?
(Foto Fonte web)
How to Get to Locorotondo: Train, Bus or Car?
Currently, Locorotondo does not have a direct train station. While Puglia has a well-connected regional rail network, the nearest train stations are in Alberobello and Martina Franca, located just 5–7 kilometers away from the town center.
To reach Locorotondo, travelers can take regional or fast regional trains to one of these nearby towns and then complete the journey by local bus or taxi. The service is managed by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE), and schedules can be checked or booked online via FSE's website.
🚗 Alternative Option: Rent a Car
If you prefer more flexibility, especially for exploring nearby towns like Monopoli, Cisternino, or Alberobello, renting a car is a great option. It allows you to move freely through the countryside and discover the hidden corners of the Valle d’Itria at your own pace.
Top 10 Things to Do in Locorotondo
Get Lost in Locorotondo’s Historic Center Starting from the Arco dei Tipici
Wandering through the narrow alleys and stone stairways of Locorotondo’s old town, surrounded by flower-filled balconies and ancient chiancarelle (limestone paving stones), is a picture-perfect experience.
The town’s labyrinth-like historic center is often described as “a small open-air masterpiece”, offering postcard views at every turn.
The main entrance to Locorotondo’s old town is marked by the Arco dei Tipici, located near Porta Nuova, just a few meters from the scenic Via Nardelli. Once known as Porta Napoli, this arch is one of the last remaining traces of the ancient city walls and leads visitors into the heart of the village.
It's also one of the most photographed spots in the entire Valle d’Itria, making it the perfect place to start your journey through Locorotondo’s timeless charm..
Visit the Church of Madonna della Greca
Why it’s special: It’s the oldest church in Locorotondo, dating back to the 7th–8th century. A quiet place full of history and beauty.
Style: Simple Romanesque with a touch of Gothic.
Website: Comune di Locorotondo
Explore the Church of San Giorgio Martire
Highlights: The main church in the town, built in neoclassical style between 1790–1825. It has beautiful side chapels, a tall bell tower (47 m), and baroque artworks.
Location: Right in the heart of the historic center.
Info: Wikipedia
Discover San Rocco and San Nicola Chapels
What to see: Two lovely small churches with deep local devotion, especially to Saint Rocco, the protector against plagues.
When to visit: Every August 16th for the Feast of San Rocco with processions and fireworks.
Walk to the Clock Tower & Palazzo Morelli
Clock Tower: Built in 1819 and now home to the town’s historical archives.
Palazzo Morelli: A noble building from the 18th century with a beautiful baroque door.
Where: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Enjoy the View from the Villa Comunale
Tip: This is Locorotondo’s famous viewpoint – known as the “balcony over the Valle d’Itria.”
Perfect for: Watching the sunset, relaxing with a book, or taking Instagram-worthy photos.
See the Historic Trullo Marziolla & “Cummerse”
Trullo Marziolla: The oldest trullo in the Itria Valley (built in 1509).
Cummerse: Unique stone-roofed houses only found in Locorotondo.
How to explore: Walk along Via Marziolla and side alleys.
Taste Local Wine in Family-Owned Vineyards
🍷 Bufano Winery
Experience: Wine tasting in the vineyards + finger food on the terrace. Try their Minutolo and sparkling wines.
Booking: TourByMe – Bufano
🍷 Cantina Mir
What you get: 5 wines + local snacks (cheese, focaccia, taralli).
Contact: www.cantinamir.it
🍷 Cardone Vini
Known for: Traditional DOC Locorotondo wines, rosé, and sparkling varieties.
Website: www.cardonevini.com
Shop Local Crafts & Enjoy Open-Air Aperitivo
What to find: Handmade ceramics, leather, linen, and lace.
Where to sip: Try Bufano Vini e Cucina (Via Nardelli) – their terrace offers a stunning valley view.
Best time: At sunset with a glass of white wine.
Join Local Events & Festivals
San Rocco Festival (August 16): Processions, music, food stalls, and fireworks.
Christmas in Locorotondo: Famous for magical lights and decorated alleys.
Organized by: Ecomuseo Valle d’Itria
Take a Bike Tour or Cheese Tasting Adventure - Useful Links & Contacts
Experience | Operator | Website |
Wine tasting | Bufano | |
Winery visit | Cantina Mir | |
Local wines | Cardone Vini | |
E-bike tours | Local guides | |
Cheese tasting | Puglia dei Trulli |
Locorotondo is more than just a postcard-perfect village — it’s a true experience of southern Italy: slow, warm, and full of flavor.
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