Explore the Itria Valley

Where is it, and how to explore the Itria Valley? Itria Valley (in Italian: Valle d’Itria) is located in the Apulia region in Southern Italy. It spreads over the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto.

The area is characterized by charming villages, historic towns, wooded slopes, vineyards, mile after mile of olive groves, and the intriguing ‘trulli’ (whitewashed, cone-roofed houses) dot the countryside. The trulli are the first things that will grab your attention as you travel through this area – they sure lend a fairy-tale element to this stunning valley! We recommend some places to visit in the Itria Valley and its surroundings.

Trulli in Alberobello, © Mama loves Italy

Alberobello

Because of its Trulli Houses, it is the most famous town of Valle d’Itria. So what is Trulli? A trullo is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll find its highest concentration.

Rione Aia Piccola in Alberobello: The name means “Small yard district.” You can find it on the southeastern slope of Alberobello. Nowadays, the whole district is the most representative of the city, still inhabited by citizens. Therefore, the “Rione Aia Piccola” is a must for those visiting Alberobello.

Locorotondo – bird view ©giovannicarrieri.com

Locorotondo

It is a town in a round form atop a hill. Its hilltop position allows you to enjoy stunning views of the Itria Valley.
Search for hotels in Locorotondo (Booking.com).

The town center is a labyrinth of white alleys punctuated by churches or piazzas. The houses have pitched roofs called ‘cummerse,’ a feature typical of Locorotondo. Don’t forget to stop at a café and sip a famous Locorotondo DOC white wine! Wandering around the historic center is like a step back in time.

©lalista.com

Ostuni

Ostuni is one of Puglia’s most beautiful cities, a tumble of white-washed buildings perched strategically atop a hill.

Known as the White City, Ostuni has views of the endless olive trees in the Valle d’Itria countryside and the glimmering Adriatic Sea just 8 km away, home to some of the region’s best beaches resorts.

Typical lanes in Cisterino, ©La Dolcevita style

Cisterino

Cisternino is a 20-minute drive from Ostuni. It’s a beautiful white hill town that’s quieter than Ostuni.

There aren’t many major sights, but the narrow lanes are a delight to wander, and there are views of the surrounding countryside from Villa Comunale. Many restaurants set up tables on the streets. Furthermore, Cisternino is famous for its meat.

©vologratis.org

Ceglie Messapica

A charming historic town near Ostuni, Ceglie Messapica is one of the oldest towns in Puglia, with a history that dates back to the 8th century BC. The city has one of the most well-preserved historical centers. So, wander around its medieval lanes and buzzing piazzas, and visit the Castello Ducale (Ducal Palace) and one of the old churches. Or you can sit at the Piazza Plebiscito (with its beautiful clock tower) and eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants. The town is well-known for its gastronomy.

©Mama loves Italy

Martina Franca

It is our favorite town in the Itria Valley and the largest one. Here, you’ll find whitewashed passages, laundry drying in the breeze, cats napping in sun-drenched streets, and the chatter of TVs and families reaching you from the open windows of the local homes.

Furthermore, you also find excellent Baroque Architecture (Barocco Martinese) and lovely restaurants and wine bars, making Martina Franca perfect for a family vacation as much as a couple’s weekend getaway or a solo adventure.

Among the most beautiful places in Puglia, Martina Franca is popular with tourists but still feels local, especially if you visit it in the lower season.

Explore the Itria Valley – The conclusion.

Owing to its central position in Apulia, Itria Valley represents a perfect vacation place. From there, you can easily reach some other famous coastal towns of Salento, such as Otranto or Gallipoli, or Polignano a Mare and Monopoli on the Adriatic coast.

So, now it is your turn. Please write down in the comments below which were your favorite places in Apulia, or at least which sites you would like to visit.