Staying in a Trulli in Puglia, Italy

My experience of staying in a trulli in Puglia.

Are you considering staying in a trulli in Puglia, Italy? I stayed in a trulli house in Alberobello during March and April 2023, and this article is about my experience. I’ll tell you the exact place I stayed in (please note this post is not sponsored) and I will describe the pros and cons of my stay, as well as showing you my photos.

Let me also just clarify that the term ‘trulli’ is actually the plural of ‘trullo’. So when we are talking about one single dwelling, we are talking about a ‘trullo’. People seem to use the two terms interchangeably. I have used ‘trulli’ in my title on purpose, because that is what people are searching for on Google.

a group of people standing outside of a white building.

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What are trulli?

Trulli are a traditional form of dry stone huts found in the region of Puglia, Italy. They were originally used as dwellings by shepherds and farmers, with the earliest examples dating back to the 16th century. Typically constructed from limestone blocks set into a conical shape and topped with a pointed cone-shaped roof made from flat stones held together with mud or mortar, they have become iconic symbols of this area of Italy.

Today, many trulli remain in their original condition as homes or tourist attractions, while some have been renovated and turned into comfortable holiday homes for tourists. With their distinctive architecture and timeless charm, the trulli have become an integral part of the culture and identity of Puglia. Click here to see Alberobello photos.

a row of white houses with thatched roofs.

Is Alberobello the best place to stay in a trulli in Puglia?

Yes, Alberobello is the best place for trulli rentals. Not only does Alberobello contain some of the most stunningly preserved trulli in Italy, but it also offers many opportunities to explore and experience the unique culture that surrounds them.

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its trulli, and is home to the Trulli of Alberobello Museum. It’s also a great place to find trulli-style food in trulli restaurants, such as focaccia with caciocavallo cheese, local wines, and more. There are plenty of opportunities for guided tours that can help you learn more about these unique structures and the culture that created them.

Further reading: Your Ultimate Guide to visiting Alberobello.

What is it like to stay in a trullo in Alberobello?

Staying in a trulli in Puglia is an unforgettable experience. These unique dwellings offer a delightful mix of rustic charm and modern amenities, with cosy bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens, and large outdoor terraces that provide a perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views.

Many trulli also feature traditional furnishings like handcrafted furniture, exposed stone walls and vaulted ceilings, giving them an air of authenticity that you won’t find anywhere else.

The conical rooftops, whitewashed walls, and dark stone floors create an ambience that is unlike any other accommodation. Staying in a trulli in Puglia gives visitors the opportunity to experience the life and culture of rural Italy first-hand.

Which exact trullo did I stay in?

The trullo I stayed in was called Gatto Bianco Case d’Allora in Alberobello. It was about a 7 minute walk into the centre of Alberobello. I’ll show you my photos below, but bear in mind it was dark when I arrived.

Gatto Bianco is actually a group of several trulli (I didn’t realise this until I arrived) which are all in the same neighbourhood. The one I stayed in was called the Madeleine, but there is also the Selene and the Diana in the same group.

a sign that is on the side of a building.

How was my stay at Gatto Bianco?

Overall I enjoyed my stay. The trullo rooms were clean and lovely. The cleaning staff came to my door every day (I sent them away most times) and they were very friendly.

Tea and coffee were provided, although if I was being really picky I would have liked a little packet of biscuits to go with it. A bottle of water was provided in the fridge, which I appreciated.

inside a trulli building with a table and cups

staying in a trulli in puglia - a kitchen

There were two different wifi codes in the information provided on the table (above) which took me a while to figure out. There were some slight chips in the mugs on the table, but I didn’t mind because I used the cups on the side instead.

In the bathroom, there was 2-in-1 shower gel/shampoo, plus soap and a vanity kit. There was no hair conditioner, and I was concerned my hair would turn into a frizzball using just the shampoo, but actually it turned out absolutely fine. In fact my hair looked better than usual – I think that was down to the softer water in Puglia!

a bathroom inside a trulli building in puglia

a bedroom inside a trulli building in puglia

Location of the trullo.

My only complaint with Gatto Bianco was with the address and directions. I arrived after dark and the trullo was difficult to find. I am so glad my airport driver watched and waited to see if I could get inside, because when I clearly wasn’t getting in, he came to help me. He ended up phoning Gatto Bianco (who, to their credit, answered the phone late at night) and conversed with them in Italian, which I would not have been able to do on my own.

If you stay in the ‘Madeleine’ trullo, please note it is actually situated at number 24 via Bovio, and not number 20 via Bovio as stated in the instructions!

a sitting room inside a trulli building in puglia

an archway inside a trulli building in puglia

Other than that little mishap, I had a very nice stay in a quiet neighbourhood. There was plenty of hot water, wifi, television and a comfortable bed. I would recommend it to others, as long as you can work out where the trullo actually is (or arrive in the daytime!)

Here is the link to book Gatta Bianco, but read my pros and cons below first, to make sure staying in a trullo is right for you.

What are the pros and cons of staying in a trulli in Puglia?

I am going to be completely honest here, and please bear in mind each experience will be different for each individual.

Pros of staying in a trullo:

Amazing cultural experience.
Fairytale surroundings but still with modern facilities like television and wifi.
The stone walls keep you cool in summer.
Privacy – the lack of windows means people can’t see in.
My trullo had a double lock with a bolt on the inside – essential for peace of mind for solo travellers.

Cons of staying in a trullo

Lack of windows means lack of natural light – can be quite dark inside.
The interior lighting does not make for great photographs.
The inside of the trullo can smell a little ‘rustic’.
Whilst trulli can keep you cool in summer, they can be quite cold inside during other seasons. I needed an extra blanket in March as I was cold at night. However please note there was heating inside the trullo – I am just a cold person!

a white building with a door and a window.

a white building with a black roof and two chimneys.

The above two photos show the Gatto Bianco trullo in daylight.

When choosing to stay in a trulli in Puglia, remember that you will be surrounded by rural culture and traditional lifestyles. Be sure to respect the people who call these structures home and follow all local customs while visiting.

Related reading: The Best Time to Visit Alberobello.

Where else can you see trulli, except Alberobello?

The majority of trulli are located in the Puglia region of Italy. They are found among olive groves and vineyards and can often be rented from the local owners. In particular, the Salento region of Puglia is home to many trulli villages including Locorotondo and Ostuni. The towns of Martina Franca and Cisternino both also contain a number of these fascinating dwellings. Find out more about towns in Puglia.

Additionally, you can find trulli nestled among vineyards in Tuscany’s Val di Chiana valley or scattered across Sicily’s rolling hillsides.

Where to stay in Alberobello.

There is a wide selection of trulli houses, trulli guesthouses and trulli B&B rooms available in Alberobello.

Here are my recommendations:

Gatto Bianco Case d’Allora: Charming and traditional private trulli situated within 5 minutes walk of the heart of Alberobello. I stayed here in April 2023. Check prices here.

Trulli Nuova Aia Resort: aparthotel in Alberobello with terrace or balcony and an outdoor pool. Rated exceptional on Booking.com. Check prices here.

Trulli e Puglia Luxury Suite: exceptional trullo property with a hot tub! Check prices here.

Trulli Terra Viva: huge amazing 5 star villa with swimming pool for a large family, sleeps 14. Rarely have I ever seen a 10/10 rating on Booking.com before! This would be perfect for a large family, check prices here.

There are lots of different types of properties to choose from. You can check the current prices and availability for all properties in Alberobello on Booking.com here.

You can also use this map to see where accommodation is by location:

Booking.com

Where to stay outside Alberobello

Alberobello is quite touristy, and you may prefer to stay in one of the other beautiful towns throughout Puglia Italy. There is a good range of trulli hotels and farmhouse masseria available. Check out Masseria Cervarolo in the white town of Ostuni – this is a trulli resort with a quartet of trulli available for rent.

I recommend first reading my post about which town in Puglia is the best for you, and then once you have decided, the following hotel booking links should help you.

These links will get you the best rate on Booking.com today, and they mostly come with free reservation and free cancellation, so there’s nothing to lose. It’s a good idea to book early if you are looking at the high season.

Further reading: 14 Beautiful Towns in Puglia, Italy.

a white building with a potted plant in front of it.

FAQs about staying in a trulli in Puglia.

Q. How long can I stay in a trulli?

A. Most trulli owners will allow guests to stay for up to two weeks but this may vary depending on the arrangement you have made with them. Longer stays can be negotiated.

Q. Do all trulli have cleaning services?

Not all trulli accommodation will offer cleaning services. Some do (mine did) but some are completely self-catering. Be sure to check when you book.

Q. What is the best time of year to stay in a trullo?

A. The Apulian region is beautiful throughout the year, but summer (June–August) is often considered the best time to visit if you want to enjoy its magnificent beaches. However be aware July and August are generally very hot months, and also very busy. I recommend visiting in shoulder season instead. Read my full guide on the best time to visit Alberobello for more information.

Related reading: The Best Time to Visit Alberobello.

Q. What activities can I do during my stay?

A. Depending on the location of your trulli, you will have plenty to do in the area. Popular activities include going on a walking tour, taking a cooking class, or hiking, cycling and horseback riding through the countryside. You can also visit local farms and taste Apulian wines and olive oil. There are food tours available, many a wine bar, plenty of souvenir/craft shops and stunning beaches too. Read my Guide to Alberobello and 16 things to do in Alberobello for further inspiration.

Further reading: 16 Amazing Things to do in Alberobello.

Q. Are pets allowed in trulli?

A. Yes, some trulli owners will accept pets as long as they are house-trained and well-behaved. Make sure to check with the owner before bringing your pet along. Puglia resorts and masseria sometimes have pet facilities.

Q. Are there any additional costs associated with staying in a trulli in Puglia?

A. Besides the rental fee, you will usually have to pay a form of ‘city tax’ in cash, which is about 1 euro per night. Some hosts may also ask for a security deposit which will be refunded after your stay ends provided no damage has been caused to the property. You might also like to leave a small tip for the cleaning staff, if they did a good job.

Q. Where is Alberobello?

Alberobello is in the South East of Italy, in the ‘heel’ of the ‘boot’. See the Google map below – this is the map from my post 16 Things to do in Alberobello and shows all the places of interest in the town. You might need zoom out to see the location more broadly.

Further reading: How to Get to Alberobello by Plane, Train, Bus and Car.

Q. Is there anything else I should know before I book a trulli?

A. Make sure to read the rental agreement carefully and ask any questions you may have before confirming your booking. Also, be aware that some properties are located in remote areas with limited access to public transport, so you might want to rent a car if you plan on exploring further afield.

Q. What is the cancellation policy for trulli bookings?

A. If you use Booking.com, you can usually cancel for free, right up to the day before your trip. You can also reserve your trullo for free as well (I recommend reserving straight away due to limited availability).

Q: Do I need a car for a trip in Puglia?

A: Renting a car is highly recommended for a Puglia Italy trip, as it provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace and reach the more remote areas. It allows you to add multiple destinations to your Puglia trip itinerary and access the beautiful countryside and coastal areas with ease. I always use Discover Cars, which is a brilliant car comparison site.

It is possible to travel in Puglia using public transport, but it would take a lot longer.

Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia, Italy.

General travel advice for the Puglia region.

For more in depth travel advice for your trip to the Puglia region of Italy, please see my main Puglia Travel Guide. This guide contains information on things like currency, weather, best time to visit Puglia, tourist seasons, safety and general travel advice for the region.

It also contains a list of every Puglia post I have published, all in one place.

Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.

Climate and tourist seasons in Puglia

Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Tourist season peaks in summer, while spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The longest beach season lasts from May to September, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F) and nighttime temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F).

Winters are mild, ranging from 7-14°C (45-57°F), and snow is rare but possible in higher areas. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with autumn experiencing the heaviest precipitation. Many hotels in Puglia close during the winter months (November to February), and rates may be higher due to limited availability, so it’s best to check with individual hotels for winter hours of operation.

Getting around in Puglia

Puglia offers great opportunities for exploration by car, which is the preferred choice for many tourists. Renting a car from Discover Cars at Bari airport allows you to easily navigate the region and visit multiple destinations in a day. See my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia, Italy for more advice.

Further reading: Hazel’s Guide to Driving in Puglia, Italy.

Alternatively, train travel provides an affordable option, although it may not be as accessible as driving. The main railway connects major towns in Puglia, while buses offer regular services between cities and towns.

Boat trips along the picturesque coastline, visiting charming fishing villages and impressive harbor towns like Gallipoli and Otranto, offer an even more scenic experience.

Further reading: 14 Beautiful Towns in Puglia, Italy.

Currency in Italy

Currency in Italy is the Euro (€ EUR), available in both paper notes and coins. Coins range from 5 cents to 500 euros. Credit cards are widely used. Italy has ATMs called ‘Bancomat,’ similar to those in the UK or USA, providing convenient cash access. Cash is generally preferred, although some places accept card payments. Banks operate from 08:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.

Reserve your Puglia Hotel early, before they sell out.
Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
There are many Puglia tours you can book (no payment required up front).
This is the best quick-dry sand-repellent beach towel.
Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
Going hiking? These are the best hiking socks.
If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
Need something to read on the beach? 10 Books and novels set in Puglia.

a woman wearing sunglasses standing in front of a building. — Alberobello rooftops

Further reading: Must See Sights: The 30 Best Places to Visit in Puglia.

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