Locorotondo in Apulia, the complete guide to visit the white village

by letygoeson17, Jul, 2024Apulia, Italy

Are you planning to visit Locorotondo in Apulia? Great idea! Located in the heart of the Itria Valley, Locorotondo is a spectacular white village in Italy, renowned for its charming historic center, breathtaking views, and authentic atmosphere.

In my opinion, Locorotondo is one of the most fascinating towns in the Itria Valley in Apulia, and it’s easy to see why. Just looking at the hundreds of pictures that practically take themselves is enough to be completely enchanted—but in reality, there’s so much more! Perched on top of a hill, the town stands out from afar with its majestic white structure dominating the surrounding olive groves and countryside.

Locorotondo is not famous for its tourist “attractions” in the traditional sense, but its charm lies mainly in its picturesque historic center and the joy of wandering its streets, without a map—just following your heart! Alongside the famous Ostuni, it is also a perfect example of a “white town” in Apulia.

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The authenticity of Locorotondo in Apulia

Locorotondo is a lively village, full of charm and “authentic Apulian atmosphere”, making it one of the most beautiful towns in the region. Its excellent restaurants, wine bars, and boutiques make it an ideal place to stroll for a few hours, ending the visit with a long lunch or dinner in a typical local osteria.

Locorotondo is also known for its stunning Christmas decorations. It is during the holiday season that you can admire its most sparkling and festive atmosphere. We visited in July, on a hot yet breezy sunny day; the season did not make Locorotondo any less beautiful—on the contrary! We were truly mesmerized.

What to see in Locorotondo in Apulia

Locorotondo, located in the heart of the Itria Valley, is an enchanting town that deserves a visit. This picturesque white village offers a unique experience, perfect for those who love to wander and get lost among its charming alleys, admiring the historic churches and ancient buildings that tell centuries of history.

The narrow, winding alleys, lined with white houses decorated with colorful flowers, create a magical and relaxing atmosphere. Every corner hides a new wonder, whether it’s a small courtyard, a quiet little square, or a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, always ready to share stories and tips with visitors. This warmth makes the experience even more pleasant and authentic.

It is also famous for its exquisite wines, among the best in the region, so don’t miss the chance to taste a glass of local wine, perhaps accompanied by some regional delicacies, in one of the characteristic restaurants or wine bars in this white village.

How to get to Locorotondo

Locorotondo is located near other famous towns such as Alberobello, Cisternino, and Martina Franca. It is about an hour southeast of Bari and just a bit south of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

We included it in our five-day itinerary in Apulia, and it turned out to be a fantastic stop during our exploration!

Getting around easily between the villages of Apulia

The best way to get around Apulia is by renting a car, which allows you to explore the region freely and without time constraints. Reaching Locorotondo by car is super easy, and there are many parking areas around the historic center. However, it is advisable to arrive early to find a spot, especially during peak season when the number of visitors increases significantly.

During our visit in July, we had no trouble finding parking, but as always, allowing extra time is the best strategy. Cars can be easily rented at the airports of Bari or Brindisi, which are the two main gateways to Apulia.

If you’re looking for the best car rental rates, I recommend booking through Discover Cars, a reliable platform that compares offers from numerous car rental companies, ensuring extremely competitive prices and clear conditions. You can check the available offers and book easily online here.

Explore the Historic Center of Locorotondo

When thinking about what to do in this white village in Apulia, several activities immediately come to mind: exploring its streets, admiring its viewpoint, and tasting its exquisite wine. There’s never a dull moment!

The name Locorotondo comes from the Latin “Locus Rotundus,” meaning “round place.” This name dates back to the first half of the 13th century, when the village expanded on top of a hill enclosed by walls. The name reflects the characteristic shape of the historic center, with its small white houses arranged in concentric rings, a feature still clearly visible today.

The historic center is compact, white, and narrow, made up of winding alleys and tall stone buildings, sometimes punctuated by a bell tower or a church. Along the labyrinthine streets, you’ll find restaurants spilling onto the streets, hidden wine bars in picturesque corners, and locals enjoying the afternoon on their balconies.

The breathtaking views of Itria Valley

It might be surprising to find a “seafront promenade” in this inland village! In Locorotondo, the seafront refers to the circular road surrounding the historic center. It’s a wonderful stretch of road, especially on the southern side, where some of the most spectacular views of the Itria Valley open up. My advice is to grab a drink at one of the bars or restaurants along this road, sit outside, and enjoy the scenery—particularly stunning at sunset.

The Locorotondo Belvedere, or panoramic viewpoint, is located at the end of the Villa Comunale. Given its privileged position atop a hill, you would expect the views from Locorotondo to be breathtaking. I can confirm they are truly picturesque: on a clear summer day, you can easily see Martina Franca, Cisternino, and Alberobello. From here, you can admire the stunning rolling hills and the landscape dotted with trulli. It’s one of the most beautiful views you can enjoy in this part of Apulia.

The Locorotondo Cathedral

At the highest point of Locorotondo stands the Mother Church of St. George Martyr, the town’s cathedral. Surrounded by winding streets and with a small square in front, its grand facade surprises visitors as they turn the corner. The church, with its simple Baroque facade, is bright and airy inside. The side chapels are well maintained, and the ceilings are impressive, visiting is highly recommended.

Besides the Mother Church, there are other spiritual landmarks of immense beauty. The small Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata and the Sanctuary of San Rocco, with its neoclassical architecture and wooden statue of the patron saint, are worth seeing. Another remarkable church is the Madonna della Greca, a charming Romanesque church with origins dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Finally, the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra, located in the historic center, stands out for its beautifully painted frescoes and minimalist interior.

Try Spumante DOC Locorotondo

Now let’s talk about typical products to taste here.
Bianco Locorotondo DOC is a delicious sparkling white wine,appreciated throughout Italy. You will be able to find it on most local restaurant menus, as well as in the many wine stores, wine bars and stores in town. I highly recommend tasting it at least once: it is light, dry and refreshing. The wine bars in the white village offer a wide selection of local Apulian wines, ideal to enjoy at outdoor tables or to take home as a souvenir.

Where to eat in Locorotondo

During our walk through the village, we found ourselves quite undecided about where to go for lunch-all the little restaurants we encountered were beautiful, quaint, and with great reviews on Trip Advisor….

In the end, we chose the osteria “Ai tre Santi,” enraptured by the smell of the dishes being served to diners at the lovely outdoor tables.
This turned out to be a really good choice: the first courses were more than tempting and very typical starting from the Orecchiette with meatballs to the selection of meats.
Given the warm weather that day, we chose Laganari (a type of typical fresh pasta like square-shaped egg spaghetti) with fresh tomato and flaked Cacioricotta cheese and a wonderful tartare!

Personally, I consider Locorotondo in Apulia one of the most fascinating towns I have ever visited! Our visit was made even more special by the tranquility of the town, thanks to the limited number of tourists present that day. This allowed us to fully enjoy the beauty and serene atmosphere of the place, making the experience truly memorable.

Despite the small size of the village, carving out time to explore it quietly is a great idea even on a tight travel schedule. Its timeless beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone in the area!

What to see nearby

From this white village, we are surrounded by many other fascinating places and towns that are certainly worth a visit. Because of their proximity and small size, it is possible to explore two or three of them in a day, especially with a rental car that offers more flexibility of movement.

Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Cisternino are a short drive away, each with its distinctive atmosphere.

To the east is the majestic “white city” of Ostuni. For those wishing to discover the Apulian coast, a trip to Monopoli and Polignano a Mare is ideal for exploring these beautiful coastal towns and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.