Locorotondo

Locorotondo, whose name translates to 'round place', is consistently ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Perched on a hill overlooking the Itria Valley, its historic center is characterized by a circular plan and whitewashed buildings. The local architecture is unique for its 'cummerse', tall, narrow houses with steep, rectangular gabled roofs made of limestone slabs. The town is famous for its quiet, elegant atmosphere and streets that are meticulously decorated with flowers by the residents. The main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, leads to the impressive Mother Church of San Giorgio Martire, built in the neoclassical style. For the best views of the surrounding countryside filled with olive groves and trulli, one should walk along the 'Lungomare' panoramic path. Locorotondo is also the heart of a DOC white wine region, offering excellent tasting opportunities in local cellars. During the Christmas season, the town transforms into a festive wonderland with elaborate decorations that draw visitors from across the country. It is easily accessible by car or rail from Bari and serves as a peaceful base for exploring the central Puglia region.

Nearby cities

Bari

Bari is the capital city of the Apulia region, situated on the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy.

Lecce

Lecce, often dubbed the 'Florence of the South', is the principal city of the Salento peninsula in Apulia.

Monopoli

A fascinating Apulian port city with a whitewashed old town, rich Byzantine history, and crystal-clear Adriatic coves.

Ostuni

Known as the 'White City', Ostuni sits majestically on three hills, its whitewashed buildings overlooking vast olive groves and the sea.

Gallipoli

Known as the 'Beautiful City', this Salentine gem features a stunning Baroque old town perched on an island in the Ionian Sea.

San Vito dei Normanni

San Vito dei Normanni, located in Puglia, boasts the medieval Dentice di Frasso Castle.

Carovigno

Carovigno is a captivating Apulian town known for its centuries-old olive trees, whitewashed houses, and fantastic beaches.

Polignano a Mare

A spectacular Adriatic gem famous for its whitewashed houses perched on dizzying limestone cliffs overlooking crystal-clear turquoise wat…

Vieste

The white pearl of the Gargano Peninsula, Vieste sits atop dramatic cliffs and is legendary for its massive Pizzomunno monolith.

Mattinata

A town on the Gargano peninsula surrounded by olive groves, known for its white limestone cliffs and sea caves.

Otranto

Italy's easternmost city, famous for its tragic history, massive fortress, and the world-renowned floor mosaic in its cathedral.

Maruggio

Maruggio is a historic town in Salento with Knights of Malta heritage and the stunning coastline of Campomarino.

Porto Cesareo

Porto Cesareo is a popular Ionian seaside resort, famous for its 17km of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters.

Peschici

Peschici is a cliffside town in Puglia on the Gargano Peninsula, boasting sandy beaches and white-washed houses.

Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca marks the southernmost tip of Puglia's Salento peninsula, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas symbolically meet.

History & landmarks

Martina Franca

Martina Franca is the largest town in the Itria Valley, celebrated for its magnificent Baroque architecture, noble palaces, and famous ca…

Alberobello

Alberobello is world-renowned for its 1,500 trulli, white limestone dwellings with conical roofs that comprise a unique UNESCO World Heri…