Via Francigena sud (sort of), Via Ellenica – Alberobello, then Alberobello to Locorotondo.

After catching the bus from Monopoli (a really scenic, circuitous route that climbs up from the coast to the Valle d’Itria) we managed a bit of a tourist visit to Alberobello without the large crowds common to this town. In between the afternoon and evening rain, we hit the streets along with the other few visitors, everyone waiting their turn for photos and in turn moving aside. I can certainly see the appeal of this town, and it’s unique housing. Christmas decorations are still being set up, and some of the shops and eateries are open – with a long weekend ahead it will probably fill up more than today.

I try repeatedly to catch the information office open to seek a stamp, but despite passing by multiple times, and the flag being up, the door remains closed. No stamp for Alberobello.

Stay – Trullo delle sorelle (booking.com); A really lovely room and great host.

Alberobello to Locorotondo

12km, largely on quiet roads; 3.25 hours.

11deg, clear/overcast, a few spits of rain.

Highlights – Trulli amongst the fields and stone walls.

We tossed up whether to take the official 23 km route between the two towns (to the east), or the shorter route via the woods to the west – we decided on the shorter route. (Using the AllTrails app to follow the route).

Heading out of the town towards the Bosco Selvo, the trail follows quiet roads. We see few cars, but are passed by quite a few cyclists out on this public holiday, and long weekend; this area of Puglia is criss-crossed by cycling routes.

The trulli is commonplace in the countryside – It is the star of the day, whether opulent, well-worn or crumbling in an olive field.

As we approach Locorotondo, there are a few spits of rain, and there is a large double rainbow over towards the coast. The rain thankfully remains further to the east of us as we reach the town. There are some great views over the green valley from its hilltop position.

One of the reasons I chose this inland route is the time of year – the towns of the Valle d’Itria love their Christmas decorations, and Locorotondo is well known for their commitment. We can both be a bit bah-humbug about many aspects of Christmas, but we find we are not even annoyed by the piped Christmas carols, and are enchanted by the decorated streets. With the town full of visitors on this long weekend, it is a very crowded evening passeggiata and the restaurants and bars are bursting at the seams (got some lucky quiet moments with the following pics).