4 Itineraries in the heart of Puglia: the best things to do and see in Itria Valley suggested for every season of the year
There are places that leave their beauty to speak for them. Anyone who visits Apulia can therefore not help but visit its most authentic heart, from the red earth and the countless olive trees: it is the Itria Valley, the central part of Apulia, the point of union of the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. The name probably derives from the chapel of the Madonna dell'Odegitria, of ancient Byzantine cult, which is located in the Church of the Capuchins in Martina Franca. In Valle D'Itria there are many farms, farmhouses, elegant noble palaces and above all the famous Trulli, the ancient conical houses characteristic of the region. The beautiful villages, white houses of lime and the maze of alleys of the historic centers, are all worth seeing: Alberobello, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino, Fasano, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Noci and Ostuni. For this characteristic corner of Puglia we have thought of itineraries designed for each season, to follow or to twist as you like.
Spring in Valle D'Itria
The beautiful countryside of the Valle D'Itria is filled with the delicate colors of almond and cherry blossoms that are accompanied by green and silver-leaf olive trees. It’s the best season to visit Martina Franca and Cisternino. The first one is a beautiful town rich in palaces and baroque churches, among which the Ducal Palace and the Basilica of San Martino stand out. After a lot of eye delight, go to Cisternino for a delicious meat dinner with the famous "bombette" and a walk in the alleys of the old town.
Summer in Valle D'Itria
For those who want a relaxing summer holiday, sea and fun, the best destinations are Fasano and Ostuni. The area of Fasano is strategic for many tourist and cultural attractions, such as the excavations of the ancient Greek-Roman city of Egnazia, the Zoosafari and the adjoining amusement park for a unique adventure among lions, tigers, monkeys, elephants and even polar bears, without forgetting the beaches of rocks and sand along the coast. To defend yourself from the summer heat just head inland and climb the hill, in the cool, in the so-called Selva di Fasano, a must for motorcyclists on Sunday. In the countryside of Fasano there are ancient farms now converted into exclusive relays that have hosted, among many, the world influencer Chiara Ferragni, Madonna, and all the cast of the popular soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful. In the evening, take a walk to Ostuni, the popular 'White City', is a must for shopping and taking selfies as a real Instagram stars.
Autumn in Valle D'Itria
For this period of the year there is nothing better than a weekend to regenerate in nature after an intense working week, whether at office or in smart working. You can visit the places mentioned in the previous paragraphs without the confusion of mass tourism, or dedicate yourself to visit Noci and Ceglie Messapica. Noci preserves intact its medieval historic center, consisting of the alleys called 'gnostre'. And just in autumn there is the famous festival called "Bacchus in gnostre", based on new wines tasting in every corner of the historic center. Ceglie Messapica, one of the oldest cities in Apulia, dates back to the 15th century BC. It has a beautiful old town, in which there is the beautiful Palazzo Ducale with the Norman tower, the Sanseverino family. But above all, you can enjoy excellent dinners based on typical Apulian products.
Winter in Valle d'Itria
The magical period before Christmas is perfect for visiting Alberobello and Locorotondo, in an unusual dress that will leave you amazed. In the capital of the trulli, usually from 7 December to 31 January, there is the event "Alberobello Light Christmas", in which the trulli are the evocative background to games of lights, stars, snowballs and reproductions of famous artwork masterpieces. You are immersed in a fairy-tale scenery, as well as in Locorotondo, whose historic center is entirely decorated with Christmas decorations that will make you feel like children; a show not to be missed.
Where to stay in Valle D'Itria
If you want to admire all the wonders of the Valle D'Itria and enter into its most authentic spirit, you will need a strategic accommodation to reach all the locations of our itineraries. We recommend the holiday home Casa Vacanze Il Carpino, in the district of Carpari, fraction of Martina Franca, just 10 minutes from Locorotondo and Alberobello: not the usual hotel but a complex of trulli originating in 1927, passed for as many as 3 generations as a family home, now ready to accommodate you in the best way the frenzy of daily rhythm slows down until being progressively invaded by the harmonious rhythm of nature and countryside. Open all year round, the holiday home consists of four beautiful mini-suites with furniture and harness with every comfort for a pleasant holiday. Valle D'Itria awaits you, are you ready?
