Locorotondo: One of Puglia’s Prettiest Towns

Revised August 30, 2026

Searching for the best things to do in Locorotondo, Italy begins with simply wandering. This whitewashed hill town rises above Puglia’s beautiful Valle d’Itria.

Locorotondo is famous for its distinctive circular Old Town. In fact, its name comes from the Latin locus rotundus, meaning “round place.” Even the local wine celebrates this unusual shape. The label for Antico Locorotondo features an image of the town rising above the Valle d’Itria.

But is Locorotondo really one of Puglia’s prettiest towns? I wander its gleaming white lanes to find out.

Admire the Valle d’Itria Views

A gently curving road leads toward Locorotondo’s highest point. From here, the Valle d’Itria unfolds below in a patchwork of vineyards and olive groves.

Broad-branched olive trees dot the countryside. Expansive vineyards stretch across the valley. I also spot the region’s ancient cone-shaped trulli homes scattered across the landscape.

The panoramic view explains why Locorotondo’s hilltop location is so special. I could linger here for hours, but the hot Italian sun sends me searching for shade.

Sip an Aperol Spritz

Then, like an apparition in the desert, an outdoor Italian bar appears. Our walking group pulls six chairs around a table. I happily slip my feet out of my hiking boots.

I order an Aperol Spritz, one of Italy’s quintessential summer cocktails. The combination of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water arrives with a bright orange slice perched on the rim of the glass.

As I sip my cocktail and drink some much-needed water, conversations buzz around me. I hear English, German, Spanish, French, and our waitress’s rapid-fire Italian. For a little while, I am perfectly content to sit in the shade, rest my tired feet, and watch Locorotondo go by.

Discover Locorotondo’s Circular Old Town

Locorotondo is famous for its narrow streets, flower-filled balconies, historic churches, and sweeping countryside views. Its circular Old Town is made for getting delightfully lost.

I found so many hidden places.

Locorotondo is also surrounded by one of Italy’s great culinary regions. Puglia is famous for cucina povera, or simple peasant cooking. Local dishes celebrate vegetables, grains, pasta, and plenty of olive oil.

One unusual regional ingredient is grano arso, or burnt wheat. Its distinctive nutty flavor appears in traditional Puglian breads and pastas.

Get Lost in Locorotondo’s Alleys

Fortified by my Aperol Spritz, I am ready to explore this hilltop town. I quickly discover the best strategy: simply get lost. Choosing a random side street, I wander through the whitewashed maze. Eventually, the circular streets will lead me back toward the historic center.

Everywhere I look, splashes of color decorate the creamy-white walls. Red geraniums burst from pots. Green vines tumble down walls. Pale leaves cast delicate shadows across the buildings.

I wander into a tiny shop to admire handmade lace. Around another corner, restaurants set tables beneath the shade. I immediately wish I could stay for dinner.

Look Up at the Balconies

In Locorotondo, I quickly learn to look up. Ornate wrought-iron balconies project from the whitewashed homes. Flowers and greenery soften their elaborate ironwork.

I watch an elderly woman hanging her laundry from an upper-story balcony. Brightly colored clothes sway beneath the Italian sun.

The simple scene makes me happy. It reminds me of my mother hanging our family’s laundry on the clothesline. I snap a mental picture and store away the memory.

Visit Locorotondo’s Historic Churches

The jewel of Locorotondo is the Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio, dedicated to Saint George. The imposing church dominates the historic center. Inside, I admire statues, religious artwork, and an unusual crypt containing sacred relics. I could easily spend an hour exploring the church and its details.

I also visit the smaller Chiesa della Madonna della Greca. Its intimate interior feels completely different. I marvel at depictions of the Madonna and Child. The quiet, cave-like atmosphere makes me want to sit and meditate for hours.

Linger in Locorotondo’s Town Square

My wandering eventually leads me to the town square. I browse a boutique filled almost entirely with white clothing, although the price tags make me wince.

Nearby, a line spills from the gelato shop. Flowers burst from window boxes and containers lining the steep steps of nearby homes.

I breathe in their fragrance and take one last look around. Locorotondo’s charms are driving me loco.