Alba and Alberobello are magnificent! I loved THIS town specifically. A perfect gem primarily because of the people. I was visiting for the nearby Locorotondo festival where you can catch an incredible exhibit of rare Jeff Buckley photos by Merri Cyr. Charming folk festival in town. A unesco world heritage site. I made some incredible friends from the local community.
If you want an incredible tour guide, go to Bagia in the main town and leave your contact info for Sara & Simona De Carlo. They are generational locals, 32 and 42.
Sara is an art historian who can introduce you to the scene in Greater Puglia, and ITALY in general, having lived in Rome and travelled throughout.
Simona is globally well travelled, a yogi vegan cat lover who owns an incredible multilevel Trullo. She has rooftop access and the most photographed doorstep in town, bc of her cat.
She rents her place when traveling, as well.
Sara was childhood friends with Alba’s daughter, Anastasia, in fact.
Simona is available to show you around on afternoons and weekends in her vehicle for an affordable hourly rate.
Sara is available in the mornings, evenings and weekends.
Alba’s place was clean, private, well located and well priced. I had a coupon for a free daily Cornetto and coffee at la chimera across the street, COINCIDENTALLY owned by a cousin of the de Carlos!
As you can see, I was welcomed like family, and my friend was there for one day and got smit with a handsome local architect.
I came for three days and stayed for 9.
I even got a home cooked meal!!!
I feel more at home here than anywhere else TBH.
I’ll be back to this perfect little place.
Alba’s home made the entire experience possible.