Puglia in May: Valle d'Itria - Alberobello and Locorotondo

Our destination today is Alberobello and another market. The road between Fasano and Alberobello is through olive groves and fields peppered with poppies and other spring flowers. It's impossible not to admire the scenery so I drive slowly, much to the probably understandable irritation of the local drivers. 

At the market this time we buy almonds and walnuts, sold as local. I'm not absolutely convinced but they taste good and the price is ok so I get some.

We then walk on to visit Alberobello which we visited probably 15 years ago. I didn't remember the amount of trulli.....it really is a unique place and while Rione Monti is full of tourists and souvenir shops and restaurants, Rione Aia Piccola is quiet. Every corner is fascinating.

On the way back to the car we get two different types of calzone for lunch and also stop to pick up a mature cheese from a friendly man with one of the few stalls. He tells us that many of his colleagues have given up the job, as habits change and people prefer supermarkets, ready food and eating out. Such a pity, especially in Puglia where the raw ingredients are so excellent!

We transfer by car to the Selva Park of Alberobello for our picnic. There are only three picnic benches but it isn't a problem because the only other picnicker is an electrician lunching from a plastic box. There are a surprising amount of interesting flowers in a small space and it's a cool and shady place for a picnic with a view on a trullo after busy Alberobello.

After a long lunch break we go to Locorotondo. Parking is easy and a five minute walk to the centre. The historical centre of Locorotondo is charming. Narrow streets whitewashed buildings, the occasional Palazzo, flowers everywhere, impossible not to wander up and down the streets until we're positive we've seen them all. The church dedicated to San Rocco has a fine Rosone and carved altarpiece too. A splendid place. 

A more peaceful drive on narrow secondary roads between stone walls and olive groves completes the day. We like the Val d'Itria!