This one is really a special villa as for it's an unique experience to stay in a traditional trulli house. The trulli’s at Trulli Paparale have been beautifully restored, with attention to detail, making it very comfortable.
Trulli’s were imposed on new settlers in the 14th century, so that they could dismantle their shelters in a hurry. It was an efficient means to evade taxes on new settlements. The building technique is due to the area’s geographical conditions, abundant with the limestone we now see in the constructions. In the 16th century Alberobello there were about 40 trulli’s (the oldest trulli’s of Italy); at the end of the 18th century Alberobello counted a population of 3500.
Pool and trulli's in the background
The trulli’s at Trulli Paparale have different sizes. We managed well with the four of us. The kids loved their very own little room. We enjoyed the coolness inside. The trulli’s have a special thermal system; it’s a stone construction with thick walls), which gives a perfect temperature. When it’s hot outside, it is cool inside. And there is a underfloor heating which makes it warm in the colder months, so when it’s cool at night, it’s warm inside. The living room has all the basics you’ll need, it’s big enough and still cosy. And if you like a bit of a hard mattress, you’ll like the bedrooms as well. It all felt very authentic and romantic. The kitchen is well equipped for self-catering and each trulli has the benefit of its own barbecue and outside dining area and shade umbrella. This umbrella is actually quite nice since it can be hot during summer.
Trulli Paparale has a hugh, clean pool, located close to the swimming pool and therefore very convenient. Trulli Spiga is located closest to the pool with a nice outdoor deck area. The pool has beautiful views to the north east in one direction and a little of the village to the other. With kids looking forward to a lot of dives, ask upfront whether the pool is open and if the sun has heated it already. The garden is stunning, extensive and boarded by fields or olive groves. It’s covered with flowers.
The children’s playground is surrounded by lovely green grass so the kids could run around. There are some comfortable lounge chairs and a sun shade area as well, so you can spend hours outside, enjoying the nature around you.
Lovely gardens around Trulli Paparale
The location is outside of the town in a very quiet location and is wonderful to spend a quiet afternoon or evening at. And yet it really is just 10 minutes to the center of town to buy all the drinksand food you need and mayby some wine to take and remember the pleasant times at the Trulli Paparale. There are only locals living in this area and it is in the middle of a farm area. Lots of olive trees, fruit trees and wheat fields can be seen in the surroundings.
Alberobello is the best site to see in Puglia, with its cafes, bars and restaurants. The restaurant La Nicchia is decent and very good value and a five minute walk down the lane. The cheese shop en route to the town makes their own ricotta which goes very well with Maria’s home made jam. The Monti district still consists of 1300 trullis. And if you like tiny street and alleyways, try the Aja Piccola. We liked the Church of Sant’ Antionio, in trulli form with chapels and a bell tower.
Trulli Paparale can be used as a central base to do day trips by car to nearby towns such as Lecce and Ostuni, which are also beautiful. Alternatively, there are (adults) bicycles freely available at the trulli should you wish to explore the locality. Puglia is a charming and largely undiscovered region of Italy. It has much to offer in terms of culture, beautiful scenery, sparkling seas and beaches, and of course glorious food. Thanks to Maria and her family who were nice hosts and gave us all kind of information.
WOW
# Staying in Trulli Paparalle is the best of both worlds with an easy walk to the fascinating village of Alberobello, yet an idyllic base to relax.
# In summer it can be hot in Puglia; the thermal system of the trulli’s is great to cool off after a warm day.
# The pool and playground are great for young kids; as well as the sun shade area next to the pool.
