Some of the most memorable moments from our honeymoon in Italy came from the unplanned stops along the way. While driving from Matera to the coast of Puglia, we mapped out a few towns to visit, hoping to experience a little more of the region beyond our final destination. One of those stops was Alberobello—a place I had seen photos of before and knew I didn’t want to miss. Even though it was just a quick stop, it ended up being one of the most charming and memorable parts of our entire drive.

Alberobello is known for its iconic trulli houses—white stone huts with cone-shaped roofs that truly look like something out of a fairytale. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a history dating back to the 14th century. Interestingly, these unique structures were originally built without mortar so they could be easily dismantled to avoid taxes. Even knowing the history, it’s hard not to feel a little transported as you walk through the narrow streets lined with these whimsical homes. We didn’t have hours to explore, but even a short visit felt special. After wandering for a bit, we stopped at a small café in the main downtown area for coffee and croissants—and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip. I had been searching for that perfect Italian croissant ever since studying abroad in my early twenties, trying different ones along the way but never quite finding the one. Until this stop. It was flaky, buttery, and perfectly soft—exactly what I had been hoping for.

We could have easily spent more time exploring and soaking it all in, but we were on a bit of a time limit with our boutique hotel waiting for us on the coast. Still, Alberobello left such a lasting impression in such a short amount of time. It’s a reminder that sometimes the quickest stops turn into the most special memories—and if you’re ever in Puglia, it’s absolutely worth experiencing for yourself.

XOXO