True Trullo Experience: Our 1-Week Summer Vacation in a Traditional Apulian House (unique Airbnb experience).
Our stay there was 100% self-paid, all words and thoughts are my own.
When it comes to unique vacation experiences, staying in a trullo (or “trulli”) in the heart of Apulia, Italy, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting choices. These traditional cone-shaped houses, with their whitewashed walls and conical roofs, have been a part of Apulian culture for centuries. However, like any unique accommodation, trulli (as well as many other types of “unique Airbnb experiences” come with their own set of pros and cons that are worth considering before embarking on such Apulian adventure.
Our beautiful Trullo / Apulia 2023
We've been thinking about spending our vacation in a trullo for the past two years, but only this year did the idea come to life. So what insights do I have to share with you after spending the whole week at one of the Apulian trullo houses:
The Pros of Staying in Trullo House:
Historical Charm: Trulli are steeped in history. They provide a unique opportunity to stay in a UNESCO World Heritage site and experience the architectural wonders of the past. The structures date back to the 15th -16th centuries, and many have been lovingly preserved.
Quaint and Cozy: Trulli are relatively small, which means they're incredibly cozy and intimate. It's perfect for couples or small families seeking a unique getaway.
Natural Cooling: The thick limestone walls of trulli provide natural insulation, keeping the interiors cool in the hot Apulian summers. Anyway, we had an air conditioner in our trullo, but used it several times only during the night.
Picturesque Surroundings: Trulli are often found in beautiful countryside settings, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The views are simply breathtaking, offering a tranquil and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Privacy: If you're looking for privacy, trulli are often standalone structures with their own yards or gardens, and sometimes even with private pools. You won't have to worry about noisy neighbors or crowded hallways.
Pure joy for interior, design, and architecture addicts (and photographers): …like me (this is an interior and design blog after all :)) Those cone-shaped structures, whitewashed walls, conical roofs, old stone floors, and old olive trees were filling my heart (and brain) with happiness the whole week we stayed there…
The Cons (not the cons actually, more like things to consider beforehand) of Staying in Trullo House:
Often Limited Space: The cozy charm of trulli can also be a limitation. Often these houses are pretty small, and you may lack space to spread out and relax, especially if you're traveling with a group or have lots of luggage. Also, the doorways are low, I’m 176cm and my husband is 186cm and we had to be very careful - bending down when passing through doorways and always watching our foreheads :)
Often Basic Amenities: Trulli often have basic amenities compared to modern accommodations. You may have to make do with a simple kitchenette (with no dishwasher, etc.), or a smaller bathroom (for example without a dryer, but that was not a problem for us as all the clothes dry outside under the Apulian sun in, like, 10 minutes :)). So, if you're accustomed to luxurious or high-end amenities, this might be a bit of an adjustment.
Rustic Living: While the rural location of trulli adds to their charm, it can also mean dealing with occasional “guests” like spiders, moths, bugs…and in our case little cute lizards too. We were pretty okay with this, as in our altbau garden apartment in Bavaria we have those “guests” from time to time too :) Well, maybe except for the lizards, we have snails in the garden instead…
Remote Locations: Again - many trulli are situated in rural areas, which means you may have to drive a bit to reach restaurants, shops, beaches, or attractions. This can be a pro if you're seeking tranquility but a con if you prefer easy access to urban amenities. Also, ask yourself (especially if you plan to travel alone), will you feel comfortable alone somewhere in the remote Apulian countryside, especially during the night? Some of the trullo have no fences or gates…
Heating in Winter: If you plan to visit during the colder months, trulli can get quite chilly. While they have thick walls to keep cool in the summer, they may not have effective heating options.
And I promised to show the interior of our trullo (more photos you can find on the Airbnb website via the link at the end of this blog post):
Inside our Trullo.
Smaller bedroom in our Trullo (where our son slept and he loved it).
To sum up:
A vacation in a trullo can be a magical experience for those seeking a unique, historical, and tranquil getaway. However, it's essential to be aware of the limitations and rural nature of these charming structures (or simply book a far more expensive big trullo with all the bangs and whistles - there are many of those available too…). If you're willing to embrace the quirks and limitations, a trullo vacation in Apulia can be an unforgettable adventure that connects you to both the past and the beauty of the Italian countryside. For us, it worked out exactly so :)
Link to “our” trullo (which we can safely recommend) on Airbnb: Trullo Tarantini.
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