19 Enchanting Things to Do in Ostuni, Puglia: Italy’s “White City”
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Ready to discover all of the magical things to do in Ostuni? Small and quaint, with oversized charm, the hill-crested city of Ostuni, Puglia is where fairytale meets reality.
Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets – where prickly pear cacti pop against white stone buildings – and you’ll quickly understand why Ostuni is known as La Città Bianca (“The White City”).
While in Ostuni, you’ll marvel at ornate architecture in the Centro Storico, zip through ancient olive groves on an iconic tuk-tuk tour, sample local wine and fresh-pressed olive oil, and get lost in views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic Sea.
After two recent trips to Ostuni, we’ve put together the ultimate Ostuni travel guide to help you absorb every magical moment in one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns.
Read on for the best things to do in Ostuni, Italy – as well as Ostuni’s best restaurants and hotels, must-know transportation tips, day trip ideas, and more.
Brief History of Ostuni, Puglia
Ostuni lies near the top of the “heel” of Italy’s “boot,” in southern Puglia (Apulia in English).
Ostuni’s historic old town (Centro Storico) reaches a pinnacle at the top of the hill, then a maze of narrow streets swirl and zig-zag down past lovely homes, restaurants, artisan studios, museums, and souvenir shops – which are almost all painted white.
Rewinding a bit: Ostuni, and the surrounding countryside, were inhabited by Neanderthals some 40,000 years ago. Then, in the 7th century B.C., the ancient Messapian people began constructing what we know as Ostuni’s town center.
Later, groups like the Ostrogoths, Lombards, Saracens, and Byzantines all fought for, protected, and ruled Ostuni.
The rich soil of the Itria Valley and the city’s strategic position near the coast made Ostuni a desirable stronghold.
Wondering why Ostuni is white? In the 17th century, locals painted the buildings white with limestone to defend against the spread of the plague. Limestone is antibacterial!
I don’t want to spill all the beans (olives?) now, so we’ll leave it at that…
Is Ostuni Worth Visiting? (5 Reasons Why!)
During my extensive travels through Puglia, Ostuni became one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited! I was totally swept away by Ostuni’s old-world spirit and the proud natives who call it home.
Ostuni is worth visiting for so many reasons! In fact, Ostuni may just be the highlight of your entire Puglia road trip itinerary.
- THE FOOD: Fresh and local produce, seafood, artisanal cheese (hello, burrata!), olive oil, and wine make Ostuni the perfect example of why Puglia is known as “the breadbasket of Italy.” Ostuni is home to an abundance of traditional restaurants, so you’re guaranteed to eat like royalty!
- THE BEACHES: Hoping for a beach day on the Mediterranean? Easy! A quick 15-minute drive east of Ostuni lands you on the warm sand of nearby whitewashed seaside villages.
- THE BEAUTY: Ostuni boasts sparkling vistas of the Adriatic Sea, living monuments of ancient olive trees (they’re thousands of years old!), and speckles of trulli, Puglia’s iconic stone huts around the Valle d’Itria.
- THE CENTRALITY: Ostuni is central to other must-visit Puglia destinations like Cisternino (20 minutes), Martina Franca (30 minutes), Locorotondo (30 minutes), Polignano a Mare (40 minutes), Alberobello (45 minutes), and Lecce (1 hour). If you’re looking for the perfect base to explore Puglia from, Ostuni is just that!
- ALL THE THINGS TO DO: There are so many wonderful things to do in Ostuni! But on top of that, you can count on soaking up the history, heritage, and unhurried way of life in Southern Italy.
READ MORE: Why Visit Puglia, Italy? 10 Undeniable Reasons to Travel to Puglia
19 Best Things to Do in Ostuni, Italy
Now that I’ve convinced you to visit the “White City,” let’s talk about the 19 best things to do in Ostuni!
1. Walk the Cobbled Streets of Ostuni’s Old Town
When you visit Ostuni, there are some key ancient buildings to see in Centro Storico (Ostuni’s historic center). But simply wandering about the labyrinth of alleys in the old town is an important “to-do.”
When I visited Ostuni, I started from the top of the old town and worked my way down. You can begin on Via Cattedrale (the main street of Ostuni), and meander white-drenched alleys lined with potted plants, pop into stores offering handmade ceramics and unique jewelry, and trek white-painted staircases leading to colorful front doors.
Expect to encounter kittens, old Italian street musicians, and glimpses of the surrounding countryside along the way.
2. Visit the Duomo di Ostuni
The crown jewel of Ostuni, Italy is the magnificent Ostuni Cathedral (Duomo di Ostuni or Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta), which features the second-largest rose window in Europe!
The ornate rose window is the main focus of the church’s 15th-century Gothic-Romanesque façade, carved with “pietra gentile,” a golden-hued, soft, local stone. Inside is a lovely frescoed ceiling and a statue paying homage to Saint Francis.
The cathedral faces one of Ostuni’s most-frequented town squares and is framed by the fascinating architecture of the Arco Scoppa.
3. Walk Under the Arco Scoppa
Also in the piazzetta (small square) is the incredibly beautiful Arco Scoppa, a glorious, elevated stone arch passageway that connects the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary. Built in the mid-1700s, the Arco Scoppa is one of the most-loved Ostuni attractions.
Snap a photo under the arch, have a coffee or spritz at the café below, and do a little people-watching in the square!
This is the perfect place to relax and appreciate the energy of Old Town.
4. Cook Traditional Pugliese Food in a Local’s Home
Pugliese cuisine is treasured throughout Italy – so taking a cooking class in Puglia is non-negotiable!
Join this Ostuni Cooking Class to learn how to make orecchiette (you know, the little ear-shaped pasta?) from scratch, like a true Pugliese nonna, in a lovely countryside home.
But that’s not all! Along with your orecchiette, you’ll cook a delicious 4-course meal with gorgeous vegetables grown locally in the Itria Valley. And there will be wine!
Before visiting Ostuni, I attended a week-long cooking and wine course in Lecce, so I did not do this specific class. But I can PROMISE you, this Ostuni Cooking Class will be a highlight of your trip! Click here to book it!
Note: This Ostuni Cooking Class is located 20 minutes away from Ostuni. You’ll need a rental car to get here!
HOT TIP: If you’d rather wine and dine without lifting a finger, you can hire a local chef to whip up a fabulous multi-course meal in your vacation rental’s kitchen. Perfect to celebrate a special occasion… or just another night in Puglia! I didn’t do this myself, but the raving reviews make it worthy of including here. Click here to book your Ostuni Chef Service!
5. Visit a Local Vineyard & Winery
Want to go on a wine and foodie tour while in Ostuni? Yes? Good answer!
Puglia is world-famous for its wine – but most people have only heard of Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes. On this fantastic tour of an organic vineyard and winery near Ostuni, you’ll taste reds, whites, and rosés made from little-known native grapes like Susumaniello, Malvasia Nera, Verdeca, Bianco d’Alessano, and Marchione.
But first, you’ll stroll through the vineyards to learn about organic grape cultivation – and the blood, sweat, and tears the Santoro family has put into their winery for five generations.
Next, you’ll explore the cellar and learn all about the fermentation, aging, and bottling processes.
And finally, your Ostuni Wine Tour of an Apulian Winery with Traditional Lunch will peak with a long, leisurely, and generous tasting of the winery’s many wine varieties – paired with olives, local cheeses, and artisanal cold cuts to focaccia, taralli, and so much more. Absolutely fantastic.
I had SO MUCH fun during this wine tour and lunch. The ambiance is incredibly charming and the Santoro family couldn’t be warmer. Plus, I learned a ton about organic wine-making from the maker himself, Marco Emilio.
Click here to book your Ostuni Wine Tour of an Apulian Winery with Traditional Lunch!
Note: Transportation is not included. You’ll either have to drive yourself in your rental car (that’s what we did!) or hire a driver. It’s a 20-minute drive from Ostuni.
6. Visit a Mozzarella & Burrata Cheese Factory
Burrata is my favorite cheese ever! Did you know it comes from Puglia?
During this Mozzarella Experience at a Local Masseria, you’ll watch and learn how authentic mozzarella, burrata, stracciatella, and caciocavallo are made from scratch!
You’ll also meet the cute free-range cows and pigs who live on the farm.
Then, you’ll enjoy a relaxing tasting of fresh and aged cheeses, cold cuts, homemade jams, fresh vegetables, taralli, and focaccia.
I’m so sad that I didn’t go on this top-rated Mozzarella Experience at a Local Masseria! I only just discovered it now, while writing this Ostuni travel guide! Now you know better than I did… Click here to book it!
Note: Once again, you need a rental car to get here! The masseria is located 13 minutes away from Ostuni.
7. Walk Along Ostuni’s City Walls
You’ll feel small while walking along the fortified medieval walls of Ostuni, which date back to the mid-14th century!
These walls once protected the White City from invaders, but now they offer visitors a unique glimpse into Ostuni’s ancient history.
Plus, the views are incredible – and there are lots of cute al fresco bars to stop at for spritzes! (Did I mention the best absolute thing to do in Ostuni is wining and dining? Find my restaurant/bar recommendations toward the bottom of this guide!)
To walk along Ostuni’s city walls, simply follow Viale Oronzo Quaranta, which acts as the perimeter between Ostuni and the endless expanse of olive groves (and potential enemies) down below.
Fun fact: Locals used to huck boiling olive oil over the walls onto their enemies! So Italian…
8. Go on a Historical Tuk-Tuk Tour of the City
As you stroll the hilly, medieval streets of Ostuni, you’ll quickly notice that everyone is exploring via tuk-tuk (A.K.A. an Ape – you know, the adorable vintage three-wheeler cars that you’ve seen in every classic Italian movie?).
And for good reason! One of the best things to do in Ostuni is this private historical tuk-tuk tour.
On this tour, you’ll pass by countless monuments, chat with your driver/guide about local life, visit multiple viewpoints, and cover a lot more ground than you would on foot!
Click here to book your Private Tour of the Medieval Village of Ostuni by Tuk-Tuk.
9. Snap a Photo at Porta Azzurra
One of my favorite Pugliese aesthetics is the simple contrast of white walls against bluebird skies. But add in painted doors and potted cacti and you’ve got the quintessential Southern Italian backdrop!
The White City of Ostuni dedicated a small area above the old town to this classic look. Find Ostuni’s most famous door, the Porta Azzurra, here and appreciate the endless olive groves below.
Oh yeah, and snap a photo for the ‘gram!
10. Bike through the Olive Groves
The relationship between olive trees and Puglia’s economy, legacy, and heritage is a source of pride for the Pugliese people.
But unfortunately, 21 million of the 60 million trees in the Puglia area have died because of a non-native bacteria called Xylella. These ancient olive trees were planted by the Romans and the ancient Messapian people!
That makes exploring Puglia’s ancient olive groves all the more important!
Learn more about local olive oil history and honor the fruit of the region on this top-rated E-Bike Tour of the Olive Trees of Ostuni.
Pedal along ancient paths (not accessible by car!) through olive groves until you reach a traditional Masseria (farmhouse). There, you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious olive oil, artisan cheese, salami, and wine, before biking back to Ostuni.
Click here to book your E-Bike Tour of the Olive Trees of Ostuni!
HOT TIP: If your next destination is Martina Franca or Locorotondo, then save biking for later! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this E-Bike Tour of the Villages of Valle d’Itria with Tastings (pictured above). It’s one of the best tours I’ve ever experienced anywhere. The scenery was gorgeous; we visited the cutest towns, and the farmhouse lunch was beyond incredible.
11. Tuk-Tuk through the Olive Groves
Not into biking? Another option is to see some of Italy’s oldest olive trees on this Piaggio Ape Tour of the Millenary Olive Groves. Thick, twisted, and brimming with legacy, these olive trees have seen centuries of Ostuni’s history play out.
I absolutely loved this tour – and you will too!
Relax in the cushioned backseat of your Ape, and cruise along ancient Roman pathways lined by groves of evergreen Millenary olive trees.
Allow your private guide to impart ancient knowledge about these olive groves and olive oil – and learn about the process of olive oil-making, from planting and harvesting to milling and pressing the olives into some of the freshest, robustly-flavored olive oil you can imagine.
And of course, you’ll finish on a delicious note – with an olive oil sampling!
Click here to book your Private Tuk Tuk Tour of the Millenary Olive Groves in Ostuni!
12. Soak Up Ostuni’s Nighttime Lighting
While planning my Ostuni itinerary, I knew I had to stay at least one night to see the White Town come alive with evening lights.
Once I saw the golden hue reflecting off the city’s white walls and honey-colored cathedral, I learned that Ostuni truly glows differently at night! It’s romantic; magical; real-life fairytale material.
Especially when you lay your head at Hotel La Terra afterward; staying here made me feel like a princess! (Click here to book your stay at the lovely Hotel La Terra, located in the heart of Centro Storico.)
I highly recommend soaking up the glimmering city lights of Ostuni from around the city walls or from the scenic viewpoint of Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe.
13. Stop by the Belvedere di Ostuni
Hunting out this iconic view of The White City, with olive groves, sparkling sea, and blue skies in the background? You’ll find it at the Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe!
If you go on this Ostuni Tuk-Tuk Tour, you’ll definitely stop there. But if not, you can easily walk there!
14. Spend Time in Piazza della Libertà
After a short walk down the hill from Ostuni’s whitewashed houses, you’ll find the main town square, Piazza della Libertà, and a faster pace compared to the traditional old town.
The Piazza della Libertà has a modern flair, accented by centuries-old monuments, such as the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi and the majestic Colonna di Sant’Oronzo, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, Saint Orontius.
This is another great photo op in Ostuni!
In this square, there’s an open-air archeological site/museum, Ostuni’s town hall, and a smattering of cafes, gelaterias, pizza shops, and sub-par restaurants. But hey, sometimes you just want a spritz in the square!
15. Hit the beach
Ostuni is situated just minutes away from countless gorgeous white-sand beaches and lidos (beach clubs), so why not have a relaxing beach day?
The stunning Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle on the Adriatic Sea is just 17 minutes from Ostuni by car!
Want a more intimate beach with snorkeling coves? Check out the Spiagge della Costa Merlata.
I took the photos above at Spiaggia del Fiume Morelli – how lovely?!
Not to mention, the Marina di Ostuni features plenty of bars and restaurants if you get hungry while beach-hopping.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can easily take a tuk-tuk, taxi, or bus to the beach from Ostuni.
16. Visit the Galleria Orizzonti Arte Contemporanea
No matter what language you speak, art speaks volumes about a culture and its people.
Why not check out the Galleria Orizzonti Arte Contemporanea (Contemporary Art Museum of Ostuni)? It’s right in the heart of the old town, next to the cathedral!
Inside, you’ll enjoy a brilliant collection of sculptures, mixed media, and paintings – many of which were created by local artists. The owner has an eye for curating an eclectic mix and is very kind to answer any questions you have!
17. Feel Like a Local at the Saturday Market
Visiting Ostuni for a few days? You might enjoy venturing outside of the old town for a more local experience.
The Ostuni Saturday Market (Mercato Settimanale del Sabato) is an open-air flea and farmer’s market where you can purchase fresh produce – like big purple melanzana (eggplant) and straight-off-the-vine pomodori (tomatoes) – as well as massive hunks of fresh cheese, handwoven baskets, and other local products, like honey and dried pastas. Oh, and olives, of course!
You can find the Mercato Settimanale del Sabato just a 10-15 minute walk south of Centro Storico, on and around the Via Sansone.
18. Visit the Diocesan Museum of Ostuni
Some of Ostuni’s most prized religious artworks are kept in another art museum, tucked into the same piazza as the Ostuni Cathedral: the Diocesan Museum of Ostuni (Museo Diocesano di Ostuni).
You can find the museum in the ancient episcopal hall, the former home of the bishop.
In addition to religious art, there are preserved archeological discoveries and artifacts unearthed around Ostuni, Italy.
19. Learn About the “Woman of Ostuni”
One of the most surprising things I discovered in Ostuni, Italy was the remains of who many consider “the world’s oldest mother”, dating back about 28,000 years ago.
Along the Via Cattedrale is a former monastery, now home to the Museum of Pre-Classical Civilization of Southern Murgia. The focus of the museum is an inspiring story of a woman and her unborn child, who were discovered just two kilometers outside of Ostuni.
There is a recreation of her ceremonial burial which shows the red-shelled hat and bracelet the woman was adorned with, how emotional!
Best Restaurants in Ostuni
Time for my personal favorite part… THE FOOD! While in Ostuni, here are a few fabulous restaurants that you can’t miss!
- ACQUASANTA: Love natural wine? I sure do! This chic natural wine bar offers indoor and outdoor seating, rare and amazing wines by the bottle, and flavor-packed yet simple dishes to pair with. This was, by far, my favorite dining experience in Ostuni!
- Casa San Giacomo: This restaurant offers the coziest atmosphere and the most delicious traditional dishes – like what I imagine my Pugliese nonna would make me… If I had one. Don’t miss this restaurant! Make a reservation.
- Osteria Pizzeria Sant’Oronzo: In the mood for pizza? Or the best-ever turnip greens orecchiette topped with burrata? And wine? Perfect! Come here.
- Borgo Antico Bistrot: This outdoor bar is the place to be for sunset on a warm evening! Order a spritz and enjoy the incredible views of olive groves and the sea.
- Trattoria Sapere E Sapori: You’ll eat alongside locals at this Ostuni restaurant! Trattoria Sapere E Sapori has incredible antipasto plates with super fresh, local ingredients at very reasonable prices for Old Town.
- Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza Ostuni: This is your spot for aperitifs and evening cocktails. The view spreads from over the Itris Valley to the winding cobblestone streets of Ostuni Old Town ahead. Perfetto!
- Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia: I had an incredible dining experience here, complete with handmade ceramic china, attentive service, and some seriously mouthwatering food! I highly recommend trying a catch-of-the-day plate at Osteria Del Tempo Perso in Ostuni.
- Osteria Del Tempo Perso: A traditional restaurant, or osteria, is known for serving up deliciously preserved heritage on a plate. Try Osteria del Tempo Perso’s orecchiette pasta, you won’t regret it!
- La Gilda: If you’re craving an oat milk latte and a hot breakfast like pancakes or waffles, then La Gilda has you covered. Super cute place!
Where to Stay in Ostuni
Can I let you in on a secret? If you’re driving a rental car around Puglia (and I highly recommend you do!), the best hotels are the ones that offer private parking!
Parking in Ostuni is a pain, luckily, I’ve curated a list of amazing hotels that offer designated guest parking.
Otherwise, you need only consider this: would you rather stay in a hotel within Ostuni’s old town, or down in the valley at a luxe masseria (a historic, fortified farmhouse accommodation)?
Best Ostuni Hotels
Paragon 700 (Luxury): Treat yourself to Ostuni’s most luxurious hotel stay, in the Paragon 700’s remodeled historic red-brick palace in the heart of the Centro Storico. Rejuvenate with treatments at the spa, or relax in the pool under an orange tree. Dine on meals prepared by one of Ostuni’s best chefs and sip on handcrafted cocktails by a mixologist at the hotel restaurant and bar! Of course, secure car parks are on-site. If it sounds heavenly, that’s because it is. Click here to book your stay at Paragon 700!
Masseria Salinola (Luxury): This 18th-century masseria (farmhouse) hotel is what Pugliese vacation dreams are made of. Gorgeous grounds, an organic farm-to-table restaurant, multiple pools, and the most romantic “dolce vita” ambiance await. Plus, it’s just a 7-minute drive to Ostuni’s historic center! Click here to book your stay at Masseria Salinola!
Hotel La Terra (Mid-Range): Staying at Hotel La Terra made me feel like a princess with its high ceilings, antique chandeliers, and cozy balconies with views of Ostuni’s white old town. My room was spacious and the breakfast-in-bed delivery was the perfect way to start the day. Plus, there’s a designated parking lot for guests! Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Terra!
Palazzo Stunis – Dimora di Charme (Mid-Range): This B&B in a quiet corner of Ostuni features old-world Pugliese charm, spacious guest rooms, and a fabulous breakfast spread. Click here to book your stay at Palazzo Stunis!
Still looking? This is my favorite website for finding the best deals on chic hotels, charming B&Bs, and masserias in Ostuni and beyond!
How to Get to Ostuni
Wondering how to get to Ostuni? I’ve got you covered.
- FLYING: To reach Ostuni from outside of Italy, first fly into either Bari International Airport (Karol Wojtyla) or Brindisi Airport (also known as Salento Airport). From there, take a train, taxi, or drive yourself via rental car to La Città Bianca (Ostuni). Use this flight fare aggregator to find the best deals on flights to Puglia!
- DRIVING: If you’re in the full swing of your Puglia road trip, it’s best to use Google Maps (or similar) to find the most efficient route to Ostuni. Just note that public parking in Ostuni is very limited, and not usually free. Make sure to book an Ostuni hotel with private parking! (See my recommendations above!) This is my favorite website for finding the best deals on rental cars, in Italy and beyond!
- VIA TRAIN: Ostuni, Italy also has a train station. You can take a high-speed train from many cities around Puglia, just remember that the Ostuni train station is located about four kilometers outside of the town center, so you’ll need to hop on the bus (it stops right outside of the train station), or a taxi! You can compare train ticket fares and schedules on this site!
Best Day Trips from Ostuni
1. Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Wine Tasting
The focus of this private tour is wine and architecture, two Puglian specialties! Spend the day getting to know two of Puglia’s most wonderful towns: Alberobello and Locorotondo.
With this Private Wine Tour including Alberobello and Locorotondo, you’ll get picked up from your Ostuni hotel and sightsee, as you pop in for wine tastings and food at local wineries, and see the famous dwellings of Alberobello and Locorotondo: the trulli, and cummerse. Plus, you’ll sample “rosoli” (a unique local liqueur), while admiring the view from a trulli-surrounded terrace!
READ MORE: 10 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy
2. Self-Guided Day Trip to Lecce
The Baroque city of Puglia, Lecce, is a must-see when you visit Ostuni. Lecce exudes big city vibes, compared to the small, slow-paced lifestyle of Ostuni. You’ll be wowed by Lecce’s monumental Baroque buildings crafted with one-of-a-kind Lecce stone!
It’s basically a straight shot from Ostuni to Lecce; in your rental car, just hop on the SS613 highway for about an hour. You can also take the bus to Lecce.
When you arrive, I highly recommend joining a walking tour of Lecce, as there’s so much to see and so much history!
Honestly, Lecce deserves two to three days of your time – but one day is better than zero!
READ MORE: 14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Prefer a guided tour to Lecce? Book this Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour to see Lecce and the seaside, limestone cliff-perched fishing village of Gallipoli on the coast of the Ionian Sea.
Click here to book your Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour!
3. Castel Del Monte, Trani, and Wine Tasting
This Trani, Wine Tasting, and Castel Del Monte Tour includes an epic Puglian UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Castel Del Monte! This is a fascinating monument for its architecture and history.
Next, snap a photo (or 50) of the picturesque port town of Trani. Soak up some moments in the sunshine on the sand!
And to finish off your day trip, savor a sampling of quality wines and a tour of Tormaresca winery nearby Ostuni.
Click here to book your Trani, Wine Tasting, and Castel Del Monte Tour!
Self-guided tour: Want to use your rental car for a self-guided version of this tour? Your drive to Castel del Monte is about two hours north, so you can explore Trani on your own or do a Trani walking tour before arriving at the castle. You can choose between numerous wineries on your way back to Ostuni. There’s Tenuta Bocca Di Lupo which is close to Trani, or L’Essenza di Puglia, which lies just outside of town Ostuni.
Ostuni, Puglia: Packing List
Must-have packing items for your trip to Ostuni, Puglia, Italy include:
- Sunhat
- Natural sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light scarf for sun protection and churches
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Travel plug adapter
- Swimsuits
- Quick-dry Turkish towel
- Light sweater for nighttime and the coastal breeze
- Travel insurance
- eSIM for your smartphone (so you can stay connected, use Google Maps, etc.)
Final Thoughts: 19 Best Things to Do in Ostuni
I was love-struck by all of the things to do in Ostuni that brought me back to the beauty of simple moments. Top thing to do in Ostuni? Embody the easy-going, pleasure-focused lifestyle of Southern Italy.
On top of that, see Ostuni Cathedral’s title-holding rose window, take your new favorite photographs in front of aesthetic white walls, and discover Ostuni’s nearby beaches and surrounding towns.
With the help of this Ostuni guide, Puglian magic awaits you in Ostuni, Italy!
Ostuni, Puglia Travel FAQs
Ostuni has some incredible beaches nearby, the closest one is just 17 minutes by car. Notable beaches include Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle and Spiagge della Costa Merlata, featuring refreshing turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. For a long stretch of sandy beach, try Spiaggia del Fiume Morelli.
Wondering if Ostuni is a good base for your Puglia road trip? The answer is yes! Ostuni offers a relatively central location, relative to other must-visit destinations like Lecce, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello. Plus, it’s roughly one hour from Bari International Airport and Brindisi Airport!
Wondering how many days to spend in Ostuni? Visit Ostuni for at least two or three days, so you can see the highlights of the historic center, such as the Ostuni Cathedral, hang out in the Piazza della Libertà, find hidden gems for amazing meals (see above for recommended restaurants), plus see plenty of whitewashed houses and tiny alleyways.
With three or four days in Ostini, you’ll get to explore nearby towns such as Alberobello, see beautiful beaches for summertime vibes, and do plenty of wine tastings in the Itria Valley outside Ostuni, Italy.
Ostuni is known for farm-to-table style cuisine: fresh, local, and produced from the rich soil of the Itria Valley. Veggies taste better in Ostuni, Puglia, plus the local cheese, wine, and olive oil are pretty out of this world, too. The Ostuni Market is a great place to sample and purchase ingredients that Ostuni is known for.
To reach Ostuni, fly into either Brindisi Airport (Salento Airport), or Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla. Bari International Airport is just one hour from Ostuni, Italy, while Brindisi Airport is just half-an-hour away.
The “White City” in Puglia is Ostuni, a small town, famous for its whitewashed lower part, and architecturally stunning upper historic center. Find Ostuni, Italy in Puglia just one hour south of Bari International Airport, and delight in one of Puglia’s most beautiful whitewashed medieval towns.
The best view of Ostuni is from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Pictures taken here are some of the most beautiful and all-encompassing photos of Ostuni. Click here for directions!
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy is known as the “White City” or “White Town” for its whitewashed houses, walls, and streets. Ostuni’s walls were not painted white for aesthetic purposes, but rather to protect against a plague in medieval times (thanks, limestone!). Now, the whitewashed town of Ostuni is a beloved city in Italy.
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