Ostuni Italy is one of the most picturesque small towns in the spectacular region of Puglia.  This charming hillside town is called La Citta Blanca (The White City) because houses, buildings, and city walls are whitewashed. Ostuni glistens atop lush green countryside covered with olive groves, ending with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea coastline.  The whitewashed buildings magnify the contrast of the green and blue colors that surround Ostuni. The best way to describe this beautiful town is that it resembles a multi-tiered wedding cake. 

When you arrive in Old Town, you begin to fall in love. The beauty of the whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful doors and window shutters draws you in.  Part of the charm of exploring White City is getting lost in the labyrinthine streets and narrow alleyways. And more steps lead you to another alley adorned with plants and purple bougainvillea. The views are breathtaking and leave you wanting more.  

What Makes Ostuni Italy well-known?

Hilltop Ostuni, Italy, has exceptional views of the countryside stretching to the sea. But it is also known for its upscale, vibrant bars, restaurant scenes, and nightlife. The old town is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be explored.

A maze of arches and narrow staircases connects Ostuni alleys. The mazes make it easy to get lost while you discover Old Town. This Puglian town has an upscale feel and vibrant charm filled with many restaurants, gelaterias, boutiques, and souvenir shops.  Many of the restaurants offer seating with breathtaking views of the coastline.

As you wander narrow streets, you discover picturesque Baroque-style residences adorned with colorful doors, shutters, and colorful flower pots. You encounter some beautiful historical architecture along the way.

Puglia produces about 40% of Italy’s olive oil from 60 million olive trees. Amazingly, some of the ancient trees are a thousand years old. Driving through Itria Valley’s countryside, you’ll notice olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see.

In Ostuni, you will find shops and farmhouses that produce quality olive oil and local wines.  Their olive oil production follows stringent guidelines to label their extra virgin olive oil.

How do I get to Ostuni Italy?

It is easy to get to Ostuni whether you visit by car or public transportation.  Driving is a great option, as it will allow you to admire the breathtaking Trulli countryside, not to mention the roads are in excellent condition. 

If you take the convenient public transportation, the Ostuni Train Station is five miles east of Ostuni. The train line regularly runs along the Adriatic coastline connecting the cities of Ancona to the north and Lecce to the south. Directly outside the train station, you can board the local bus and arrive at the old town in about 15 minutes.

In addition, there are two local airports nearby. The nearest is Brindisi Airport, which is 19 miles away, and Bari Airport, which is 50 miles.

Does Ostuni have a beach?

Puglia’s coastline is known for its superb beaches. The coastline, just minutes away from Ostuni, boasts some of the most beautiful and clean beaches where you can relax by the crystal-clear turquoise waters and sandy beaches at your leisure.

Lido Morelli, located 8 miles from the old town, is a popular beach amongst the locals with shallow crystalline waters for the children to enjoy.  Lido Morelli, declared a Natural Reserve, has a long stretch of soft beach with dunes and protected Mediterranean vegetation. 

Other beautiful beaches include Rosa Marina, Villanova, and Pilone, Torre Santa Sabina. In addition, you will find beach clubs and seaside restaurants along the coastline, including bars for those hot summer nights.

Things to do in Ostuni

Ostuni is one of the best places to visit in Puglia.  There are many historical places to immerse yourself in their culture.

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, located in the heart of the historic center, can be seen from afar due to its grandness and tan-colored contrast with the whitewashed buildings.  It stands grand and beautiful on the hilltop of Ostuni.  Its grandiose beauty, situated on the hilltop of Ostuni, is exposed in small portions as you walk up the winding sloped narrow streets and stairways. An elegant rose window adorns the gothic-style cathedral at the façade of the main entrance. 

The Roman Catholic Cathedral, Duomo di Ostuni, was a practicing Orthodox church before 1000 a.d.  The Romanesque portion of the church was constructed in the 13th century.  The cathedral suffered significant damage during the 1456 earthquake, and between 1469-1495 was rebuilt in the Gothic-Romanesque style. Walk inside to admire the detailed frescos and decorations.

Arch of Scoppa 

Facing the Duomo is the Arch of Scoppa, named after the Bishop of Ostun. It was constructed to provide a safe passageway between the duomo and the seminary. Originally built of wood, Bishop Francesco Antonio Scoppa ordered it rebuilt using stone following an earthquake in 1743. Today, the arch and duomo are located near a charming piazza. Restaurants fill the streets, and visitors can enjoy an aperitivo and admire the stunning historical buildings.

Tuk-Tuk Tour

Take a Tuk-Tuk tour to explore the historic center and the narrow streets meandering through the old town. The 40-minute full-guided tour provides a unique, cultural, and exciting experience of the beautiful white city.  It’s a fantastic way to experience Ostuni, Italy, through the eyes of the local guides. The local guides will provide interesting facts, take you to places familiar to locals, and makes stops for photographs. Golapa Ape Callesino Ostuni uses electric tuk-tuks that are environmentally friendly.

Best Restaurants in Ostuni

You can visit Ostuni to indulge in the traditional Puglian dishes. Chefs prepare the Ostuni cuisines from the rich and abundant selection of fresh seafood, meats, fruits, and vegetables. With many choices to enjoy authentic cuisine, these are my uniquely three choices.

Il Posto Affianco

Il Posto Affianco is the essence of authentic Puglian cuisine. It offers simplicity, generosity, and heavenly cuisines. The staff greets you like family at the door. The freshest sea and land ingredients enhance their dishes. Enjoy their homemade pasta or pizza with a glass of local wine al fresco. It is one of the most stylish restaurants in the heart of the historic center.

Borgo Antico Bistrot

Borgo Antico Bistrot has stunning panoramic views at the edge of the hill. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of prosecco with an aperitivo and take in the breathtaking views of the Itria Valley and coastline. The food is fresh and tasty, and the staff is friendly. Come for an aperitif and stay for the Puglian gastronomic dinner.

Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale

Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale is a small and intimate restaurant, but huge in flavor with fresh and delicious tasting cuisines. Fresh ingredients and impeccable attention to detail describe every dish. It’s no wonder it received a MICHELIN Guide review. It is located in the piazza near the majestic Cathedral, as its name would suggest.

The Origin of Masserias in Ostuni Italy

As you drive through the countryside of Ostuni, Italy, you cannot help but notice the many typical Pugliese masserias, fortified large estate farms. Masserias are abandoned old fortified castles built in the 16th century to repel attacks from the Adriatic Sea. A defense wall enclosed the masserias main building and the small rural buildings that housed farm workers, stables, and a church.

After long neglect, the masserias with vast agricultural land were restored to their original traditional estate farms and now serve as beautiful and luxurious hotels. Today, the charming masserias offer great amenities for guests to relax and enjoy the swimming pools, walk along the manicured gardens, enjoy a spa day, or stroll around the Masseria admiring the olive groves with thousand-year-old olive trees.

The White City is a Must-See When in Puglia

Ostuni, Italy, is the perfect destination when you are looking for more than just a cultural experience. Its breathtaking scenery offers romance, luxury, and beauty, making it a truly memorable experience. When you arrive, you instantly connect with the locals excited to showcase Ostuni. The best way to enjoy Ostuni is by immersing yourself in its culture and foods, getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways and stairways, and discovering the magic of Ostuni.

After Ostuni Italy, Where to Next?

Read about more amazing trips – and start planning your next vacation! You could cruise to Alaska, travel to another Italy location, or jet off to Christmas Island!

---

Esther Diaz

Esther Diaz is a worldwide traveler that grew up in Los Angeles, California. Her passion for travel began at an early age and she has traveled to 20 countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
She loves the adventure of discovering hidden gems, meeting the locals, and immersing herself in the culture and food.

Through her stories, she will share with you the five senses of each destination: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Her mission is to take her readers on a cultural adventure that will encourage them to travel the world.

---