16 Enchanting Things to Do in Ostuni, Puglia: Italy’s “White City”

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 pink prickly pear cacti pop against white stone buildings – and you’ll quickly see why Ostuni is lovingly known as La Città Bianca (Italy’s “White City”).

The White City of Italy and its beautiful, white-painted buildings. In this guide, you will find 16 amazing things to do in Ostuni, Italy.

While in Ostuni, you’ll marvel at ornate architecture in the Centro Storico, zip through ancient olive groves on an iconic Piaggio Ape tour, sample local red wine and fresh-pressed olive oil, and get lost in views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic Sea.

Let this Ostuni itinerary help you absorb every moment of magic in one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns. Read on for the best things to do in Ostuni, Italy.

Plus, you’ll find details on where to eat in Ostuni, the top day trips to take, must-know transportation tips, and the best hotels.

Curved road leading to the hilltop town of Ostuni

Brief History of Ostuni, Puglia

Ostuni lies near the top of the “heel” of Italy’s boot-shape in southern Puglia (Apuglia in English), which spans from the bottom of the heel to the spur in the north.

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, almost all painted white.

In the 17th century, locals painted the buildings in Ostuni white with limestone to defend against the spread of a plague that threatened much of Puglia. Limestone is antibacterial!

Rewinding a bit: Ostuni, and the surrounding area, was inhabited by Neanderthals some 40,000 years ago. Later, in the 7th century BC, the ancient Italian Messapii culture began constructing what we know as Ostuni’s town center.

White-painted buildings of Ostuni under the blue sky

Later on, 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.

I don’t want to spill all the beans (olives?) now, so we’ll leave it at that!

You’ll learn plenty more about the White City’s fascinating history, which spans back to the Paleolithic Age (the Old Stone Age), in museums and on tours around the surrounding countryside.

Cobblestone street leading to a stone arch bridge. Walking the cobbled streets is one of the best things to do in Ostuni, Italy.

Is Ostuni Worth Visiting? (5 Reasons Why!)

During my two months in Puglia, Ostuni became one of my most favorite places I’ve ever visited! I was totally swept away by Ostuni’s old-world spirit and the proud natives that 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.

  1. THE FOOD: Fresh and local produce and seafood, and artisanal meat, cheese, olive oil, and wine make Ostuni the perfect example of why Puglia is coined the breadbasket of Italy. There’s an abundance of traditional restaurants in Ostuni where you’re guaranteed to eat like royalty!
  2. 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.
  3. THE BEAUTY: Out beyond Ostuni town center are 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 (like in Alberobello).
  4. THE CENTRALITY: Ostuni is central to other must-visit Puglia towns and villages like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, and Lecce.
  5. 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.

16 Best Things to Do in Ostuni, Italy

Now that I’ve convinced you to visit the “White City,” let’s talk about the 16 best things to do in Ostuni!

White houses decorated with colorful potted flowers and outdoor lamps

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 ceramic art 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. 

Rose window on the façade of Duomo di Ostuni. Visiting this cathedral is one of the things to do in Ostuni, Puglia.
Detailed frescoed ceiling of Duomo di Ostuni with religious depictions

2. Visit the Duomo di Ostuni

The crown jewel of Ostuni, Italy is the magnificent Duomo di Ostuni (Ostuni Cathedral), which holds the title of having 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, the Palazzo Vescovile, and is framed by the fascinating architecture of the Arco Scoppa.

Arco Scoppa - one of the most-beloved Ostuni attractions

3. Walk Under the Arco Scoppa

Also in the historic center’s Palazzo Vescovile is the incredibly beautiful Arco Scoppa, a glorious stone arch bridge that connects the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary. The Arco Scoppa is one of the most-beloved Ostuni attractions.

Snap a photo under the arch, have a coffee or spritz at the Quarta Caffe, and do a little people-watching in the square!

The Arco Scoppa is the perfect place to take a moment and appreciate the energy of Ostuni old town. 

Man standing beside a blue tuk tuk near the Arco Scoppa. Taking a tuk tuk tour of the Millenary Olive Groves is one the best things to do in Ostuni.

4. Take an Ape Tour of the Millenary Olive Groves

Just outside of the Ostuni’s city walls are some of Italy’s oldest olive trees. Thick, twisting, and filled with legacy, these olive trees have seen centuries of Ostuni’s history play out.

So of course, one of the best things to do in Ostuni is to go on a Piaggio Ape Tour of the Millenary Olive Groves. I absolutely loved this tour – and you will too!

And no, I’m not talking about primates. An ape is an adorable vintage tuk-tuk, like the ones you’ve seen in every classic Italian movie. 

Groves of Millenary olive trees

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, your Piaggio Ape Tour will end 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!

Grapes in a vineyard in Puglia. Sample local wines by going on a wine tour near Ostuni, Puglia.

5. Sample Local Wines Near Ostuni

What’s a trip to Puglia without a wine tour?

Puglia is world-famous for its wine. The region’s Negroamaro and Primitivo varieties for red wines, and Bombino Bianco for white wines, are particularly special.

The countryside surrounding Ostuni is gorgeous – and full of plump, juicy grapes!

This top-rated Ostuni Wine Tour of an Apulian Winery with Traditional Lunch brings you to visit a typical wine cellar in the Itria Valley, in the countryside surrounding Ostuni. There, you’ll learn about how the grapes move from vine to vino, taste plenty of local wine, and get to sample delicious local cuisine.

Click here to book your Ostuni Wine Tour of an Apulian Winery with Traditional Lunch!

Preparing orecchiette pasta - one of the best things to do in the White City especially for foodies

6. Learn to Cook Traditional Dishes in a Local’s Home

A food-focused tour is a must for a food lover’s Ostuni itinerary.

Plus, the best way to get a taste for the local way of life is to literally taste tradition itself!

Join this Small-Group Traditional Cooking Class and prepare two classic Puglian pastas (such as orecchiette) and a sweet tiramisu, with the instruction of a local chef.

Not only will you have an amazing time, but you’re also helping to preserve culinary heritage!

P.S. 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 for you 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!

Colorful door, painted in blue and different shades of green, in a white wall decorated with potted cacti
Potted cactus beside the colorful door at Porta Azzurra - one of the best things to see in Ostuni

7. Take a Photo at Porta Azzurra

One of my favorite Pugliese aesthetics is the simple contrast of white walls against bluebird skies. Add in painted doors and potted cactus 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 the Porta Azzurra here and appreciate the setting of the olive groves below.

Oh yeah, and snap a photo for the ‘gram!

Fortified medieval walls of Ostuni, the white city of Puglia

8. 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 served to protect the White City from invaders long ago, but now offer visitors a unique glimpse into Ostuni’s ancient history.

To walk along Ostuni’s city walls, simply follow Oronzo Quaranta street, 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 hot olive oil over the walls as a weapon of defense! So Italian…

Remains of the woman of Ostuni and her unborn child at the Museum of Pre-Classical Civilization of Southern Murgia. Visiting this museum is one of the things to do in Ostuni, Italy.

9. Learn About the “Woman of Ostuni”

One of the most surprising things I discovered in Ostuni, Italy was the remains of what many consider to be “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!

Ostuni cathedral glowing with the evening lights

10. Soak Up Ostuni Nighttime Lighting

While planning my Ostuni itinerary, my Puglia-native boyfriend was very adamant that I stay at least one night in Ostuni so I could see the White Town come alive with evening lights.

Once I saw the golden hue reflecting off of the city’s white walls and honey-colored cathedral, I learned that Ostuni truly glows differently at night! It’s romantic. It’s magical. It’s real-life fairy 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 on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

Olive groves in Puglia. Going on a bike tour through the olive trees is one of the things to do in Ostuni, Italy.

11. Embark on a Bike Tour through Puglia’s Olive Groves 

Olive trees are protected in Italy. But unfortunately, 21 million of the 60 million trees in the Puglia area have been killed due to a pathogen. These ancient olive trees were planted by the Romans!

The relationship between olive trees and Puglia’s economy, legacy, and heritage is a source of pride for Puglians.

Learn more about local olive oil history and honor the fruit of the region on this top-rated Puglia Bike Tour, called Cycling Through the History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Pedal along ancient paths (not-accessible by car!) through olive groves to see a classical millstone and press, a traditional Masseria (farmhouse), and a modern olive mill.

This is a fun and eco-friendly day trip wrapped up by a tasting of delicious olive oil.

Click here to book your Puglia Bike Tour: Cycling Through the History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil!

Ostuni town hall at Piazza della Libertà

12. 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-paced Ostuni 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!

Piazza della Libertà. Spending time in the town square is one of the best things to do in Ostuni, Puglia.

In this square, there’s an open-air archeological site/museum, Ostuni’s town hall, and a smattering of cafes, gelaterias, pizza shops, and slightly-overpriced restaurants. But hey, sometimes you just want a spritz in the square!

13. 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 contemporary art museum of Ostuni? It’s right in the heart of the old town, just next to the Ostuni Cathedral!

Inside, you’ll enjoy a brilliant collection of sculptures, mixed media, and paintings – many of which were created by local artists of Ostuni, Italy.

The woman who owns the gallery has an eye for curating an eclectic mix of pieces, and is very kind to answer any questions about the art or artists you may have.

14. Feel Like a Local at the Mercato Settimanale del Sabato (Ostuni 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 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.

You can find the Mercato Settimanale del Sabato just a 10-15 minute walk south of Centro Storico, on and around the Via Sansone.

Colorful tiled dome of Ostuni Cathedral under partly cloudy skies

15. The Museo Diocesano di Ostuni (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 Diocean Museum of 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 which were unearthed around Ostuni, Italy.

Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle at sunset. Taking a beach day is one of the things to do in Ostuni, Puglia.

16. Take a Self-Guided Beach Day

Will you have your own vehicle when you visit Ostuni? (Cough, cough, rent a car for your Puglia road trip!) Since Ostuni is close to many beautiful beaches, why not explore on your own? 

The stunning Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle on the Adriatic Sea is just 17 minutes from Ostuni by car! P.S. This beach has some epic (but not too epic) cliff-diving!

Want a more intimate beach with snorkeling? Check out Spiagge della Costa Merlata.

Trulli houses in Puglia

Best Day Trips from Ostuni

1. 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.

Olive trees with the view of Locorotondo - one of the best places to see near Ostuni

2. 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! 

Click here to book your Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo!

Glass of wine by the seaside at sunset

3. Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour

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!

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.

P.S. If you have more time, then plan to spend two to three days there, as there are so many things to do in Lecce! Check out our Puglia Itinerary for tips on where else to visit in Puglia!

Click here to book your Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour!

Self-guided tour: It’s basically a straight shot from Ostuni to Lecce; in your rental car, just hop on the SS613 highway for about an hour. I recommend joining a walking tour of Lecce, as there’s so much to see and so much history! Then it’s time for Gallipoli! So hit the road again (the SS101 highway to be exact) and arrive at this beautiful town on the Ionian coast in just 40 minutes!

READ MORE: 14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Lecce, Puglia, Italy

Trulli houses in Alberobello - a beautiful town near the white city of Puglia

4. Customized Puglia 3-City Tour

Really, the best things in life are bespoke.

Do you want to see the trulli of Alberobello, but could do without another wine tour? Create your dream Ostuni day trip to three of your most desirable Puglia destinations!

Might I recommend some Polignano a Mare beach time after a Lecce city break?

Click here to book your Charming Exclusive Customized Tour of Puglia!

READ MORE: 10 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy

Seafood dish on a plate
Poached egg on a plate

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!

  • Trattoria Sapere E Sapori: You’ll eat alongside locals at this Ostuni restaurant! Trattoria Sparere 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!

Where to Stay in Ostuni

Let’s talk hotels. Here are the three best places to stay in Ostuni, to suit any budget.

Paragon 700 (Luxury): Treat yourself to the most luxurious experience Ostuni has to offer in Paragon 700’s remodeled historic red-brick palace in the heart of old town. 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!

Hotel La Terra (Upper Mid-Range): Hotel La Terra made me feel like a princess: tall 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!

Il Chicco di Azzurra (Lower Mid-Range): This hotel will make you feel right at home, like an Ostuni local. Wake up in your beautifully decorated, fully-equipped apartment and head for a coffee in Piazza della Libertà, just a few steps away. Click here to book your stay at Il Chicco di Azzurra!

Still looking? This is my favorite website for finding the best deals on chic hotels and charming B&Bs in Ostuni and beyond!

Curved road with the view of the hilltop town of Ostuni from afar

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 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 time-efficient route to Ostuni – which is the province of Bari, Puglia. Just note that parking in Ostuni may not be free. Make sure to book an Ostuni hotel with free 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 two kilometers outside of the town center, so you’ll just need to hop on the bus (it picks up right at the train station), or a taxi! You can compare train ticket fares and schedules on this site!

Beautiful pink flowers outside the Museo Diocesano

Ostuni Packing List of Must-Haves

Must-have packing items for your trip to Ostuni, Puglia, Italy include:

Final Thoughts on Visiting Ostuni (The “White City”)

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!

Hilltop town of Ostuni

Ostuni, Puglia Travel FAQs

Does Ostuni have beaches?

Ostuni has some incredible beaches nearby, the closest one at 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 Lido Morelli. Most of the beaches near Ostuni have very little crowds.

Is Ostuni a good base for Puglia?

Wondering if using Ostuni as a base for a Puglia road trip is a good idea? Ostuni has a relatively central location along the length of Puglia (Italy’s longest region), but it’s also centrally located to many of the popular and pretty towns in Puglia. Ostuni also makes a great base for your Puglia itinerary because it’s within one hour of popular airports like Bari International Airport and Brindisi Airport!

How many days do you need in Ostuni?

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.

What food is Ostuni known for?

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 meat cuts, large hunks of fresh cheese, and vintages of wine are pretty out of this world, too. The Ostuni Market is a great place to sample and purchase food that Ostuni is known for.

How long to stay in Ostuni?

How long to stay in Ostuni, generally two to three days is sufficient. Ostuni, Italy is quite small, and you can see the best of Ostuni in just a couple days. If you want to deeply explore Ostuni, plus see nearby towns on the Adriatic coast, you’ll need four or more days in this incredible place.

Where do you fly into for Ostuni?

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.

What is the White City in Puglia?

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.

Where is the best view of Ostuni?

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!

Simply walk about 10 minutes southeast of Piazza dell Libertá to find this main road, which sweeps along the outside of town and reveals a stunning perspective of Ostuni’s swirled hilltop streets and the crowning Cathedral. Click here for directions!

Why is Ostuni called the White City?

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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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 narrow cobblestone streets - where pink prickly pear cacti pop against white stone buildings - and you’ll quickly see why Ostuni is lovingly known as La Città Bianca (Italy’s “White City”). Let this Ostuni itinerary help you absorb every moment of magic in one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns. #ItalyTravel #Puglia

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