White-whashed Ostuni

White-washed Ostuni’s, a hilltown surrounded by olive groves, good looks are hard to resist. Walk along the ancient city walls, visit the Gothic Cathedral, and stock up on some of the region’s famously superb olive oil.

If you happen to be staying on a Saturday, check out the vibrant Saturday morning market, which offers local crafts and the freshest regional products. Furthermore, it is also a great base because of its proximity to some of Puglia’s most scenic towns, such as Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Alberobello.

This post shares our picks for Ostuni’s best things to do and its surroundings.

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Best things to do in Ostuni

Getting Lost in Ostuni Old Town

The Old Town is a must-see and is where you’ll spend most of your time. The web of streets is a maze of alleyways, staircases, and arches. The best way to experience the White City is by diving down the narrow side streets, getting lost, and buying some souvenirs.

Note: If you want to receive more information about other fascinating towns and villages in Itria Valley, we recommend reading our related article.

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Visit Ostuni cathedral

At Ostuni’s highest point, you’ll find Ostuni’s Cathedral. Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 15th century in the late Gothic style, is rare in Apulia. In addition, gelateria Borgo Antico on the little piazza outside the Cathedral is an excellent place to drink and enjoy the view.

Enjoy the view from the top of the city.

Head to the top of the Old Town for the best view of the countryside surrounding Ostuni, and enjoy a panoramic view of the olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.

Borgo Antico Bistrot is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink with a view. They also do amazing-looking platters of local products. As one of the best places for aperitivo in Ostuni, this bar is trendy, but you can’t book in advance.

Scoppa Arch in Ostuni ©hdsalento.com

Admire Ostuni from the viewpoint.

Stop at Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II when you drive in or out of Ostuni. From this belvedere (viewpoint), you can admire Ostuni from a distance.

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Grab a snack in Piazza della Libertà.

Piazza della Libertà is Ostuni’s largest square and a bustling hub on the edge of the Old Town. The main sights are the baroque obelisk, Colonna di Sant’Oronzo, which honors the patron saint of Ostuni, and the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi. Furthermore, piazza della Libertà is a good place for a drink or snack, and it can be cheaper than the places further up the hill.

Shop at Ostuni Market

If you visit Ostuni on a Saturday, you’re in luck, as it’s market day. The market is a local place because most tourists don’t make it to the edge of town. Therefore, it’s foodie heaven.

Masseria Cervarolo in Ostuni ©luluescapes.com

Visit the farms (masserie) in its countryside.

Masserie are traditional farmhouses that offer guest accommodation and meals. The farms (masserie) are the ideal place to celebrate important events such as weddings, communions, baptisms, and events in general. The farms in Ostuni are also suitable for organized travel groups who want to visit Ostuni and the neighboring cities up to the Itria Valley.

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Day trips from Ostuni

There are many things to do near Ostuni, making it a fantastic base for exploring the Valle d’Itria’s trulli (conical stone huts), olive groves, coastline, and many charming towns. Within 40 minutes, you can reach all the area’s main attractions. This is much easier by car than by public transport. You could easily combine three or four of these towns on a full-day trip from Ostuni, as they are all relatively small. The most popular are Cisterino, Locorotondo, and Alberobello, the Apulian superstar town.

Where to stay in Ostuni

Firstly, we recommend staying in the countryside, especially if you have a car. Booking an apartment in one of its Masserias is namely pure delight. But you can also stay closer to the town. This option is better if you don’t want to rent a car. Ultimately, remember, always choose the location according to your needs and wishes. Sometimes more is less. For instance, you’ll pay a higher price for an apartment in the center of a town, but on the other side, you will spend less on transportation.

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How to get to Ostuni

Rental Car

While you don’t need a car in the historic center, Ostuni is best reached by vehicle, so you’ll have transport to the nearby beaches and hill towns.

You can rent cars at Brindisi Airport (30 minutes away) and Bari Airport (1 hour and 10 minutes away).

Ostuni Parking

Parking in Ostuni can be a challenge in the summer high season.
The historic center is pedestrianized and on a steep hill, and the car parks are located at the bottom near Piazza della Libertà.

Public Transport

Visiting Ostuni by public transport is possible with some patience. Avoid traveling on Sundays if possible, as services are reduced. If you see the city just for one day, there are good connections by train from Bari, Polignano a Mare, Lecce, or Monopoli. Check Trenitalia for more information. Unfortunately, the train station is 3km (40 minutes) from the historic center.
Buses run from the train station to Piazza della Libertà, but they are not frequent. You can check this Ostuni bus schedule. You can also buy bus tickets from the bar at the station.

Some FAQ

What is the best month to visit Ostuni?
The best times to visit it are spring, early summer, and autumn. May, June, and September are lovely, with temperatures in the 20°Cs, and suitable for walking and cycling.

What food is Ostuni known for?
Ostuni is famous for its panzerotti – a delicious fried bread stuffed with mozzarella and tomato. Panzerotti is the Neapolitan term for this savory dough pouch that is filled and fried.

Does Ostuni have a beach?
Ostuni Beaches, also called Marina di Ostuni, extends along the Adriatic coast in front of the city of Ostuni and includes a series of beaches characterized by clean and crystalline sea. But you’ll need a car to get there.

The conclusion of the White-washed Ostuni article

So, here is the final FAQ. Is Ostuni worth visiting? Our answer is definitely yes. But now we’d like to know your favorite town in Apulia.

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References and sources:

A Quick Guide To Valle D’Itria, Puglia

Adventurous travels – Ostuni