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 an actual 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.
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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 a good place for a drink to 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.
When you drive in or out of Ostuni, stop at Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II. 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. Its market is a local place because most tourists don’t make it here on the edge of town. And 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, so it makes 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 with your 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 not frequently. You can check this Ostuni bus schedule. You can 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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