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Last updated on November 13th, 2023 at 04:42 pm
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia soon, you must be wondering what to do in Ostuni, this gem of a small town in Southern Italy. But before we go into more detail about the best things to do in Ostuni, here’s how it felt to visit Ostuni for the first time.
Our Fiat Cinquecento moved lazily along the splendid country road as if to savour every single moment the way we did. We drove through century-old olive groves, constantly under the shadow of tall trees. Suddenly, an unexpected clearing allowed us to look towards the horizon.
We couldn’t help but gasp. Built on the top of a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea and clad in blinding white, Ostuni was soaring above the Pugliese land as if in a dream. Only it was 100% real. We went, we saw and we’re here to show you what to do in Ostuni, Italy’s gorgeous White City.
Why Visit Ostuni
Ostuni is a breathtakingly beautiful town in Puglia, Southern Italy’s stunning region. The fact that the town’s population triples during the peak summer season says quite a lot about Ostuni’s charms. Apart from being worth a trip in its own right, Ostuni is also a fantastic base to explore the treasures of Italy’s Deep South.
However, the White City, as Ostuni is nicknamed due to its whitewashed buildings, doesn’t only attract travellers. Ostuni also appeals to people from all over the world who dream of calling this quaint town home. Suffice it to say that, no matter its small size, Ostuni has the fifth largest population of British expatriates in Italy.
How To Get To Ostuni
Ostuni is a town in the Italian province of Brindisi. The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport, which lies 30 kilometres from Ostuni. You can also get to Ostuni from Bari, the capital of Puglia, located 98 kilometres from Ostuni.
Renting a car from Bari or Brindisi is the easiest way to get to Ostuni and explore Puglia in general. That said, you can also get to Ostuni by train. The train station lies about two kilometres from Ostuni centre. There is public transport that connects Ostuni train station to the town centre. Ostuni has train connections with several major cities in Italy, including Rome, but this would be a very long and tiring journey.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Ostuni
20 Fantastic Things To Do in Ostuni Italy
1. Wander Around The Maze of Whitewashed Streets in Ostuni Old Town
Even if you only had an hour to spend in La Città Bianca (The White City), this is what to do in Ostuni to fall in love with it at first sight: wander around the narrow alleys of its Old Town.
Ostuni’s historic centre occupies the tip of a hill overlooking the surrounding Apulian countryside. For this reason, you should expect some uphill walking at times, but nothing too strenuous. After all, you can always stop to catch your breath – and sip Italian coffee or an Aperol Spritz – at one of the many quaint cafés and bars.
The town’s architecture renders it one of the most enchanting destinations in Italy or even Europe. Old whitewashed houses are built one next to the other creating the illusion that the entire town is just one single building. The countless arches that connect the buildings are yet another unique characteristic of Ostuni, remnants of the town’s Middle Ages architecture.
No matter its special architecture though, Ostuni felt way too familiar to us. This is because the town is built the same way the settlements on the Greek Islands are. Not to mention that the occasional bougainvillaea adds very much to the Greek Island ambience of Ostuni.
It’s no overstatement to say that there were moments we had to stop and think for a second to remind ourselves that we were actually in Italy rather than back home in Greece.
2. Join a Walking Tour
Although nothing beats getting lost in Ostuni’s narrow streets at your own pace and discovering your favourite nooks and crannies as you go, it’s also a good idea to join a guided walking tour to learn what lies beneath the town’s charming looks.
Consider booking this walking tour that lasts less than two hours but is enough to help you learn everything there is to know about Ostuni in the most pleasant way.
3. Admire Ostuni’s Cathedral
Initially constructed in Romanesque style, Ostuni Cathedral was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 15th century, when the beautiful rose window on its facade was also added.
The now Gothic Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and it’s probably the main attraction in Ostuni. Its elegant facade is a fascinating blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic elements while its interior is abundant in gorgeous works of art.
4. But Don’t Overlook The Rest of The Cathedral Square
Unlike many other towns in Puglia and Italy in general, Ostuni’s Cathedral doesn’t dominate a grand impressive square. On the contrary, it’s almost hidden in the tiny Piazzetta Cattedrale. Piazzetta is Italian for small square. Yet, its small size is exactly what makes this square all the more interesting.
Apart from Ostuni Cathedral, two more buildings, the Bishop’s Palace (Palazzo Vescovile) and the Seminar’s Palace, are squeezed into the pocket-sized square. The two are connected by the superb Arco di Scoppa, one of Ostuni’s architectural gems.
5. Walk Along Ostuni’s Defensive Walls
The Old Town of Ostuni is an acropolis surrounded by strong defensive walls. Deprived of their primary function to protect the lovely town and its inhabitants from enemy invasions, the city walls now offer the opportunity for one of the most enchanting strolls, especially during sunset. It is only then that Ostuni’s blinding white gives way to the sweetest hue of gold.
6. Get Carried Away By The Happy Vibes of Piazza della Liberta
Piazza della Libertà is Ostuni’s largest square, a lovely space that gives the town its true Italian feel. From Piazza della Libertà starts the main street of Ostuni Old Town, Via Cattedrale, which ends at the Cathedral or Duomo di Ostuni.
Buzzing with life all day long, the square is Ostuni’s major social hub and home to a couple of magnificent landmarks as well. The most striking is Palazzo San Francesco, a former convent that now houses Ostuni’s Town Hall, alongside the adjoining Church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
The Column of Sant’Oronzo soars above the vibrant square. The 20-metre-tall column was built as an expression of gratitude towards Sant’Oronzo for helping Ostuni survive the plague and famine that hit Puglia in the 18th century.
If you’re in Ostuni in late August, you can witness the Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo, a traditional festival in honour of Sant’Oronzo, Ostuni’s patron saint, that dates back to the 17th century.
7. Give in To The Best Gelato in Ostuni
A stone’s throw from Piazza della Liberta, Cremeria alla Scala awaits to introduce you to what must be the best ice cream in Ostuni. If you’re familiar with Italian gelato, you’ll know that this is a good one from the moment you taste it.
8. Enjoy Sunset Cocktails With a View
There are plenty of places to grab a drink in Ostuni. The most photogenic among them must be Borgo Antico Bistrot. Situated in the heart of Ostuni’s centro storico, this picturesque café/restaurant/bar boasts spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The best time to enjoy a colourful cocktail there is, of course, sunset.
9. Visit Ostuni’s Museums
No matter its small size, Ostuni has a couple of museums for art and history aficionados. The most prestigious among them is the Museo Diocesano di Ostuni. Inaugurated in 2017, this museum exhibits works of art that were formerly found in the Cathedral and other churches.
Other museums to check out are the Museo di Civiltà Preclassiche della Murgia Meridionale, which is housed in a former monastery, and Orizzonti Arte, a contemporary art gallery.
10. Shop With Locals
If you’re in Ostuni on a Saturday morning, you can mingle with locals at the town’s market. The latter runs from early morning until lunchtime here. The market is a 20-minute walk from the historic centre of Ostuni and it’s a unique opportunity to experience real Ostuni but also to buy seasonal fresh produce.
11. Tour Ostuni in a Nostalgic Ape Callesino
Walking around Ostuni Old Town is the best way to get to know this quaint fairytale-like place. However, if you’re wondering what to do in Ostuni that’s a bit out of the ordinary, another fun way to enjoy the White City is to ride a legendary Ape Callesino, one of Italy’s most iconic vehicles alongside the Vespa, the vintage Fiat 500 and so many more.
12. Cycle Through The Stunning Apulian Countryside
Few things can beat the feeling of cycling through ancient olive groves, filling your lungs with the scented Apulian air and your eyes with unfathomable beauty. Ostuni is the ideal base from where to enjoy short cycling trips to the surrounding area.
You can either rent a bicycle or, better still, join a guided e-bike tour that will take you to a nearby farm where you can also taste flavourful local products.
13. Learn The Secrets of Local Food
Another immersive experience you can enjoy in Ostuni is a cooking class that will teach you the secrets of Apulian cuisine to impress your loved ones back home with your newly acquired skills. This cooking class will turn you into a master of homemade pasta and tiramisu while this is a more in-depth journey into Apulian cuisine, that can also be adapted for vegetarians.
If you’d rather not get your hands dirty, you can also opt for this 4-course dining experience at a local’s home instead, which can also be adapted to the needs of vegetarians and vegans upon request.
Read our complete guide to the local cuisine here.
14. Taste Exquisite Olive Oil
Puglia is dotted with olive groves that have been around for centuries on end. The region produces about 60% of Italy’s olive oil. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to taste superb olive oil and learn how to tell between top-quality extra virgin olive oil and all the other olive oil types.
Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to try local olive oil at any restaurant in Ostuni. However, during your trip to Ostuni, it’s worth joining a tour dedicated to this valuable product that is intertwined with the town’s and region’s history. This tour allows you to walk among thousand-year-old olive trees and taste three different olive oils in the ideal setting of a traditional farmhouse.
15. Sample Some Pugliese Wine
Alongside extra virgin olive oil, Puglia also produces excellent wine that you can try at some of the best restaurants and bars in Ostuni. However, if you are among those people who wish to delve into the wine culture of every destination you’re visiting as we do, you’ll be better off heading out of Ostuni’s historic centre to the surrounding countryside.
16. Stay At an Authentic Masseria
If you’re eager to experience some of the above-mentioned top things to do in Ostuni, such as savouring the countryside, local cuisine, top-quality extra virgin olive oil and exceptional wines, you can do so in one place: at a typical masseria. A masseria is also the type of accommodation we’d recommend for your stay in Ostuni. Here’s why.
You know that we almost always advise you to stay in the very heart of the destinations you’re visiting. Well, this time we have a different suggestion for you. Although a stay within the white walls of Ostuni Old Town doesn’t sound bad at all, the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the thought of staying among ancient olive trees in a century-old masseria is a clear winner.
What Is a Masseria
The entire region of Puglia is dotted with masserie. These are utterly charming, once-fortified estates, the majority of which have now been turned into farm stays. That said, they’ve lost nothing of their initial character as most of them still produce local products, such as olive oil, wine or cheese.
Masseria Il Frantoio
We stayed at Masseria Il Frantoio, which lies just about ten minutes by car from Ostuni. Far from being yet another accommodation option, Masseria Il Frantoio is a unique experience in its own right. Looking back, staying there contributed greatly to our immersion in the authentic Pugliese way of life.
From the moment we exited the main road and drove along the scenic dirt one that led us to the masseria’s gate, we knew we were in for a very special experience. There were century-old olive trees as far as the eye could see. An inescapable sense of tranquillity and relaxation got us instantly under its spell.
As soon as we arrived at the masseria, we were shown into our super cosy room which used to be, wait for it, part of the estate’s stables. Then it was time to check out the masseria’s main courtyard and instantly lose our hearts to it. Oh, if we could only stay there forever. Seriously, this courtyard is everything. It is Italy at its best.
Masseria Il Frantoio boasts a remarkable balance between luxury and tradition. This is reflected in its smartly decorated rooms and the various common areas, such as the courtyard, the swimming pool area and the splendid Italian garden.
Another thing we loved about the masseria was breakfast. Cooked with care and the best organic ingredients, breakfast is a real feast of delicious sweet and savoury treats.
Book an unforgettable stay in Puglia here.
Dinner At The Masseria
To savour the complete experience that Masseria Il Frantoio offers its guests, you should also have dinner there at least once. Dinner at Masseria Il Frantoio is a whole new level of authentic Italian hospitality and one of the best culinary moments of our travels to date.
It all started at the gorgeous courtyard about 30 minutes before dinner. There, alongside the other guests, we enjoyed a glass of wine with titbits under the stars. By then, the oh-so-beautiful courtyard was dimly lit, thus even more enchanting.
Then Luciano, the manager, came along and invited us on a short tour around the masseria. During this magical stroll, we learnt that the masseria, alongside being a farm stay, is still a working organic farm.
All fruit and vegetables that go into the masseria’s traditional dishes grow on-site. The masseria is also an excellent olive oil production unit. Just how it used to be in older times. Luciano also pointed out that dairy products, although not produced on-site, are brought from nearby organic farms. We also visited the frantoio, the old underground olive mill.
After the short but very enlightening tour, it was time for dinner. Depending on the weather, dinner is either served outside in the courtyard or at the masseria’s restaurant. The latter’s highlight is the magnificent vaulted ceiling, typical of Apulian architecture. Although a sweet April night, it was quite chilly. Therefore, dinner was served inside.
When you book a table for dinner (or lunch) at Masseria Il Frantoio, you are asked whether you have any dietary restrictions or not. Other than that, guests have no clue as to the menu. Only that they’ve signed up for an eight-course dinner cooked by a mamma Italiana rather than an awarded chef. And that pretty much says it all.
We don’t deem it necessary to get into much detail about each dish we tried at the masseria. The menu changes daily and it differs according to the season anyway. But we feel the need to let the world know that this was probably the best culinary experience we’ve ever had.
Each surprise dish that came along was better than the previous one. Vegetarian options were just superb and we tried three different varieties of wine during this three-hour feast. After dessert, we had more than 30 rosoli (homemade liqueurs) to choose from. The perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable dinner.
Book your room at Masseria Il Frantoio and get ready for the authentic experience of a lifetime.
17. Take a Day Trip To Alberobello
Ostuni is an excellent base to discover all of Puglia’s hidden gems. And some that ceased to be so hidden lately, like Alberobello. No matter the crowds it attracts, Alberobello remains a great place to visit in Puglia, only a 45-minute drive from Ostuni.
Famous for its trullo buildings with their cone-shaped roofs, Alberobello feels like a village that could only reside in the realm of fairy tales.
18. Or Martina Franca
If you’re looking to plan a day trip from Ostuni to a lesser-known destination, head to Martina Franca in Valle d’Itria instead. This bijou yet quintessentially Italian town is adorned with fabulous Baroque style mansions, known for their ornate facades and balconies.
Learn more about our two-week road trip across Puglia here.
19. Discover Salento’s Greece
A true temple of hospitality, sunny Salento occupies the area at the southern end of Puglia. Centuries ago, Greek settlers founded several Ancient Greek towns in this part of Italy. Grecia Salentina – or Greece of Salento – comprises eleven villages where people still speak the Griko dialect, a mix of Italian and Greek.
You can read more about Grecia Salentina in this article. We’re sure you’ll be inspired to plan a day trip from Ostuni to some of these off-the-beaten-path towns.
20. Head To The Beach
Puglia is a magical region that combines everything. From olive groves and vineyards to sunny beaches and hilltop towns. Ostuni is the ideal base to explore Puglia because it’s pretty much close to everything. If you’re looking for an escape to the sea during your trip to Ostuni, the closest beaches to the White City are those along the glistening Costa Merlata.
What To Do in Ostuni Throughout The Year
If you’re wandering what to do in Ostuni throughout the year, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Ostuni depending on the season you’re planning to visit.
Spring & Autumn: The weather is warm and pleasant enough to make the most of the outdoors, even in the evening.
Winter: For many, the best time to visit Puglia is winter. It is then that visitors can take in the beauty of the Ostuni area without any crowds whatsoever. Winter in Ostuni means unparalleled photo opportunities and quality time with locals.
If you dream of living in a beautiful Italian town like a local for a while, winter is your best shot at meaningfully mingling with locals while learning Italian in the process. Keep in mind that some of the best places in Ostuni may not be open though.
Summer: Ostuni is an amazing destination for your summer holidays. The White City enjoys a fantastic location from where to explore many of Puglia’s stunning beaches. That said, Ostuni tends to be unbearably busy in the summer months, especially in July and August. Therefore, it’s best to avoid going to Ostuni during the high season.
No matter what season you visit Ostuni, we’re sure that Italy’s gleaming White City will steal your hearts and we do hope that our guide on what to do in Ostuni helps you have an amazing time in Ostuni.
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina
Disclosure: We were guests at Masseria Il Frantoio but we express nothing but our personal and honest opinion about the amazing experience we had.
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