Last Updated on October 9, 2025 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Perched on a hilltop in southern Italy’s Puglia region, Ostuni is known as La Città Bianca — the White City — thanks to its maze of whitewashed houses and buildings glowing under the Mediterranean sun. Wandering through its winding alleys feels like stepping into another world, with medieval stone archways, open piazzas, and sweeping views of centuries-old olive groves that stretch all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
For me, Ostuni is more than just a stop on the map — it’s where my husband and I celebrated our destination wedding and made lifelong memories with our family and friends. Beyond the magic of that week, the city itself completely captured my heart, blending history, charm, and that unmistakable southern Italian warmth.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Ostuni — from the best things to do and where to stay, to the top restaurants and practical travel tips. Consider this your go-to guide for discovering the White City of Puglia.
What Makes Ostuni Special
Ostuni’s beauty lies not only in its bright whitewashed walls but also in the way the city seems to glow against the Apulian countryside. The hilltop setting offers panoramic views of olive groves and the beautiful Adriatic coast, while its Old Town bursts with life: locals chatting in cobbled piazzas, trattorias tucked into stone arches, and hilltop spots that come alive at sunset, some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen, in fact.
Among Puglia’s many picturesque towns, Ostuni stands out for its blend of history, proximity to the coast, and lively atmosphere. If you’re looking for more ideas of where to go during a trip to Ostuni (or Puglia in general), don’t miss my guide to 5 beautiful cities to explore in Puglia. But I do have to share that of these five, Ostuni remains firmly at the top of my list!
How to Get to Ostuni
- By Plane: The closest airport is Brindisi (30 minutes), while Bari Airport is about an hour away. If you are coming from the U.S., especially the West Coast, you’ll likely need to make a connection in Rome or Milan (or another European hub). As Puglia gains interest and popularity, however, we’re starting to see more direct routes pop up from the East Coast, which are mostly seasonal.
- By Car: Once you’ve arrived in Puglia, the easiest way to reach Ostuni is by renting a car from either Bari or Brindisi Airport. Driving lets you explore nearby towns and masserie (countryside estates) more easily.
- By Train: Ostuni has a train station about 3 km outside the city center, with connections to Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi. From the station, you can grab a taxi or a local bus up to the historic center; however, a rental car is still highly recommended for any amount of time spent in Puglia.
If you’re planning a wider trip around the region, check out my list of 10 things to do in Puglia for more inspiration.
Best Times to Visit Ostuni
Like all destinations, the experience shifts with the seasons. From sun-soaked summer nights in the piazza to the quiet charm of winter, each time of year offers its own perspective on the White City. Here’s when you should aim for when planning your trip:
Spring (May–June)
Spring is arguably the most beautiful time to visit Ostuni (might be biased, given our wedding was a June wedding in the Ostuni countryside). The days are warm but not overly hot until mid-June hits, olive groves are lush and green, and wildflowers add pops of color to the countryside. You’ll find fewer tourists and milder weather compared to summer months (July-August), which makes wandering the Old Town’s narrow streets feel extra special. It’s also the start of outdoor dining season, when cafés and trattorias spill into piazzas with sunny terraces!
Fall (September-Early October)
September into early October is the sweet spot for many travelers. The weather remains warm, the Adriatic is perfect for swimming, and the summer crowds begin to thin. It’s also the beginning of the olive harvest, so the countryside comes alive with activity. With quieter piazzas, easier reservations at popular restaurants, and golden evening light over the city walls, early fall is a great time to experience Ostuni.
Things to Do in Ostuni
From wandering through the alleys to watching the sunset from the top of the city, Ostuni is best enjoyed slowly. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying longer, here are some of the very best things to do in Ostuni — sights and experiences that made me fall in love with the White City.
Wander the Old Town
Lose yourself in Ostuni’s labyrinth of cobbled alleyways, whitewashed staircases, and hidden courtyards. The Old Town is best explored slowly, camera in hand. Don’t be afraid to “get lost” — that’s when you truly experience the magic of this beautiful city.
Visit the Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta & Arco Scoppa
Often referred to as the Ostuni Cathedral or Duomo di Ostuni, this 15th-century Gothic cathedral, with its intricately carved rose window, is the crown jewel of the White City. Just outside, don’t miss Arco Scoppa, the elegant stone arch that frames the cathedral square. Once a covered walkway connecting the Bishop’s Palace to the convent, it’s now one of the most photographed landmarks in Ostuni — and a must-see!
Piazza della Libertà
At the heart of Ostuni, Piazza della Libertà is where locals and visitors naturally gather. Surrounded by historic buildings like the Palazzo San Francesco and the Church of San Francesco, the square comes alive from morning to night. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cappuccino in the morning, spend time people-watching, or enjoy an aperitivo as the sun sets over the White City.
The piazza also hosts festivals, live music, and cultural events throughout the year, making it a must-stop for soaking up local life no matter the time of year!
Take in the Many Viewpoints
One of the best parts of visiting Ostuni is simply standing still and taking in the views. From several panoramic spots along the city walls, you’ll see endless olive groves — many over 500 years old — spanning down to the Adriatic Sea. The contrast of bright white stone against deep green fields and sparkling blue water is truly unforgettable.
For the most magical moment, head just outside of Piazza della Libertà to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 37 (a tourist-pinned viewpoint) to look back up at the city, or take a stroll to one of the city wall lookouts at sunset, when the town glows golden and the sky turns pink.
Shop Local Boutiques
Ostuni is home to a thriving community of artisans who keep Puglia’s craft traditions alive. Stroll through the Old Town and you’ll find ceramic studios, linen shops, and leather artisans, each offering one-of-a-kind treasures. Hand-painted plates, rustic olive-wood cutting boards, and embroidered fabric pieces make for thoughtful souvenirs that carry a piece of Puglia home with you.
Visit a Masseria Outside of Town
One of the most memorable ways to experience Puglia is by spending time at a masseria — a traditional farm estate in the nearby countryside. Just outside Ostuni, you’ll find beautifully restored properties where you can enjoy a long, leisurely lunch, sip local wines, or even stay overnight. Many masserie also produce their own olive oil, offering tastings and tours that connect you directly to the land.
Photo by Courtney Linden Photography
For inspiration, explore my roundup of 3 masseria hotels to visit in Puglia, two of which are outside of Ostuni. If you can, I highly recommend that you stay at a masseria for at least part of your trip to Ostuni, or Puglia in general. It’s a fun juxtaposition to spend a few nights in a historic city, and a few nights in the land that surrounds it.
Where to Eat in Ostuni
Ostuni has no shortage of charming trattorias, restaurants with a view, and buzzing aperitivo spots. Dining here is as much about the experience of sitting outside under the stars as it is about the food itself (which is borderline life-changing).
For my curated picks, see the best restaurants and aperitivo spots in Ostuni. Don’t leave without trying:
- Orecchiette pasta with seasonal sauces. One of my personal favorites was the Orecchiette cacioricotta locale, rucola e pomodorini from Il Posto Affianco!
- Burrata from nearby Martina Franca. Be sure to enjoy it anywhere and everywhere you can find it. It truly does taste different in the land that it originates from!
- Fresh seafood along the coast, especially fried octopus dishes.
Where to Stay in Ostuni
Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of town or escape to the quiet of the countryside, Ostuni offers some of the most beautiful accommodations in Puglia. Within the Old Town, you’ll find charming boutique hotels and stylish Airbnbs tucked into whitewashed alleyways, perfect if you want to be steps away from restaurants and piazzas.
Just beyond the city, the landscape opens up into olive groves dotted with masserie, countryside escapes where time seems to slow down. From rustic-chic to design-forward, Ostuni’s stays combine comfort, character, and a feeling of home.
Photo (left) by Courtney Linden Photography
- For countryside inspiration: 3 masseria hotels to visit in Puglia.
- The best Airbnbs in Ostuni for a local, laid-back experience.
- Where to stay in Puglia: boutique hotels & dreamy masserie for my favorite curated properties.
- My personal stay experience: Masseria Santo Scalone
Best Day Trips from Ostuni
Ostuni makes a great base for exploring nearby towns and coastlines. Some of the best day trips include:
- Alberobello — famous for its trulli houses.
- Lecce — baroque architecture and a bigger city experience. Often referred to as the “Florence of the South”
- Monopoli — a coastal town with a charming old port.
- Polignano a Mare — cliffside charm and dramatic sea views. See my guide to the best Airbnbs in Polignano a Mare or my review of our stay at Masseria Le Torri for a longer stay option.
You’ll find more suggestions in my roundup of 5 beautiful cities to explore in Puglia.
Practical Travel Tips for Ostuni
- How many days? Spend at least 2–3 days to soak it in, or longer if using Ostuni as a base.
- Shoes: The cobblestones are uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must!
- Language: A little Italian goes a long way. English is understood in most areas, given that American and English-speaking tourism to Puglia has increased, but it’s not as widely spoken as in tourist hubs like Rome or Florence.
- Money: Always travel with cash (euros) for quick, inexpensive purchases like an espresso at the counter, but most places accept cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
I often get asked the same questions when friends and readers start planning a trip to Puglia — especially about Ostuni, the White City. To make things easier, I’ve rounded up the most common ones here and shared my answers to help you plan your own visit.
Is Ostuni worth visiting?
Absolutely! I could not recommend a visit to Ostuni more! It is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, and it’s worth visiting whether you’re in the area for only a few hours or planning to stay longer.
At the very least, I’d say plan a day trip to Ostuni if you’re based in another city — it’s the kind of place you can’t leave Puglia without seeing. But, personally, I recommend making Ostuni your base: staying overnight gives you time to enjoy the piazzas after the day-trippers leave, wander the streets quietly in the morning, and soak in the magic that made me fall in love with the White City of Puglia.
How many days should I spend in Ostuni?
Most find that 2–3 days in the city center of Ostuni, Italy, is the perfect amount of time. Two days gives you enough time to wander the whitewashed Old Town, visit the main sights and landmarks, and enjoy leisurely meals in the piazzas and alleyways. A third day lets you take a short trip into the countryside or visit a nearby masseria if not staying in one for a meal or olive oil tasting.
If you’re using Ostuni as a base for exploring the White City and nearby towns like Alberobello or Polignano a Mare, then I’d plan for 4-6 days to truly soak it all in. You might consider a 2-3 night stay inside the city, and a 3-4 night stay at a countryside masseria, like we did, for the best of both worlds!
Is Ostuni safe for tourists?
Yes — Ostuni is considered very safe for tourists. The White City is a small, welcoming town where we felt extremely comfortable exploring the narrow streets, piazzas, and viewpoints both day and night. As with anywhere in Italy, the main thing to watch for is pickpocketing in busier areas, especially during the summer. But if you take normal precautions — keeping valuables secure, being mindful in packed spaces, and parking your car in well-lit and/or well-attended areas — you’ll likely find Ostuni to be a calm and safe base for exploring Puglia.
Is Ostuni expensive?
No. Compared to larger Italian cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, Ostuni is not considered expensive.
Dining in the White City can be very affordable — a plate of fresh pasta or pizza with local wine often costs less than €20 per person, depending on where you go. Boutique hotels and masserie range from mid-range to luxury, so your budget will depend on the style of stay you choose. Overall, Ostuni offers great value: you can splurge on a fancier dinner or a designer masseria stay, but you’ll also find plenty of casual trattorias, family-run B&Bs, and affordable Airbnbs that make it accessible for most travelers.
Is Ostuni walkable?
Yes and no. Ostuni is very walkable given its size, but it is a hill town, so be prepared for steep inclines, uneven cobblestones, and seemingly never-ending staircases.
The Old Town is compact, and the best way to explore its whitewashed alleys and piazzas is definitely on foot. That said, the routes you choose matter: some paths involve intense stairs or uphill climbs, even without steps. For example, certain bars and restaurants are located entirely along a staircase and may be difficult to reach for those with limited mobility. If accessibility is a concern, stick to the main piazza and streets that wind gradually upward rather than the shortcut stairways — you’ll still get a wonderful taste of the White City of Puglia without the strain!
Where is the best place to park in Ostuni?
The best place to park near Ostuni’s historic center is Parcheggio Al Giardino (Via Giosuè Pinto, 27, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy). It’s a secure lot that offers both short-term and multi-day overnight parking, making it ideal whether you’re staying in the Old Town or just visiting for a few hours.
When we stayed at an Airbnb in the historic center, we left our car there for two days, and later used it again when we brought our friends into town for a final group dinner. From the lot, it’s an easy (but uphill) walk up Via Giosuè Pinto to Via Vito Tamborrino (where the famous Cremeria Alla Scala is located), just below Piazza della Libertà. It’s convenient and one of the smoothest ways to access the White City without stressing over narrow streets, accidentally getting caught in a ZTL, or fighting for limited street parking.
Ostuni has a way of capturing your imagination, and for me, my heart. From its stone walls and lively piazzas to the golden light that spills across the olive groves at sunset, it’s truly something out of a movie. For me, it will always hold a special place as the town where I celebrated my wedding and truly experienced the heart of Puglia, Italy. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick day trip or choosing it as your base for exploring the region, the White City offers a perfect mix of history, beauty, and slow Italian living.
For more inspiration, explore my full collection of Puglia travel guides — from boutique hotels and dreamy masserie to restaurant tips and curated itineraries — to help you plan the perfect trip.
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