Ostuni is a beautiful hilltop town in southern Italy’s Puglia region. It is known as La Città Bianca, or the White City, because of its white-painted old town. From the top, you can see olive groves and the blue Adriatic Sea.
Ostuni is calm, charming, and perfect for a relaxed holiday. You can walk through narrow streets, enjoy outdoor meals, shop at small boutiques, and watch stunning sunsets. The food is delicious, and lovely beaches are just a short drive away.
There are many great places to stay, from luxury hotels like Vista Ostuni and Borgo Egnazia to cozy boutique hotels and traditional farm stays called masseria. These places offer comfort, great views, pools, and local food.
Things to do in Ostuni include exploring the historic old town, visiting the Gothic cathedral, relaxing at nearby beaches, enjoying evening drinks with views, touring ancient olive farms, and taking cooking classes to learn Puglian dishes like orecchiette pasta.
The town also has excellent restaurants serving seafood, pasta, and pizza. Shopping is fun too, with local markets, handmade ceramics, linen clothing, and unique stone crafts.
At night, Ostuni comes alive with aperitivo, wine bars, rooftop lounges, live music, and nearby beach clubs during summer.
The best time to visit is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summer is lively but busy, while winter is quiet and peaceful.
You can reach Ostuni by flying into Brindisi or Bari airports. Trains connect Ostuni to nearby cities, but renting a car is best for exploring beaches and nearby towns like Alberobello and Cisternino.
Walking is the best way to get around the old town, but tuk-tuk tours and rental cars are also available.