Wander through the White City

The historic centre is the heart of Ostuni. Behind the old walls, the streets wind uphill between whitewashed houses, artisan shops, small cafés and glimpses of everyday life.

Rather than following a fixed route, let the town lead you. Turn into the narrow lane that looks too quiet, take the staircase without knowing where it ends, pause when the view suddenly opens over the olive-covered plain. Some of Ostuni's most memorable corners reveal themselves this way: a shaded terrace, a family-run trattoria, a blue door against white stone, or the Adriatic appearing unexpectedly in the distance.

Comfortable shoes are essential. The streets are steep, uneven and best explored slowly.

Visit Ostuni Cathedral

At the highest point of town stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Its late Gothic façade is unusual for this part of southern Italy, with an intricate rose window that gives the building a graceful, almost lace-like quality.

The walk up Via Cattedrale is part of the experience. Along the way, you pass elegant palazzi, small viewpoints and the Arco Scoppa, the stone arch connecting the Bishop's Palace with the former seminary. It is one of Ostuni's most photographed corners, but it still has presence beyond the postcard.

Settle into Piazza della Libertà

As the day cools, Piazza della Libertà becomes the town's natural meeting place. Locals gather for an aperitivo, children cross the square on their way home, and café terraces slowly fill.

The square is watched over by the 18th-century Column of Sant'Oronzo, dedicated to Ostuni's patron saint. Take a table, order a glass of chilled local white wine and let the evening unfold at its own pace. 

If you visit in late August, you may experience the Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo, one of the town's most important annual celebrations, when riders in traditional costume parade through the streets.

Explore the olive groves and coastline

Beyond the old white town lies the landscape that gives this part of Puglia its character: ancient olive trees, dry-stone walls, and red earth. Many of the trees around Ostuni are centuries old, their sculptural trunks shaped by time, wind and careful cultivation.

The Adriatic coast is close enough to combine town and sea in a single day. Beaches such as Costa Merlata, Pilone and Rosa Marina offer clear water and a relaxed atmosphere, while the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, just north of Ostuni, is known for its protected dunes, walking trails and unspoilt coastline.

Few places combine town, countryside and coastline as effortlessly as Ostuni. Spend the morning wandering its whitewashed streets and the afternoon by the Adriatic.

Plan your visit

Late spring and early autumn are the most rewarding times to visit, when the light is soft, temperatures are comfortable, and the streets feel less crowded. July and August bring more energy, longer evenings and a lively atmosphere, but also more visitors.

Ostuni is located in the province of Brindisi, approximately 35 kilometres from Brindisi Airport and around 95 kilometres from Bari Airport. It makes an excellent base for exploring the wider region, with Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Martina Franca and Lecce all within easy reach.