When it comes to one of the best places to discover in Southern Italy, Puglia’s white city, Ostuni is one of them. Returning home after a week in Ostuni, I’m sharing the complete travel guide to visiting.
The whitewashed walls of Ostuni glows in the distance as the sun drenches the outer walls. It’s hard not to be captivated by this gem set in the Apulian countryside surrounded by olive groves and vines. Ostuni is a longstanding, historic fortressed hilltop town that you have to visit while in Puglia.
And while it makes for a great day visit, Ostuni and its countryside also offer an incredible base for exploring the region. Valle d’Itria is in your footsteps, where nearby villages and beaches are a short drive away. Now Ostuni itself, a mecca for restaurants, antiques, and amazing views is right there.
During our several-week stint in Puglia, we made Ostuni our base for about a week. I spent many early mornings walking through Piazza della Liberta to the centro storico with a coffee in hand from my favorite cafe. It’s somewhere I highly recommend, so read on to my travel guide on all the best things to do in Ostuni, plus where to stay and eat.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Ostuni:
Hotels
- La Sommità Relais & Chateaux, for the best in-town luxury hotel
- I 7 Archi Guest House, for the best in-town studio and apartment stay
- Masseria le Carrube, for the best countryside hotel
- Casa Boccadoro, for the best overall countryside vacation rental
- Trullo Silentio, for the best new countryside vacation rental
Things to Do
- Hop on A Tuk Tuk Tour
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, don’t miss my 7 to 10 day Puglia itinerary, guide to the best towns to base yourself, and guides to Monopoli, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Polignano a Mare!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Puglia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Italy is quite easy, and while driving in Puglia can feel hectic, road-tripping there still felt manageable with a little extra caution (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Puglia). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ostuni, Italy Travel Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Ostuni
Is Ostuni Worth Seeing?
When it comes to seeing the famous “La Città Bianca,” I think it’s a must-do on any Puglia trip. Ostuni is unique in architecture, has an incredible history, and has great dining options.
Should I Base Myself in Ostuni?
Ostuni is a wonderful base for exploring Puglia. We spent five nights in the countryside of Ostuni and thoroughly enjoyed exploring this region from here. You’re 30 minutes to the sea, close to nearby villages in the Valle d’Itria, and more. Ostuni as a base means you’re close to one of the best towns with dozens of restaurants as well.
How Long Should I Stay in Ostuni?
In the town itself, one to two days is plenty to see it. But if using it as a base, you could enjoy a week in Ostuni exploring Puglia.
When to Visit Ostuni (Timing and Weather)
Summer is hot in Ostuni, so my top recommendation is to choose wisely when you come. I would recommend the later summer months of September to October when it is warm enough to swim but not intensely hot with crowds. Another favorable time to visit would be May to June before peak heat but it may not be warm enough to swim yet. If you do come in the middle of the summer, just plan on early starts to beat the heat and the crowds.
How to Get to Ostuni
Getting to Ostuni would be most simple if you’re self-driving as part of a road trip in Puglia. Having your own wheels is very helpful, so my recommendation is to rent a car. I have an entire guide on rental cars in Puglia to help further inform your decision.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
By Rental Car From The Airport
I would recommend flying into either Brindisi Airport or Bari Airport, both are near equally distance to Ostuni. Plan to pick up a rental car at either one, and know it may be the same price to do a one-way rental car from one airport to another. From Brindisi Airport, it is 40 minutes drive and from Bari, it is 1 hour and 10 minutes
By Train
You could opt to take the train into Ostuni. Your first option would be from Brindisi Airport where a bus connection will take you to catch the direct bus line to Ostuni in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Your second is a similar route but by way of Bari Airport — you’ll need to get to Bari Centrale Train Station and then take a 50-minute train to Ostuni.
Ostuni Parking
Parking in Italian villages often comes with stress, so a few tips: The first is to be hyper-aware of the ZTLs, the historic center zones closed for visitors to drive in. You can’t miss them (or you may if you don’t pay attention), Ostuni’s is quite clear, and you’ll need to park outside the historic center. If you’re staying in it, you’ll likely just have street parking to choose from, which your accommodation can help decide. Every day we went to Ostuni, we paid for parking in two spots: either this parking lot or street parking along this park.
Where to Stay in Ostuni, Italy
There are two approaches to staying in Ostuni, the first would be to stay in or near the Centro Storico (old town). The second would be to stay in the surrounding countryside in a Masseria (an Italian farmhouse) or essentially a vacation rental. One thing to note — many vacation rentals I found had check-ins only on Saturdays with week-long stay minimums.
Best Ostuni Centro Storico Hotels & Rentals
- BT Top Choice: La Sommità Relais & Chateaux ($$$) — There is not a finer choice for a hotel in town than La Sommita. In fact, we had two nights booked here for our previously planned trip but were sold out for this one. It’s a charming luxury boutique hotel, set with a Michelin restaurant right on site.
- BT Top Choice: I 7 Archi Guest House ($$) — This is a collection of studios, suites, and apartments right in the old town. They’re on the more expensive side, but the location is unbeatable if you want to be within walking distance.
- Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa ($$) — A boutique 5-star hotel about a 5-minute walk. This property is very quaint and private and has a lovely pool.
- Il Sogno delle Benedettine ($$) — I stumbled across this design hotel during my research. They’re beautifully done, and the location is fantastic. They have a few suites with a pool as well.
Best Ostuni Countryside Hotels
- BT Top Choice: Masseria Moroseta ($$$) — If there is one Puglian brand to know, it’s Masseria Moroseta. A design hotel meets a collection of private villas and masserias, Masseria Moroseta exudes all things design. The main hotel, with a handful of rooms, is about 15 minutes from town, set in the countryside with incredible sea views, a pool, and a restaurant. You can also peruse their villa options, each uniquely designed and thoughtful.
- BT Top Choice: Masseria le Carrube ($$) — A chic, whitewashed stone masseria in the countryside, le Carrube is a lovely getaway. There are 19 suites, and you’re set in the Ostuni foothills with a pool.
- Masseria Cervarolo ($$) — Set about 15 minutes out, Masseria Cervarolo is set in a traditional stone Apulian building. You can rent a room or suite here, it’s a hotel with private accommodations at one of the better prices.
- Masseria Santo Scalone ($) — A good option for design for dollar, this boutique masseria has a handful of rooms.
- Masseria Il Frantoio ($) — A traditional Masseria just outside of town, it has a very serene atmosphere to it set in nature.
Best Ostuni Countryside Vacation Rentals
- BT Top Choice: Casa Boccadoro ($$$) — We spent nearly a week in this idyllic vacation rental about 10 minutes from Ostuni. Set with a private pool on an olive grove, the three-bedroom home was incredible. The design details are absolutely lovely and have thoughtful touches. It’s good to note that two of the bedrooms are detached from the main house.
- BT Top Choice: Trullo Silentio ($$) — I connected with the Borgo Silentio owners, a family who owns a handful of private homes and villas near Puglia. Their Trullo Silentio property is beyond idyllic near Ostuni. The villa has two bedrooms and the grounds here are fantastic. I really love the design here, and the thoughtful elements for the stay.
- Masseria Silentio ($$) — A Borgo Silentio property, the Masseria is their larger 3-bedroom countryside home with a pool.
- La Selvaggia by Borgo Silentio ($$) — The last Borgo Silentio property, this is two two-bedroom villa is their latest addition. A great option, pool, and is well located.
- Trullo Terra di Alix ($$) — If you want to stay in a traditional Trullo home, this property is a lovely option. It’s a two-bedroom house and has a garden with parking.
Things to Do in Ostuni, Italy
Explore the Centro Storico of Puglia
Like most of Puglia, the main draw to Ostuni is its charming historic old center with white walls. It is like a postcard, well worth blocking out a few hours to explore on foot. There are a handful of historic sights and churches as well which you’ll likely walk by.
The first is Piazza della Libertà, the main square featuring the Colonna di Sant’Oronzo, a stone column that honors the patron saint of Ostuni. The square has several restaurants and bars that line it, you’ll find it popular with locals in the morning and by tourists mid-afternoon.
Further into town, there is the Ostuni Cathedral, Cathédrale Santa Maria Assunta, a 15th century Roman Catholic cathedral with a rose window. You’ll know you’re there as you’ll walk under the Arco Scoppa, that connects it. After this, make it to one of the final points, ‘La casa con la porta blu‘ (Porta del Paradiso) — a famous blue door next to Borgo Antico Bistrot that has incredible views.
For your final walk, make it down to the city walls where you’ll have views out to the Adriatic Sea. These ancient walls provide a beautiful view into the white city and there are a few landmarks like the Cinta Muraria (Mura aragonesi).
Top Tip: The best view of Ostuni is from the Corso Vittorio Emmanuel II Viewpoint. You’ll be able to see back into the city from here, a most Tuk Tuk tours will stop off here.
Hop on A Tuk Tuk Tour
I know it may sound a bit touristy, but honestly one of the things that we did that was an absolute hit was this tuk-tuk tour. It was so hot one day, so we hopped on a 45-minute tour that took us all around Ostuni to the top sights. Our driver was a blast, made it so much fun, and our toddler loved it. I feel like it is completely worth doing at least once.
Shop Incredible Antiques at La Mercanteria and Second Sunday Flea Market
When it comes to shopping, the Apulian antique scene is something else. From traditional pottery to textiles, there is a lot to consider to bring home. One store in Ostuni that was just beyond incredible was La Mercanteria. Come here for mostly traditional Apulian ceramics from the region.
If you are in Ostuni on the second Sunday of the month, a large flea market with 100 stalls is set up in the old town as well.
Do a Pasta Cooking Class with La Caseddha
I wanted to do a pasta cooking class to learn Puglian classics, and I stumbled upon the local business La Caseddha. The owner Antonella is incredible and produces her own products like olive oils and flour ground from their farm’s grains. La Caseddha offers a few pasta cooking classes — one Antonella will come to your home and bring everything, which is what we did. It was 3 hours long and we learned a few different pasta shapes and enjoyed a meal afterward. You can also book a class at her farm and even a farm picnic, you’ll need to reserve by email at agritagliente@libero.it.
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Village
You’re so close to many villages in Puglia, so save some time to do some exploring. My top choices would be Martina Franca, Monopoli, Locorotondo, and Ceglie Messapica. A bit further afield would be Alberobello, the traditional Trullo town. Or you could go as far as Matera if you wanted to.
Hit the Beach
Since you’re only 30 minutes or so from the beach, it’s the best way to cool off (besides a pool) during the summer. I’d make the early drive out, and grab some snacks along the way from a bakery. The beaches closest to consider would be Lido Morelli, Spiaggia di Gorgognolo, Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, and Quarto di Monte Beach.
Best Restaurants in Ostuni
Burro Cafe
We spent many mornings at Burro Cafe, a spot that became a second home. All things coffee, pastries, and breakfast, “burro” means butter in Italian. I couldn’t love it enough and it’s a minute walk from the parking spot we loved as well.
Osteria Ricanatti
An undercover gem in Ostuni was this coursed lunch at Osteria Ricanatti. With only 8 tables, this restaurant serves traditional Puglian cuisine but with an elevated twist. I can’t recommend it enough, do call in advance.
The Restaurant at Masseria Moroseta
One of the most memorable settings was a meal at Masseria Moroseta. Reservations are required, enjoy a sampling of incredible food from their farm, chic cocktails, and a surreal landscape.
Impasto Napoletano
The best pizza we found in town was at this spot, so much so, we returned twice. If you arrive early, it will be empty so don’t fret because some 9 pm, it was slammed.
Borgo Antico Bistro
One of the most popular bars in Ostuni, this spot is best known for its views. The terraced restaurant had quite the line for a sunset drink, so do arrive early to have a good table here.
Vinicolo
Chic little wine bar, come in here to try regional wines and a few small plates.
Trattoria Sapere E Sapori
Good choice in Centro Storico for traditional cuisine, find dishes like Orecchiette, pestos, cheeses, and more.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
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5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
