Ostuni Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Puglia
From its rich history reflected in its white-washed houses, magnificent Gothic cathedral and cobblestoned streets, to the modern comforts found in its luxurious villas and beautiful beaches, the city of Ostuni in Puglia offers a unique blend of the past and present. Whether you’re exploring its historical sites, enjoying local festivals, or simply relaxing by the sea, Ostuni provides a perfect Italian getaway.
About the area
Perched atop the olive-carpeted hills of the lower Murgia, Ostuni has long been an awe-inspiring sight for those travelling across Puglia. Known as "La Città Bianca" for its gleaming white buildings, Ostuni's history stretches back over millennia with settlements from ancient tribes to the Normans and beyond, however what visitors can see today dates from between the 1400s and the 1700s. Ostuni's historical and cultural journey is evident in its Gothic cathedral, medieval streets, and the panoramic views that sweep across the countryside to the Adriatic Sea. Each corner of the city offers a new discovery, from ancient architecture to vibrant local festivals that bring the city’s rich heritage to life.
Things to do in Ostuni
- Visit the Gothic cathedral: The climax of any visit to Ostuni arrives when you reach the highest part of town, home to the imposing Archbishop’s palace and the 15th-century Concattedrale with its curvaceous, symmetrical façade and rose window.
- Stroll the medieval streets: Wandering through the streets today, visitors are charmed by Ostuni's medieval layout. The narrow back streets, little passages and flights of steps make it delightfully easy to lose one's bearings!
- Enjoy the views: The views from Ostuni are, by themselves, reason enough to make a trip there. Wonderful vistas abound from all angles, the best of which offer 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Perfect for watching the sunset.
- Relax at the beaches: The coastline near Ostuni (just 8km away) boasts some of Puglia’s loveliest beaches whose cleanliness and quality of amenities are testified to by the 5 Blue Flags won in recent years.
- Celebrate with the locals: Participate in Ostuni’s vibrant festivals, such as the Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo, a celebration of the town’s patron saint that takes place between the 24th-27th August. For food lovers, Ostuni is the place to be on 15th August, when the Sagra dei Vecchi Tempi comes to town, offering visitors the chance to try some of the area’s most traditional dishes.
Your keys to our house
Sign up to our newsletter for beautiful villas, destinations and things to do
Voted best villa rental company in the world seven years in a row
