The White City, the pearl of Alto Salento, the village where you can stroll and get lost in the alleys: welcome to Ostuni! One of Puglia's most photographed and loved cities, it is also one of the most visited yet authentic.

Ostuni is located 218 meters above sea level, on a hill that allows it to be entirely panoramic. Every house, one could say, overlooks the valley connecting the city to the sea. The plain below is a vast expanse of olive trees that change color when moved by the wind, and the white of its houses makes it a small great work of art between land and sun.

The choice to paint everything white dates back hundreds of years. The white serves to protect from the sun and the intense heat of summer, making homes cooler and safeguarding against the scorching Mediterranean climate typical of southern Puglia. But that's not all! In the Middle Ages, whitewashing houses with lime also provided more light, due to the light reflecting off the white, and helped protect the town from the plague epidemic.

This characteristic led to Ostuni being called the White City or Nativity Scene City over time.

How to Reach Ostuni

Ostuni is well-connected and easily accessible by both car and public transport.

By car:
You can easily reach Ostuni by car via the SS379 (Strada Statale Adriatica), which connects Bari to Brindisi. Exiting at the Ostuni junction, continue for about 6 km to the city center. A car is recommended if you also wish to explore the surroundings and the farms in the countryside.

By train:
Ostuni is served by the Bari–Lecce railway line. Ostuni station is about 3 km from the historic center, so you will need to take a taxi or a city bus to reach the center. Regional trains are frequent and convenient.

By bus:
Several companies offer bus connections from Bari, Brindisi, and other Apulian cities. Buses arrive directly in the center of Ostuni, making this a convenient option for those who do not drive.

Private transfers: At Pugliamare, we also offer comfortable private transfers from Polignano a Mare to Ostuni, ideal for those looking for a stress-free journey with personalized schedules.

What to Visit in Ostuni

Ostuni's historic center is worth exploring, with its houses, alleys, shops, and many characteristic venues. Don't miss visiting its numerous churches, especially the beautiful co-cathedral, with its late Gothic facade, entirely made of stone and located in the heart of the city center.

Stroll, perhaps while enjoying an ice cream, in Piazza della Libertà or let yourself be fascinated by the many palaces that make the ancient village unique, such as the ducal palace Zevallos, Palazzo Siccoda (1575) at Via Cattedrale 35, the buildings of the Bishop's Palace and the old Seminary in the ancient village, or the city's most iconic cathedral, Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta.

However, Ostuni is not just its historic center. The entire surrounding territory, down to the beaches, is splendid. From masserias to the plain of olive groves, from the sea to the archaeological sites in the area, this place is full of charm and deserves to be explored. To truly experience the magic of Ostuni, nothing beats a private guided tour in the heart of the White City. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you can stroll through the whitewashed alleys, discover the fascinating history of this medieval village, and visit symbolic places such as the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral and the ancient Terra district. The tour is customizable according to your interests, whether it's art, architecture, local traditions, or simply panoramic views to photograph. An authentic and tailor-made experience to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Ostuni.

For those who wish to venture outside the historic center and immerse themselves in nature, a horseback tour between the sea and the countryside of Ostuni is an unforgettable experience. You can cross centuries-old olive groves, dry stone walls, and scenic trails, reaching wild stretches of coastline with views of the Adriatic Sea. It is an authentic and relaxing way to discover Puglia's most genuine face, in direct contact with the land and its slow rhythms.

What to Eat in Ostuni

In Ostuni, you can savor all the typical dishes of Apulian and regional cuisine. From homemade orecchiette or cavatelli to "fave e cicorie," from focaccia to panzerotti. Every restaurant offers a wide selection of local products, often zero-kilometer, such as fresh cured meats and cheeses. Let yourself be won over by the simplicity of Apulian cuisine and by heartwarming dishes like friselle with tomatoes, pickled vegetables, taralli, or freshly baked bread with a drizzle of the best olive oil.

Moreover, Ostuni is surrounded by expanses of centuries-old olive trees, some of which are over a thousand years old, a living symbol of the territory's agricultural history. This unique landscape makes the area one of the most renowned in Puglia for the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. During your visit, you can participate in a guided olive oil tasting at a historic oil mill, where you will discover traditional production methods and learn to recognize the characteristics of an authentic oil. It's a perfect opportunity to savor the essence of Puglia through one of its most precious products.

Where to Eat in Ostuni

If you're interested in a food and wine tour, we'll be happy to recommend restaurants, osterias, masserias, or typical delis in the area that suit your preferences and needs, where you can savor the best local products.

• Borgo Antico Bistrot: A renowned spot among locals and tourists for enjoying an aperitif at sunset with panoramic views of the city.
• Il Posto Affianco: Located in the heart of the historic center, it offers Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a selection of local wines.
• La Vecchia Terrazza: A restaurant with a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Ostuni, ideal for a romantic dinner at sunset.
• Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia: Located in a charming garden, it offers traditional Apulian cuisine with a modern touch, in an intimate atmosphere.
• Osteria del Tempo Perso: A historic restaurant carved into the rock, with a unique atmosphere and typical Apulian dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
• Masseria Moroseta: A Michelin Guide-awarded restaurant, located in a restored masseria, offering zero-kilometer Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant and relaxing setting.

If you're planning to visit Ostuni and want an authentic, stress-free experience, contact us! At Pugliamare, we can help you organize private tours, day trips, or create a personalized itinerary to discover Puglia, tailored just for you. Whether it's a guided tour of the White City, a tasting at a masseria, or a bespoke journey through the sea, villages, and local traditions, we are here to make your perfect vacation idea a reality.