What to See in Ostuni: A Complete Guide Through History and Flavors

The White City, the pearl of Upper Salento, the village where you can stroll and get lost among its alleyways: welcome to Ostuni! One of the most photographed and beloved cities in Apulia, both highly visited yet still truly authentic.

Ostuni is located 218 meters above sea level, on a hill that allows it to be entirely panoramic. It can be said that every house overlooks the valley that connects the city to the sea. The plain below is a vast expanse of olive trees that, swayed by the wind, change color, and the white of its houses makes it a small yet great work of art between land and sun.

The choice, in fact, to paint everything white dates back hundreds of years. The white helps shield from the sun and the intense heat of summer. It keeps the houses cooler and protects against the dryness of the Mediterranean climate typical of southern Puglia. But that’s not all! In the Middle Ages, whitewashing the houses with lime also served to give more brightness, thanks to the light reflecting off the white, and to protect the town from the plague epidemic. 

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

How to Reach Ostuni

Ostuni is well connected and easily reachable both by car and by 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 until you reach the city center. A car is recommended if you wish to also explore the surrounding areas and the farmhouses in the countryside.

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

By bus:
Several companies offer bus connections from Bari, Brindisi, and other Apulian cities. The 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 seeking a stress-free journey with personalized schedules.

What to See in Ostuni

The historic center of Ostuni is a must-see, with its houses, alleys, shops, and many local venues that give it character. Don’t miss visiting the many churches, especially the beautiful co-cathedral, with its late Gothic facade, entirely made of stone and located in the heart of the city center.

Take a stroll, perhaps while enjoying an ice cream, in Piazza della Libertà or let yourself be captivated by the many palaces that make the old town unique, such as the ducal palace Zevallos, the Palazzo Siccoda (1575) at Via Cattedrale 35, the buildings of the Palazzo Vescovile and the old Seminary in the old town, or the city’s most iconic cathedral, Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta.

Ostuni, however, is not just the historic center. The entire surrounding area, up to the beaches, is stunning. From the farmhouses to the olive plains, from the sea to the archaeological sites in the area, this place is full of charm and worth exploring. 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 lime-washed 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 based on your interests, whether 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 want to get away from the historic center and immerse themselves in nature, a horseback tour between the sea and countryside of Ostuni is an unforgettable experience. You will cross century-old olive groves, dry stone walls, and scenic paths, until reaching wild stretches of coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It’s an authentic and relaxing way to discover the most genuine face of Apulia, in direct contact with the land and its slow rhythms.

What to Eat in Ostuni

In Ostuni, you can enjoy all the typical dishes of Apulian and regional cuisine. From homemade orecchiette or cavatelli to “fava beans and chicory,” from focaccia to panzerotti. Every restaurant offers a wide selection of local products, often zero-kilometer, such as cold cuts and fresh cheeses. Let yourself be won over by the simplicity of Apulian cuisine and dishes that warm the heart like friselle with tomatoes, preserved vegetables, taralli, or freshly baked bread with a drizzle of the best olive oil.

Moreover, Ostuni is surrounded by vast stretches of century-old olive trees, some of which are over a thousand years old, a living symbol of the agricultural history of the area. This unique landscape makes the region one of the most renowned in Apulia 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 mill, where you will discover traditional production methods and learn to recognize the characteristics of authentic oil. It is a perfect opportunity to savor the essence of Apulia through one of its most precious products.

Where to Eat in Ostuni

If you feel like doing a food and wine tour, we’ll be happy to recommend, based on your wishes and needs, restaurants, trattorie, and masserie, or typical delicatessens in the area where you can enjoy the best local products.

• Borgo Antico Bistrot: A well-known spot among locals and tourists to enjoy an aperitif at sunset with a panoramic view 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: Restaurant with a panoramic terrace offering a breathtaking view of Ostuni, ideal for a romantic dinner at sunset.
• Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia: Located in a charming garden, it offers traditional Apulian cuisine dishes with a modern touch, in an intimate atmosphere.
• Osteria del Tempo Perso: Historic restaurant carved into the rock, with a unique atmosphere and typical Apulian dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
• Masseria Moroseta: Michelin Guide-awarded restaurant, located in a restored farmhouse, offering zero-kilometer Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant and relaxing setting.

If you’re thinking of visiting Ostuni and want to live an authentic and stress-free experience, contact us! Here at Pugliamare, we can help you organize private tours, day trips, or create a personalized itinerary to discover Puglia, tailor-made just for you. Whether it’s a guided visit to the White City, a tasting at a farmhouse, or a custom trip through the sea, villages, and local traditions, we’re here to make your perfect vacation idea come true.