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

The White City, The pearl of Upper Salento, the village where you stroll and get lost among the alleys: welcome to Ostuni! One of the most photographed and loved cities of Puglia, most visited but also most authentic. 

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

This characteristic has meant that over time Ostuni came to be called White City or Nativity Scene City. 

How to Reach Ostuni

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

By Car:
You can comfortably reach Ostuni by car via the SS379 (Adriatic State Road), 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 want to also explore the surroundings and the farmhouses in the fields.

By Train:
Ostuni is served by the Bari–Lecce railway line. The Ostuni station is about 3 km from the historic center, so it’s necessary 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. The buses arrive directly in the center of Ostuni, making this a convenient option for those who don’t drive.

Private Transfer: 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 See in Ostuni

The historic center of Ostuni is a must-see, with its houses, its alleys, its shops, and the many places that characterize it. Don’t miss the visit to the many churches, but above all to 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 a gelato, in Piazza della Libertà or let yourself be fascinated by the many buildings that make the old village unique, like the ducal palace Zevallos, the Siccoda Palace (1575) on via Cattedrale 35, the buildings of Palazzo Vescovile and of the historic Seminarionel Borgo Antico, or the most iconic cathedral in the city, Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta.

Ostuni, però, non è solo centro storico. Tutto il territorio circostante, fino alle spiagge, è splendido. Dalle masserie alla piana degli ulivi, dal mare ai siti archeologici che si trovano in zona, questo luogo è ricco di fascino e va esplorato. Per vivere davvero la magia di Ostuni, niente è meglio di un Private Guided Tour in the heart of the White City. Accompanied by an expert Local Guide you’ll be able to stroll through the lime-washed alleys, discover the fascinating history of this medieval village, and visit symbolic places like the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral and the ancient Terra district. The tour is personalizable based on 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 move away from the historic center and immerse themselves in nature, a tour on horseback between the sea and the countryside of Ostuni is an unforgettable experience. You’ll be able to cross ancient olive groves, dry stone walls and panoramic paths, until you reach stretches of wild coast with views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s an authentic and relaxing way to discover the most genuine face of Puglia, 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 orecchiette pasta or handmade cavatelli to "fave e cicorie (fava beans and chicory)," from focaccia to panzerotti. Every restaurant offers a wide selection of local products, often zero-kilometer, such as cured meats and fresh cheeses. Let yourself be won over by the simplicity of Apulian cuisine and dishes that warm the heart like friselle with tomatoes, vegetables preserved in oil, taralli or freshly baked bread with a drizzle of the finest olive oil.

Moreover, Ostuni is surrounded by stretches of ancient olive trees,some of which are over a thousand years old, living symbols of the agricultural history of the area. This unique landscape makes the area one of the most renowned in Puglia for the production of extravirgin olive oil of the highest quality. During your visit, you can take part in a guided tasting of olive oil in a historic oil mill, where you’ll 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 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 venue renowned among residents and tourists for enjoying 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 that offers a breathtaking view of Ostuni, ideal for a romantic dinner at sunset.
• Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia: Located in an enchanting 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, offers 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.