Ostuni

Ostuni​

Latest page update: 26 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
​​The hill town of Ostuni is situated within​ the Province of Brindisi, a distance of 83 kilometres south east of Bari, the regional capital of Puglia. Standing at an elevation of 229 metres above sea level it has a population of around 31,000 residents. 

Known locally as La Città Bianca, the White City sparkles from its perched position across three hills. At the same time as being the gateway to the Salento region to its south, it also signals the southern end of the Trulli zone of characteristic conical houses in the valley region known as the Valle d'Itria. 

What People Ask About Ostuni

What is Ostuni known for?
Ostuni is known as the "White City" because of its whitewashed old town perched on a hilltop. It offers panoramic views over olive groves and the Adriatic Sea and is a well-known destination in Puglia.
Is Ostuni worth visiting?
Yes, Ostuni is one of Puglia’s most picturesque towns, with a maze of white alleys, historic churches, and lively piazzas. Its proximity to beaches and countryside makes it a popular base for exploring the region.
What can you see in Ostuni?
Main sights include the Cathedral of Ostuni, the Arco Scoppa, Piazza della Libertà, and the historic centre with its winding streets. The surrounding area has masserie (farm estates), beaches and olive oil producers.
How do I get to Ostuni?
Ostuni has its own train station located about 2.5 km from the town centre. Trains run along the Adriatic line, and local buses or taxis connect the station with the hilltop historic area.
What is the best time to visit Ostuni?
The best time to visit Ostuni is from late spring to early autumn, especially between May and September. Summer brings festivals and nightlife, while spring and early autumn offer warm weather with fewer crowds.
Related links

Overview

Overview
La Città Bianca - The White City
It's easy to understand why Ostuni is called the White City; from a distance its whitewashed walls act as an inviting beacon among the local landscape of olive groves. The three hills that the town is built across mark distinct areas with the majority of tourists focusing their attention on the centro storico, the historic centre to the north of Piazza della Libertà. ​
Around Piazza della Libertà
The expansive Piazza is a favourite meeting and focal point in the town; during the hot summers it's heaving with locals and visitors alike, enjoying the healthy nightlife. At the south-eastern edge of the triangular Piazza is a monument in honour to the town's patron saint: Saint Orontius of Lecce.

​Built in 1771, the 27 metre high obelisk known as the Guglia di Sant'Oronzo stands in reverence to the saint who is credited with saving Ostuni from the plague of the 17th century. Further homage is paid to the saint at an annual festival: the Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo which takes place from 25th - 27th August, and takes the form of a parade of horses surmounted by knights in full regalia. 

Things to Do

Things to Do
Along Via Cattedrale towards the Duomo
​From Piazza della Libertà the real beauty of Ostuni can start to be appreciated; the narrow streets with their heavily-worn and shiny stone roads snake their way around and gradually up the hill to the Duomo. Along the main thoroughfare of Via Cattedrale you'll pass a variety of shops including those selling the colourful local ceramics, intermingled with dozens of places to eat and drink. 

It takes around 5 minutes to walk from Piazza della Libertà up to the town's main sight: Ostuni Cathedral. The 15th century edifice has a beautiful facade of Gothic, Byzantine and Romanesque influences, with a large rose window as its centrepiece. Outside the Cathedral is a decorative archway known as the Arco Scoppa which connects the Palazzo Vescovile to the Palazzo del Seminario on either side of the street. The current structure, made of stone, replaced the previously wooden archway in 1750. 
Palaeolithic Delia
Towards the bottom of Via Cattedrale, close to Piazza della Libertà lies the Museum of Preclassic Civilisations of the Southern Murgia (Museo di Civiltà Preclassiche della Murgia Meridionale). Its long-winded title is outdone in longevity by its star exhibit: the affectionally-known Delia, a 25,000 year old skeleton dating back to the Paleolithic Age. 

Aside from legendary skeletons and the other sights mentioned above, Ostuni is a great place to simply wander and soak up the atmosphere. There are dozens of little alleyways that lead off Via Cattedrale and they're often worth exploring as you can find less touristy restaurants and some lovely, shady courtyards or perhaps a great view towards the coast. ​
Tours & Activities
Comune di Ostuni
Province: Brindisi

Region: Puglia

Population: 29,908 (in 2024 - source)

​Total size: 223 km²

Elevation: 229 metres

Highlights: Ostuni Cathedral, Via Cattedrale, Arco Scoppa

​Close by: Costa Merlata, Cisternino, Torre Guaceto, Locorotondo

Where to Stay

Where to Stay
  • Masseria Il Frantoio Located just outside Ostuni, this charming agriturismo offers spacious rooms with views of the surrounding olive groves, a large garden, and a restaurant serving traditional Puglian cuisine. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, the authentic atmosphere, and the short drive to Ostuni’s historical centre and nearby beaches. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel La Terra Situated in the heart of Ostuni, this boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving regional dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the central location, excellent service, and easy access to Ostuni’s main attractions, including the Ostuni Cathedral and the town’s characteristic whitewashed buildings. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Villa Giampiero Set just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms with scenic views, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, personal touch of the hosts, and the easy access to Ostuni’s historic sites and local shops. €€ (mid-range)
  • Ostuni Palace Hotel Located near the historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers elegant rooms with modern amenities, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Puglian cuisine. Guests appreciate the friendly service, good value for money, and the proximity to Ostuni’s cultural landmarks and nearby beaches. €€ (mid-range)
  • Masseria Salinola Situated just outside Ostuni, this luxurious masseria offers comfortable rooms with views of the olive groves, a large swimming pool, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the peaceful rural setting, excellent service, and the easy access to Ostuni’s attractions and the surrounding countryside. €€€ (high-end)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat
  • Osteria del Tempo Perso: Located in the heart of Ostuni’s historic centre, Osteria del Tempo Perso offers a traditional dining experience with a focus on local Puglian cuisine. Known for its fresh pasta, such as orecchiette with broccoli rabe and cavatelli with seafood, the restaurant serves hearty, authentic dishes. The rustic setting and friendly service make it a popular choice for a relaxing meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante Porta Nova: Situated near the city’s main square, Ristorante Porta Nova offers a refined menu that blends traditional Puglian flavours with modern culinary techniques. The menu features dishes like risotto with saffron and seafood, grilled meats, and local cheeses. The elegant decor, combined with an extensive wine list, creates a sophisticated atmosphere for a memorable dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Dall’Antico Arco: A family-run trattoria located just outside the city centre, Trattoria Dall’Antico Arco is known for its traditional Puglian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes specialties like pasta with clams, fried seafood, and hearty meat dishes. The welcoming atmosphere and authentic flavours make it an ideal spot for a casual, comforting meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante La Reggia: For a more upscale dining experience, Ristorante La Reggia offers a sophisticated atmosphere with a focus on refined Puglian cuisine. The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as risotto with truffle, fresh seafood, and local meats. The elegant setting, combined with top-notch service, makes it an excellent choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
  • Ristorante Il Gallo d’Oro: Located in a charming area of Ostuni, Ristorante Il Gallo d’Oro offers a menu focused on traditional Italian and Puglian dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes dishes like grilled meats, seafood pasta, and local vegetables. The cosy atmosphere and attentive service make it a great place to enjoy authentic, flavorful cuisine. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)

Photo Gallery

There's much to explore as well: to the west of Ostuni are the little towns of the Valle d'Itria, famous above all for their Trulli houses. The first town on the westbound road way from Ostuni is Cisternino which is followed in short order by Locorotondo and finally by Alberobello which marks the apogee of the Trulli building.

​Within this little constellation of towns is the slightly larger Martina Franca which has some wonderful architecture of its own to see. Ostuni is only twelve kilometres from the coast and the beautiful beach of Costa Merlata while further north along the coast are some more substantial seaside towns such as Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, one of the best of its kind.

The most convenient airport for Ostuni is the Brindisi Salento Airport which is just half an hour away by car (37 km), while the next best alternative is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, an hour and ten minutes (99 km) north, most of which is along the coastal road.
Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia

1. ​Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. ​Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. ​Vieste 
8. ​Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia

Ostuni  Travel

By Rail: Whilst Ostuni does have a train station, it's situated 3 kilometres north of the hill town which requires a bus, or more reliably, a taxi to reach. Trains from Ostuni run south to the nearest major city of Brindisi with a journey time of around half an hour or north to Bari in 51 minutes. Some of the logistical challenges created by the train station's out of town location make a car the best option for exploration of the local area. 

By Road: Ostuni is about 90 km from Bari, and the drive takes around 1 hour via the A14 and SS16 roads. From Brindisi, it is approximately 35 km, and the drive takes about 40 minutes. There are several car parks available near the town centre, with some located just outside the historical area, as the town’s narrow streets can make parking in the centre more challenging.

Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Ostuni is Brindisi Airport (Aeroporto del Salento), located about 35 km away. The drive takes around 40 minutes. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Ostuni.

Another alternative is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (Aeroporto di Bari), about 90 km away. The drive takes around 1 hour. You can also take a train from Bari to Ostuni, which takes roughly 1.5 hours.

Additional Transport Options: Ostuni is well-served by local buses that connect it to nearby towns such as Brindisi, Lecce, and Alberobello, providing an easy option for visitors looking to explore the surrounding areas.

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