The gorgeous whitewashed metropolis of Ostuni ought to be on everybody’s Puglia itinerary. Perched on prime of a hill and overlooking the glowing Adriatic Sea, its charming white homes, slim cobblestone streets, historic church buildings, and atmospheric little squares give it a singular and magical ambiance.
On this put up, I’ll share a number of the greatest issues to do in Ostuni, Puglia. It’s one among my favourite cities in southern Italy and has one thing to supply each traveler.
From exploring the traditional Centro Storico to visiting close by seashores, olive groves, and vineyards, it’s arduous to not be captivated by this beautiful historic metropolis. Nonetheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Ostuni, I’m certain you’ll love your time there.
Finest Issues To Do in Ostuni
Listed below are 15 of the perfect issues to do and locations to go to in Ostuni and its environment.
1. Discover the Centro Storico (Outdated City)
Strolling the cobblestone streets of Ostuni’s Centro Storico is like being transported to a different period. This stunningly preserved, whitewashed medieval city is perched on the prime of a hill and is named the “White Metropolis”.
From right here, you may absorb unbelievable views of the rolling hills surrounding Ostuni and the turquoise Adriatic Sea that sparkles within the distance. The full of life eating places and cafes, boutique retailers, church buildings, historic buildings, and slim alleyways make it an excellent place to discover.
Wander by means of the backstreets and linger for some time in one of many many enticing piazzas. Certainly one of my favourite free issues to do in Ostuni is to sit in one among these squares and simply watch the world go by.
2. Do a Strolling Tour
An amazing factor to do in any new place is to affix a strolling tour. There are just a few totally different excursions to select from in Ostuni – this one is especially well-reviewed and takes you to the entire prime locations to see in Ostuni.
It is a incredible strategy to familiarise your self with the city, go to its most well-known and delightful landmarks, uncover its wealth of fascinating structure, and find out about its wealthy historical past and traditions.
Alternatively, you may see the entire prime locations to go to in Ostuni by taking a non-public tour of Ostuni by tuk-tuk!
3. Go to Ostuni Cathedral
The Catholic Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is a crucial landmark within the metropolis and one of many prime Ostuni sights. It was constructed across the eleventh century on the stays of a earlier Orthodox church, with some components courting again to the fifth century.
Remember to take your time exploring this majestic constructing, admiring its intricate architectural particulars equivalent to its Romanesque façade, Gothic portal, and Baroque bell tower. The ceiling of the cathedral is embellished with quite a few stunning work depicting scenes from the Bible.
The cathedral additionally accommodates a lovely ground mosaic and an archive of Twelfth-century parchments.
4. Style the Native Olive Oil (One of many Prime Issues To Do in Ostuni, Italy)
The Puglia area is understood for its scrumptious olive oil and you need to undoubtedly style some throughout your time there. It’s gentle and delicate but extremely wealthy and aromatic – excellent for dressing salads, drizzling over recent pasta, or having fun with with a slice of freshly-baked focaccia bread.
This guided tour takes you to go to an historic olive grove and Masseria (a standard farmhouse) on the outskirts of Ostuni. Among the timber listed below are believed to be over a thousand years previous!
You’ll be taught concerning the course of of creating olive oil, all the way in which from planting seeds to urgent the ultimate product. After all, you’ll additionally get to style totally different varieties, and your information will educate you concerning the varied well being advantages of olive oil, and why it’s so essential in southern Italian cooking.
5. Have a Seashore Day
Ostuni is positioned a mere 8 kilometers from the glowing Adriatic Sea, near a few of Puglia’s greatest seashores. Spending a day (and even an hour or two) on the seashore is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Ostuni for households.
Whereas the seashores in Puglia aren’t as undiscovered or untouched as these simply throughout the Adriatic on the Albanian Riviera, they’re usually quieter and nicer than the seashores in lots of different components of Italy.
Some of the in style seashores close to Ostuni is Spiaggia di Pilone, a protracted stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit quieter, head to Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is wilder and has fewer services.
6. Test Out the Museums
Get an perception into Ostuni’s fascinating historical past and wealthy tradition by visiting one of many many native museums.
The Museo Diocesano di Ostuni (Diocesan Museum of Ostuni) is housed inside an historic Episcopal Corridor, the previous residence of the city’s bishops. It accommodates a spread of art work, archaeological finds, and different native artifacts and treasures, and is among the most fascinating locations to go to in Ostuni.
The Museo di Civiltà Preclassiche (Museum of Pre-Classical Civilizations) is positioned inside a former monastery and accommodates varied archaeological stays, ornaments, and ceramics courting again to the Paleolithic period.
For lovers of latest artwork, the Orizzonti Arte Contemporanea gallery can be properly price a go to. This wonderful gallery options beautiful works by native artists and hosts common occasions and exhibitions, that are marketed on its web site.
7. Take a Conventional Puglian Cooking Class
I really like the meals in Puglia. Typical Puglian meals is easy, hearty, and scrumptious, showcasing the area’s high-quality recent native produce.
Learn to make a number of the greatest and hottest native dishes by taking this conventional Puglian cooking class. An expert chef will educate you to make Puglian classics equivalent to orecchiette pasta from scratch, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisù, and different treasured native recipes.
On the finish of the category, you’ll get pleasure from a 4-course meal of the dishes you’ve ready. Word: this class takes place within the neighboring city of Cisternino, one other excellent place to go to close to Ostuni, which is just 20 minutes away from Ostuni by automotive (or half-hour by bus).
8. Pattern the Native Wines
The Puglia area is residence to a number of the greatest wines in Italy, and there are quite a few wineries and vineyards within the space the place you may style native wines and be taught concerning the manufacturing course of from educated guides
On this wine-focused tour, you’ll go to a Sixteenth-century Masseria wine property and a contemporary wine cellar and style a spread of their greatest wines. You’ll additionally get to go to just a few different locations within the Valle d’Itria, together with Alberobello and Locorotondo, so that is undoubtedly among the best issues to do close to Ostuni.
9. Go to Alberobello
The UNESCO-listed city of Alberobello is simply an hour away from Ostuni and is legendary for its trulli – historic homes constructed from limestone with conical roofs. Alberobello has tons of of those fascinating buildings, and you may go inside a few of them to get a greater look.
The most effective methods to be taught extra about these iconic buildings and to see a spread of probably the most spectacular ones is to take this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
The city additionally presents loads of different issues to do, together with wine tastings and cooking lessons. Remember to find time for a day journey to discover this distinctive vacation spot!
10. Store at Native Markets
Take residence some souvenirs out of your journey by purchasing at one of many native markets. The Mercato del Sabato (Saturday market) is very price visiting if you’re on the town on a Saturday.
Locals come right here to purchase the whole lot from recent meals and kitchenware to garments and even antiques. You possibly can choose up a spread of recent produce and handmade items made by native artisans. Come early within the morning to snag the perfect gadgets!
11. Take pleasure in a Gelato in Piazza della Libertà
This vibrant sq. is the bustling coronary heart of Ostuni and an incredible place to calm down and take pleasure in some genuine Puglian gelato.
There are a number of gelaterias on this space, however Cremeria La Scala is especially good and presents a spread of scrumptious flavors of gelato, granita, and sorbet with basic & seasonal flavors. Additionally they have a beautiful shaded patio to flee from the highly effective noon solar.
This space of the Centro Storico can be residence to a number of nice cafes and eating places.
12. Stroll the Metropolis Partitions
Ostuni was an historic fortified metropolis, and the stays of its previous defensive partitions are nonetheless largely intact.
You possibly can stroll alongside just a few sections of those partitions, which supply a singular perspective of town and its environment. I’d suggest packing a snug pair of footwear for this, as there are fairly just a few steps, nevertheless it’s greater than definitely worth the effort.
Gazing out from Ostuni’s hilltop place, it’s straightforward to see why its founders selected this as the situation for his or her metropolis. You possibly can see for a good distance in every path, together with out to sea.
13. Take pleasure in a Personal Eating Expertise
Should you’re staying in an condominium with self-catering services, one of the crucial particular issues to do in Ostuni at evening is to take pleasure in an at-home non-public eating expertise.
An professional chef will come to your condominium and prepare dinner up a feast for you of Puglian specialties utilizing a spread of top-quality native components. The meal features a vary of appetizers, first and second programs, and a scrumptious dessert.
This expertise will be custom-made to account for explicit dietary necessities – see right here for extra data.
14. Discover Martina Franca
The quaint hilltop city of Martina Franca is simply 23 kilometers away from Ostuni and an excellent spot for a day journey. The city is understood for its baroque-style buildings and slim, cobbled streets lined with fashionable cafes and boutiques.
Martina Franca is residence to the spectacular baroque Basilica di San Martino cathedral which homes some stunning work from the Sixteenth century.
Wander round its slim streets, get pleasure from a espresso or an aperitivo in one among its many cafes and bars, and take in the ambiance. You possibly can take a strolling tour of Martina Franca, or style quite a few native wines and different delicacies as a part of this tasting expertise.
15. Savor an Unbelievable Sundown
Ostuni’s sunsets are merely breathtaking, so be sure to take a while each night you’re there to get pleasure from them from one of many many viewpoints round city.
My favourite place to look at the sundown in Ostuni is from the terrace of Dish Restaurant (see beneath). Nonetheless, even should you don’t eat there, you may nonetheless get pleasure from an unbelievable view of town from right here.
The southern Mediterranean sundown paints the whitewashed Centro Storico with gold, orange, and pink rays. It’s actually magical and an ideal factor to do in Ostuni for {couples}.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Ostuni
Listed below are just a few prompt journey itineraries to assist resolve what stuff to do in Ostuni so that you just get probably the most out of your time there.
1 Day in Ostuni Itinerary
You possibly can see most of Ostuni’s prime sights in at some point. Start the day by taking a strolling tour and exploring the Centro Storico, earlier than stopping for a leisurely lunch in one of many many conventional eating places within the heart.
Within the afternoon, both head to the seashore or to one of many native vineyards for a spot of wine tasting. Again on the town, have gelato in Piazza della Liberta, then end your day having fun with a world-class sundown and dinner at Dish Restaurant (see beneath).
2-3 Days in Ostuni Itinerary
Spend the primary day exploring town and visiting its varied sights, as above.
On day two, make a journey to Alberobello to see the wonderful trulli. From right here, you may be a part of this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
Lastly, in your ultimate day, head to the coast for some seashore time. Within the afternoon, do a conventional Puglian cooking class. End off your time within the metropolis with just a few drinks, and benefit from the sundown.
1 Week in Ostuni Itinerary
Ostuni is a reasonably small metropolis and in a single week you may comfortably see and do the whole lot I’ve described on this put up. You’ll be capable to actually take your time with every of those actions and benefit from the splendidly relaxed tempo of life that this a part of the world is legendary for.
The order you do issues is completely as much as you, however I might counsel beginning with not less than at some point exploring town (as per the above) that can assist you get your bearings.
After that, you may spend a full day every in each Alberobello and Martina Franca, and one other one on the seashore. Use your remaining three days to tick off the remaining actions on this record.
Don’t neglect to go to Ostuni’s foremost market on Saturday, and permit your self loads of time to take a seat and people-watch within the metropolis’s enticing squares and plazas.
The place to Keep in Ostuni
These are just a few of the perfect neighborhoods in Ostuni for vacationers.
Outdated City – Finest for First-time Guests
The Centro Storico of Ostuni is the best alternative for first-time guests, as most of the city’s hottest historic websites and sights are positioned right here. With its charming cobblestone streets and full of life ambiance, it’s the proper place to get a really feel for town.
It is a nice lodge near the middle.
Outskirts of Ostuni – Finest for Price range Vacationers
Should you’re on the lookout for finances lodging, this could largely be discovered on the outskirts of city. It’s not a very massive place, so that you’ll doubtless be capable to stroll out of your lodge or condominium to many of the foremost vacationer sights in Ostuni, Italy.
Try this incredible finances condominium.
Masserias Close to Ostuni – Finest for a Peaceable Rural Retreat
The world round Ostuni is residence to quite a few Masserias (conventional farmhouses), nestled among the many historic olive groves. A couple of have been transformed into guesthouses and opulent resorts that make for an ideal rural southern Italian retreat.
This one is beautiful.
Finest Eating places in Ostuni
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Ostuni.
Dish Restaurant
Upmarket Dish Restaurant has a terrace with among the best views within the metropolis. The meals can be incredible, providing a spread of creative and scrumptious dishes which can be expertly offered.
Osteria Madre
Osteria Madre is a standard Puglian restaurant simply south of the historic heart of Ostuni. It’s mid-priced and serves quite a few native specialties, together with recent pasta and seafood.
Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza
The factor I really like most about Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza is its spacious out of doors terrace with sweeping views out to the Adriatic coast and throughout to the Outdated City. Their blended seafood platter is especially good, they usually have an incredible collection of native wines to get pleasure from along with your meal.
Impasto Napoletano Pizzeria Napoletana
Should you’re within the temper for good worth, high-quality Neapolitan pizza in Ostuni, look no additional than Impasto Napoletano Pizzeria Napoletana. They’ve an outside terrace that’s full of life and buzzing within the evenings.
Getting To Ostuni
For a lot of guests, the best strategy to get to Ostuni is by way of Bari, the capital of Puglia.
Bari has a world airport with flights from a wide range of locations all through Europe. Should you’re coming from additional away, you’ll most likely should fly to both Rome or Milan first after which take a connecting flight (or practice) to Bari.
From Bari, you may attain Ostuni by practice or bus. The practice is faster than the bus, though keep in mind that Ostuni practice station is positioned about 2 kilometers away from the middle of city. You possibly can both stroll, take an area bus, or hail a taxi to take you into city.
It’s additionally potential to journey to Puglia by ferry from varied international locations within the Balkans, together with Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece. Most ferries arrive in both Bari or Brindisi.
When you’ve arrived in Ostuni, town heart is small and greatest explored on foot.
Issues To Do in Ostuni: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on what to see and do in Ostuni.
Ostuni is named the “White Metropolis” as a result of its stunning whitewashed homes, which make for beautiful views from many factors within the metropolis.
Ostuni is a superb vacation spot year-round. I believe the perfect time to go to is through the spring or early summer time months when temperatures are heat, however not too scorching, and the times are lengthy.
Sure! There are many issues to do in Ostuni, from exploring its cobbled streets and having fun with nice meals and wine to absorbing the solar on its close by seashores.
I like to recommend staying not less than two or three days to take advantage of your go to. You possibly can simply fill a day exploring Ostuni’s charming heart, one other day enjoyable on the seashore, after which a 3rd day visiting native vineyards and olive groves.
Ostuni is mostly a very secure place to go to. Nonetheless, as with all vacation spot, it’s at all times greatest to pay attention to your environment and take the standard precautions.
Exploring the gorgeous whitewashed Outdated City is among the hottest issues to do in Ostuni.
The perfect seashore near Ostuni is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle. It’s quiet and unspoiled, with crystal-clear waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
Ostuni is famend for its scrumptious delicacies, with a hearty mixture of seafood, greens, cheeses, and pasta. A few of my favourite dishes embody seafood pasta, focaccia, and grilled freshly-caught native fish.
In Closing
As you may see, there are many issues to see in Ostuni, Italy. Regardless of its magnificence, town additionally receives fewer vacationers than most of the nation’s different well-known locations. It’s an ideal place to get away from all of it and really expertise southern Italian life.
Ostuni is an extremely stunning vacation spot and a incredible place to base your self when exploring extra of the broader Puglia area. I couldn’t suggest it extra.
