The gorgeous whitewashed metropolis of Ostuni must be on everybody’s Puglia itinerary. Perched on prime of a hill and overlooking the glowing Adriatic Sea, its charming white homes, slender cobblestone streets, historic church buildings, and atmospheric little squares give it a singular and magical ambiance.
On this publish, I’ll share a few of the finest issues to do in Ostuni, Puglia. It’s considered one of 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 exhausting to not be captivated by this gorgeous historic metropolis. Nonetheless lengthy you need to 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 (Previous 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 called the “White Metropolis”.
From right here, you may absorb unimaginable views of the rolling hills surrounding Ostuni and the turquoise Adriatic Sea that sparkles within the distance. The energetic eating places and cafes, boutique outlets, church buildings, historic buildings, and slender alleyways make it a super place to discover.
Wander by the backstreets and linger for some time in one of many many engaging piazzas. Certainly one of my favourite free issues to do in Ostuni is to sit in considered one of these squares and simply watch the world go by.
2. Do a Strolling Tour
A fantastic factor to do in any new place is to hitch a strolling tour. There are a couple of completely different excursions to select from in Ostuni – this one is especially well-reviewed and takes you to all the prime locations to see in Ostuni.
It is a improbable technique to familiarise your self with the city, go to its most well-known and delightful landmarks, uncover its wealth of fascinating structure, and study its wealthy historical past and traditions.
Alternatively, you may see all the prime locations to go to in Ostuni by taking a personal 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 elements relationship again to the fifth century.
You’ll want to take your time exploring this majestic constructing, admiring its intricate architectural particulars resembling its Romanesque façade, Gothic portal, and Baroque bell tower. The ceiling of the cathedral is embellished with a variety of stunning work depicting scenes from the Bible.
The cathedral additionally comprises a good looking flooring mosaic and an archive of Twelfth-century parchments.
4. Style the Native Olive Oil (One of many High Issues To Do in Ostuni, Italy)
The Puglia area is understood for its scrumptious olive oil and it’s best to positively style some throughout your time there. It’s mild and delicate but extremely wealthy and aromatic – good for dressing salads, drizzling over contemporary 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 bushes listed below are believed to be over a thousand years outdated!
You’ll be taught in regards to the course of of constructing olive oil, all the best way from planting seeds to urgent the ultimate product. After all, you’ll additionally get to style completely different varieties, and your information will educate you in regards to the varied well being advantages of olive oil, and why it’s so vital in southern Italian cooking.
5. Have a Seashore Day
Ostuni is situated a mere 8 kilometers from the glowing Adriatic Sea, near a few of Puglia’s finest seashores. Spending a day (and even an hour or two) on the seaside is likely one of 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 elements of Italy.
Some of the well-liked seashores close to Ostuni is Spiaggia di Pilone, an extended stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. For those who’re searching for one thing a bit quieter, head to Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is wilder and has fewer amenities.
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 dwelling of the city’s bishops. It comprises a variety of art work, archaeological finds, and different native artifacts and treasures, and is likely one of the most attention-grabbing locations to go to in Ostuni.
The Museo di Civiltà Preclassiche (Museum of Pre-Classical Civilizations) is situated inside a former monastery and comprises varied archaeological stays, ornaments, and ceramics relationship again to the Paleolithic period.
For lovers of latest artwork, the Orizzonti Arte Contemporanea gallery can be nicely value a go to. This superb gallery options gorgeous 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 contemporary native produce.
Discover ways to make a few of the finest and hottest native dishes by taking this conventional Puglian cooking class. Knowledgeable chef will educate you to make Puglian classics resembling orecchiette pasta from scratch, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisù, and different treasured native recipes.
On the finish of the category, you’ll take pleasure in a 4-course meal of the dishes you’ve ready. Notice: this class takes place within the neighboring city of Cisternino, one other excellent place to go to close to Ostuni, which is simply 20 minutes away from Ostuni by automotive (or half-hour by bus).
8. Pattern the Native Wines
The Puglia area is dwelling to a few of the finest 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 in regards to 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 variety of their finest wines. You’ll additionally get to go to a couple of different locations within the Valle d’Itria, together with Alberobello and Locorotondo, so that is positively among the finest 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 known for its trulli – historic homes constructed from limestone with conical roofs. Alberobello has lots of of those fascinating buildings, and you may go inside a few of them to get a greater look.
Probably the greatest methods to be taught extra about these iconic buildings and to see a variety 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. You’ll want to find time for a day journey to discover this distinctive vacation spot!
10. Store at Native Markets
Take dwelling some souvenirs out of your journey by procuring at one of many native markets. The Mercato del Sabato (Saturday market) is very value visiting in case you are on the town on a Saturday.
Locals come right here to purchase every little thing from contemporary meals and kitchenware to garments and even antiques. You may choose up a variety of contemporary produce and handmade items made by native artisans. Come early within the morning to snag the perfect objects!
11. Take pleasure in a Gelato in Piazza della Libertà
This vibrant sq. is the bustling coronary heart of Ostuni and a fantastic place to loosen up and bask in some genuine Puglian gelato.
There are a number of gelaterias on this space, however Cremeria La Scala is especially good and presents a variety of scrumptious flavors of gelato, granita, and sorbet with traditional & 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 dwelling 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 outdated defensive partitions are nonetheless largely intact.
You may stroll alongside a couple of sections of those partitions, which supply a singular perspective of town and its environment. I’d advocate packing a cushty pair of footwear for this, as there are fairly a couple of steps, but it surely’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 placement for his or her metropolis. You may see for a great distance in every route, together with out to sea.
13. Take pleasure in a Personal Eating Expertise
For those who’re staying in an condo with self-catering amenities, probably the most particular issues to do in Ostuni at night time is to bask in an at-home personal eating expertise.
An skilled chef will come to your condo and cook dinner up a feast for you of Puglian specialties utilizing a variety of top-quality native substances. The meal features a vary of appetizers, first and second programs, and a scrumptious dessert.
This expertise may be personalized to account for explicit dietary necessities – see right here for extra info.
14. Discover Martina Franca
The quaint hilltop city of Martina Franca is simply 23 kilometers away from Ostuni and a super spot for a day journey. The city is understood for its baroque-style buildings and slender, cobbled streets lined with fashionable cafes and boutiques.
Martina Franca is dwelling to the spectacular baroque Basilica di San Martino cathedral which homes some stunning work from the Sixteenth century.
Wander round its slender streets, take pleasure in a espresso or an aperitivo in considered one of its many cafes and bars, and absorb the ambiance. You may take a strolling tour of Martina Franca, or style a variety of native wines and different delicacies as a part of this tasting expertise.
15. Savor an Unimaginable Sundown
Ostuni’s sunsets are merely breathtaking, so be certain to take a while each night you’re there to take pleasure in them from one of many many viewpoints round city.
My favourite place to observe the sundown in Ostuni is from the terrace of Dish Restaurant (see beneath). Nonetheless, even when you don’t eat there, you may nonetheless take pleasure in an unimaginable 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 a couple of advised 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 may see most of Ostuni’s prime sights in in the future. 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 seaside 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 superb trulli. From right here, you may be a part of this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
Lastly, in your remaining day, head to the coast for some seaside time. Within the afternoon, do a conventional Puglian cooking class. End off your time within the metropolis with a couple of 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 every little thing I’ve described on this publish. You’ll have the ability 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 known for.
The order you do issues is completely as much as you, however I might recommend beginning with not less than in the future 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 seaside. Use your remaining three days to tick off the remaining actions on this listing.
Don’t overlook to go to Ostuni’s principal market on Saturday, and permit your self loads of time to take a seat and people-watch within the metropolis’s engaging squares and plazas.
The place to Keep in Ostuni
These are a couple of of the perfect neighborhoods in Ostuni for vacationers.
Previous City – Finest for First-time Guests
The Centro Storico of Ostuni is the perfect alternative for first-time guests, as most of the city’s hottest historic websites and sights are situated right here. With its charming cobblestone streets and energetic 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
For those who’re searching for funds lodging, this will principally be discovered on the outskirts of city. It’s not a very massive place, so that you’ll possible have the ability to stroll out of your lodge or condo to many of the principal vacationer sights in Ostuni, Italy.
Take a look at this improbable funds condo.
Masserias Close to Ostuni – Finest for a Peaceable Rural Retreat
The realm round Ostuni is dwelling to quite a few Masserias (conventional farmhouses), nestled among the many historic olive groves. A number of have been transformed into guesthouses and opulent accommodations 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 finest views within the metropolis. The meals can be improbable, providing a variety of ingenious 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 a variety of native specialties, together with contemporary pasta and seafood.
Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza
The factor I really like most about Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza is its spacious outside terrace with sweeping views out to the Adriatic coast and throughout to the Previous City. Their blended seafood platter is especially good, and so they have a fantastic choice of native wines to take pleasure in along with your meal.
Impasto Napoletano Pizzeria Napoletana
For those who’re within the temper for good worth, high-quality Neapolitan pizza in Ostuni, look no additional than Impasto Napoletano Pizzeria Napoletana. They’ve an out of doors terrace that’s energetic and buzzing within the evenings.
Getting To Ostuni
For a lot of guests, the best technique to get to Ostuni is through Bari, the capital of Puglia.
Bari has a world airport with flights from a wide range of locations all through Europe. For those who’re coming from additional away, you’ll in all probability must fly to both Rome or Milan first after which take a connecting flight (or prepare) to Bari.
From Bari, you may attain Ostuni by prepare or bus. The prepare is faster than the bus, though keep in mind that Ostuni prepare station is situated about 2 kilometers away from the middle of city. You may both stroll, take a neighborhood bus, or hail a taxi to take you into city.
It’s additionally attainable 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 finest 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 called the “White Metropolis” as a consequence of its stunning whitewashed homes, which make for gorgeous views from many factors within the metropolis.
Ostuni is a good vacation spot year-round. I feel the perfect time to go to is through the spring or early summer time months when temperatures are heat, however not too sizzling, 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 may simply fill a day exploring Ostuni’s charming heart, one other day enjoyable on the seaside, after which a 3rd day visiting native vineyards and olive groves.
Ostuni is usually a very secure place to go to. Nonetheless, as with every vacation spot, it’s at all times finest to concentrate on your environment and take the standard precautions.
Exploring the gorgeous whitewashed Previous City is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Ostuni.
The most effective seaside near Ostuni is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle. It’s quiet and unspoiled, with crystal-clear waters good 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 embrace 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 improbable place to base your self when exploring extra of the broader Puglia area. I couldn’t advocate it extra.