Ostuni sits across the top of three hills overlooking the olive trees of the trulli valley. Often called the “White City” in the Puglia region of Italy due to its beautiful white-washed buildings. The city looks gorgeous as you drive toward it and seems to sparkle in the sunlight.
The best way to experience Ostuni is to wander the charming and picturesque old town. Get lost in the beautiful narrow cobbled stone streets, and take your time to look at the ancient buildings as you climb up toward the Duomo.
There are so many little staircases, arches, and alleyways where curiosity will take you off the beaten path. It might take a bit of time to get to the top. Just go with it; it's so pretty to explore that it doesn't matter how long it takes. The houses look like they are on top of each other, with historic facades, lovely little gardens, and great doors.
Along the way, you will see small shops selling colorful ceramics made by local artists and many places where you can stop for a bite to eat or drink.
At the center of the old town, in Piazza della Libertà, you will find a beautiful 15th-century Gothic Cathedral, with its Romanesque-inspired large rose windows, the most important historical landmark in Ostuni. Inside the Cathedral, you will find stunning artwork and mosaics.
The Duomo di Ostuni, the city's main Cathedral, is located on the hill's highest point. The views from up here are stunning, and you can see for miles out over the Puglian countryside, with olive trees as far as the eye can see.
Ostuni is also home to several excellent markets, where fresh produce, delicious food, and local crafts are found. Be sure to check what markets are open on the days you visit.
As you head down from the Duomo, you'll see the city walls you can walk along. Originally designed to keep invaders out of the city, you can use them to get a different view and perspective of Ostuni. After dark Ostuni looks like it is covered in fairy lights and is breathtaking from this view.
Puglia is known for its food; while I traveled through Italy, the best food I had was in the Puglian region. As you travel, try to order some of each region's specialties as they can be quite different. They can even be different from town to town!
If you visit during the warmer months, have a relaxing day at one of Ostuni's beaches. Ostuni is a short drive from the Adriatic Sea, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach. Spiaggia di Fontana Vecchia and Spiaggia Punta Penna Grossa are two of the most popular beaches in the area.
Also, a short drive from Ostuni is Parco Nazionale del Gargano, a national park home to forests, lakes, hiking trails, and a perfect place to enjoy quiet time.
Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo
Some events happen during the summer that I would love to attend but don't because I know it would be chaos, and all my senses would go into overdrive. One of those is the Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo, a historical festival in Ostuni every year since 1657.
The three-day event pays homage to the city's patron saint, Saint Orontius of Lecce, who saved the town from the plague. One of the events is a parade with knights on horseback dressed in red cassocks and white slacks with plume-topped hats and horses draped in beautifully embroidered red capes. The festival happens every August 25, 26, and 27.
Ostuni Parking
There is a large parking lot at the base of Ostuni where you can park and then walk up the hill to the entrance of the old town. Remember that many Italian cities have the Zona Traffico Limitato (Limited Traffic Zones), which, if you don't pay attention, you can receive hefty fines if you try to drive through.
These are nearly always in place in the older parts of each city, partly to protect the ancient streets and buildings and reduce congestion. The ZTL covers Ostuni's old town, so park at the base and walk.
When to Visit
I usually advise anyone with high sensitivity to travel during low season as it elevates many of the problems you would experience when there are many tourists around.
In this case, I would say visit in the shoulder season, April, May, September, or October.
Ostuni is empty in the low season, with many small shops and restaurants closed.
I visited this time in January 2022 and would not recommend it. The town felt empty, as if the locals had decided to leave for a few weeks. A few tourists were wandering around, and a few shops and cafes were open, but your options were minimal.
As an HSP, while you want quiet, having some buzz and people around you is still lovely.
Ostuni is a beautiful city and one that should not be missed if you visit Puglia. Whether you wander the streets of the old town, relax on one of the many beaches, or enjoy the views from up high, Ostuni will take your breath away.
Where We Stayed in Ostuni
Masseria Salinola
Ostuni, Puglia 72017
Italy
How to Get There
& When to Go
Planes
Fly into Bari, the capital of Puglia, an hour's drive from Ostuni. Alternatively, there is a regional airport, Brindisi Salento Airport, half an hour from Ostuni.
Train
The nearest train station to Ostuni is 3 kilometers away, so you need to take a taxi once you arrive. It takes about 50 minutes to get from Bari to the Ostuni station. However, the best way to tour the Puglian region is by car; public transport is problematic in that area.
Motorcar
There is a large parking lot at the base of Ostuni where you can park and then walk up the hill to the entrance of the old town. Remember that many Italian cities have the Zona Traffico Limitato (Limited Traffic Zones), which, if you don't pay attention, you can receive hefty fines if you try to drive through.
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, and October are the best times for HSPs. I visited this time in January, and the town was practically empty, with few shops and restaurant options.
General
Information
Language
Italian, although each region has its dialect.
Currency
Euro
Cash | Cards
Most places accept credit cards but always carry cash. Shops in smaller cities, some car parks, and most parking meters only take cash. Use Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees in Italy.
Discover, Diners Club, and American Express are not commonly accepted. ATMs are the best way to get cash.
Plugs
The standard voltage in Europe is 230 V; buy a travel adapter before leaving the US.
Italian Emergency
113 Italian National Polizia
115 Italian Fire Brigade
118 Health emergencies
EU Emergency Number
Dialing 112 from any country in the European Union will connect you to emergency services, such as police, fire, and ambulance services. Dialing 112 is free, and you can dial from any mobile phone, landline, or payphone.
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