Best Things to Do in Ostuni: Travel Guide to the White City

Welcome to Ostuni, the dazzling White City of Puglia, where sunlit streets and whitewashed walls glow against the deep blue of the Adriatic. Surrounded by ancient olive groves and some of the most celebrated Puglia wineries, this hilltop town is a feast for the senses. Its maze of narrow alleyways, sweeping sea views, and irresistible food scene make it one of those places you never want to leave. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Ostuni, this guide will take you through must-see landmarks, hidden corners, and flavors that capture the soul of Southern Italy. From golden focaccia to award-winning olive oil and cheeses that melt in your mouth, Ostuni is heaven for food lovers.

What are the best things to do in Ostuni?

Wander the winding alleys

The old town is where Ostuni’s magic truly comes alive, a sunlit maze of cobbled alleys wrapped in its signature whitewashed walls. Around every corner you’ll stumble on flower-filled balconies, hidden courtyards, tiny coffee bars, and shops packed with local crafts. It’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly, camera in hand, or even hop on a fun little tuk-tuk ride if you want to cover more ground. Exploring these winding streets is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Ostuni, and it’s guaranteed to leave you smiling (and probably snapping way too many photos).

Explore the magnificent Duomo di Ostuni

At the highest point of Ostuni, the Duomo di Ostuni (also known as Ostuni Cathedral) stands out with its Gothic-style façade and striking rose window. From here, you’ll also get one of the best vantage points over the whitewashed streets and the countryside beyond.

Relax at Marina di Ostuni and nearby beaches

A short drive from the old town brings you to Marina di Ostuni, where golden sand meets the clear Adriatic. Spots like Torre Pozzella and Lido Morelli are local favorites, offering calm waters and plenty of space to stretch out. You can dive in for a quick swim or spend the whole day soaking up the sun, sea, and a spritz in hand, these beaches are the perfect coastal escape.

Visit Piazza della Libertà

This lively square is the town’s meeting point, buzzing with cafés, bars, and restaurants that spill onto the cobblestones. At its center rises the 18th-century obelisk of Saint Oronzo, Ostuni’s patron saint, watching over the scene as locals zip past on Vespas.

Sample the best pizza

After an evening passeggiata through Ostuni’s old town, the night naturally leads to pizza. From wood-fired classics with simple, charred perfection to creative toppings inspired by Apulian flavors, there’s something for every craving. Follow the locals toward the main street and you’ll find some of the best pizza spots in Ostuni, where a late slice feels like part of the tradition.

Marvel at the city walls

Ostuni’s towering city walls still wrap around much of the old town, a reminder of the days when they protected the White City from invaders. Today, they make the perfect backdrop for a stroll at sunset, glowing golden as the light hits the whitewashed houses above. Walk along their edge and you’ll catch glimpses of olive groves and the Adriatic beyond, it’s a view that never gets old.

What are the best things to do around Ostuni?

Explore Martina Franca

A day trip to Martina Franca, just 35 minutes by car from Ostuni, is the perfect way to experience another side of Puglia’s charm. This old town is filled with elegant palaces, ornate churches, and a historic center of winding alleys lined with white limestone buildings. Sampling the town’s famous capocollo and local cheeses is a must before heading back. When it comes to things to do in Martina Franca Italy, exploring its old town and savoring its flavors should be at the top of your list.

Sip under Salento skies

Tucked between two seas in the heart of Salento, this grand Masseria blends centuries of farming heritage with sleek, respectful restoration. Once centered around a historic 4th-century BC watchtower, today it spans vineyards and olive groves, offering sunny landscapes, traditional architecture, and wines that echo the terroir, especially Primitivo.

Uncover stone‑carved tradition

Deep in olive-grove country near Alberobello, this rustic winery–museum is as unique as it sounds: vats hewn directly from stone, vault-like rooms that feel like stepping into the past, and a collection of wine-making artifacts that bring local winemaking traditions to life. Founded in the early 1900s, it’s a place where you can explore Puglia’s wine story, sip native grapes like Uva di Troia and Verdeca, and maybe even snag a glass straight from the barrel.

Wander the Itria Valley’s hilltop towns

Set off from the center of Ostuni and visit Itria Valley, a postcard-perfect landscape just 30 to 45 minutes away. This lush corner of Puglia, dotted with ancient olive groves, is home to the iconic trulli of Alberobello and the charming villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino. Rolling hills, great wines, and authentic food make the Itria Valley an essential stop on any Puglian adventure. Along the way, you’ll find vineyards and traditional frantoi where sampling olive oil with fresh bread is simply part of the experience.

Visit Polignano a Mare

Just an hour’s drive away, Polignano a Mare, this coastal gem is famous for its dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Grab a gelato as you watch cliff divers leap into the emerald waters, or wander the lively streets filled with cafés and bars. When it comes to things to do in Polignano a Mare, few experiences match the mix of seaside adventure and laid-back charm this town delivers.

Best towns in Puglia

From whitewashed hilltop villages to lively seaside escapes, the best towns in Puglia each bring their own personality to the region. Ostuni glows with its famous White City charm, Alberobello enchants with its fairytale trulli, while coastal Polignano a Mare offers cliffside views you’ll never forget. Lecce dazzles with Baroque beauty, Gallipoli blends beaches and history, and Martina Franca charms with elegant palaces and winding alleys. Exploring these towns is the best way to experience the real Puglia, authentic, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Good to Know before visiting Ostuni