The gorgeous whitewashed metropolis of Ostuni needs to be on everybody’s Puglia itinerary. Perched on high 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 submit, I’ll share among the greatest issues to do in Ostuni, Puglia. I spent a few weeks in Puglia and now it’s one in every of my favourite cities in southern Italy. It 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 it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Ostuni, I’m positive you’ll love your time there.
Finest Issues to Do in Ostuni
Listed here are 15 of the perfect issues to do and locations to go to in Ostuni and its environment. Don’t miss our in-depth, full information to touring Italy!
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 high of a hill and is called 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 vigorous eating places and cafes, boutique retailers, church buildings, historical buildings, and slim alleyways make it a perfect place to discover.
Wander by means of the backstreets and linger for some time in one of many many engaging piazzas. Considered one of my favourite free issues to do in Ostuni is to sit in one in every of these squares and simply watch the world go by.
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2. Do a Strolling Tour
A terrific factor to do in any new place is to affix 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 the entire high locations to see in Ostuni.
This can be a implausible technique 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 high 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 high 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.
Be sure you take your time exploring this majestic constructing, admiring its intricate architectural particulars comparable to its Romanesque façade, Gothic portal, and Baroque bell tower. The ceiling of the cathedral is embellished with plenty of lovely work depicting scenes from the Bible.
The cathedral additionally comprises a ravishing flooring mosaic and an archive of Twelfth-century parchments.
Deal with: Largo Arcid Teodoro Trinchera, 29, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
4. Style the Native Olive Oil (One of many Prime Issues to Do in Ostuni, Italy)
The Puglia area is thought for its scrumptious olive oil and you must positively style some throughout your time there. It’s gentle and delicate but extremely wealthy and aromatic – excellent 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 historical olive grove and Masseria (a conventional farmhouse) on the outskirts of Ostuni. A few of the bushes listed below are believed to be over a thousand years previous!
You’ll be taught in regards to the course of of creating olive oil, all the way in which from planting seeds to urgent the ultimate product. In fact, you’ll additionally get to style completely different varieties, and your information will train 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 greatest seashores. Spending a day (and even an hour or two) on the seashore is without doubt 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 typically quieter and nicer than the seashores in lots of different components of Italy.
One of the in style seashores close to Ostuni is Spiaggia di Pilone, a protracted stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. In case you’re on the lookout 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 historical Episcopal Corridor, the previous residence of the city’s bishops. It comprises a variety of art work, archaeological finds, and different native artifacts and treasures, and is without doubt one of the most fascinating 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 courting 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 among the greatest and hottest native dishes by taking this conventional Puglian cooking class. Knowledgeable chef will train you to make Puglian classics comparable 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. Notice: 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 among 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 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 greatest 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 top-of-the-line 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 – historical homes constructed from limestone with conical roofs. Alberobello has a whole lot 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 variety of essentially the most spectacular ones is to take this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
The city additionally gives loads of different issues to do, together with wine tastings and cooking courses. Be sure you 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 buying at one of many native markets. The Mercato del Sabato (Saturday market) is very value visiting if you’re on the town on a Saturday.
Locals come right here to purchase every thing from contemporary meals and kitchenware to garments and even antiques. You possibly can decide 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 an excellent place to loosen up 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 gives 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 residence to a number of nice cafes and eating places.
12. Stroll the Metropolis Partitions
Ostuni was once an historical fortified metropolis, and the stays of its previous defensive partitions are nonetheless largely intact.
You possibly can stroll alongside a couple of sections of those partitions, which provide a singular perspective of the town and its environment. I’d advocate packing a snug pair of footwear for this, as there are fairly a couple of steps, however it’s greater than definitely worth the effort.
Gazing out from Ostuni’s hilltop place, it’s simple 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 route, together with out to sea.
13. Take pleasure in a Non-public Eating Expertise
In case you’re staying in an house with self-catering amenities, one of the vital particular issues to do in Ostuni at evening is to take pleasure in an at-home personal eating expertise.
An knowledgeable chef will come to your house and prepare 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 might 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 a perfect spot for a day journey. The city is thought for its baroque-style buildings and slim, cobbled streets lined with stylish cafes and boutiques.
Martina Franca is residence to the spectacular baroque Basilica di San Martino cathedral which homes some lovely work from the Sixteenth century.
Wander round its slim streets, get pleasure from a espresso or an aperitivo in one in every of its many cafes and bars, and take in the ambiance. You possibly can take a strolling tour of Martina Franca, or style plenty 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 that 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 when you don’t eat there, you may nonetheless get pleasure from an unbelievable view of the 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 here are a couple of urged journey itineraries to assist resolve what stuff to do in Ostuni so that you just get essentially the most out of your time there.
1 Day in Ostuni Itinerary
You possibly can see most of Ostuni’s high sights in sooner or later. 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 the 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 last 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 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 thing I’ve described on this submit. 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 known for.
The order you do issues is completely as much as you, however I might counsel beginning with at the least sooner or later exploring the 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 overlook to go to Ostuni’s essential market on Saturday, and permit your self loads of time to sit down 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 selection for first-time guests, as lots of the city’s hottest historic websites and sights are situated right here. With its charming cobblestone streets and vigorous ambiance, it’s the proper place to get a really feel for the town.
This can be a nice lodge near the middle.
Outskirts of Ostuni – Finest for Price range Vacationers
In case you’re on the lookout for price range lodging, this may largely be discovered on the outskirts of city. It’s not a very giant place, so that you’ll probably be capable to stroll out of your lodge or house to many of the essential vacationer sights in Ostuni, Italy.
Try this implausible price range house.
Masserias Close to Ostuni – Finest for a Peaceable Rural Retreat
The realm round Ostuni is residence to quite a few Masserias (conventional farmhouses), nestled among the many historical olive groves. A number of have been transformed into guesthouses and opulent motels 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 top-of-the-line views within the metropolis. The meals can be implausible, providing a variety of creative and scrumptious dishes which might be expertly offered.
Osteria Madre
Osteria Madre is a conventional Puglian restaurant simply south of the historic heart of Ostuni. It’s mid-priced and serves plenty 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 an excellent number of native wines to get pleasure from together with your meal.
Impasto Napoletano Pizzeria Napoletana
In case 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 vigorous and buzzing within the evenings.
Attending to Ostuni
For a lot of guests, the simplest technique to get to Ostuni is by way of Bari, the capital of Puglia.
Bari has a global airport with flights from quite a lot of locations all through Europe. In case you’re coming from additional away, you’ll in all probability need to 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 possibly can both stroll, take a neighborhood bus, or hail a taxi to take you into city.
It’s additionally doable to journey to Puglia by ferry from varied nations within the Balkans, together with Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece. Most ferries arrive in both Bari or Brindisi.
When you’ve arrived in Ostuni, the town heart is small and greatest explored on foot.
Issues to Do in Ostuni: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on what to see and do in Ostuni.
Ostuni is called the “White Metropolis” attributable to its lovely 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 in the course of the spring or early summer season 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 at the least 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 stress-free on the seashore, after which a 3rd day visiting native vineyards and olive groves.
Ostuni is usually a very protected place to go to. Nonetheless, as with all vacation spot, it’s all the time greatest to concentrate on your environment and take the standard precautions.
Exploring the gorgeous whitewashed Previous City is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Ostuni.
The most effective 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, the town additionally receives fewer vacationers than lots of the nation’s different well-known locations. It’s an ideal place to get away from all of it and actually expertise southern Italian life.
Ostuni is an extremely lovely vacation spot and a implausible place to base your self when exploring extra of the broader Puglia area. I couldn’t advocate it extra.
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