Holiday in Ostuni

About Ostuni

Ostuni is the white city of Apulia and one of the most photogenic places in southern Italy. Perched on three hills and completely painted in dazzling white, the city shines like a mirage over the endless olive groves of the Valle d'Itria. The lime plaster, with which the houses of the old town have been painted for centuries, originally served as a natural disinfectant against the plague and today gives Ostuni its distinctive, almost oriental character. The old town, the Centro Storico, is a fascinating maze of steep stairs, narrow alleys, vaulted passages, and small squares winding up the hill to the Gothic cathedral. The Cattedrale, with its round rose window from the 15th century, crowns the highest point and offers a panoramic view that, on clear days, reaches the sea. The alleys of the old town are lined with boutiques, artisan shops, small bars, and hidden restaurants that are concealed behind unremarkable doors. What sets Ostuni apart from other white towns in Apulia is its dual nature: the city is both a historical gem and a gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches of the Adriatic. The coast near Torre Guaceto, a marine protected area just 15 kilometers away, offers pristine dune beaches with crystal-clear water, among the cleanest in Italy. The Lido di Ostuni and Rosa Marina are also popular bathing destinations. The surroundings of Ostuni are characterized by ancient olive trees, some over 1,000 years old, whose gnarled trunks stand like sculptures in the landscape. The masserie, traditional Apulian farmhouses, have often been converted into stylish boutique hotels and restaurants, offering an authentic countryside experience with pools, cooking classes, and olive oil tastings. From Germany, one can fly to Brindisi (only 35 km) or Bari (80 km). Traveling by train to Ostuni is also straightforward. The best travel time is from May to October, with evenings in Ostuni being pleasantly cool even in the height of summer.