15 Finest Issues To Do in Ostuni, Italy
The attractive whitewashed metropolis of Ostuni ought 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 publish, I’ll share a number of the finest issues to do in Ostuni, Puglia. It’s one among 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 beautiful 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 here are 15 of the most effective issues to do and locations to go to in Ostuni and its environment.
1. Discover the Centro Storico (Outdated City)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’ll be able to absorb unbelievable views of the rolling hills surrounding Ostuni and the turquoise Adriatic Sea that sparkles within the distance. The full of life eating places and cafes, boutique outlets, church buildings, historical buildings, and slim alleyways make it an excellent place to discover.
Wander via the backstreets and linger for some time in one of many many enticing piazzas. One among my favourite free issues to do in Ostuni is to sit in one among these squares and simply watch the world go by.
2. Do a Strolling Tour
An amazing factor to do in any new place is to affix a strolling tour. There are just a few completely different excursions to select from in Ostuni – this one is especially well-reviewed and takes you to all the high locations to see in Ostuni.
This can be a improbable solution 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’ll be able to see all the high locations to go to in Ostuni by taking a private 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 elements relationship again to the fifth century.
You’ll want to take your time exploring this majestic constructing, admiring its intricate architectural particulars corresponding to its Romanesque façade, Gothic portal, and Baroque bell tower. The ceiling of the cathedral is embellished with a lot of stunning work depicting scenes from the Bible.
The cathedral additionally incorporates a ravishing ground mosaic and an archive of Twelfth-century parchments.
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 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 recent 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 concerning the course of of constructing olive oil, all the best way 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 concerning the numerous well being advantages of olive oil, and why it’s so essential in southern Italian cooking.
5. Have a Seaside Day
Ostuni is positioned 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 among 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.
One of the crucial fashionable seashores close to Ostuni is Spiaggia di Pilone, an extended 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 services.
6. Verify 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 dwelling of the city’s bishops. It incorporates a spread of paintings, archaeological finds, and different native artifacts and treasures, and is among the most fascinating locations to go to in Ostuni.
The Museo di Civiltà Preclassiche (Museum of Pre-Classical Civilizations) is positioned inside a former monastery and incorporates numerous 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 beautiful works by native artists and hosts common occasions and exhibitions, that are marketed on its website.
7. Take a Conventional Puglian Cooking Class
I like the meals in Puglia. Typical Puglian meals is easy, hearty, and scrumptious, showcasing the area’s high-quality recent native produce.
Discover ways to make a number of the finest and hottest native dishes by taking this traditional Puglian cooking class. Knowledgeable chef will train you to make Puglian classics corresponding 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. Observe: this class takes place within the neighboring city of Cisternino, one other great spot 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 number of the finest wines in Italy, and there are quite a few wineries and vineyards within the space the place you’ll be able to style native wines and be taught concerning 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 spread of their finest wines. You’ll additionally get to go to just a few different locations within the Valle d’Itria, together with Alberobello and Locorotondo, so that is positively probably the greatest 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.
Among the finest methods to be taught extra about these iconic buildings and to see a spread of essentially the most spectacular ones is to take this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
The city additionally affords loads of different issues to do, together with wine tastings and cooking courses. 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 all the things from recent meals and kitchenware to garments and even antiques. You possibly can choose up a spread of recent produce and handmade items made by native artisans. Come early within the morning to snag the most effective gadgets!
11. Take pleasure in a Gelato in Piazza della Libertà
This vibrant square is the bustling coronary heart of Ostuni and an ideal place to chill out and bask in some genuine Puglian gelato.
There are a number of gelaterias on this space, however Cremeria La Scala is especially good and affords a spread of scrumptious flavors of gelato, granita, and sorbet with basic & 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 historical fortified metropolis, and the stays of its previous defensive partitions are nonetheless largely intact.
You possibly can stroll alongside just a few sections of those partitions, which provide a singular perspective of the town and its environment. I’d suggest packing a snug pair of sneakers for this, as there are fairly just a few steps, however it’s greater than well 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 path, together with out to sea.
13. Take pleasure in a Personal Eating Expertise
In case you’re staying in an residence with self-catering services, one of the particular issues to do in Ostuni at night time is to bask in an at-home private dining experience.
An knowledgeable chef will come to your residence and cook dinner up a feast for you of Puglian specialties utilizing a spread of top-quality native components. The meal features a vary of appetizers, first and second programs, and a scrumptious dessert.
This expertise may be custom-made to account for explicit dietary necessities – see here for extra info.
14. Discover Martina Franca
The quaint hilltop city of Martina Franca is simply 23 kilometers away from Ostuni and an excellent spot for a day journey. The city is thought for its baroque-style buildings and slim, 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 slim streets, get pleasure from a espresso or an aperitivo in one among its many cafes and bars, and take in the ambiance. You possibly can take a walking tour of Martina Franca, or style a lot of native wines and different delicacies as a part of this tasting experience.
15. Savor an Unbelievable Sundown
Ostuni’s sunsets are merely breathtaking, so be sure 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 under). Nonetheless, even in case you don’t eat there, you’ll be able to 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 just a few 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 in the future. Start the day by taking a walking tour and exploring the Centro Storico, earlier than stopping for a leisurely lunch in one of many many conventional eating places within the middle.
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 under).
2-3 Days in Ostuni Itinerary
Spend the primary day exploring the town and visiting its numerous sights, as above.
On day two, make a journey to Alberobello to see the superb trulli. From right here, you’ll be able to be part of this 2-hour guided trulli tour.
Lastly, in your ultimate day, head to the coast for some seaside time. Within the afternoon, do a traditional Puglian cooking class. End off your time within the metropolis with just a few drinks, and benefit from the sundown.
1 Week in Ostuni Itinerary
Ostuni is a reasonably small metropolis and in a single week you’ll be able to comfortably see and do all the things I’ve described on this publish. 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’d recommend beginning with at the least in the future exploring the town (as per the above) that can assist you get your bearings.
After that, you’ll be able to 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 fundamental market on Saturday, and permit your self loads of time to sit down and people-watch within the metropolis’s enticing squares and plazas.
The place to Keep in Ostuni
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Ostuni for vacationers.
Outdated City – Finest for First-time Guests
The Centro Storico of Ostuni is the best selection for first-time guests, as lots of the city’s hottest historic websites and sights are positioned right here. With its charming cobblestone streets and full of life ambiance, it’s the proper place to get a really feel for the town.
This can be a great hotel near the middle.
Outskirts of Ostuni – Finest for Funds Vacationers
In case you’re on the lookout for price range lodging, this will principally be discovered on the outskirts of city. It’s not a very massive place, so that you’ll seemingly be capable to stroll out of your lodge or residence to a lot of the fundamental vacationer sights in Ostuni, Italy.
Try this improbable budget apartment.
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 historical olive groves. A number of have been transformed into guesthouses and splendid accommodations that make for an ideal rural southern Italian retreat.
This one is attractive.
Finest Eating places in Ostuni
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Ostuni.
Dish Restaurant
Upmarket Dish Restaurant has a terrace with probably the greatest views within the metropolis. The meals can be improbable, providing a spread of ingenious and scrumptious dishes which might be expertly offered.
Osteria Madre
Osteria Madre is a conventional Puglian restaurant simply south of the historic middle of Ostuni. It’s mid-priced and serves a lot of native specialties, together with recent pasta and seafood.
Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza
The factor I like most about Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza is its spacious outside terrace with sweeping views out to the Adriatic coast and throughout to the Outdated City. Their blended seafood platter is especially good, and so they have an ideal choice of native wines to get pleasure from along 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 out of doors terrace that’s full of life and buzzing within the evenings.
Getting To Ostuni
For a lot of guests, the simplest solution to get to Ostuni is through Bari, the capital of Puglia.
Bari has a global airport with flights from a wide range 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 practice) to Bari.
From Bari, you’ll be able to attain Ostuni by practice or bus. The practice is faster than the bus, though keep in mind that Ostuni practice station is positioned about 2 kilometers away from the middle of city. You possibly can both stroll, take an area bus, or hail a taxi to take you into city.
It’s additionally attainable to journey to Puglia by ferry from numerous 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 middle is small and finest 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” because of its stunning whitewashed homes, which make for beautiful views from many factors within the metropolis.
Ostuni is a superb vacation spot year-round. I feel the most effective time to go to is in the course of the spring or early summer time months when temperatures are heat, however not too scorching, 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 middle, one other day enjoyable on the seaside, after which a 3rd day visiting native vineyards and olive groves.
Ostuni is mostly a very safe place to go to. Nonetheless, as with all vacation spot, it’s all the time finest to pay attention to your environment and take the standard precautions.
Exploring the attractive whitewashed Outdated City is among the hottest issues to do in Ostuni.
The perfect 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’ll be able to 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 stunning vacation spot and a improbable place to base your self when exploring extra of the broader Puglia area. I couldn’t suggest it extra.
