Ostuni - The humble gem of Puglia
Dazzling from afar, The White City, perched high on the hilltop beckons you up the windy roads through ancient olive groves and overlooking twinkling coastal views. Once you have reached the top, Ostuni captivates you further as you willingly get lost in its labyrinth of streets, stopping to sip a spritz or sample the local cuisine.…burrata with everything please!
Ditch the heels and pop on a pair of flats for your visit, your pedometer will be tracking double figures this day! Start in the bustling heart of the city, the great square - packed with restaurants and bars to people watch from. Whether you are up for an architectural love affair or a simple nod to the city’s heritage as you peruse the bars and shops, Ostuni’s charm surprises every visitor. The Palazzo San Francesco, an ancient Franciscan monastery of the eighteenth century, now home to the Town Hall stands impressively at one end of the square and a great place to venture out from.
From there let your feet do the talking and meander through cobbled streets meeting Gothic style Cathedrals, hidden gardens and baroque statues. Always take the winding stairs up for those incredible vista views.
Old town Ostuni
Ostuni not only delivers on impressive architecture, but with its unspoilt beaches. The coastline on the Adriatic Sea runs for 20 km from North to South with a series of long beaches ready to be relaxed on.
A charming small beach not far from Villanova port. It is accessible by taking a small road from the village of Monticelli. Well known by the locals because during the hot summer evenings there is a pop-up night bar. What a gem! 8km from Ostuni.
White sand and chilled out vibe is what you’ll find here. Rocky areas of the beach are perfect for snorkelling and when you’re needing refreshments head to the small town for traditional seafood restaurants, open-air cafes and gelaterias. 13km from Ostuni.
A long stretch of sand with picturesque dunes and always space to spread out and relax. It has been declared by the EU of ‘International Importance’, and it is also a Regional Nature Reserve. 8km from Ostuni.
A charming private seaside village, accessible from the beach of Pilone, located north, or from Quarto di Monte, located south. These beaches are part of the Regional Nature Reserve of the Dune Costiere. 8km from Ostuni.
A sandy beach, with far stretching shallow waters nestled between ragged coastline. 13km from Ostuni.
Quarto di Monte beach
Now, let’s talk food as all good Italians do...here are our top three firm favourites:
Shall we start with the food or the views? A table on their enchanting terrace will secure you 360 views of the city, down to the glinting sea and the traditional olive groves and farmhouses between. Seasonality of produce is key for the 2 chefs behind this modern concept, the results are innovative Italian cuisine you could eat for days. And did we mention - Dish is now a fabulous member of La Lista - look no further for an epic pre-wedding meal!
If you’re looking for warmth and charm, this restaurant has got you covered. Start in ‘the relaxation room’, where you can enjoy a cocktail sitting on comfortable sofas, wander through to the bistro to enjoy a refined classic menu and finish on their beautiful terrace with panoramic views.
One of the most renowned restaurants in Ostuni will give you those rustic-chic vibes. The historic restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and you will be treated to an authentic Italian dining experience.
Dish
We hope this gave you some travel-inspo; let us know where the maze of Ostuni takes you.
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Written by Emily Jennings, marketing person and wedding day-dreamer; lover of a boho vibe and a wedding night filled with a thousand lights!
