Ostuni: White Old Town, Heritage and Coast

Ostuni offers several focal points for planning a trip: the historic hilltop center, archaeological sites, a cycling route and the Adriatic coast. If you’re looking for a hotel, first consider what you want your stay to focus on—history, archaeology, outdoor activities or coastal scenery.

The Città Bianca and its heritage

Ostuni’s historic center is known as the Città Bianca (White City). A maze of picturesque lanes and whitewashed houses stretches across a hill with panoramic views.

The Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta was declared a national monument in 1902.

Archaeology in and around Ostuni

The prehistoric section of the Museo Civico di Ostuni displays casts of two Paleolithic burials, including Ostuni 1, the Donna di Ostuni. The museum also preserves the original remains of Ostuni 1.

Another archaeological highlight is the Grotta di Agnano in the Parco Archeologico Santa Maria di Agnano, about two kilometers from Ostuni. Rites and cults dedicated to a female figure were practiced there over a period of around 30,000 years.

Adriatic coast and cycling route

Ostuni mare refers to the coastal area of the municipality of Ostuni along the Adriatic coast. Its coastline stretches for almost 20 kilometers and is characterized above all by an unspoiled landscape of Mediterranean maquis, dunes and nature reserves. This coastal area offers a scenic contrast to the historic hilltop center.

At Torre Pozzella, you can enter the water from large rocks by the sea or from small beaches. Crabs, octopuses and small fish can be spotted among the rocks.

For a cycling trip, the ancient Via Traiana is another option: it crosses the Ostuni area and is now signposted as long-distance cycle route Bicitalia Itinerary No. 6. If you plan to follow the route, check the signs before setting out, as signposting can change.

Events and visit planning

The Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo is a festival in Ostuni held every year from August 25 to 27. If the dates are important to your travel plans, check them again for your travel year. This lets you take the event into account as a distinct point in your schedule without assuming that the recurring festival dates have been confirmed for a particular year.

A reservation is required to visit Parco Avventura Ciuchino Birichino, and it must be made no later than the day before your visit. Check this reservation requirement again before you go. For a specific hotel, compare the information about its location and amenities to make sure your choice suits the priorities of your trip.

Discover more destinations: San Pietro Vernotico, Carovigno, Montalbano, Brindisi, Lendinuso, Cellino San Marco, Mesagne, Torchiarolo.

Return to the broader travel overview: Brindisi.