OSTUNI
Ostuni, known as the “White City”, is a true jewel of Puglia, enchanting visitors with its characteristic whitewashed old town—a maze of narrow streets reminiscent of an Arab casbah. This ancient city, kissed by the sun and wrapped in Mediterranean light, offers a unique combination of history, traditions, excellent cuisine, and stunning beaches. Its unique atmosphere and panoramic position overlooking the Itria Valley make it one of the most beloved destinations not only in Italy, but around the world.
Perched on three hills, the city offers picturesque views at every corner: narrow alleyways, steep staircases, hidden squares enriched by artisan workshops, traditional restaurants, and local craft boutiques. Ostuni is a place to be discovered slowly, letting instinct and curiosity guide you, so you can fully immerse yourself in the magic and atmosphere that only the “White City” can offer.
The Old Town of Ostuni
The beating heart of Ostuni is its historic center, a white blossom of buildings that tell stories of times long past. Within its Aragonese walls, it preserves the structure of a medieval village, with winding alleys intertwined among whitewashed houses.
Via Cattedrale, the main artery of the center, leads to the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 15th century and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. A short distance away, the Church of San Giacomo di Compostela bears witness to the city’s ancient past. Piazza della Libertà, with its imposing Obelisk of Saint Oronzo, is the quintessential meeting place, where history, culture and social life blend in harmonious coexistence.
But what makes Ostuni truly special is also the atmosphere created by its small fashion and artisan shops.
Among the most fascinating places in the center is Galleria Valencienne, a concept store where fashion, art, and craftsmanship merge into a unique sensory experience.
The Sea
The Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve
Located just a few kilometers from Ostuni, it is a corner of paradise where nature reigns supreme. This protected area spans several hundred hectares, offering diverse habitats ranging from sandy dunes to wetlands and stretches of crystal-clear sea. The reserve is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and of course, anyone wishing to enjoy untouched beaches and snorkel among marine life–rich seabeds.
The Coastal Dunes Natural Park
Untouched nature and crystal-clear sea blend with sites of remarkable historical and archaeological interest.
Imagine walking along a path rich in vegetation, breathing in the unmistakable scents of Mediterranean scrub. Enjoying the sun and the gentle breeze weaving through the branches. Watching the beaten earth gradually give way to sand, crossing the soft coastal dunes, and suddenly opening your gaze to the sea. These are the emotions you experience within the Regional Natural Park of the Coastal Dunes of Torre Canne, a natural oasis stretching between the towns of Fasano and Ostuni.
The splendid dunes of the park slope gently into the area’s beautiful sandy beaches. Among the most renowned is Torre Canne Beach: its light sand and Mediterranean scrub behind it make it a true earthly paradise. Here you’ll find large sections of free beach as well as equipped lidos offering every comfort.
Continuing south, you reach Pilone Beach in Ostuni, one of Italy’s Blue Flag beaches and among the most popular in summer. Here, sand blends with flat rocks and the sea is always calm and crystal-clear. The shoreline is dominated by the tall Torre San Leonardo, one of the many Saracen watchtowers dotting the Apulian coast, dating back to the 16th century.
A little further ahead, among the beaches of Torre Canne worth mentioning, lies the beautiful Rosa Marina Beach—smaller, less known, but equally enchanting. Here too, the turquoise sea takes center stage, and the sand alternates beautifully with rocky outcrops.
I dintorni
Partendo da Ostuni, si può facilmente visitare la Valle d’Itria, famosa per i suoi uliveti e trulli, le caratteristiche costruzioni a cono che punteggiano il paesaggio rendendolo unico al mondo. Località come Alberobello, dichiarata Patrimonio dell’Umanità dall’UNESCO, le grotte di Castellana e i borghi di Cisternino e Locorotondo offrono un tuffo nella cultura e nelle tradizioni locali, tra passeggiate in stradine lastricate, degustazioni di prodotti tipici e una vista mozzafiato sui paesaggi collinari.
