Italy's 'White City' In The Apulian Countryside Offers A Quaint Getaway With Unique Views

Known as the "White City," Ostuni is a charming hilltop town in Italy with a maze of narrow streets, historic piazzas, and stunning views of the surrounding olive groves and turquoise Adriatic water on the horizon. Located in the southeastern region of Apulia (also called Puglia), which is colloquially referred to as "the heel of the boot," Ostuni is a must-see on any Southern Italy itinerary. The hilly streets are ideal for exploring on foot, while the region's vineyards, olive producers, and the nearby sea create plenty of opportunities for gastronomic adventures — it helps to know how to navigate Italy's dining culture.

The breathtaking beauty of Ostuni and its nickname are intertwined with its history. As the legend goes, a plague was devastating southern Italy in the 17th century. Using limestone and water to whitewash buildings had been practiced long beforehand to reflect heat, but it also seemed to have an affect on the disease. We now know that limestone, which is largely calcium carbonate, has natural antibacterial properties due to its alkaline nature. So all of Ostuni was whitewashed to help ward off the plague, and it emerged as one of the few villages in the Itria Valley to be spared. These days, the white buildings combine with the hilly, stone streets and colorful flower pots on windowsills to give the village a timeless and enchanting feel. 

A short 30-minute drive from the coast, its location makes it easy to combine an exploration of the town with visits to nearby beaches and neighboring villages. Ostuni offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for an authentic Italian escape. Wander through centuries-old churches, indulge in Apulian cuisine, or simply relax in a quaint cafe while enjoying the unique views of the countryside below. 

The best way to get to Ostuni is by car. Having your own vehicle also gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore more of this less-populated region of Italy and its magnificent coast. The ambitious road tripper could drive from Rome, but there are two closer regional airports. From the larger airport of Bari, it's about a one-hour and ten-minute drive. Brindisi Airport is closer and only forty-minutes away. There's public transportation from those towns as well.

Accommodation options are plentiful, and a pensione is a nice local option, but there are some things you need to know before booking. The Centro Storico (Old Town) has many quality hotels for all budgets. From affordable single rooms to unique trulli (historic stone homes) and more luxury experiences with a pool, spa, and restaurant on site. Some hotels also have shuttles from Brindisi airport, or you can book one independently, allowing you to simply lean back and enjoy the ride.

Once settled into the center, it's all about exploring the historic, narrow streets and plazas. Piazza della Libertà, the main square, is ringed with many restaurants and bars. At the center is an intricate stone column over 60 feet tall. Atop stands Ostuni's patron saint, Sant'Oronzo, with a hand outstretched, blessing the town. A few blocks away is the Cathédrale Santa Maria Assunta, a Roman Gothic style cathedral built like a crown on top of the hill in the 15th century by Ferdinand of Aragón. Directly in front of the cathedral is the Baroque passageway Arco Scoppa. This stunning stone bridge arches over the street and connects the Bishop's Palace to the Seminary.

Wandering winding streets, admiring centuries-old architecture, and stopping at a local restaurant for a nice glass of wine is a perfectly peaceful way to spend time in Ostuni. But there are more cultural activities to do. One way to get a wider perspective of the village is to take a tuk tuk tour. The guide will fill you in on local culture and history while you take in the views — it's also a nice way to escape the summer heat.

There are many local shops to explore, like La Mercanteria. This antique furniture store is like a journey through time with elegant tables, ornate chairs, and stunning, traditional ceramics. If you're lucky enough to be there on the second Sunday of the month, you'll see the 100-stall flea market appear on the streets of the Old Town. For the ultimate foodie experience, there are cooking classes. Using local ingredients, visitors learn how to make traditional Apulian dishes like the handmade orecchiette pasta, which means "little ears" because of the shape. The town is surrounded by olive groves and is famous for its olive oil. There are guided tours to walk through the trees, learn the process, and then finish with an olive oil tasting. As it's Italy, there are also wine tours and tastings held at nearby vineyards.

The neighboring villages and the Adriatic Sea visible in the distance make for great day trip exploring. Stop at a local supermarket, take some snacks, and spend the day at a nearby beach like Lido Morelli or Spiaggia di Gorgognolo. Or drive to the villages of Monopoli or Locorotondo to see more of what this breathtaking region has to offer — these gorgeous car-free islands aren't too far away.