A stack of white-washed buildings atop a hill, cut through by the occasional domed roof rises like a pile of dollhouses just inland from the coast of Apulia, a maze of alleys and staircases unfolding throughout, palm trees rustling in the sea breeze, lush green fields stretching all around the city limits, and the impossibly blue sea glittering in the background: this is the utterly picturesque city of Ostuni, also known as La Città Bianca, the White City. Historic (its founding dates back to 600 years before Christ), charming, picture-perfect, and almost untouched by time, a vacation rental in Ostuni is just the thing for those who have been considering a holiday in Apulia and want to be near the sea, get a taste of the rich history and culture of the region, enjoy the distinctive architectural heritage of Apulia, take in incredible views, and have plenty of bars and restaurants to stroll down to in the evenings and shops to browse during the day. The best of all worlds, Ostuni combines Apulia’s quaint charm with all of the amenities and necessities one might require from a city. While not quite a city break to rival Milan or Rome in terms of scale or choice, it is, however, an ideal urban destination for those who like to take things easy, slow their pace, and just really enjoy the best things in life: good art, good food, good people, and good surroundings. What more could you possibly ask for from a vacation in Italy?
So, if we, and the city, have caught your attention, then read on for our guide to what to see, do, and eat if you are considering booking a villa in Ostuni...
Wander
Ostuni is a labyrinth of little streets and stairs that wind up to the summit of the town. Along the way, there are all sorts of surprises and gems to be discovered and uncovered: flowers spilling colourfully over the wall of a house, stark against the white and lovelier for it; street art and posters adorning the side of buildings or in an alley; a little cafe with locals chatting outside while enjoying morning coffees; pretty little shops and restaurants; remarkable architectural gems; perfectly sun-ripened Puglian fruit on display outside a little family-run grocery store; a lazy cat sleeping in a sunny patch...Just wandering the city, therefore, is utterly delightful and it is a truly photogenic place. Bring your camera, make sure there is space on your phone, get a little lost, and keep your eyes peeled! And, please note, if you’re driving while on vacation in Ostuni, be sure to pay attention to where you are going as this city is one of many with a highly protected historic centre in Italy. As a result, if you drive down the wrong street and you are not a resident with a permit to drive there, you will incur a rather costly fine that will follow you home – not the kind of souvenir that anyone wants!
Celebrate
All towns in Italy have local traditions and annual celebrations and Ostuni, of course, is no different. There are two important festivals to make particular note of in Ostuni. The first is the festival dedicated to the patron saint of Ostuni, St. Orontius of Lecce. While his saints day is on the 26th of August, the celebrations go on for longer and usually stretch between the 24th and 27th August. Called the Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo, these celebrations involve food, fun, parties, and the grand spectacle of a costumed procession on horseback on the penultimate day. The other major annual festival in town is the Sagra dei Vecchi Tempi. This is the most important foodie festival in calendar in Ostuni and takes place on the 15th of August. If you want to to taste some truly incredible traditional dishes and local products then this is the best time to plan your holiday in Ostuni or to swing by if you have found a villa in Apulia and are spending time exploring the culinary delights of the area.
Speaking of food...
Some notable eateries to visit include: the pretty Coffee and More cafe with its tasty desserts and sandwiches and exceptionally pretty outdoor seating area; Borgo Antico Bistro with its incredible cocktails, wonderful sharing plates, and excellent views; Pizzeria Notti Bianche, located near the cathedral, which serves up delicious and inexpensive pizzas and is popular among tourists and locals alike; Osteria Ricanatti, which is perfect for splashing out on an astounding fine-dining experience; Monna Lisa Caffe, where you’ll have some of the best cocktails of your life alongside great music and service; and Ciccio in Piazza for the best gelato in town! In fact, there is an endless list of amazing places to eat in town so foodies among you should definitely take note and get browsing our holiday rentals in Ostuni today.
Head to the Sea
As noted, the beautiful blue of the sea serves as a backdrop to the city and, at just over 8km away, is an easy day trip for those spending time in Ostuni. In fact, no visit to Ostuni is complete without some time exploring the beaches nearby as they are some of the best in all of Apulia, which is saying something as the region boasts some of the best beaches in all of Italy and the world. Blue Flag winners and boasting excellent amenities, the beaches near Ostuni include the gorgeous Lido Morelli, Quarto di Monte, and Torre Pozzella. Take a break from wandering the city and eating well to have a dip, enjoy the sea air, take in the immense beauty of the area, and to work on your tan.
So, if you have been pondering over and looking for your next holiday destination and you have been considering a vacation in beautiful, beautiful Apulia then be sure to put the charming Ostuni right to the top of your list. Utterly picturesque, full of incredible places to eat, just a stone’s through from the famously lovely coastline of the region, steeped in history and tradition, surrounded by immense natural beauty, and more, it is a truly idyllic part of Italy and the perfect place to well and truly get away from it all.
Photo credits:
Picture 1: Dronkitmaster / CC BY-SA 3.0