Ostuni Itinerary 14 Days: The White City and Beyond (2026)

Arrive at Brindisi Airport (BDS), pick up your rental car, and drive to your accommodation in Ostuni. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting centro storico (historic center). Get lost in the maze of narrow, whitewashed streets, discovering charming alleys, hidden courtyards, and picturesque staircases. As you wander, you'll find yourself captivated by the timeless beauty of the 'White City'. In the evening, head to Piazza della Libertà, the town's main square. Admire the 18th-century column of Sant'Oronzo and the impressive Palazzo Municipale. Choose one of the many cafes or restaurants in the square for a traditional Puglian dinner. Savor local specialties like orecchiette with turnip tops and a glass of Primitivo wine. This is the perfect introduction to the flavors and atmosphere of Puglia.

Start your day with a visit to Ostuni's magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Admire its intricate facade and beautiful rose window. From the cathedral, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Afterward, take a scenic drive along the coast, exploring the charming fishing villages and pristine beaches of the area. Head to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Take a walk through the old town, perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the sea. Don't miss the famous Lama Monachile beach, a small cove with turquoise waters. In the afternoon, continue to Monopoli, another picturesque fishing town with a charming harbor and a beautiful historic center. Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants before driving back to Ostuni.

Today, you'll explore the enchanting Itria Valley, a region famous for its unique trulli houses. These traditional dry-stone huts with conical roofs are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Puglia. Start your day in Alberobello, the 'capital of the trulli'. Wander through the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, where you'll find thousands of these fascinating structures. Visit the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, and learn about the history and construction of these unique buildings. In the afternoon, drive to Locorotondo, a charming circular town perched on a hilltop overlooking the Itria Valley. Stroll through its well-preserved historic center, with its whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies. Enjoy a glass of the local white wine, Locorotondo DOC, at a cafe in the main square. As the sun sets, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with trulli and olive groves.

Take a day trip to Lecce, the 'Florence of the South'. This beautiful city is renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture, with ornate churches and palaces carved from the local golden limestone. Start your exploration at the Piazza del Duomo, a stunning square that houses the cathedral, the bell tower, and the Bishop's Palace. Admire the intricate details of the facades and step inside the cathedral to see its lavish interior. Continue your walk through the historic center, discovering other architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Roman Amphitheater. Lecce is also a great place for shopping, with a wide range of boutiques and artisan shops. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Leccese dinner, which often includes dishes like 'ciceri e tria' (pasta with chickpeas) and 'pasticciotto' (a cream-filled pastry).

Today, you'll explore the beautiful Ionian coast of Puglia. Start your day with a visit to the Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry), a natural swimming pool carved into the rock. Take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters and admire the stunning coastal scenery. Afterward, drive to Gallipoli, a charming fishing town located on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Explore Gallipoli's historic old town, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful churches. Visit the Angevin-Aragonese Castle, which guards the entrance to the old town, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. In the evening, watch the sunset from the city walls and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants in the old town.

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the rural heart of Puglia. The region is famous for its ancient olive groves, some of which are thousands of years old. Take a scenic drive through the countryside around Ostuni, admiring the gnarled olive trees and the traditional 'masserie' (fortified farmhouses). Visit a local masseria to learn about the production of olive oil and taste some of the region's finest extra virgin olive oils. Many masserie also offer cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare traditional Puglian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Spend the afternoon learning the secrets of Puglian cuisine and then enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic flavors and hospitality of the region.

After a week of exploring, it's time for a relaxing day at the beach. Head to the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, a protected area of coastline with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich biodiversity. The reserve is a haven for nature lovers, with a variety of habitats, including sand dunes, wetlands, and Mediterranean scrub. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the turquoise waters. You can also explore the reserve on foot or by bike, following the marked trails that wind through the dunes and along the coast. The reserve is a great place for birdwatching, as it's a stopover for many migratory birds. In the evening, enjoy a picnic on the beach as you watch the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

Today, you'll visit Cisternino, another beautiful town in the Itria Valley. Like Ostuni, Cisternino is known for its whitewashed houses and charming historic center. However, it has a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere than some of the more touristy towns in the area. Wander through its narrow streets, discovering hidden courtyards, picturesque arches, and stunning viewpoints. Cisternino is also famous for its 'fornelli pronti' (ready-made ovens), which are butcher shops that grill meat to order. In the evening, choose a fornello and select your favorite cuts of meat, which will be grilled for you on the spot. Enjoy your delicious barbecue with a side of roasted potatoes and a glass of local red wine. This is a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Today, you'll visit Martina Franca, the largest town in the Itria Valley. Known as the 'Balcony of the Itria Valley' for its stunning views, Martina Franca is a beautiful town with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Explore its elegant historic center, with its magnificent Baroque and Rococo architecture. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, the former residence of the Caracciolo family, and admire its beautiful frescoes and grand staircase. Martina Franca is also famous for its annual opera festival, the Festival della Valle d'Itria, which takes place in July and August. If you're visiting during the festival, be sure to book tickets for a performance. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Martina Franca dinner, which often includes the local specialty, 'capocollo', a type of cured pork.

Take a day trip to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. This beautiful town is known for its stunning lighthouse, its beautiful villas, and its dramatic coastline. Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, which is located at the very end of the Italian peninsula. From the sanctuary, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the two seas. Take a boat tour of the coastline to explore the many sea caves that dot the area. You'll see the Grotta del Diavolo (Devil's Cave), the Grotta Porcinara, and many others. In the afternoon, relax on one of the sandy beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. As the sun sets, enjoy an aperitivo at a waterfront bar and watch the fishing boats return to the harbor.

Today, you'll visit Pescoluse, a stretch of coastline on the Ionian Sea that is often referred to as the 'Maldives of Salento'. This beautiful area is known for its fine white sand, its crystal-clear turquoise waters, and its shallow seabed. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm waters, and soaking up the sun. There are several beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as free public beaches. In the afternoon, take a walk along the beach and admire the stunning coastal scenery. You can also try some water sports, such as paddleboarding or kayaking. As the sun begins to set, find a spot on the beach and enjoy the spectacular colors of the sunset over the Ionian Sea.

Take a day trip to the neighboring region of Basilicata to visit the fascinating ghost town of Craco and the ancient city of Matera. Craco is a medieval village that was abandoned due to a series of landslides. Today, it's a hauntingly beautiful place that has been used as a filming location for many movies, including 'The Passion of the Christ'. Take a guided tour of the abandoned village and learn about its history. In the afternoon, continue to Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Matera is famous for its 'sassi', which are ancient cave dwellings that have been carved into the rock. Explore the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit a traditional cave house to see how people lived in the past. As the sun sets, you'll be treated to a magical view of the sassi illuminated by the city lights.

Spend your last full day in Puglia relaxing and reflecting on your journey. You can revisit some of your favorite spots in Ostuni, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply relax at a cafe in the Piazza della Libertà. This is a good opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the White City one last time. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Ostuni's finest restaurants. Treat yourself to a delicious meal of fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and local wine. As you dine, you can reminisce about your adventures in Puglia and start planning your next trip to this beautiful region of Italy.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Ostuni before driving to Brindisi Airport (BDS) for your departure. As you leave, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of the White City, the beautiful Puglian countryside, and the warm hospitality of the Italian people. Arrivederci, Puglia!