The Perfect One Day in Ostuni Itinerary (for First-Timers!)

Are you soon spending one day in Ostuni and are not sure how to plan your Ostuni itinerary? Keep reading!

In this guide, you will find everything from what to do with 24 hours in Ostuni to how to get there… and more. I also answer some frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions about spending 1 day in Ostuni, Italy, please let me know in the comments!

I think it is one of the best day trips from Bari, but it is also worth an overnight if you have the time. Thanks!

One Day in Ostuni Itinerary (Overview)

Here is a quick overview of exactly what you’ll find in this guide! To find the locations, scroll to the end where I have created a savable map for you to tote along on your trip!

1. Start your day off with breakfast
2. Walk the Ostuni city walls
3. Get lost in the old town
4. Enjoy a tasty Italian lunch
5. Visit the square of cathedrals and palaces
6. Have a glass of local wine
7. Chill out in Piazza della Libertà
8. Watch a magical sunset over the city
9. End the day with dinner at Dish

One Day in Ostuni Itinerary (Details)

Start your day off with breakfast.

Breakfast in Italy isn’t the greatest, in my opinion. I am not a fan of sweet things, and they always seem to be super sweet and in a package (it’s okay, Italy; everything else you eat makes up for it).

However, I do enjoy starting the morning off with a good coffee, and that is one thing the Italians do perfectly.

Depending on where you are staying or arriving from, enjoy breakfast and coffee in the old town or the newer part of Ostuni.

There is a wide range of places in both parts of the city, so I will shy away from recommending just one. But some of the most popular spots are Caffe Pink Lady, Burro Cafe, and La Gilda Bar Bistro.

Walk the Ostuni city walls.

Before losing yourself in the winding streets of Ostuni, take time to walk around the Ostuni city walls and discover the former defensive wall that was intended to keep the city safe.

Keep a lookout for the two remaining gates to the city, Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio. There had previously been four gates, but two were lost to history.

From the walls, you can see across the beautiful olive groves that surround the city and produce its famous olive oil.

Spend the rest of the morning lost in the Old Town.

After exploring the edges of the white city, venture into the interior of its gorgeous historical center.

The beautiful white city got its color and name from the whitewashed houses, a tradition that dates back to the plague when infected houses would be painted white.

This white paint, in turn, actually helped stop the plague, as the chalk in the paint had antibacterial properties.

Take this time to get lost in the streets and alleyways that meander their way through the city, occasionally opening up to grand piazzas and historical buildings.

As you explore, stop in the magical little boutiques that are dotted along the narrow streets, selling traditional handmade wares that often utilize the natural resources in the area, like olive wood.

Enjoy a relaxed Italian lunch.

It’s easy to overeat in Italy, and I, for one, almost always challenge myself to eat as much delicious food as I possibly can (because I’m generally ending up back in Northern Europe).

I recommend taking the time to enjoy lunch and filling up on delicious Italian sandwiches, cold cuts, and various kinds of cheese.

A great place to enjoy an affordable lunch is Coffee & More, a delightful and casual place that sells a range of amazing sandwiches or platters of cured meats and cheeses that can be washed down with a beautiful glass of red wine.

I enjoy getting a platter of cold meats and cheeses for lunch in Italy, as it allows you to try a great range of things that are on the menu and feels a bit more like an occasion than a simple sandwich. The spot now goes by Coffee & More or Gabo Restaurant (I believe it may have added that to its name).

Visit the square of cathedrals and palaces.

After lunch, make your way to the center of the city and admire the beautiful Gothic cathedral that dominates the town.

Gothic cathedrals tend to be a slightly unusual sight in Italy, as many of the cathedrals follow a more Romanesque architectural style, but this one is an exception.

The interior of the church is awe-inspiring, with incredible frescoes adorning the ceilings and ornate fixtures throughout.

Across from the church, you will see the Arco Scoppa, an archway that connects the two palaces, Palazzo Vescovile and Palazzo del Seminario.

Strangely, inside Palazzo Vescovile, you will find the remains of a Norman castle that was destroyed in the 16th century. 

Have a glass of local Ostuni wine.

Take a break to enjoy a glass of delicious Ostuni D.O.C. wine! In the region around Ostuni, you will find lovely vineyards that have been producing delicious wines for millennia, although the area’s wines only received their protected status in the 1970s.

The region produces two wines that have been specially protected under European law: the Ostuni Blanco and Ostuni Ottavianello (a rosé).

In the old town, you will find plenty of places where you can enjoy a glass of wine from Ostuni while watching the world walk past. 

Chill out in Piazza della Libertà.

After enjoying a glass or two of local wine, head to the fantastic Piazza Della Libertà, a beautiful square that is overlooked by a giant 20m monument of Saint Oronzo, which is believed to have halted the plague killing everyone in Ostuni.

In the middle of the square, you will find the ancient ruins of the old city walls.

Within the square, you will also find the impressive Palazzo Municipale, a former convent that over time has been extended and formed an impressive palace.

Along the edges, you will also find many little cafes where you can grab an espresso to perk you up for the rest of the day and the remainder of this Ostuni itinerary.

Watch a magical sunset over the city.

When the sun starts to set over Ostuni, the white city starts to show another side of its stunning beauty.

Leave the old town for sunset and head to one of the many vantage points where you can look at the city perched on the hill as the sun comes down. I recommend walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

As you walk away from the old town, there are plenty of viewpoints where you can stand and watch the setting sun change the white buildings to hues of pink and orange.

Alternatively, the Relais Sant’Eligio hotel has stellar views of the old town from its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a cocktail as the sun comes down. 

End the day with dinner at Dish.

Even though Ostuni is not directly on the coast, it is only a few miles inland, and every day, fresh fish is delivered to the city from the coastal towns.

This means that the restaurants in the town can utilize both the fruits of the sea and the surrounding lands to create dang-near-perfect Ostuni dishes.

One of the best restaurants to enjoy dinner at is Dish, a modern and contemporary restaurant, serving up some of the most beautiful plates of food in the city.

Dish has a current design and aesthetic that contrasts perfectly with the old town that sits opposite the restaurant. With its open-plan kitchen, you can watch the chefs work their magic as you wait for your food to be served.

Knowledgeable waiters will help pair your food with the correct wines, and you will be greeted with a glass of Prosecco when you arrive. This is a brilliant way to end a fantastic day in Ostuni.

FAQ + Travel Tips

When is the best time to visit Ostuni?

Ostuni is a great place to visit at any time of the year.

If you’re looking for warm temperatures, summertime is your best bet, but keep in mind that there will also be large crowds at this time of the year.

If you still want the warmer temperatures without the crowds, consider visiting Ostuni in September or October, when you can enjoy warm fall weather with fewer crowds.

I have been to Ostuni twice! I visited once in February (it was relatively quiet) and another time in July, and it was the complete opposite!

How many days do you need in Ostuni?

Honestly, you can get by with a day trip there if you are pressed for time. I saw most of what I wanted to see in one day.

But, I would have loved to have had an overnight and an additional day so I could have done an olive oil tour!

What is the best way to get around Ostuni?

It’s highly recommended that you consider renting a vehicle if you plan to visit Ostuni. Not only will this make your trip easier, but you will also be able to cover more areas at your own pace.

There are also options for public transportation and taxis if you feel more comfortable.

Also, there are plenty of places throughout the city that you can walk to, so consider exploring on foot as well!

One of the coolest tour options for getting around the city is to take a Tuk Tuk tour of Ostuni! It is pretty affordable, and you will have a knowledgeable driver who will help get you off your feet for a bit! This is great during the hot summer months. Click here to check Tuk Tuk tour rates and availability.

How do you get to Ostuni from Bari?

I have a whole guide dedicated to this that I encourage you to check out (it is not as seamless a process as other places).

One Day in Ostuni (On a Map!)

Where to Stay in Ostuni

Thankfully, there are many places to stay in Ostuni. These are my recommendations for excellent accommodation options that will suit all budgets and travel styles.

La Sommita Relais & Chateaux (Luxury)

La Sommita Relais & Chateaux is an amazing luxury hotel that not only provides five-star comforts when it comes to a night’s sleep but also five-star food with its own Michelin-guide restaurant on-site.

Located in the old town of Ostuni, the hotel offers breathtaking views over the city and the Puglian countryside. Click here to check rates and availability.

Hotel La Terra (Mid-range)

Hotel La Terra allows you to live and breathe Ostuni’s history as it was built into a 13th-century building. For the comfort and beauty of the hotel, the price is outstandingly good.

The affordable room rate also includes a continental breakfast and a great night’s sleep. Click here to check rates and availability.

White Stone Flats & Studios (Budget)

White Stone Flats & Studios is a great option for those looking to travel on a budget.

Situated in the heart of the city, each flat includes a sofa, TV, and a place to cook, meaning you can save money on both accommodation and food! It is definitely great value for the money. Click here to check rates and availability.

I hope that my one day in Ostuni itinerary will help you begin planning your trip to this wonderful Italian city.

Let me know if you have any questions below in the comments. Thanks!

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