Where to stay in Ostuni: areas, accommodation and practical tips
Guide on where to stay in Ostuni: from the white city to farmhouses in the olive countryside, with budget tips, accommodation types and the ideal area for every traveller.
Ostuni: the white city between hill and sea
Ostuni rises like a white mirage atop three hills, with the countryside of ancient olive trees sloping down to the Adriatic Sea. Your choice of area depends on what you seek: the enchantment of the medieval village, farmhouse relaxation or proximity to the beaches.
Best areas to stay
Old Town (the White City)
The ancient village is a succession of whitewashed alleys, staircases, arches and hidden squares. Staying here means waking up in the heart of the magic, with the Gothic Cathedral as your landmark. B&Bs in courtyard houses, historic residences and small charming hotels.
- Pros: extraordinary beauty, restaurants and evening life, unique atmosphere
- Cons: car to park outside, steep climbs, far from the sea (8 km)
- Average budget: €90-180 per night in high season
New town (Corso Vittorio Emanuele and surroundings)
The modern part at the foot of the village, with shops, cafes and car parks. More convenient for those with a car wanting to reach both the old town (5-minute walk uphill) and the sea easily.
- Pros: parking, practicality, lower prices
- Cons: less charm, commercial zone
- Average budget: €60-110 per night
Countryside and masserie
Between Ostuni and the sea stretches a countryside of centuries-old olive trees dotted with white farmhouses. This is the quintessential Apulian experience: infinity pools among olive trees, dinners under the stars, cooking classes with the local cook.
- Pros: peace, understated luxury, pool, authentic experience
- Cons: car essential, distance from centre and sea
- Average budget: €120-300 per night (top properties also €500+)
Marina di Ostuni and the coast
Ostuni's coastline stretches from Rosa Marina to Torre Pozzelle, with fine sand beaches protected by dunes and Mediterranean scrub. Villages, apart-hotels and holiday homes for seaside stays. Blue Flag for years.
- Pros: splendid sea, equipped beaches, suitable for families
- Cons: far from the old town (8-12 km), isolated area in the evening
- Average budget: €80-160 per night in summer
Accommodation types
- **Residences in the old town**: vaulted stone houses, panoramic terraces over the olive plain
- **Luxury masserie**: pool, spa, in-house restaurant and endless olive groves
- **Habitable trulli**: in the hinterland towards Cisternino, architecture unique in the world
- **Coastal resorts**: at Marina di Ostuni, full seafront services
- **B&Bs and guesthouses**: in the centre and new town, family-run
- **Villas with pool**: in the countryside, ideal for groups and extended families
Budget tips
Ostuni is among Puglia's most expensive destinations, especially upmarket masserie. High season (July-August) has limited availability: book months ahead. May-June and September-October offer the best value with excellent weather.
Money-saving tricks
- The new town costs 30-40% less than the old town
- Lesser-known masserie (without pool) have accessible prices: €70-90
- Marina di Ostuni in June is much cheaper than July
- Look for accommodation in Carovigno (5 km): same countryside, half the price
Best area for each traveller
- **Romantic couple**: Old Town, sunset aperitivo on the terrace
- **Honeymoon**: Luxury masseria, privacy and pampering
- **Family with children**: Marina di Ostuni, safe beaches
- **Luxury lover**: Masseria with pool and spa
- **Limited budget**: New town or Carovigno
- **Puglia explorer**: Old Town, strategic position for day trips
Getting around from Ostuni
The train station (Bari-Lecce line) is in the lower part of town, connected to the centre by shuttles. For the sea you need a car or the limited summer bus. Masserie require your own car. Bari is 80 km (1 hour by train), Lecce 80 km. The Itria Valley (Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino) is reachable in 20-30 minutes.
