Ostuni, the White Town near Torre Guaceto
Ostuni is the most famous neighbor of Torre Guaceto. You can see it from far away on its hill, with white houses stacked up the slope. It is not part of the reserve, but it is a common day out to pair with a morning on the beach. If you are searching for Ostuni, the short answer is: the cathedral, the lanes of the old town and, if you want the sea, the coast of the municipality.
This page gives the essentials for a day visit. For the reserve, read about the beaches of Torre Guaceto, and for guided options see the Puglia tours on foot and by e-bike.
What to see in Ostuni
The old town is walked on foot, uphill. Comfortable shoes and a break in the shade help.
The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
It stands at the highest point of the old town. It was built in the 15th century and has a Gothic facade with a large rose window. The entrance has ramps. Prices, closing days and interior hours can change, so check on the spot and do not assume entry is free.
The white lanes
The charm of Ostuni is getting lost in narrow streets, stairs and arches. There is no set route. Start at the cathedral, walk down slowly and leave the old town before the midday heat.
The town in the evening
The old town is lit at night. If you stay nearby, an evening walk is a way to avoid the daytime heat.
The old town sits on a hill and is not equally accessible everywhere. If walking is difficult, choose your route with care.
Our picks: Ostuni
The tuk tuk tour is private and takes you through the old town in about an hour. The two olive oil visits are for food lovers: the mill tour is longer and covers the groves and two mills, the tasting is a compact hour at a masseria.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private tuk tuk tour of Ostuni's old town
- Piazza della Libertà and cathedral
- White lanes and city walls
- Viewpoint stop
A private ride, with the option to visit the two main churches. Church entry fees are not confirmed as included.
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Organic olive oil tasting at a masseria near Ostuni
- Guided tasting
- Three organic oils
- Olives, tarallini, fried broad beans
A short organic oil tasting at a masseria in the countryside near Ostuni.
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Ancient olive trees and oil mill tour with tasting
- Walk among old olive trees
- Underground and modern mill
- Three oils to taste
See how the oil is made on a masseria near Ostuni, from the trees to the mills.
Check availability →Tours from Ostuni and Torre Guaceto
Guided walks, bike rides and day trips in Puglia, with live prices and availability.
Ostuni beaches: the coast of the municipality
The town sits on the hill, and the sea is elsewhere. The municipality of Ostuni has several coastal places, and they should not be confused with Torre Guaceto.
Rosa Marina is a sandy resort in the municipality of Ostuni with tourist infrastructure. Other places on the water include Costa Merlata, Torre Pozzella and Marina di Ostuni, about 8 km from the town center. That distance is from the center of Ostuni to the coast, not to the Torre Guaceto reserve.
Some stretches of rocky coast can be closed after rockfalls. Always follow the signs on site. That applies to the Ostuni coast, not to Torre Guaceto.
Combining Ostuni and Torre Guaceto
The distance depends on which entrance of the reserve you choose.
Choose the entrance first
The route changes if you aim for the reserve gate in the north, Serranova for the visitor center or Apani in the south. From the SS379 you leave at Torre Guaceto and Punta Penna Grossa, and further south is the exit for Apani. There is no single distance between Ostuni and the reserve.
Beach in the morning, town in the afternoon
A comfortable plan is the reserve in the morning and Ostuni in the afternoon, or the other way round for less heat. Parking at the reserve gate costs €8 per car per day in the 2026 season. Check the current status of parking and the shuttle before you leave.
Rules in the reserve
Motor vehicles are not allowed inside, and dogs, drones and loudspeaker music are banned. Access on foot is free from morning to sunset. The full details are in the guide to Brindisi Airport, parking and getting to Torre Guaceto.
Where to stay and where to go next
Town and coast are two different choices.
If you sleep in Ostuni, separate the old town from the places on the sea, such as Rosa Marina, which have lodging and restaurants. Walking distances to the reserve are not the same. For a comparison of areas, read where to stay in Puglia for Torre Guaceto.
If you continue south, Matera in Basilicata is a classic stop on a Puglia trip.
Ostuni: frequently asked questions
Is Ostuni inside the Torre Guaceto reserve?
No. Ostuni is a hill town with its own old center. Torre Guaceto is a protected area on the coast between Carovigno and Brindisi.
What can I see in Ostuni in half a day?
The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta at the highest point of the old town, and the white lanes around it. With more time, add the coast of the municipality.
How far is Ostuni from Torre Guaceto?
That depends on the entrance: the reserve gate, Serranova or Apani. There is no single distance, so set your navigation to the exact point you want to reach.
Which are the Ostuni beaches?
Rosa Marina is a sandy resort in the municipality with tourist facilities. There are also Costa Merlata, Torre Pozzella and Marina di Ostuni, about 8 km from the town center.
Is the cathedral free to enter?
Do not assume free entry. Price and interior hours can vary, so ask on the spot.
Is this the official site of Ostuni?
No. This is an independent guide with no link to the municipality of Ostuni, the Torre Guaceto reserve or any tour operator.