Forget the crushing crowds and sky-high costs in Santorini, as Italy offers a remote town that looks just like it – for a fraction of the price.
Ostuni, located in the southern region of Puglia, is perched on a hilltop overlooking the olive groves and vineyards of Valle d’Itria and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.
The ‘White City’ is famed for its whitewashed architecture, featuring bright buildings that are refreshed each year by the local government to maintain the city’s appearance.
Starting as a tradition in the 17th century as a way to combat the plague, white lime wash, made from limestone dust and water, is believed to have antibacterial benefits from the calcium carbonate, and seen as a miracle that warded off disease.
Today, custom is continued not only for sanitary and historical reasons, but also to help reflect heat and keep the area cool, along with brightening its narrow alleyways.
Ostuni, derived from the Greek term ‘Astynéon’, which means new city, is also known for its maze-like layout of streets, arches and stairways – the chaotic outcome of a city that was built without a master plan.
It offers an authentic Mediterranean vibe, with its beachside bars, crystal-blue shores, lush landscapes, and rustic restaurants serving up regional cuisine, along with historic monuments and regional experiences.
Foodies visiting Ostuni are in for a treat, as the city offers everything from olive oil tasting tours and cooking classes to sampling gelato and cafés in Piazza della Libertà.
Ostuni, located in the southern region of Puglia, is perched on a hilltop overlooking the olive groves and vineyards of Valle d’Itria and the surrounding Adriatic Sea
The ‘White City’ is famed for its whitewashed architecture, featuring bright buildings that are refreshed each year by the local government to maintain the city’s appearance
A bustling local market is also held every Saturday, while a large flea market takes place in the off-season on Sundays.
Visitors can soak up the sun on nearby beaches, such as Pilone Beach, take day trips to neighbouring towns, like Alberobello, or explore the labyrinthine streets across Centro Storico.
The Romanesque-Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta in Ostuni Cathedral is a must-see, while the Masseria Brancati, an ancient fortified Masseria in from AD 1500, offers a fascinating look at a pre-Roman underground olive mill.
The area has seen a significant rise of visitors over the years thanks to its uncanny resemblance to some of Greece’s most distinguished hotspots, earning it the nickname ‘Santorini of Italy.’
To get to Ostuni from the UK, the best way is to fly from a London airport to Brindisi Airport (BDS), followed by a short transfer to Ostuni.
A two-hour Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Brindisi Airport starts at £30, while a scenic train ride from Brindisi to Ostuni costs little over £3 and takes an hour and a half.
With temperatures in Ostuni averaging 30C in summer and 18C in winter, the city is perfect to explore throughout the year – so, what are you waiting for?
Meanwhile, an Italian city has been described as the country’s ‘treasured secret’ with a beautiful coastline.
The area has seen a significant rise of visitors over the years thanks to its uncanny resemblance to some of Greece’s most distinguished hotspots, earning it the nickname ‘Santorini of Italy’
A two-hour Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Brindisi Airport starts at £30, while a scenic train ride from Brindisi to Ostuni costs little over £3 and takes an hour and a half
View at the square with Saint Orontius column in Ostuni
According to Lonely Planet, Genoa is one of the world’s best cities to visit in 2025 and one of Italy’s best hidden gems.
A port metropolis on Italy’s northwest coast, Genoa was the 26th most-visited city in Italy during 2017 with far fewer tourists than the likes of Venice and Rome.
Lonely Planet reveals: ‘Few places in Italy are “undiscovered”, but Genoa feels like a treasured secret.
‘With a new high-speed-train connection in the works, now is the time to seek out this stately city with superlative culinary chops, a stunning seaside and a well-earned reputation as one of Italy’s most historically and culturally vibrant cities.’
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
