Ostuni
Puglia · Brindisi

Ostuni

29,900 residents · 170,200 within 5 km · 228 m above sea level

82Quality of life
71Infrastruktur
68Economy

What Ostuni is actually like

Ostuni, often referred to as the "White City," is a stunning hilltop town in Puglia, known for its picturesque whitewashed buildings and beautiful surroundings of olive groves. It offers a vibrant mix of medieval charm and modern amenities, making it appealing to many expats and retirees. The town’s favorable location near the Adriatic Sea provides easy access to beaches, with the nearest being just a short drive away. Cultural richness is evident through local cuisine, lively markets, and various community events, while its reasonable cost of living is an attractive factor. However, potential residents should be mindful of challenges, such as bureaucratic hurdles and varying healthcare accessibility, which can be concerns. Nevertheless, its stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and welcoming atmosphere make Ostuni a noteworthy option for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in Italy.

How Ostuni is built

Dispersed rural comune

Pre-war 24%Mid-century 70%Modern 6%
Settlement pattern
Dispersed
54% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 46%Dispersed 54%
Condition
86%
Some wear — 14% needs work
Good / excellent 86%Poor / mediocre 14%
Occupancy
36%
Mostly holiday/empty — 64% holiday or vacant
Main homes 36%Holiday or vacant 64%
OstuniVillanovaRosa MarinaMonticelliCertosaDiana MarinaMartellotti
Historic coreEstablishedPost-warModernRuralSparsely built

Building age, condition and occupancy from the ISTAT census (2011), by census section. Occupancy is shown as one honest split — the 2011 census does not reliably separate holiday homes from vacant ones.

Towns like Ostuni

Closest matches in Puglia on quality of life, infrastructure and economy.

The rest of the Ostuni profile — cost of living, healthcare, climate, broadband, schools and the full pros & cons — is behind a free account.