Ostuni, a renowned tourist destination in the province of Brindisi, sits on three hills at an altitude of 229 metres and has around 33,000 inhabitants. The historic centre, clustered on top of a hill, is visible from afar from the coast, the coastal plain and the nearby hills, giving the town its striking appearance.
The municipal territory is very large, covering 223.77 sq km, with an altitude ranging from 0 to 380 metres above sea level. It is divided into two clearly defined areas: the hilly zone, which stretches as far as the Itria Valley (10 km away), and the olive-grove plain below the town. The green of the olive trees blends into the blue of the sea of the Ostuni marina, which extends for a full 20 kilometres from Lido Morelli (Coastal Dunes Park) to Lamaforca, with a succession of enchanting spots and dream beaches.
In 2009 Ostuni Mare received three coveted awards: the "capital of Alto Salento" was among the thirteen Italian localities awarded the "Five Sails" by Legambiente and Touring Club, the "Green Flag" (first place) for beaches ideal for children, and it once again received the "Blue Flag". In 2010 as well, the Blue Flag and the Five Sails of Legambiente flew over the White City. In 2011, once again, blue, yellow and green pennants for Ostuni. In 2012 the Blue Flag was reconfirmed for the eighteenth time since 1987, the year the certification was established. In 2013 came the nineteenth blue pennant and the fifth "Five Sails" award. In 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 the Blue Flag was awarded again.
The town is known throughout the world as the "White City" for the fairy-tale charm of its historic centre with white-painted houses. Tradition has it that it was a miracle by Saint Oronzo that saved Ostuni from the plague; but it was probably the white lime, a natural disinfectant, that actually saved the village.
The Tourist Information and Welcome Office (I.A.T.) is at Corso Mazzini 8, near Piazza della Liberta, just before the start of the climb up to the white historic centre.