Best Photo Spots in Ostuni: Where to Take the Perfect Pictures in the White City

Welcome to Ostuni, the hilltop jewel of Puglia, known worldwide as the "Città Bianca" (The White City). With its dazzling whitewashed walls, winding alleys, and breathtaking panoramic sea views, Ostuni is essentially a giant, ready-made photo studio!

Here is your definitive guide to capturing the most beautiful, Instagram-worthy photos and selfies in this photogenic city.

The Golden Rules of White City Photography

Ostuni’s brilliant white architecture is stunning, but it requires a few simple tricks to photograph perfectly.

• Embrace the Contrast

The stark white buildings look incredible when contrasted with color. Look for vibrant blue doors, terracotta pots overflowing with red geraniums, or green prickly pear cacti. Use these elements to frame your selfies.

• Mind the Time (The Golden Hours)

The bright white stone can create harsh shadows and glare under the midday sun. The best times for soft, perfect light are:

Early Morning (Sunrise to 9:00 AM): Enjoy soft, golden light and virtually empty streets—perfect for unobstructed shots.
Late Afternoon/Sunset (4:00 PM onwards): The walls take on a beautiful warm glow as the sun sets, providing a romantic and flattering filter for photos.

• Find the Blue

The combination of white stone and a deep blue&sea sky is Ostuni's signature look. Position your camera to capture as much of that Adriatic blue overhead as possible.

Must-Visit Photo & Selfie Spots

Forget filters—these locations provide the perfect natural backdrop.

• The Iconic Blue Door

No trip to Ostuni is complete without a photo here. It's often referred to as the Porta Azzurra and is one of the most famous doors in all of Puglia.

• Arco Scoppa

This elegant stone archway connects the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary and is a masterpiece of Baroque design. Frame yourself standing directly under the arch, using its beautiful architecture to frame the view of the nearby Ostuni Cathedral.

• The Panoramic Viewpoints (Belvedere)

To truly capture the grandeur of the "White City," you need to step outside the center and look back.

The most famous panoramic viewpoint is the Piazzetta Martiri delle Foibe (located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II). From here, you can capture the whole city rising dramatically from the olive groves. This is the ultimate landscape photo, perfect for a full-body shot with the entire city as your backdrop.

• The Labyrinthine Alleys (The Old Town Streets)

Sometimes the best pictures are found in the simplest places. Just wander the narrow, unplanned streets of the Centro Storico.
Look for winding stone staircases, arched doorways, or narrow alleys that lead to a glimpse of the Adriatic Sea. A candid shot walking up or down one of these staircases works beautifully. The contrast between the brilliant white walls and the rough, earthy texture of the stone is fantastic for close-up detail shots. Look for unexpected floral touches or a small window with vibrant shutters.

Apulia Rentals Photo Tip: Post-Shoot Perfection

Once you’ve captured your memory, a few quick edits will make it shine:

• Increase Contrast: The white walls can sometimes look flat. A slight increase in contrast will make the lines and shadows pop.
• Adjust Exposure: If your photo looks a little dull, bump up the exposure slightly to really make the white sparkle, but be careful not to overexpose the bright areas.
• Tag Us! When you share your stunning Ostuni photos, don't forget to tag Apulia Rentals—we love seeing your perfect luxury escape moments!

Your luxury escape to Ostuni is ready. Get out there, explore, and let the White City be the star of your perfect photo album and Instagram feed!

Ostuni is best explored early in the morning or at sunset, when the light is soft and the streets are quieter. Staying in a private villa near Ostuni allows you to reach the old town easily, enjoy the most beautiful photo spots without crowds, and return to complete privacy at the end of the day.

FAQ

Q: What is the best time of day to take photos in Ostuni?
A: Early morning and late afternoon offer the softest light and fewer crowds.

Q: Is Ostuni worth visiting for photography lovers?
A: Absolutely. The whitewashed old town, viewpoints and narrow streets make it one of the most photogenic towns in Puglia.

Q: How much time do you need to explore Ostuni old town?
A: Around 2–3 hours are enough for a relaxed walk and photo stops.