Winter sunset in Ostuni is spectacular, turning La Citta Bianca (The White City) as it is known, into a city tinged with gold and purple.
St. Oronzo is the patron saint of Ostuni and he stands high above Piazza Liberta keeping a watchful eye on his beautiful city.
For the past week I have been staying in Ostuni, Puglia, down on the heel of Italy. The weather here is mild and sunny and I have been taking many exploratory walks in the area. As I have explored, so have I been taking lots of photos and thought I would share some of them with you as I travel.
Ancient olive trees dot the countryside and at the moment the olive groves are carpeted with wild flowers, making a fabulous display.
Harvesting continues, as evidenced by the nets laid out around the trees in many olive groves.
I have made a visit to Polignano a Mare to admire the fantastic horse-shoe shaped beach.
I have visited Torre Canne and walked several kilometres on the strand just this very morning. This photo of me stepping it out is courtesy of Tom Weber, The Palladian Traveler, himself.
I have spent an afternoon in Torre Santa Sabina, where the deserted beach awaits the summer crowds.
And, of course, there’s the fabulous food here in Puglia, where nature provides an abundance of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Even the cherry trees are in bloom already.
Home-made spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and burrata (cream filled mozzarella) was on my to-die for list a few days ago.
And today I ate a delicious Sunday lunch at Torre Santa Sabina, where I dined on the best Risotto alla Pescatora (fish risotto) ever, followed by excellent grilled Pesce Spada (sword fish).
I still have another week ahead of me in beautiful Puglia and will be documenting my stay with plenty of photos so you can travel virtually with me.
To visit Ostuni, you can go by train or fly to Brindisi. All information is on their local website. Click HERE.
Orna O’Reilly
Ostuni, Puglia
Orna O'Reilly: Travelling Italy 
How simply divine. Puglia is a well kept secret and just beautiful.
I absolutely love it here and it’s so mild after the winter fog that shrouds the Veneto. A great break. 🙂
Stunning place, amazing shots!
Thanks so much! Delighted you like them. 🙂
I’ve never been further south than Molise, but one day, I’ll visit Puglia. These photos are beautiful 🙂
Thank you so much. Puglia is beautiful and I plan to move there in September, all going according to plan. Well worth heading further south! 🙂
Reblogged this on Orna O'Reilly: Travelling Italy and commented:
Now living near Ostuni and loving it. Puglia in winter is a magic place.
I have always longed to visit Puglia. In fact, I have obtained my dual citizenship through Puglia, specifically Casamassima.
That’s excellent. Casamassima is not far away from where I live; about one hour. Coincidentally, I was reading, just the other day, that there is a huge shopping centre there with a lot of designer outlets. I plan to visit there after Christmas for a look around. I’m glad you are enjoying my blog. Puglia is well worth the visit, especially as you obviously have connections here. Happy Christmas. Orna
How sweet to take a pause in the holiday rushing to read about your travels in Italy, this time the heel. Thank you and have a beautiful, loving season of celebration.
Gale
Thank you Gale. Have a wonderful Christmas. Orna
Beautiful photos – from the clouds to the wildflowers – all very enticing in sort of a relaxing way.
Thanks Karen. I hope Puglia is high on your list of places to visit in 2017. Good luck with your wonderful new book. Orna
Yes, definitely on the list, but it’s a long list – so much to see and do. Thank you for your good wishes for my book, and once again thank you for your wonderful review!
Buon Natale!
Hello Orna – our group of 4 plans to spend most of January in Puglia and we’re really getting a lot of inspiration from your posts. Renting apartments in Conversano and Lecce, spending a weekend in Ostuni and several days in Matera. I’ve been to Puglia twice before but none of my travel companions have, so I’m excited to share it with them.
Sounds perfect. Lots of beautiful places to rent in Puglia. Hope you’re planning to check out beautiful Ostuni too! Orna
Spending the weekend in Ostuni and looking forward to it. Care to meet us for a coffee?
Coffee would be good! Message me when you are around.