Discover the Coastal Dunes Park in Ostuni
The Coastal Dunes Park offers a unique experience between nature and sea.
What are the characteristics of the Coastal Dunes Park?
The Regional Natural Park of Coastal Dunes extends over approximately 1,100 hectares between Ostuni and Fasano. It is a unique place where the landscape changes continuously: from hills covered with ancient olive trees to the crystal-clear sea of the Adriatic. Here, nature is the protagonist. You walk among dry stone walls, sandy paths, old farmhouses, wetlands, and fossil dunes. Every meter tells a story, every glimpse gives an emotion.
What is the geography of the Park?
The Park develops in length, following the coast. On one side are the Ostuni countryside, with green hills and olive groves rising into the hinterland. On the other side, the sea with free beaches, sandy coves, and dunes covered with Mediterranean vegetation. This duality makes the Park perfect for those who love to discover different environments in a single day.
How can you explore the Park by bike?
Exploring the Park by bike is one of the most appreciated experiences. The routes are easy and well-marked. Along the paths, you encounter ancient farmhouses, small rural churches, and areas cultivated using organic methods. Many rent a bike directly in Ostuni or at one of the tourist facilities in the area. The most convenient entrance to start the cycling itinerary is in the Lido Morelli area, one of the most well-known points of the park.
What trekking opportunities does the Park offer?
For those who prefer walking, the Park offers ideal trails for trekking. There are short routes of a few kilometers and longer itineraries that cross the entire park. Among the most suggestive is the trail that starts from the mouth of the Morelli River and reaches the hills behind, crossing dunes, reeds, and old country roads. During the walk, you can encounter herons, hawks, frogs, dragonflies, and many other species that live in this protected ecosystem.
What beaches are near the Park?
The coast of the Coastal Dunes Park is dotted with some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in the Ostuni area. Lido Morelli is the most famous beach. It is a long stretch of fine, light sand, with high dunes separating the beach from the Mediterranean scrub. Part of the beach is equipped, but there is also a wide free area. Pilone is a little further north, with transparent sea and shallow bottoms, perfect for families with children. Here, too, there are alternating free sections and equipped beach clubs. Costa Merlata, further south, offers a more rugged landscape, with rocky coves and deep waters. It is ideal for those who love swimming or snorkeling. All these beaches can also be reached by bike if you start from the Park or Ostuni. The routes are mostly flat.
What is the atmosphere of the Park like?
One of the most appreciated characteristics of the Park is its tranquil atmosphere. Even in the height of summer, just a few hundred meters away from the busiest spots, you can immerse yourself in the silence of nature. It is the ideal place for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, for those who want to slow down and observe. Every season has its charm: spring with wildflowers, summer with the scents of the scrub, autumn with golden lights among the olives.
What can you find in the farmhouses of the Park?
The Park also features several historic farmhouses, some of which are open to the public. Some offer tastings, guided tours, or accommodation options. Many local producers sell extra virgin olive oil, wine, cheese, and zero-kilometer vegetables. It is an opportunity to savor the true Puglia, away from the most crowded tourist circuits.
How to get to the Coastal Dunes Park?
If you are in Ostuni city, you can reach the Coastal Dunes Park by car in about 10-15 minutes, heading towards the sea in the direction of Lido Morelli or Pilone. Alternatively, you can start directly by bike: from the historic center, a descent leads down to the coast. There are also some organized shuttles in summer, but the bike remains the most convenient and scenic way to explore every corner of the park.
Why visit the Coastal Dunes Park?
Visiting the Coastal Dunes Park is not just a trip into nature. It is an immersion in the slow rhythms of rural Puglia, between wind, sea, land, and sky. Here, there are no large artificial attractions, but small authentic treasures to discover step by step.
