Taranto Travel Guide – Between Sea and History
🏛️ Welcome to Taranto
Nestled between two seas, Taranto is a city with a rich ancient past and a Mediterranean soul. Its natural harbor, authentic alleyways, light sandy beaches, and Greek ruins make it a unique and still under-the-radar destination. This guide invites you to explore its treasures, combining culture, relaxation, and the Italian art of living.
🏘️ The Old Town (Città Vecchia) & the Swing Bridge
Get lost in the alleys of the Città Vecchia, a maze of flowered balconies, baroque churches, and ancient stones. Connected to the modern city by the impressive Ponte Girevole (Swing Bridge), this peninsula immerses you in the Taranto of the past.
📍 Don’t miss: San Cataldo Cathedral, Piazza Fontana, the hanging houses over the sea, the mermaid statues by the water, and the Doric columns at Piazza Castello.
🏰 The Aragonese Castle
A majestic sentinel at the entrance to the navigable canal, the Castello Aragonese is a must-see. Built in the 15th century, it offers stunning views of the sea and the city. Guided tours are free and conducted by the Italian Navy.
🔗 http://www.castelloaragoneseta...
🏺 The MARTA Archaeological Museum
Ranked among the richest archaeological museums in Italy, MARTA showcases the fabulous Gold of Taranto – exquisite Greek jewelry – along with sculptures, mosaics, and artifacts from Magna Graecia.
🎟️ https://museotaranto.cultura.g...
🌊 The Beaches of Taranto
Just a few minutes from downtown, relax on the beaches of Lido Gandoli, San Vito, Marina di Lizzano or Pulsano. Clear turquoise waters, white sand, and a peaceful vibe make them perfect for enjoying the Italian summer.
-> Isole Cheradi beach day for 13€ including sun chair and a beach umbrella few min away walking from ALmar: https://www.ecosistemataranto....
Or try the freedom experience and rent a private boat without license/skipper at a very affordable price, few steps away from Almar: https://www.daddarioyacht.it/n...
🍝 Taste Taranto
Local cuisine is a true sensory journey:
- Taranto mussels (cozze alla tarantina)
- Fresh orecchiette pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta
- Wines from Salento: Primitivo and Negroamaro
🛍️ Shopping in Taranto
Whether you're looking for local specialties or the latest Italian fashion, Taranto offers a wide variety of shopping experiences.
🧺 Markets and Local Shops
- Via d’Aquino (15 min walk from Almar Living): Elegant shopping street in the heart of the modern city, with clothing stores, leather goods, and jewelry (big chains like Zara, luxury shops, and independent boutiques).
- Mercato Fadini (Old Town): A typical market atmosphere with fresh produce, spices, cheese, and seafood.
- Artisan shops: Local ceramics, decorative pottery, and handmade souvenirs.
💡 Don't miss: VIsit Cromie art gallery (by Angelo Milano) and the ceramic treasures of Enza Fasano
🛒 Modern Shopping Centers
🏬 Centro Commerciale Porte dello Jonio
➤ The largest shopping center in Taranto
➤ Over 100 stores (restaurants, Auchan supermarket, parking)
➤ Perfect for a comfortable shopping day
🛍️ Centro Commerciale Mongolfiera Taranto
➤ A few minutes from the city center
➤ Fashion, home decor, services, fast food
➤ Easy access and often host to events
🏺 Grottaglie (15 min from Taranto): The city of ceramics – a must for artisanal ceramic and pottery lovers.
💡 Tip: Don’t leave without trying local olive oil or artisanal fig jam!
Visit Cromie amazing art Gallery and Enza Fasano ceramic treasures.
🧘♀️ / 🧘♂️ SPA / Wellness:
Relais Histò
Located in Taranto, this 5-star hotel features a 1,750 m² spa offering body and facial treatments, spa rituals, and wellness journeys. The facility also includes ancient Roman baths, an impluvium, and the Culti Dry Sea – perfect for fully enjoying the Apulian landscape.
🔗 https://www.relaishisto.it/fr/...
Mon Rêve Resort
Also in Taranto, Mon Rêve Resort offers a full wellness experience, at a more accessible price than Relais Histò (Massages from €50). It includes a modern spa with various relaxation and revitalization facilities.
🔗 https://www.monreve.it/spa/
These establishments combine luxury and relaxation, offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of every wellness-seeking visitor in Taranto.
📌 Practical Tips
☀️ Best time to visit: May to September
🚶 Perfect to explore on foot or by bike in the Old Town
🗺️ Guided tours available at the castle and museum