Budget-Friendly Fun: 48 Hours in Taranto, Italy

Discover the authentic charm of Taranto without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Taranto, Italy on a limited budget can still be filled with art, history, and delicious seafood. Start by exploring the city's Aragonese Castle and ancient Greek ruins, then take a stroll along the seaside promenade. For budget-friendly meals, head to the local markets, like Mercato Ortofrutticolo, to taste the region's famous olive oil, fresh fruits, and fish.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Taranto

  • Hotel: Bed & Breakfast Arcangelo, a charming and budget-friendly option with a central location.
  • Start the day with a stroll to the Aragonese Castle, an imposing fortress that overlooks the city and offers panoramic views.
  • Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto, where you can admire a vast collection of ancient Greek artifacts and marvel at the intricate gold jewelry on display.
  • Take a break and head to Piazza Maria Immacolata for an espresso at one of the cozy cafes.
  • Walk along the Lungomare, a beautiful promenade that follows the seafront and leads to the charming fishing village of Grottaglie.
  • End the day with a delicious dinner at Trattoria Da Gigi, a local favorite serving traditional dishes made with fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Day 2

Day Tripping

  • Start the day with a quick breakfast at Pasticceria Giovanniello, where you can try the famous pasticciotto, a small pastry filled with custard cream.
  • Hop on a train and take a day trip to Matera, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Sassi, prehistoric cave dwellings that have been turned into unique homes and hotels.
  • Explore the charming streets of Matera, visit the Cathedral of Matera and the Rock Churches of Matera, with their frescoes and well-preserved architecture.
  • Have lunch at Ristorante Francesca, where you can try the local specialties, including delicious homemade pasta and wild boar.
  • In the afternoon, take a train back to Taranto and visit the Citta Vecchia, the old town with its narrow streets, stunning churches, and traditional shops.
  • End the day with a leisurely dinner at Osteria Degli Angeli, a cozy restaurant that offers delicious seafood dishes, homemade pasta, and local wines.
  • Taranto is a charming city full of history, culture, and delicious food. With this itinerary, you will get to experience the best of the city and the surrounding area while staying on a budget.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Taranto by plane is to fly into Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport and then take the Trenitalia train to Taranto. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.

Car

The best way to get to Taranto by car is to drive from Bari along the Strada Statale 7 Appia. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and there are multiple car rental options available at Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport.

Train

The best way to get to Taranto by train is to take the Trenitalia train from Rome to Taranto. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours and tickets can be purchased online or at the station.

Boat

Although there is no direct way to arrive in Taranto by boat, visitors can take a ferry from Greece to Bari and then follow the best way to get to Taranto by car or train.

Bus

The best way to get to Taranto by bus is to take the Flixbus from Naples to Taranto. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours and tickets can be purchased online or at the station.

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