The Ultimate 3-Day Taranto Adventure!

Explore the rich history and stunning coastline of Taranto, Italy.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, Taranto, Italy is the perfect destination for a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. The city boasts an impressive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Baroque architecture, as well as stunning beaches along the Ionian Sea. Visitors can explore the famous Aragonese Castle, the National Archaeological Museum, and the vibrant local markets to experience the true essence of this charming city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Old Town Charm

  • Start your day with a strong coffee and buttery cornetto at Pasticceria Napoli in the heart of the old town
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the winding alleys of the Città Vecchia, admiring the ornate Baroque buildings and the buzz of local life
  • Stop by the imposing Aragonese Castle, perched on a rocky peninsula and offering sweeping views over the Ionian Sea
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at Trattoria Pesce Fresco, where fresh catch of the day is brought straight from the nearby fish market to your table
  • In the afternoon, discover the treasures of the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto, showcasing the rich history of the ancient city from prehistoric times to the Roman era
  • End the day with an apéritif and some live music at La Vela Bianca, a trendy bar in the picturesque Santa Lucia district.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Plaza, a stylish 4-star hotel located right in the historic center.
Day 2

Coastal Splendor

  • Drive or take a bus to the scenic seaside town of Gallipoli, about one hour southwest of Taranto
  • Wander around the charming old town, surrounded by massive fortifications and overlooking the turquoise sea
  • Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Spiaggia della Purità, a picturesque beach lined with colorful fishing boats
  • Stop by the 17th-century Greek Orthodox Church of San Nicolò, adorned with glittering mosaics and an impressive iconostasis
  • Head back to Taranto for dinner at Osteria del Corso, a cozy restaurant serving elevated versions of traditional Apulian dishes
  • Top off the night with a gelato or granita at Il Cannolo Felice, a local institution serving mouth-watering sweets since 1956.
Day 3

Industrial Legacy

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Caffè 84, a hip café in the modern part of the city
  • Visit the impressive Steel Museum, housed in a former steelworks factory and showcasing the industrial heritage of Taranto
  • Take a guided tour of the ILVA steel plant, one of the largest and most controversial in Europe
  • Sample some of the best street food in Puglia at Piazza Fontana, a bustling square filled with stalls selling fried snacks, grilled meat and fish, and fresh fruit
  • Join a sunset boat tour of the Mar Piccolo, a small but scenic lagoon dotted with fishing villages and ancient ruins
  • End the night with a glass of Primitivo di Manduria wine and some tapas at Un'Altra Storia Wine & Cooking, a trendy wine bar with a cozy terrace.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Saraceno Al Faro, a charming 3-star hotel overlooking the Mar Piccolo and the Taranto skyline.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Taranto

Welcome to a city known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and confusing pronunciation (Hint: it's not pronounced Tar-ahnt-oh).

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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