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• Taranto

Discover Taranto: A 5-Day Adventure

Discover the hidden jewels of Taranto without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Taranto is a charming coastal city in southern Italy that offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, even on a limited budget. Spend your days exploring the ancient Greek ruins and visiting the vibrant local markets, where you can sample fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally made wine. With affordable accommodations and public transportation, a trip to Taranto is both accessible and affordable for budget travelers.

Travel plan

• Check-in at Hotel L'arcangelo, a cozy guesthouse with stylish rooms and free breakfast.
• Stroll around the historic Old Town, taking in the narrow alleys, colorful houses, and charming squares.
• Visit the Aragonese Castle, a massive fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
• Learn about Taranto's ancient Greek heritage at the National Archaeological Museum, home to impressive exhibits of pottery, sculpture, and jewelry.
• Try some local specialties for lunch at Trattoria da Gianni, a rustic eatery serving delicious seafood and pasta dishes.
• Relax at Porta Napoli, a lively promenade near the seafront, with cafes, ice cream shops, and street artists.

• Hop on a bus or rental car and head to Lama San Giorgio Beach, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and rocky cliffs.
• Take a hike in the nearby Riserva Naturale delle Saline, a nature reserve full of salt pans, pink ponds, and rare bird species.
• Visit the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, a baroque chapel with a panoramic terrace and a peaceful garden.
• Have a picnic or try some street food at Mercato Ortofrutticolo, a vibrant market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies.
• End the day with a romantic dinner at Il Guazzetto, a cozy restaurant by the sea, famed for its seafood soups and grilled fish dishes.

• Start the day with a cappuccino and a croissant at Pasticceria Nuovo Mondo, a historic pastry shop in the city center.
• Visit the Museo Spartano, a small but fascinating museum showcasing the ancient Spartans' traditions and artifacts.
• Admire the stunning frescoes and mosaics at the Cattedrale di San Cataldo, a beautiful Romanesque church with a rich history.
• Discover the art of puppetry at the Museo delle Marionette Carlo Menotti, a quirky museum featuring puppets from all over the world.
• Sample some hearty street food at Panificio Santa Chiara, a bakery famous for its calzone and puccia sandwiches.
• Attend a performance at Teatro Orfeo, a cozy theater with a varied program of concerts, plays, and comedy shows.

• Take a morning stroll along the Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, a picturesque promenade lined with palm trees and Art Nouveau buildings.
• Visit the Parco Archeologico delle Mura Greche, a green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring ancient Greek walls, towers, and gates.
• Admire the modernist architecture of the Pinacoteca Comunale, a contemporary art museum showcasing works by local and international artists.
• Hire a bike or take a boat trip to the Isola di San Pietro, a tiny island with a charming fishing village and stunning views of the sunset.
• Indulge in a homemade gelato at Gelateria Martinucci, a family-run ice cream parlor with a wide range of flavors.
• Join the locals for an aperitivo at Piazza Fontana, one of the liveliest squares in town, with trendy bars and cafés.

• Browse the boutiques and shops at Via Roma, Taranto's main shopping street, famous for its fashion and design stores.
• Visit the Mercato del Pesce, a bustling fish market where you can buy fresh seafood and try some street snacks.
• Take a final stroll around the Old Town, savoring the sights and sounds of the city one last time.
• Have a farewell lunch at Osteria Il Grillo, a traditional restaurant serving authentic Apulian dishes and wines.
• Check-out from Hotel L'arcangelo and say goodbye to Taranto, a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.