Taranto (province) Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Taranto (Province) including best things to do, places to visit, food and drink, where to stay and much more.


Introduction to Taranto (Province)

Taranto (Province) is located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. Known as the “City of Two Seas”, Taranto is surrounded by both the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas. The province is a blend of history, culture, and nature, making it an ideal destination for travelers who love to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will guide you through the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink, where to stay and much more in Taranto (Province).

List of Places to Visit in Taranto (Province)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

National Archaeological Museum of Taranto

The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto houses one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in Italy. The museum’s collection includes exhibits from Magna Graecia, a region of Southern Italy that was once inhabited by Greek settlers.

Castello Aragonese

Castello Aragonese is a fortress that sits on a small island connected to Taranto via a bridge. The castle is now used as a museum and art gallery, displaying works by local artists as well as pieces from the town’s history.

San Domenico Maggiore

San Domenico Maggiore is a Catholic church located in Taranto. The church dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also home to an impressive collection of religious artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Taranto (Province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mar Piccolo

Mar Piccolo is a small inland sea in the Taranto area. Surrounded by sandy beaches, it is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Mar Piccolo.

Punta Prosciutto Beach

Located on the Ionian Sea, Punta Prosciutto Beach is a long stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters. This popular beach is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the sun.

The Taranto Saline Regional Park

The Taranto Saline Regional Park is a nature reserve situated on the coast of the Ionian Sea. It is famous for its salt marshes and is home to a variety of bird species. Visitors can take a boat tour of the reserve to see the various habitats and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Taranto (Province)

Monte Sant’Angelo

Monte Sant’Angelo is a small mountain located in the Gargano National Park. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and visitors can also see the historic Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel.

The Ancient Via Traiana

The Ancient Via Traiana is an ancient Roman road that stretches from Benevento to Brindisi. This road was built in the 2nd century AD and was named after the Emperor Trajan. The road is still visible in many places and is a popular destination for both hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Taranto (Province): Activities and Tours

Greek Food Tour

Taranto is located in an area once inhabited by Greek settlers. A Greek food tour is an excellent way to explore the culinary traditions of the region. Visitors can taste traditional dishes like orecchiette alle cime di rapa, a pasta dish with turnip greens, and anchovy sauce.

Olive Oil Tasting Tour

Apulia is famous for its olive oil, and visitors to Taranto can take an olive oil tasting tour to learn more about the production process and taste quality oils from local producers.

Sunset Sail on Mar Piccolo

A romantic sunset sail on Mar Piccolo is a great way to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the area. The sail offers stunning views of the coastline and a unique perspective of the town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Taranto (Province)

Day 1: Explore Taranto’s historic center and visit the Castello Aragonese and National Archaeological Museum. Day 2: Take a day trip to Matera, a unique UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its cave houses. Day 3: Visit the beautiful Punta Prosciutto beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Day 4: Enjoy a hiking or biking excursion along the Ancient Via Traiana. Day 5: Take a boat tour of the Taranto Saline Regional Park and see the diverse bird species that inhabit the area. Day 6: Go on an olive oil tasting tour and learn about the production process of one of Apulia’s most famous products. Day 7: Take a sunset sail on Mar Piccolo and enjoy views of the town from the water.

Food and Drink Scene of Taranto (Province)

Must-Try Dishes

Orecchiette alle cime di rapa

Orecchiette alle cime di rapa is a traditional pasta dish made with turnip greens, anchovy sauce, and orecchiette pasta.

Taralli

Taralli are a type of Italian snack food that is similar to a pretzel. They are made from flour, water, and olive oil and are often flavored with black pepper or fennel.

Local Beverages

Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria is a red wine produced in the Manduria area of Taranto. It has a rich and full-bodied flavor and pairs well with grilled meats and pasta dishes.

Puccia

Puccia is a type of bread that is popular in Taranto. It is often filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables and is a popular street food in the area.

Where to Stay in Taranto (Province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Taranto (Province) offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some popular hotels include Hotel Akropolis and Hotel Europa. For a unique stay, visitors can try the eco-friendly bed and breakfast La Finestra sul Borgo or the traditional Masseria Angiulli Piccolo.

What to Buy in Taranto (Province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ceramics

Apulia is famous for its ceramic production, and visitors to Taranto can find a range of beautiful ceramic pieces in local shops.

Olive Oil

Apulia is one of the largest olive oil producing regions in Italy, and visitors can bring home high-quality olive oil from the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Taranto (Province)

Taranto has a rich cultural history, and visitors can experience local traditions during their stay. Traditional festivals include the Holy Week processions and the Feast of San Cataldo, held in May.

Best Time to Visit Taranto (Province)

The best time to visit Taranto (Province) is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and crowds are smaller. July and August tend to be the busiest months, with high temperatures and large crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Taranto (Province)

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including traditional pasta dishes and olive oil.
  • Experience local culture by attending festivals and events.
  • Relax on the beautiful beaches of the area.

Don’t:

  • Visit during the hottest summer months unless you can handle high temperatures and large crowds.
  • Worry too much about language barriers, as many locals speak some English and are happy to help visitors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Taranto (Province)

Taranto is a safe destination for travelers, but as with any destination, visitors should take precautions to protect their belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.

Health in Taranto (Province)

Tap water in Taranto (Province) is safe to drink, but visitors should take care to avoid drinking unfiltered water from other sources. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in some areas during the summer months, so travelers should take precautions to avoid bites and carry insect repellent.

Getting to Taranto (Province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Taranto (Province)

The nearest airport to Taranto is the Brindisi Airport, which is located about 70 kilometers away. From here, travelers can rent a car or take a bus to reach Taranto.

Bus Stations Near Taranto (Province)

There are several bus stations in Taranto, including the Taranto Bus Station and the Taranto Ponte Girevole Bus Station. From here, travelers can take buses to nearby destinations or other cities in Italy.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Taranto by train from major Italian cities like Rome, Naples, and Venice.

How to Get Around in Taranto (Province)

Travelers can get around Taranto by car, bus, or train. Rental cars are available at the airport and in town, while buses and trains offer transport to nearby destinations and the main cities in Italy.

Where to Go Next from Taranto (Province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lecce

Lecce is a historic city located about 100 kilometers from Taranto. It is famous for its Baroque architecture and is known as the “Florence of the South”.

Alberobello

Alberobello is a unique town located about 50 kilometers from Taranto. The town is famous for its “trulli”, traditional stone houses with conical roofs that are unique to the area.

Matera

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 75 kilometers from Taranto. The town is famous for its cave dwellings, which are some of the oldest inhabited dwellings in the world.

Conclusion

Taranto (Province) is a stunning destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors to the area will find plenty to see and do, from exploring the historic center of Taranto to hiking the Ancient Via Traiana. With the help of this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to Taranto (Province).