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Taranto
Your 4-day travel guide
Spring and early autumn for mild weather
Taranto•4D•Couple
Taranto, Italy
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Ancient Sea and Modern Flavors
Taranto feels like a city with two hearts, one ancient and one modern, both beating to the rhythm of the Ionian Sea. You'll smell salt in the air and hear the clatter of espresso cups in old town cafes, while fishermen mend nets along the waterfront. This is where Greek columns stand a short walk from a swinging bridge, and where your most important decision might be which seafood pasta to try next. For a couple seeking culture and food, Taranto offers intimate discoveries, from Byzantine mosaics to family-run trattorias where the owner recommends the catch of the day. Get ready to explore layers of history and taste the sea in every bite.
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1
Historic Heart and Seafront
Day 1 of your journey
Start at the imposing Aragonese Castle, a 15th-century fortress built on an ancient Greek acropolis overlooking the Mar Piccolo. Walk through its massive walls and towers, learning about its strategic role through centuries. Then wander the adjacent Città Vecchia (Old Town), a maze of narrow lanes with medieval churches and faded palazzi. The area feels timeless, with laundry hanging between buildings and locals chatting in doorways. Allow about 2.5 hours to soak in the atmosphere.
Castello Aragonese (Aragonese Castle)
Why Visit
This is the historic core of Taranto, where you can literally walk through layers of history from Greek foundations to medieval structures. The castle offers panoramic sea views and a tangible sense of the city's strategic importance, while the old town provides an authentic, lived-in atmosphere perfect for couples to explore hand-in-hand without crowds.
Address: Piazza Castello. The castle interior may have limited opening hours, so check locally. The best photos of the castle are from the bridge leading to the new town. After visiting, stop at a cafe in the old town for a morning espresso.
2
Island Fortress and Local Tastes
Day 2 of your journey
3
Maritime Life and Evening Romance
Day 3 of your journey
4
Free Day and Local Exploration
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Taranto has two train stations: Taranto Centrale (main station in new town) and Taranto Porto Mercantile (near old town). Centrale has better connections to other cities.
The city is walkable between old and new towns, but buses (AMAT) cover longer distances. Tickets cost about €1 and are valid for 90 minutes.
While many restaurants accept cards, smaller cafes and shops in the old town may prefer cash (Euros). Have some smaller bills on hand.
Taranto is generally safe, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like markets or buses, as in any city.
Basic Italian phrases are appreciated. Many in tourism speak some English, but menus and signs are often only in Italian.
Dress modestly when visiting churches (covered shoulders and knees). This is especially important in active worship spaces.
The swinging bridge (Ponte Girevole) opens for large ships, usually around sunset. Check locally for exact times if you want to see it.
Puglian cuisine is more than seafood. Try local vegetable dishes like fave e cicoria (fava bean puree with chicory) for a complete taste.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Taranto is from April to June and September to October. Spring (April-June) offers mild temperatures (18-25°C/64-77°F), blooming flowers, and fewer crowds before the peak summer season. September and October provide similar pleasant weather with warm sea temperatures for swimming. July and August can be hot (often above 30°C/86°F) and humid, with more tourists and higher prices. Winter (November-March) is mild but rainy, with some attractions having reduced hours. The city hosts festivals in summer, but for comfortable exploration of historic sites, shoulder seasons are best.
Local Insights & Tips
Taranto has a distinct identity shaped by its dual nature: the ancient Città Vecchia (Old Town) on a small island and the modern Borgo (new town) on the mainland. Locals are proud of their Greek heritage and maritime traditions, particularly mussel farming in the Mar Piccolo. The pace is slower than in northern Italian cities, with a strong emphasis on family, food, and the sea. Mealtimes are important social occasions, with lunch around 1-3 PM and dinner after 8 PM. The evening passeggiata (stroll) along the waterfront is a cherished ritual. While not as polished as tourist hotspots, Taranto offers authenticity—you'll see daily life unfolding around historic sites. Respect the fishing industry; it's not just picturesque but the city's economic lifeblood.