- MArTA, the National Archaeological Museum, is the city's highlight
- The old town sits on an island between two seas
- Martina Franca and Grottaglie are rewarding inland towns
- The Ionian beaches are quieter than the Salento's
- Airports
- Brindisi (BDS), Bari (BRI)
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Taranto was founded by Spartan colonists in the 8th century BC and became one of the richest cities of Magna Graecia, the Greek world of southern Italy. Today it is a big naval port with a reputation shaped by its steelworks, and it sees few tourists. That is a shame, because its museum is one of the best in southern Italy and its island old town has real character.
The province stretches from the Ionian coast up into the Murgia, taking in the elegant baroque town of Martina Franca, the ceramic workshops of Grottaglie and dramatic ravines called gravine. See our Puglia guide and Italy guide.
Things to do
- MArTA (National Archaeological Museum of Taranto) – a superb collection of Greek sculpture, painted vases and the delicate gold jewellery known as the Gold of Taranto.
- The old town (Città Vecchia) – an island between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, with a Romanesque cathedral dedicated to San Cataldo. Parts are run-down, but it is being slowly restored.
- The swing bridge and Aragonese Castle – the Ponte Girevole opens to let ships into the inner sea, beside a 15th-century castle offering guided tours.
- Holy Week processions – Taranto's Easter rites, with hooded confraternities walking slowly through the night, are among the most striking in Italy.
- Martina Franca – a baroque hill town at the southern end of the Valle d'Itria, host of an opera festival each summer.
- Grottaglie – a town with a whole district of ceramic workshops.
- The gravine – deep ravines with cave churches around Massafra, Castellaneta and Laterza.
- Ionian beaches – long sandy stretches south-east of the city and around Campomarino di Maruggio, plus Primitivo wineries around Manduria.
Where to stay
- Martina Franca – a handsome base between the Valle d'Itria and the coast.
- Taranto – for the museum and city life, best near the modern centre or seafront.
- Ionian coast – for beach holidays and quieter resorts.
- Masserie around Manduria – among Primitivo vineyards.
Getting there
Fly to Brindisi (BDS) or Bari (BRI); Taranto is roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter by car from either. Trains connect Taranto with Bari and Brindisi, though some routes require changes. A car is the easiest way to explore the countryside, gravine and beaches.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are best for sightseeing, and Holy Week is unforgettable if you can time it right. Summer suits the Ionian beaches and Martina Franca's festival, though inland temperatures can be very high.
Give the museum at least two to three hours; it is easily the best reason to stop in Taranto.
Top attractions in Taranto
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Taranto on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Taranto worth visiting?
For the archaeological museum and Holy Week, yes. As a holiday base, most visitors prefer Martina Franca or the coast.
What is Martina Franca like?
An elegant, whitewashed baroque town with a lively main street, known for its capocollo cured meat and summer opera festival.
Are there good beaches near Taranto?
Yes. The Ionian coast east of the city has long sandy beaches and clear water, generally less crowded than the Salento's famous spots.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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