Taranto Puglia, Italy Travel Guide
Taranto's coastal location makes water-based activities possible. Nearby natural areas present avenues for gentle exploration.
Dedicated hiking trails directly within Taranto are limited. The city itself suits urban walking. Riserva Naturale Orientata Palude La Vela, not far by car, offers easy walking paths. For more serious trekking, venture into Alta Murgia National Park or Parco Naturale Regionale Terra delle Gravine.
Swimming: Beautiful sandy beaches south of Taranto (San Vito, Gandoli, Saturo) offer excellent conditions. Snorkeling/Diving: Clear waters along the Ionian coast south of Taranto for snorkeling. Local dive centers offer tours. Boating/Kayaking: Possible in calmer Mar Piccolo waters or along Mar Grande coast. Boat rentals or organized tours (mussel farm tours, dolphin watching) exist.
Taranto is not mainly a location for extreme adventure sports. These activities are more common in other parts of Italy. Cycling: Leisurely cycling along Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III or quieter roads. Mountain Biking: Not prominent nearby. Local shops may offer bicycle rentals for city exploration.
Taranto has unique avenues for cultural immersion, from traditional performances to historical religious events.
Keep an eye out for local sagre (food festivals) or religious feast days. These often include traditional music, dance, and food celebrations.
Visiting Mercato Fadini, participating in the evening passeggiata (stroll), and dining at small, family-run trattorias are genuine interaction opportunities. These capture local life.
No formal short-term Italian language programs typically target tourists in Taranto. Attempting a few basic Italian phrases receives appreciation from locals.
Some pubs or public houses in Borgo Umbertino might present live music performances, especially on weekends. Genres often include local bands, jazz, or acoustic sets. Check local listings.
Larger hotels (e.g., Hotel President) or luxury masseria hotels (e.g., Relais Histò) may feature spa or wellness facilities. These include pools, saunas, and massage services. Dedicated standalone spas are less common in the city center.
Taranto has a more relaxed and authentic after-dark scene. Social gatherings, good food, and local bars mark its focus. Main areas for evening drinks concentrate in Borgo Umbertino, notably Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III.
Taranto has options for relaxation, from enjoying its beaches to finding hotel-based wellness facilities.
Along the coast south of Taranto (e.g., San Vito, Gandoli), you find numerous lidos during the summer season.
These offer amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas for rent, changing facilities, showers, and often bars and restaurants. They present a convenient way to enjoy the beach comfortably.
Some higher-end hotels, notably those beyond downtown or with ample grounds, feature swimming pools available for guests.
Some bars or public houses in Borgo Umbertino might host live music, especially on weekends. Genres often include local music groups, jazz, or acoustic sets.
Teatro Orfeo is the main venue for theatrical performances, concerts, and operas. Its programming has a refined evening entertainment option.
Dedicated discos are limited. Some pubs or larger bars might have DJ nights, especially on weekends, for dancing. The key regions for evening drinks and socializing concentrate in the Borgo Umbertino, notably around the Lungomare.
This part explains shopping avenues in Taranto, from old-fashioned markets to boutiques.
Look for small artisan shops, especially in the revitalized areas of the Città Vecchia. These may sell local ceramics, traditional lace, or other handcrafted items that reflect Puglian traditions.
Via D'Aquino and Corso Umberto I are the main shopping streets in the Borgo Umbertino. Here you discover a range of shops, from Italian and international fashion brands to jewelry stores, shoe boutiques, and department stores. This area caters to a more luxurious shopping experience.
Support local artisans and small, family-owned businesses directly. This ensures your money directly benefits the local community. Choose products that are genuinely made locally rather than mass-produced, imported souvenirs.
