Best Things to Do in Taranto Italy: The City of Two Seas

Welcome to Taranto, a coastal gem in the heart of Puglia that often flies under the radar but has plenty to surprise you with. Known as the Città dei Due Mari (City of Two Seas), it’s the only place in Italy where two seas meet, the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, giving Taranto a unique character shaped by water, tradition, and seafood straight from the nets. Beyond its shimmering Ionian views, Taranto is rich in ancient history, featuring Greek ruins, medieval castles, and a lively old town where narrow alleys open onto bustling markets. Wine lovers will also be happy to know some of the best Puglia wineries are nearby, making it easy to pair culture with a glass of local Primitivo. This guide will take you through the very best things to do in Taranto, from diving into its heritage to tasting the flavors that make this city one of southern Italy’s best-kept secrets.

What are the best things to do in Taranto?

Start at the MArTA

No trip to Taranto starts better than at MArTA, the National Archaeological Museum. Inside you’ll find one of Italy’s most important collections of Greek and Roman artifacts, with highlights like the famous Gold of Taranto and treasures that trace the city’s story from its Spartan roots through Byzantine times.

Explore the ancient Aragonese Castle

Built in the late 15th century by Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Aragonese Castle stands guard over the channel linking the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. Over the centuries it has been a fortress, a prison, and a naval base, and today visitors can join guided tours led by the Italian Navy, who are still stationed here. Walking across its bridges, climbing the towers, and exploring the underground tunnels gives a powerful sense of Taranto’s strategic past.

Stroll the old town

Taranto’s Old Town, known as Vecchia Taranto, is where the city shows its deepest character. Its tangled alleys lead past baroque palaces, ancient ruins, and quiet chapels that suddenly appear around a corner. Small artisan shops and cafés spill into the streets, adding life to the historic setting. Cross into the Borgo Nuovo after dark and the contrast is striking, the modern side of Taranto lit up with the warmth and energy of southern nights.

Visit the Cathedral of San Cataldo

In the heart of Taranto’s old town stands the Cattedrale di San Cataldo, one of the oldest cathedrals in Puglia. Its layered architecture tells centuries of history, from Byzantine mosaics to an 11th-century chapel later enriched with Baroque frescoes attributed to Paolo de Matteis. Step inside and you’ll find a place that blends spiritual devotion with artistic beauty, making it a standout landmark in the city.

Walk along the lungomare

One of the best ways to take in Taranto’s maritime spirit is along its seafront promenade. Here you can watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch, pause for an espresso at a local café, or simply enjoy the sunset as it drops over the Ionian. The walkway also gives you a striking view of how Taranto’s old and new quarters face each other across the Two Seas.

Visit the Swing Bridge

The Ponte Girevole, Taranto’s famous swing bridge, links the old town to the modern city. Several times a day it opens to let naval ships pass through the canal, and watching the whole structure slowly turn is a spectacle in itself. Standing here also gives you one of the best views of the waterway that separates the Mar Grande from the Mar Piccolo.

Dine on Taranto’s famous mussels

Taranto is famous for its mussels, grown in the nutrient-rich waters of the Mar Piccolo, and tasting them here is a must. Local trattorias serve them every way imaginable, steamed with herbs, baked with garlic and breadcrumbs, or in a classic cozze alla marinara. Add a glass of chilled Apulian white wine and you’ve got the perfect taste of the city’s maritime soul.

Explore the Doric Columns of the Temple of Poseidon

In Taranto’s Old Town, just off Piazza Castello, rise the remains of a 6th-century BC Greek temple. Only a few massive Doric columns survive, but they are among the oldest in Italy and a striking reminder of Taranto’s origins as a Spartan colony. Standing before them, it’s easy to imagine the ancient city that once thrived here.

What are the best things to do around Taranto?

Drink bold in the land of Primitivo

Perched in San Donaci, Cantine Paolo Leo blends Salento’s heartfelt winemaking traditions with sleek modernity. Founded in 1989 by Paolo Leo and now run with passion by his family, the winery sits in the heart of the Negroamaro region, where gentle sea breezes shape each grape. On site, get ready for a guided tour through sun-drenched vineyards and into the modern cellar, followed by tastings of their expressive Primitivo, Negroamaro, and regional whites, where each sip tells you why Paolo Leo has become a beloved name across Italy and beyond.

Step into generations of wine & warmth

Antica Masseria Jorche sits in the rolling hills near Manduria, carried forward by the Gianfreda family since the early 1900s, today led by sisters Dalila and Emanuela, who bring creativity and tradition under one roof. On arrival, you’re welcomed into a restored historic masseria where time seems to slow down. Vineyards of Primitivo, Negroamaro, Fiano Minutolo, and Bianco d’Alessano surround you, rooted in terroir and history. The best part? You’ll enjoy a guided cellar tour, taste Primitivo straight from the barrel, and sit down to a tasting that walks you through generations of craftsmanship, paired with local olive oil and Apulian bites.

Follow the coastal breeze to Marina di Pulsano beaches

30 minutes from Taranto, Marina di Pulsano is the go-to escape for sun and sea. Its turquoise waters, sandy stretches, and hidden coves along the Ionian coast make it perfect for swimming, tanning, or lingering over fresh seafood at a beachside trattoria. It’s a relaxing contrast to the city’s energy and an easy day trip when you need a break from exploring Taranto’s historic sights.

Explore the trulli magic of Alberobello

A delightful day trip from Taranto, Alberobello is one of Puglia’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About an hour inland, the town is famous for its whitewashed trulli, cone-roofed stone houses that look straight out of a storybook. Wander the historic center, browse artisan shops, and stop for a coffee or a traditional meal in a cozy trattoria tucked between the narrow lanes. Alberobello is a must-see for anyone exploring southern Italy.

Don’t stop here, uncover every corner of this fairytale town in our guide to the best things to do in Alberobello.

Visit the Sassi cave dwellings of Matera

About an hour of Taranto, Matera in neighboring Basilicata is a must for anyone fascinated by ancient history and architecture. Famous for its iconic cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs, the city is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Spend the day exploring rock-hewn chapels decorated with Byzantine frescoes and winding alleys that feel frozen in time and don’t forget a visit to Matera wineries. To truly understand the city’s magic, make sure to also visit Sassi di Matera, the historic districts that earned UNESCO World Heritage status and remain Matera’s most unforgettable attraction.

Good to know before visiting Taranto