With its faded Borgo Antico old town and polished Borgo Nuovo modern district, Taranto straddles centuries of history. Travelers gravitate to its Aragonese Castle, Byzantine cathedral, and archaeological museum—one of the most important in Italy—and use the city as a base for visiting highlights in the nearby Val d’Itria like Ostuni, Alberobello, and Locorotondo; exploring the Ionian coastline by land or sea; or venturing into the neighboring region of Basilicata to marvel at the cave city of Matera and Greek ruins at Metapontum.
Summer draws locals to the beaches in this part of Puglia. Hot temperatures and annual family vacations in July and August mean that this is the busiest, and therefore buzziest, time of year to explore Taranto. Travelers looking for a more relaxed experience may prefer the spring or fall shoulder seasons. Top annual events include Easter festivities and the Festival of Fish in September.
The narrow streets of Taranto’s old city have a labyrinthine quality and are best seen by wandering with an openness to getting lost. It is possible to arrive in Taranto via train and rely on taxis to explore the area if you don’t want to drive. For travelers who want to get outside Taranto and see the greater Puglia region, your best option is to rent a car to access the area’s charming coastal villages and beaches.
During a visit to Taranto, don’t miss the chance to visit the city’s archaeological museum. Located in the newer part of the city, the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (Museo Archelogico Nazionale di Taranto) is home to a large collection of objects revealing the Greek history of this part of Italy. Set in a former convent, this museum displays sculptures, pottery, games and toys from the Greco-Roman world, and more.
