Apulia · Italy
Where to stay in Taranto
Taranto is a city in Apulia, Italy, home to about 188,000 people.
- Best months
- April, May and September to November
- Nearest airport
- BDS63 km · Brindisi Airport
- Currency
- EUReuro
- Time zone
- Europe/Rome
- Language
- Italian
About
About Taranto
Taranto was founded in 706 BC by Dorian Greek settlers, as the only Spartan colony outside of Greece (the town is still called "the Spartan city"). A legend gives the credit of the city's foundation to Taras (Τάρας) who, according to Greek mythology, was the son of Poseidon and of the nymph Satyrion; after being saved from a shipwreck by riding a dolphin, sent to him by his father, an image visible on many ancient coins. The city, effectively named Taras, became soon a commercial and military power of the Ancient Greek world, as well as the most important and inhabited centre of Magna Graecia.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Taranto
See
- Aragonese Castle
- Cathedral
- Temple of Poseidon
- Church of San Domenico Maggiore
- National Archaeological Museum
- Spartan Museum
- Via Marche necropolis
- Via Pio XII Chamber tomb
- Athlete's tomb
Do
AMAT company also provides the "idrovie" (waterways) service, consisting in a 1½ hr tour sailing around the Big and Little Sea with the presence of a guide that will explain Taranto history as well as telling various curiosities and anecdotes. You will pass by the old town island, modern town coast and San Pietro island, sailing through the navigable channel outgoing and incoming. Boats leave from mainland dock at Piazzale Democrate, near the stone bridge of Porta Napoli. The cost is €8 for an ordinary ticket, €6 if part of a group of more than 20 people. Tours start at 10:30, 11:00 or 16:30 depending on day and month. Consult AMAT site for detailed info.
- "idrovie"
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Hotels in Taranto
12 hotels within 25 km of the centre, as recorded in Wikidata. Each name links to its encyclopedia article where there is one.
| Hotel | Opened | From centre |
|---|---|---|
| Accord Le Rose | 20.7 km | |
| Akropolis Hotel | 1.4 km | |
| B&B La Terrazza di NonnAnna | 1.3 km | |
| Hotel Parco Delle Querce | 18.8 km | |
| Hotel Villa Maria | 15.5 km | |
| Il Giardino Delle Jacaranda | 7.1 km | |
| Il Grillo | 16.3 km | |
| Masseria Cappella | 23.8 km | |
| Masseria Le Lamie | 20.6 km | |
| Monun Hotel Spa & Restaurant | 17.4 km | |
| Relais Delle Ceramiche Hotel | 17.2 km | |
| Villa Natia | 23.9 km |
When to go
The best time to visit Taranto
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Taranto are April, May and September to November. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 32 °C; November is the wettest, with about 71 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Taranto: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Brindisi Airport (BDS), about 63 km from the city centre in a straight line; Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport (BRI, 85 km) is also within reach.
Getting around
AMAT is the company that manages the local bus transport system. A single ticket (biglietto ordinario) can be purchased at every tobacconist and newspaper seller for €1, or it can be bought on board for €1.50 and it is valid for a single ride. You can also choose a ticket valid for 90 minutes (€1.30), a 1-day solution ticket (€2.60), a 3-day ticket (€6.50) or a 7-day ticket (€15.50).
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
BDS · Brindisi Airport
BRI · Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Taranto
Drink
One of the most popular drinks is without doubt "Birra Raffo" the beer of Taranto par excellence. Deep-rooted in the recent history and society of the town it represents a sort of local institution that can be enjoyed practically in every bar or restaurant.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Taranto: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Taranto?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Taranto are April, May and September to November. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 32 °C; November is the wettest, with about 71 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Taranto?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Brindisi Airport (BDS), about 63 km from the city centre in a straight line; Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport (BRI, 85 km) is also within reach.
What currency is used in Taranto?
euro (EUR).
Nearby
Destinations near Taranto
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.