Plizio Visual Lab

Taranto

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Port

Weather…

Taranto, known as the "city of the two seas," is strategically located on the Ionian coast of Puglia and features a storied past as the preeminent Spartan colony of Magna Graecia. The city's geography is defined by its position between the Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande, linked by a navigable canal and the iconic Ponte Girevole swing bridge. Its historic heart, the Isola del Borgo Antico, houses the formidable Aragonese Castle and remains of ancient Doric temples. A cultural highlight is the National Archaeological Museum (MArTA), home to one of the world's most significant collections of ancient gold jewelry. In modern times, Taranto transformed into a major industrial hub and Italy's primary naval base. Despite the challenges of heavy industry, the city maintains its deep maritime identity and culinary traditions, particularly its famous mussel cultivation. With over 190,000 residents, it remains a critical economic and strategic center for southern Italy.

Location: Italy
Top sights: Tempio Dorico · Chiostro del convento di San Domenico · Mudi Museo Diocesano di Taranto
Nearby: Lama (6 km)
Population: ~198.585 (2024)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	9	11	14	18	24	27	27	23	18	14	10
Rain mm	67	54	64	50	39	33	34	32	60	79	86	72

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Taranto is a major port city on the Ionian Sea in Apulia, known as the 'City of Two Seas'. The port is important for fishing, trade, and the region's steel industry.

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Visiting

The port facilities are partly industrial and not open to the public, but the historic old town area on the island provides access to the water. From the Ponte Girevole bridge, you can watch ships pass through.

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Where to view it

An excellent viewpoint is the old town of Taranto on the island, from where you can see the two seas and the harbor basins. The Lungomare waterfront promenade also features a nice view of the shipping.

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Local products

Taranto is known for its fishing, especially mussels and fish specialties. Visitors can find fresh seafood and Apulian products like olive oil and orecchette pasta at the local market.

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Active season

Fishing has seasonality year-round, with peaks in spring and autumn. Commercial shipping runs all year, while tourism particularly enlivens the city in summer.

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Nearby

A port visit can be wonderfully combined with exploring the historic center of Taranto. A trip to the region's beaches, such as Lido Gandoli, or to Martina Franca is also worthwhile.

Geography

Population

198,585 (2024)

Coordinates

40.46440, 17.24700

Facts

Taranto was founded in 706 BC by settlers from Sparta.
The Aragonese Castle dates in its current form from the 15th century.
The Ponte Girevole swing bridge was first inaugurated in 1887.
The MArTA Museum houses the famous "Ori di Taranto" ancient gold collection.
The city is the primary naval base for the Italian Navy.
Taranto is situated on the Gulf of Taranto in the northern Ionian Sea.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lama6 km · SExplore →

San Vito7 km · SWExplore →

Talsano7 km · SEExplore →

Leporano12 km · SEExplore →

Pulsano13 km · SEExplore →

Chiatona17 km · WExplore →

Marina di Lizzano23 km · SEExplore →

Castellaneta Marina26 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Taranto (7)

Tempio Dorico 🏺 historical

The remains of an ancient Doric temple dedicated to Poseidon.

Chiostro del convento di San Domenico 🏛 museum

A historic cloister located within a former Dominican convent.

🌐 musei.beniculturali.it🕒 Mo-Fr 08:30-18:30; Sa 08:30-13:00; Su off

Mudi Museo Diocesano di Taranto 🏛 museum

A diocesan museum displaying a collection of religious art and treasures.

🌐 museodiocesanotaranto.it🕒 May 15-Sep 15: Th,Sa,Su 18:00-21:00; Sep 15-May 15: Th,Sa,Su

Museo Ipogeo Spartano di Taranto 🏛 museum

An underground museum dedicated to the Spartan history of the city.

Spiaggia pubblica Lungomare 🎡 recreation

Free public beach along Taranto's seafront promenade with changing cabins.

piscina inglese 🎡 recreation

A seawater swimming pool carved into rocks, known as Piscina Inglese in Taranto.

Meridiana Nuoto 🎡 recreation

A sports and leisure swimming pool located in the Italian city of Taranto.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Taranto called the City of the Two Seas?

It is situated between the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo lagoons.

What is the main sight?

The Aragonese Castle by the canal and the National Archaeological Museum (MArTA).

Can you visit the port?

The commercial port is restricted, but the waterfront promenade gives great views.

What is a typical local dish?

Cozze alla tarantina (mussels) is the city's most famous delicacy.

Is the city family-friendly?

Yes, with nearby beaches and interesting historical sites for all ages.

Taranto: where is it located?

Taranto is located in Italy.

Taranto: what is there to see?

Highlights include Tempio Dorico, Chiostro del convento di San Domenico, Mudi Museo Diocesano di Taranto.

Taranto: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Taranto: why is it worth visiting?

Taranto, known as the "city of the two seas," is strategically located on the Ionian coast of Puglia and features a storied past as the preeminent Spartan colony of Magna Graecia.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →