🇮🇹 Taranto, Italy
Isola Blu
📍 18, Via Duca di Genova, Taranto
Il tuo soggiorno — Isola Blu
Previsioni dal vivo per le tue date · Cosa c'è su · Qualità dell'aria e polline📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Taranto.
La proprietà — Isola Blu
The Isola Blu is a modest 3-star on the Taranto seafront, just west of the swing bridge linking the old city to the mainland. Its lobby feels like a clean, no-fuss Italian hotel from the 1970s: tiled floors, a small reception desk, and a constant view of fishing boats bobbing in the Mar Piccolo. The appeal is location and value – you step out directly onto the lungomare, with the Aragonese Castle a five-minute walk away. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want to be in the thick of Taranto's maritime action and don't need resort frills.
Cronache di Taranto
Taranto was founded as Taras by Spartan colonists around 706 BC, becoming one of Magna Graecia's most powerful city-states. Under Rome it declined, but its natural harbours later made it a key naval base for the Kingdom of Naples and, after Italian unification, the Regia Marina. The city centre straddles two bodies of water: the old town occupies an island between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, while the 18th-century Borgo Nuovo spreads on the mainland. Today Taranto is Italy's third-largest steel-producing centre, but its historic core – with its Greek temple ruins, Baroque churches and narrow alleyways – remains a gritty, fascinating contrast to the industry.
Il momento migliore per visitare
Guida completa di Taranto →I migliori mesi
May, June and September – daytime highs in the mid-20s°C, low humidity, and the sea warm enough for swimming without the July-August crowds. Tourist numbers are low outside a handful of local festivals.
Peak / Festival Surge
July and August are the busiest: temperatures hit 32-35°C, and Italians flood the coast for Ferragosto week (mid-August). Hotel prices for 3-star rooms like Isola Blu can rise 30-50% above off-peak rates. The main event is the Festa di San Cataldo (10 May) and summer concerts at the Castello Aragonese, but July is simply peak beach season.
Stagione di spalla
April and October offer 15-22°C daytime temperatures, hotel discounts of 20-40%, and empty streets. The swimming season hasn't started in April but sightseeing is comfortable. October still has warm afternoons and lower prices.
Meteo e imballaggio
Taranto's climate is Mediterranean with a twist: summer heat is often amplified by the reflective limestone of the old town. Pack light cotton or linen clothing, a sunhat and good sunglasses, but also a thin cardigan or pashmina for evening sea breezes and air-conditioned restaurants.
Briefing della città — Taranto
- Taranto's new pedestrian zone on Via d'Aquino, the main shopping street in the Borgo Nuovo, started in March 2026 and is now fully operational – expect slower traffic but easier walking between Piazza della Vittoria and the port.
- The city is running a summer shuttle bus (linea C) every 20 minutes from the Porta Napoli car park to the old town and the Lungomare, reducing car access to the historic island during July and August.
- The annual Taranto Jazz Festival runs from 10–15 July at the Castello Aragonese and the Teatro TaTà – expect evening concerts that may draw larger crowds to the waterfront near the hotel.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Isola Blu, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (at least 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located on a main street with some traffic. Also, consider a room at the back of the hotel to minimize street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift as it may be a bit noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Best views
As the hotel is located on Via Duca di Genova, a room with a view of the sea would be a bonus, but it's not guaranteed. You can try to request a room with a sea view, but it's not a confirmed amenity.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that the hotel is situated on a main street, so you may be able to hear some traffic noise. Additionally, the lift may be a bit noisy, especially if you're staying on a lower floor.
Insider tips
If you're driving, be aware that parking in Taranto's historic center can be challenging. Consider parking at a nearby lot and walking to the hotel. Also, check-in is typically straightforward, but it's always a good idea to confirm the hotel's check-in time to ensure a smooth arrival.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
strutture alberghiere — Isola Blu
free, 1.5 Mbps; login with room number
serves all floors; historic sections have stairs-only access
complimentary PressReader access on in-room tablets; no physical papers
15:00 - 22:00 hours; no early bag-drop; €20 late check-out fee after 12:00
available, €5 per item per day
step-free access; wheelchair-friendly entries; historic building with some structural limitations
on-site parking available, €15 per night; nearest public car park: Parcheggio Via Duca di Genova, €10 per day; no electric vehicle charging
Tasse, imposte e depositi
City / tourist tax: €3.50 per person, per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: €100 advance deposit on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary vicino
- Church: Sant'Antonio (142 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Maria SS. Addolorata (690 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Parrocchia Santissimo Crocifisso (893 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa Maria di Santissima del Monte (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
Stile di vita e ricreazione locale
Giardini Martiri Partigiani-Capitano Basile — 385 m · ~5 min walk
MAR.TA Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Teatro Padre Turoldo — 699 m · ~9 min walk
Piazza Pio XII — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
5 minuti di radio essenziali
Banca di Taranto — 718 m · ~9 min walk
Giudice — 234 m · ~3 min walk
Supermarket — 327 m · ~4 min walk
Moneta e moneta
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Change money at a Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) or UniCredit bank branch for a reasonable rate, avoid exchanging at the airport or at tourist information offices for poor rates. You can also use ATMs to withdraw Euros from your debit/credit card.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and cafes in Taranto, including contactless payments. Mobile payments are also increasingly popular, especially among younger locals.
Tipping in Italy is generally less than in the US, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 Euros for good service is common. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but hotel staff may appreciate a small gesture for exceptional service.
Mangiare, fare shopping e viaggiare su un budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cappuccino costs around 1-2 Euros at a bar, often served in a small cup.
A panino (sandwich) or a slice of pizza from a street vendor or a local bakery costs around 3-5 Euros.
A meal at a trattoria or a local restaurant can cost around 15-25 Euros for a main course, including pasta, meat, and vegetables.
The area around the Piazza della Libertà has several street food vendors offering affordable options, including panini, pizza slices, and supplì (fried risotto balls).
Local supermarkets like Conad and Eurospin have branches in the area, offering a range of affordable products.
The local market in Piazza della Libertà has a variety of second-hand and vintage shops selling affordable clothing, as well as some high-street brands.
A single ticket on the local bus costs around 1.50 Euros, while a day pass costs 4 Euros. From the airport, take the bus (line 21) for around 1.50 Euros.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices tend to be higher.Use public transport instead of taxis to get around.Buy groceries from local markets or supermarkets instead of from street vendors.
Buono da sapere — Taranto
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Taranto, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Isola Blu
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banca di Taranto — 718 m · ~9 min walk — pharmacy · Giudice — 234 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Girare intorno
Find train tickets →Taranto train station → Villa Stella
💡 Better to walk or take the AMAT bus line 1 from the station—it stops 200 metres from the hotel. Taxis are scarce after 21:00.
Bari Centrale station → Taranto station
💡 From Bari airport, take the free shuttle bus to Bari Centrale (5 mins), then catch the FSE train. Direct trains avoid the slower regional via Martina Franca.
Bari Airport bus stop → Taranto bus station (Piazza Castello)
💡 Buses drop you right in central Taranto. From Piazza Castello, Villa Stella is a 10-min walk east along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) → Villa Stella, Taranto
💡 Pre-book with a fixed-rate firm like Cotopaxi or Radio Taxi Taranto. Metered fares from the rank often bump up to €100+ with luggage.
Informazioni su Taranto
Wikipedia ↗
Taranto (Italian: [ˈtaːranto] ; Tarantino: Tarde), historically also called Tarent in English, is a coastal city in Apulia, Southern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Taranto, serving as an important commercial port as well as the main Italian naval base. With a population of 185,909 as of...
Domande frequenti
What are the best rooms at Isola Blu?
Request a room on a higher floor (at least 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located on a main street with some traffic. Also, consider a room at the back of the hotel to minimize street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Isola Blu?
Avoid rooms near the lift as it may be a bit noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Is Isola Blu noisy?
Be aware that the hotel is situated on a main street, so you may be able to hear some traffic noise. Additionally, the lift may be a bit noisy, especially if you're staying on a lower floor.
Which rooms have the best views at Isola Blu?
As the hotel is located on Via Duca di Genova, a room with a view of the sea would be a bonus, but it's not guaranteed. You can try to request a room with a sea view, but it's not a confirmed amenity.
What are insider tips for staying at Isola Blu?
If you're driving, be aware that parking in Taranto's historic center can be challenging. Consider parking at a nearby lot and walking to the hotel. Also, check-in is typically straightforward, but it's always a good idea to confirm the hotel's check-in time to ensure a smooth arrival.
What time is check-in at Isola Blu?
Check-in at Isola Blu is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Isola Blu have Wi-Fi?
free, 1.5 Mbps; login with room number
Is there a city or tourist tax at Isola Blu?
€3.50 per person, per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Isola Blu?
A panino (sandwich) or a slice of pizza from a street vendor or a local bakery costs around 3-5 Euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Isola Blu?
A single ticket on the local bus costs around 1.50 Euros, while a day pass costs 4 Euros. From the airport, take the bus (line 21) for around 1.50 Euros.
When is the best time to visit Taranto?
May, June and September – daytime highs in the mid-20s°C, low humidity, and the sea warm enough for swimming without the July-August crowds. Tourist numbers are low outside a handful of local festivals.
Principali attrazioni a Taranto
💡 Don’t miss the marble floor mosaics near the altar — they’re original and patterned like a medieval carpet. The crypt is often quiet, and you can see the saint’s tomb. Dress modestly.
💡 Head straight to the second floor for the 'Ori di Taranto' gold collection — it’s the highlight. Allow 1–2 hours. Entry is €8 normally, but free on first Sundays.
💡 Start at Piazza Fontana and aim for the waterfront along Via Duomo. The best views are from the quayside near the Ponte Girevole. Go early morning to see fishermen mending nets.
💡 The best section is the Gravina di Riggio — a short walk from the car park. Bring sturdy shoes and water; there’s no shade. Wildflowers are spectacular in spring.
💡 Entry is cheap (€2–€5 depending on exhibitions), and the sunset view from the ramparts over the Mar Grande is worth every cent. Go on a weekday morning to avoid queues.