Italy · 2026 itinerary
Taranto 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Taranto: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A Romanesque cathedral dating from the 11th century, with a Baroque facade and a crypt housing the relics of Saint Cataldo. Free to enter during opening hours.
🕐 Monday to Saturday, 08:30–12:00 and 16:00–19:00; Sunday 08:30–13:00 and 16:00–20:00.
Free entry💡 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.
Hotels near Cattedrale di San Cataldo →One of Italy’s top archaeological museums, housing Greek and Roman artefacts from Magna Graecia, including gold jewellery, pottery, and statues. The museum is free on the first Sunday of each month.
🕐 Tuesday to Saturday, 08:30–19:30; Sunday 08:30–13:30; closed Monday.
Free entry💡 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.
Hotels near Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto →Lido Marinella · ££
Le Vele · ££
Deeper Into Taranto
The historic centre on the island of the old city, with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, small churches, and fish-drying balconies. Free to wander any time.
🕐 Always open.
💡 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.
A large regional park on the outskirts of Taranto, featuring deep limestone ravines (gravine) with ancient caves, chapels, and diverse wildlife. Entry is free, though some guided tours cost a small fe
🕐 Dawn to dusk; no gate. Check local notices for seasonal path closures.
💡 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.
Della Nonna
Stuppolo food
Final Favourites & Departure
A 15th-century fortress built on an island connected to the old town by a bridge. You can walk around the exterior and across the drawbridge for free, or pay a
💡 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.
La Brace
La Fraschetta
Getting Around Taranto
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.
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.
Buses drop you right in central Taranto. From Piazza Castello, Villa Stella is a 10-min walk east along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Taranto?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Cattedrale di San Cataldo and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Taranto?
See our full best time to visit Taranto guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Cassiopea, Gill Hotel, B&B Caesar. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.