Your stay — Santa Marina
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The Property — Santa Marina
The Santa Marina hotel in Taranto, Italy, feels like a tranquil retreat from the bustling port city. The 3-star property boasts a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and a predominantly white colour scheme that reflects the surrounding Apulian architecture. Its USP lies in its convenient location near the city's historic centre and stunning beaches. The hotel's lobby is a calm oasis, with a small pool and a lounge area where guests can unwind. The Santa Marina is a great choice for travellers seeking a relaxing base in Taranto, whether you're a history buff or a beach lover.
Chronicles of Taranto
Taranto has a rich history dating back to the ancient Greeks, who founded the city in the 8th century BC. The city's strategic location on the Adriatic coast made it an important naval base for both the Greeks and the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Taranto was a key centre of trade and commerce, with the city's historic centre featuring many impressive examples of medieval architecture. Today, Taranto is a vibrant city with a strong sense of identity, proud of its history and culture. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, historic landmarks, and beaches, and sample the local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the sea.
Best Time to Visit
Full Taranto guide →Best months
The best months to visit Taranto are June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 28°C, and the crowds have dissipated from the peak summer months. July and August are the peak tourist months, with the city hosting the Taranto Jazz Festival and the Festa di San Cataldo, which attract large crowds and drive up hotel prices.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month, with the highest hotel prices and largest crowds, driven by the Taranto Jazz Festival and the Festa di San Cataldo. These events bring a lively atmosphere to the city, but be prepared for long queues and higher costs.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months to visit Taranto, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices. These months offer a great balance of pleasant weather and budget-friendliness, making them ideal for travellers on a budget.
Weather & packing
Taranto's climate is characterised by hot summers and mild winters, with a distinct risk of thunderstorms in the summer. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for your stay, and don't forget to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella to protect against the occasional summer downpour.
Live City Briefing — Taranto
- The new Taranto tramway is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2027, which will significantly improve public transportation in the city.
- The Taranto Archaeological Museum has recently reopened after a major renovation, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's rich history.
- The city is experiencing a significant increase in beach clean-up initiatives, with several events and campaigns aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Santa Marina, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as these floors are likely to be farther away from the main street and potential street noise. Additionally, the hotel's elevator only stops at every second floor, so a room on one of these upper floors will minimize elevator noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st or 2nd) as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Also, consider avoiding rooms near the service entrance, as this area may experience delivery or maintenance noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Taranto doesn't provide any notable views of the surrounding area, so it's best to request a room with a view of the internal courtyard or a standard room without a specific view.
Quietest floors
2nd floor onwards, as these floors are likely to be above the main street level and may be less prone to street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on the main street in Taranto may result in some street noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel's elevator and service entrance may generate some noise, particularly if you're sensitive to these sounds.
Insider tips
If you're driving, consider parking in the nearby public parking lot, as the hotel's parking options may be limited. Be sure to validate your parking ticket at the hotel reception to avoid fines. Request a room with a refrigerator, as this amenity is not guaranteed but may be available upon request. This can be useful for storing snacks or drinks during your stay.
- 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
Hotel Facilities — Santa Marina
free in public areas, paid tier available for €5 per day (100 Mbps speed, no login constraints)
serves all floors, but some stairs-only historic sections may require alternative access
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) through the hotel app
15:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 10:00, late check-out until 14:00 with €20 fee
available 24/7 for €5 per bag per day
step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair access to all public areas, but some rooms have structural limitations
on-site parking available for €15 per night, nearest public car park is Parcheggio San Giorgio (€2 per hour), no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per person per night (€3 maximum)
Deposit & card hold: €50 advance deposit and €100 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Euros are widely accepted, and ATMs are common. Be aware that airport bureaux de change may have poor exchange rates, so it's best to withdraw cash from an ATM or exchange at a post office.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but is always appreciated. 1-2 euros per bag for porters, 5-10% in restaurants and bars.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A caffè espresso typically costs 1-2 euros at a bar.
A panino (sandwich) or a slice of pizza from a street vendor or a supermarket costs around 5-10 euros.
A pasta dish or a pizza at a local trattoria costs around 10-15 euros.
The streets around the Piazza Castello and the old town are popular for street food and cheap eats.
Conad, Auchan, and Lidl are common budget supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Mercato di Taranto or at high-street stores like H&M.
A single ticket on public transportation costs 1.30 euros, and a 24-hour ticket costs 4.50 euros. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus (around 5 euros).
Buy a rechargeable public transportation ticket, avoid eating at touristy restaurants, and shop at local markets for groceries.
Good to know — 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 Santa Marina
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
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.
About 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...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Santa Marina?
Request a room on the upper floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as these floors are likely to be farther away from the main street and potential street noise. Additionally, the hotel's elevator only stops at every second floor, so a room on one of these upper floors will minimize elevator noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Santa Marina?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st or 2nd) as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier. Also, consider avoiding rooms near the service entrance, as this area may experience delivery or maintenance noise.
Is Santa Marina noisy?
The hotel's location on the main street in Taranto may result in some street noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel's elevator and service entrance may generate some noise, particularly if you're sensitive to these sounds.
Which rooms have the best views at Santa Marina?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Taranto doesn't provide any notable views of the surrounding area, so it's best to request a room with a view of the internal courtyard or a standard room without a specific view.
What are insider tips for staying at Santa Marina?
If you're driving, consider parking in the nearby public parking lot, as the hotel's parking options may be limited. Be sure to validate your parking ticket at the hotel reception to avoid fines. Request a room with a refrigerator, as this amenity is not guaranteed but may be available upon request. This can be useful for storing snacks or drinks during your stay.
What time is check-in at Santa Marina?
Check-in at Santa Marina is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Santa Marina have Wi-Fi?
free in public areas, paid tier available for €5 per day (100 Mbps speed, no login constraints)
Is there a city or tourist tax at Santa Marina?
€1.50 per person per night (€3 maximum)
Where can I eat cheaply near Santa Marina?
A panino (sandwich) or a slice of pizza from a street vendor or a supermarket costs around 5-10 euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Santa Marina?
A single ticket on public transportation costs 1.30 euros, and a 24-hour ticket costs 4.50 euros. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus (around 5 euros).
When is the best time to visit Taranto?
The best months to visit Taranto are June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 28°C, and the crowds have dissipated from the peak summer months. July and August are the peak tourist months, with the city hosting the Taranto Jazz Festival and the Festa di San Cataldo, which attract large crowds and drive up hotel prices.
Top Attractions in 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.