Taranto
An ancient Greek colony reborn, where Magna Graecia's gold gleams in a world-class museum.
About Taranto
Taranto was once the most powerful city in Magna Graecia—the Greek colonies of southern Italy. Founded by Spartans in 706 BC, it rivalled Athens in wealth and culture. The city's MARTA museum holds one of the world's finest collections of Greek gold jewellery and terracotta, a dazzling reminder of its former glory. Modern Taranto is a city of contrasts: the atmospheric old island quarter (Città Vecchia) sits between two seas connected by a swing bridge, while the elegant new town offers tree-lined boulevards. The local seafood—especially the famous Tarantine mussels farmed in the Mar Piccolo—is exceptional.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. The Holy Week processions are among Italy's most solemn and dramatic. Summer is good for combining city visits with nearby Ionian beaches.
Local Tips
- See the Greek gold.
MARTA's collection of Magna Graecia gold jewellery is breathtaking—intricate earrings, crowns, and necklaces crafted 2,500 years ago. A local will time your visit to avoid school groups and pair it with the old town.
- Taste the mussels at the source.
Taranto's cozze (mussels) are cultivated in the Mar Piccolo lagoon, a tradition going back to antiquity. A local knows the waterfront trattorias where fishermen serve them raw, grilled, or in a sublime pasta.
- Cross the swing bridge at sunset.
The Ponte Girevole connecting old and new Taranto is an engineering marvel from 1887. A local will time your old town visit to cross at sunset, when the two seas glow gold on either side.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders . The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Isabella
Bari, Lecce +3
0.0(0 reviews)Ciao! I'm Isabella From Puglia. I grew up in a small town near Ostuni and have spent my whole life exploring every corner of Puglia — from the whitewashed streets of Locorotondo to secret coves along the Salento coast. I know where to find the best orecchiette, the most scenic sunset aperitivos, and beach clubs where locals actually go! I love helping tourists experience Puglia’s rhythm — slow, authentic, and full of warmth.
Chiara
Bari, Lecce +7
5.0(4 reviews)I am a local tour guide with over twenty years of experience in Venice and it’s lagoon. As a native of the area and a resident nearby, I have a deep and authentic connection with this extraordinary land, which I know not only historically and artistically, but also in its most authentic and everyday aspects. I love sharing Venice’s natural beauty, artistic and cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, and the unique identity that makes the lagoon a place like no other. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience that allows me to offer personalized itineraries, combining great masterpieces with lesser-known gems, offering an authentic and engaging experience. I also pay great attention to food and wine, guiding guests to discover the typical flavours and culinary traditions of Venice. My goal is for you to experience Venice not just as a tourist destination, but as an emotional, cultural, and sensorial experience, leaving you with an indelible memory of this unique city.
Riccardo
Bari, Lecce +3
5.0(3 reviews)Ex-professional basketball player, born in Northern Italy but living in Apulia for the love of my wife and this land. We renovated a trullo in Ostuni and started our Airbnb experience, welcoming amazing guests from all over the world. The thing we enjoy most is making our guests feel like they are in their “second home” in Apulia, not in a standard rental villa.
Vito
Alberobello, Bari +3
0.0(0 reviews)Hi, I'm Vito Maurogiovanni. I am a local licensed tour guide. I'm an expert guide (tour operator) in Bari and the entire Puglia region!