The Mar Grande of Taranto: the gulf open to the Ionian, with the Cheradi Islands (San Pietro and San Paolo), the seafront, the beaches and the dolphins. The city's open sea.
History
The Mar Grande is the open face of the city of the two seas: the gulf looking onto the Ionian, sheltered and framed by the Cheradi Islands and the Punta Rondinella peninsula. It is the sea of sailing, trade and bathing, in contrast to the enclosed inner lagoon of the Mar Piccolo.
Facing it are the Borgo Umbertino with its seafront, the Old Town and the modern districts. Its strategic importance has made Taranto, since antiquity, a great naval power — a role that continues today with the presence of the Italian Navy.
What to see
Closing and protecting the gulf are the Cheradi Islands: San Pietro, the largest, reachable by ferry and equipped with a bathing establishment, pine woods and play areas; and San Paolo, smaller and under Navy control, not open to visitors.
The Mar Grande offers beaches and lidos along the city shoreline and towards the coast, and is the setting for boat trips and water activities. Its waters are frequented by dolphins, the city's historic allies — not by chance is the dolphin Taranto's symbol — which can be spotted on the catamaran outings organised by marine conservation associations.
From the seafront, the Mar Grande offers some of the city's most beautiful sunsets, as the sun sinks behind the islands, gilding the gulf.
Did you know…
- The dolphin, Taranto's symbol, has populated the waters of the Mar Grande since antiquity.
- San Pietro island has a beach and is reached by ferry; San Paolo is military and closed to visitors.
- The Cheradi Islands shelter the gulf, making it a safe natural harbour.
- Dolphin-watching catamaran trips set out on the Mar Grande.
Practical information
| Hours | — |
|---|---|
| Ticket | — |
| Accessibility | Accessible seafront; San Pietro island is reached by ferry in the summer season. |
| Getting there | The Mar Grande laps the seafront of the Borgo Umbertino. San Pietro island is reached by ferry from the centre. |
Tips for your visit
- In summer, take the ferry to San Pietro island: beach, pine wood and relaxation.
- Book a dolphin-watching trip on the gulf.
- Enjoy the sunset over the Mar Grande from the seafront: among the city's finest.