A practical guide for cruise passengers in Taranto: what to see during your stopover, distances from the port, timings and tips for planning your day in the city.
History
Taranto is a cruise port of great potential: unlike many ports, here the landmark sights are close by and reachable on foot, which lets you live a full day even with just a few hours available.
What to see
What to see in a few hours. The classic route touches the Swing Bridge, the Aragonese Castle (with free guided tours run by the Italian Navy), the alleys of the Old Town with the Doric Temple and San Cataldo Cathedral, and the MArTA with the Gold of Taranto.
How to plan. With half a day, best to focus on the Old Town and the castle; with a full day you can add the museum and a seafood lunch in the Borgo. Those who'd rather not think about anything can rely on an organised excursion, coordinated with the ship's timings.
Practical tips. Wear comfortable shoes (the alleys are cobbled), check the museum and castle times in advance, and always keep an eye on your return-on-board time. For an authentic souvenir, look for Grottaglie ceramics.
Did you know…
- Taranto's landmark sights are reachable on foot from the port.
- The Aragonese Castle tours are run by the Italian Navy and free of charge.
- Grottaglie ceramics are the territory's most authentic souvenir.
Practical information
| Hours | Check the castle and MArTA times, which vary seasonally. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Castle with free tour; MArTA with an entry ticket. |
| Accessibility | The Borgo is accessible; the Old Town has cobbled alleys and steps. |
| Getting there | From the port, the main sights of the Old Town and the Borgo are reachable on foot. |
Not to miss
★ PremiumRadical Storage - Via Principe Amedeo
📍 Via Principe Amedeo, 144, Taranto
Luggage storage in the centre, convenient for those with just a few hours in port.
★ PremiumRadical Storage - Via Nitti
📍 Via Cataldo Nitti, 87, Taranto
A luggage storage point near the Old Town, bookable online.
★ PremiumRadical Storage - Cattedrale San Cataldo
📍 Via Cava, 126, Taranto
Right next to San Cataldo Cathedral, a great starting point for the Old Town.
Addresses for guidance: names, management and hours may change. Always check before visiting.
Tips for your visit
- Wear comfortable shoes: the Old Town alleys are cobbled.
- Check the MArTA and Aragonese Castle times in advance.
- Keep an eye on your return-on-board time: better not to risk it.
- For total peace of mind, consider an organised excursion coordinated with the ship.