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Province of Taranto

Taranto Province
Aragonese Castle, province of Taranto

The province of Taranto, located in the western part of Puglia, is a region rich in ancient history, coastal beauty and cultural diversity. It occupies a unique position along the Ionian Sea, where centuries of Greek, Roman and Norman influences have shaped its identity and traditions.

This is a province where the past is always present, from archaeological sites and traditional festivals to ancient olive groves and fishing villages. Inland and coastal life blend in a dynamic and often surprising way, offering visitors an authentic slice of southern Italy.

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Taranto Province
Province of Taranto, Puglia

A legacy rooted in Magna Graecia

The province of Taranto traces much of its cultural foundation to the ancient Greek colony of Taras, established by Spartans in the 8th century BC. The legacy of Magna Graecia is still evident in its dialects, culinary traditions and archaeological remains, many of which are found across the province.

The National Archaeological Museum in the city of Taranto holds one of the world’s richest collections of Greek artifacts. Outside the city, sites such as Manduria and Castellaneta reveal remnants of ancient settlements, necropolises and pottery that testify to the area’s deep historical roots.

Ionian Sea and coastal landscapes

The province boasts a long stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea, with sandy beaches, shallow waters and peaceful seaside towns. The Litoranea Salentina, or Salento coast road, runs through pine forests and dunes, passing pristine beaches like those at Campomarino di Maruggio and San Pietro in Bevagna.

These coastal areas offer a more relaxed and authentic experience compared to the more tourist-heavy Adriatic resorts. Fishing remains a vital part of local life, and fresh seafood can be enjoyed right at the harbors, where fishermen haul in mussels, sea bream and octopus each morning.

Villages and landscapes of the Murge Tarantine

Inland, the Murge Tarantine form a landscape of rolling hills, dry-stone walls and ancient olive groves. This is a land of traditional agriculture and quiet towns, where history and nature coexist in a way that invites slow travel and reflection.

Grottaglie, perched on a hillside, is famous for its ceramic traditions that date back to the Middle Ages. Artisan workshops fill its historic center, particularly in the Ceramics Quarter, where visitors can watch potters at work and purchase handmade tiles, jugs and plates decorated in local motifs.

The culinary heritage of Taranto province

Food in the province of Taranto is a flavorful blend of land and sea, ancient custom and seasonal produce. Orecchiette pasta is often served with turnip tops or lamb ragù, and seafood dishes include tiella di riso, a baked casserole of rice, mussels and potatoes typical of the Ionian coast.

The wines of the region, such as Primitivo di Manduria, are bold and full-bodied, reflecting the sun-drenched vineyards of the province. Olive oil, figs, almonds and fava beans are staple ingredients in a cuisine that is deeply tied to the rhythms of nature and local identity.

Manduria and the land of Primitivo

The town of Manduria is not only an archaeological site but also a wine capital of the province. Surrounded by vineyards, it is home to the most prized production of Primitivo, a robust red wine with ancient origins and a growing international reputation.

Wine cellars and vineyards welcome visitors for tastings and tours, often combined with visits to the Messapian Walls and the Fonte Pliniano, a freshwater spring set in a cave. Manduria offers a unique combination of archaeology, viticulture and rural charm.

Festivals, faith and local traditions

The province of Taranto is known for its vibrant festivals and religious events that reflect centuries of devotion and folklore. Holy Week in Taranto city is one of the most solemn and dramatic in Italy, with processions that last through the night, featuring penitents in traditional white robes.

In towns like Lizzano, San Marzano and Monteparano, saints’ days are celebrated with music, fireworks, street food and religious processions. These local events are deeply woven into community life and provide visitors with an unforgettable look at the soul of the region.

Nature reserves and open-air exploration

For nature lovers, the province offers a variety of open landscapes, from the Ionian coast to agricultural plains and protected areas. The Palude La Vela Nature Reserve, near the city of Taranto, is a haven for birdwatchers and a quiet place to walk among wetlands and Mediterranean vegetation.

Inland, the Gravine system—deep ravines similar to canyons—offers dramatic scenery and prehistoric caves. These natural features, found around Laterza and Mottola, are accessible by hiking trails and tell the geological and human history of the province through rock churches and ancient shelters.

How to get there and when to go

The province of Taranto is accessible by car, train and air. The nearest airport is in Brindisi, with Bari also within driving distance. The main railway line connects the city of Taranto with Lecce, Bari and other towns in Puglia, making travel across the province relatively easy.

Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is perfect for the beaches and festivals, while winter, though quieter, offers a more introspective experience filled with cultural events and local flavors.

A province of contrasts and authenticity

The province of Taranto offers a rich combination of history, coast, countryside and tradition. It is a place where the legacy of Magna Graecia meets the warm hospitality of modern southern Italy and where food, craft and spirituality are lived with passion.

Whether you are exploring ancient ruins, tasting Primitivo in a vineyard or walking through fishing towns on the Ionian Sea, the province of Taranto promises discovery, connection and the enduring beauty of authentic Puglia.

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More Details

Flag of Puglia
Puglia flag
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 19,366 km²
      Population: 4 million
      Density: 210/km²
      Capital: Bari

      National Parks:
      The Alta Murgia National Park
      The Gargano National Park
Location of Puglia
Location of Puglia
Provinces of Puglia
Puglia provinces
  • Comunes of Puglia
    • Bari
      • Acquaviva delle Fonti
        Adelfia
        Alberobello
        Altamura
        Bari
        Binetto
        Bitetto
        Bitonto
        Bitritto
        Capurso
        Casamassima
        Cassano delle Murge
        Castellana Grotte
        Cellamare
        Conversano
        Corato
        Gioia del Colle
        Giovinazzo
        Gravina in Puglia
        Grumo Appula
        Locorotondo
        Modugno
        Mola di Bari
        Molfetta
        Monopoli
        Noci
        Noicàttaro
        Palo del Colle
        Poggiorsini
        Polignano a Mare
        Putignano
        Rutigliano
        Ruvo di Puglia
        Sammichele di Bari
        Sannicandro di Bari
        Santeramo in Colle
        Terlizzi
        Toritto
        Triggiano
        Turi
        Valenzano

    • Barletta-Andria-Trani
      • Andria
        Barletta
        Bisceglie
        Canosa di Puglia
        Margherita di Savoia
        Minervino Murge
        San Ferdinando di Puglia
        Spinazzola
        Trani
        Trinitapoli

    • Brindisi
      • Brindisi
        Carovigno
        Ceglie Messapica
        Cellino San Marco
        Cisternino
        Erchie
        Fasano
        Francavilla Fontana
        Latiano
        Mesagne
        Oria
        Ostuni
        San Donaci
        San Michele Salentino
        San Pancrazio Salentino
        San Pietro Vernotico
        San Vito dei Normanni
        Torchiarolo
        Torre Santa Susanna
        Villa Castelli

    • Foggia
      • Accadia
        Alberona
        Anzano di Puglia
        Apricena
        Ascoli Satriano
        Biccari
        Bovino
        Cagnano Varano
        Candela
        Carapelle
        Carlantino
        Carpino
        Casalnuovo Monterotaro
        Casalvecchio di Puglia
        Castelluccio dei Sauri
        Castelluccio Valmaggiore
        Castelnuovo della Daunia
        Celenza Valfortore
        Celle di San Vito
        Cerignola
        Chieuti
        Deliceto
        Faeto
        Foggia
        Ischitella
        Isole Tremiti
        Lesina
        Lucera
        Manfredonia
        Mattinata
        Monte Sant’Angelo
        Monteleone di Puglia
        Motta Montecorvino
        Ordona
        Orsara di Puglia
        Orta Nova
        Panni
        Peschici
        Pietramontecorvino
        Poggio Imperiale
        Rignano Garganico
        Rocchetta Sant’Antonio
        Rodi Garganico
        Roseto Valfortore
        San Giovanni Rotondo
        San Marco in Lamis
        San Marco la Catola
        San Nicandro Garganico
        San Paolo di Civitate
        San Severo
        Sant’Agata di Puglia
        Serracapriola
        Stornara
        Stornarella
        Torremaggiore
        Troia
        Vico del Gargano
        Vieste
        Volturara Appula
        Volturino

    • Lecce
      • Acquarica del Capo
        Alessano
        Alezio
        Alliste
        Andrano
        Aradeo
        Arnesano
        Bagnolo del Salento
        Botrugno
        Calimera
        Campi Salentina
        Cannole
        Caprarica di Lecce
        Carmiano
        Carpignano Salentino
        Casarano
        Castri di Lecce
        Castrignano de’ Greci
        Castrignano del Capo
        Castro
        Cavallino
        Collepasso
        Copertino
        Corigliano d’Otranto
        Corsano
        Cursi
        Cutrofiano
        Diso
        Gagliano del Capo
        Galatina
        Galatone
        Gallipoli
        Giuggianello
        Giurdignano
        Guagnano
        Lecce
        Lequile
        Leverano
        Lizzanello
        Maglie
        Martano
        Martignano
        Matino
        Melendugno
        Melissano
        Melpignano
        Miggiano
        Minervino di Lecce
        Monteroni di Lecce
        Montesano Salentino
        Morciano di Leuca
        Muro Leccese
        Nardò
        Neviano
        Nociglia
        Novoli
        Ortelle
        Otranto
        Palmariggi
        Parabita
        Patù
        Poggiardo
        Porto Cesareo
        Presicce
        Racale
        Ruffano
        Salice Salentino
        Salve
        San Cassiano
        San Cesario di Lecce
        San Donato di Lecce
        San Pietro in Lama
        Sanarica
        Sannicola
        Santa Cesarea Terme
        Scorrano
        Seclì
        Sogliano Cavour
        Soleto
        Specchia
        Spongano
        Squinzano
        Sternatia
        Supersano
        Surano
        Surbo
        Taurisano
        Taviano
        Tiggiano
        Trepuzzi
        Tricase
        Tuglie
        Ugento
        Uggiano La Chiesa
        Veglie
        Vernole
        Zollino

    • Taranto
      • Avetrana
        Carosino
        Castellaneta
        Crispiano
        Faggiano
        Fragagnano
        Ginosa
        Grottaglie
        Laterza
        Leporano
        Lizzano
        Manduria
        Martina Franca
        Maruggio
        Massafra
        Monteiasi
        Montemesola
        Monteparano
        Mottola
        Palagianello
        Palagiano
        Pulsano
        Roccaforzata
        San Giorgio Ionico
        San Marzano di San Giuseppe
        Sava
        Statte
        Taranto
        Torricella

Hotels in Puglia
Hotels in Puglia
PugliaWEATHER
Puglia Climate (Bari)
 
High
Low
Sun
Rain
Jan
9
2
3
55
Feb
11
3
4
53
Mar
13
4
5
63
Apr
17
7
6
55
May
21
11
8
35
Jun
25
15
9
44
Jul
28
17
10
34
Aug
28
17
9
54
Sep
25
14
7
61
Oct
20
11
6
74
Nov
15
8
4
71
Dec
12
3
3
77
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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